About Rayong
Rayong is the capital of the province of the same name on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Around the city the industry and port are visible, but the centre also has historic temples and parks. Wat Pa Pradu from the Ayutthaya period holds a reclining Buddha of almost 12 m. Si Mueang Park has a well-known Buddha image, and at the Sunthon Phu monument you remember a famous poet of the early Rattanakosin era. On the island of Ko Man Nai a turtle conservation station is maintained. The region is known for fresh fruit and fish sauce. Rayong is mainly a practical stop for anyone heading to Ban Phe and Ko Samet or exploring the east coast. It is calmer than Pattaya and less touristy.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: drier and less hot, with calmer seas for beaches and boats. May to October is the rainy season, though showers are often short; March to May is very hot. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by bus from Ekkamai (about 3 hours); from Rayong, songthaews and minivans run on to Ban Phe. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Rayong
- Wat Pa Pradu An old temple with a reclining Buddha of 11.95 m.
- Si Mueang Park A city park with a well-known Buddha image at the front.
- Sunthon Phu monument A memorial to the poet Sunthon Phu.
- City pillar shrine A Chinese-style shrine for the city pillar.
