CITY ATTRACTIONS

The King Taksin Shrine

The shrine is located at Wat Lum Mahachai Chumpon which commemorates King Taksin the Great's brief sojourn in Rayong. In front of the shrine is a large tree of the genus Parkia, where according to local legend, his elephant was believed to be stabled. It is highly revered by the people, particularly those of Chinese ancestry, and attracts large crowds during Chinese New year celebrations.

Wat Pa Pradu

This temple was constructed during the Ayuttaya period. Enshrined in the temple is a large reclining Buddha, measuring 11.95 metres long by 3.60 metres high. This differs from other similar images, in that it reclines on its left side.

City Pillar Shirne

Located in Lak Muang Road. Originally it was made from wood, but was later restored, using mortar, as a Chinese-style pavilion.

Phra Chedi Kiang Nam

The Chedi (Pagoda) is located about 2 kilometres from town centre and is sited on an islet at the mouth of the Rayong River. The Chedi, stands about 10 metres high, and is an ancient structure, though there is no evidence of when it was built and by whom. An annual celebration is, held during the twelfth lunar month (November) featuring exciting boat races.

Sri Muang Park

The park is located in the centre of town behind the city hall. The most prominent feature is a Buddhist Shrine called Ho Phra Budda Ang Khee Rot which, is built over an artificial lake, and in Traditional Thai architectural style.

OUT-OF CITY ATTRACTIONS
Sai Thong Beach

This peaceful secluded setting has, as the name implies, a fine sandy beach, Along the beachfront there are bungalows for rent as well as a restaurant serving fresh seafood. To reach Hat Sai Thong drive about 12 kilometres along highway 3 in the direction of Sattahip and turn off between kilometre posts 207-208 opposite the Maptaphut Market. Approximately 5.5 kilometres along this road is the beach.

Ko Saket

A small island about 10 minutes journey from Sai Thong Beach. The water around the island is clear and allow a fascination view of the underwater coral formations. There are bungalows for rent on the island.

Payoon and Pala Beach

Located in Ban Chang District about 33 and 36 kilometres respectively from Rayong Town. Both .beaches are connected, peaceful and eminently suitable for swimming. Here visitors have choice of accommodation from luxury hotel to economy bungalows.

Dok Krai Reservoir

Located in Pluak Daeng District, 35 kilometres from Rayong Town. This is the centre of development projects under the advice of H.M.King Bhumipol Adulyadej on agriculture, fishery, irrigation, land and farm animals. The reservoir covers 20,000 rais of land, is surrounded by the natural beauty ideal for relaxing, camping and educational tour.

Mae Rumphueng Beach

The beach, some 10 kilometres long is located between Ban Tapong and Ban Kon Aow, 11 kilometres from town, and sited within the Khao Laem Yah-Ko Samet Group National Park. This is a particularly beautiful spot with a headland forming a magnificent backdrop to a crescent shaped bay with broad sandy beaches which are ideal for swimming.

Ban Kon Ao

This is a typical fishing village, some 22 kilometres from town, which is dominated by a temple with seats at the top hill overlooking the snoreline. The area is subject to wind and sea erosing. The palm trees appear to be standing on sand pedestals, which appear to be held together only by the roots of the trees.

The Sobha Botanical Gardens

These possess one of the greatest varieties of trees and plants in Thailand. Located on the Phe road, Muang District. Rayong , 17 kilometres from town, the Gardens are only 3 kilometres from the ferry to Samet island. In the Gardens, one sees also a Thai Sala and a group of three classical Thai houses, each of which is more than a hundred years old. The houses are completely furnished and have utensils traditionally used by the people. There are also a number of antique objects and other objects d'art on display in the houses.

Khao Laem Ya-Ko Samet Group National Park

In 1981 the area known as Khao Laem Yah and the island of Ko samet was designated as a nature reserve. It is an area of great natural beauty which is enhanced by the tranquility of the surroundings. Khao Laem Ya is located about 6.4 kms from the fishing village of Ban Phe. Ko Samet, on which Sunthorn Phu, Thailand 's greatest poet based his most famous work, the story of Pra Apaimanee, lies about 40 minutes boat journey offshore. The park also covers Mae Rumphueng Beach, Ban Kon Ao and some islands near Ko Samet such as Ko Kudee, Ko Kruai, Ko Khangkhao and Ko Platin.

Ban Phe

Ban Phe, 22 Kilometres from town, is a busy fishing port and the centre of local marine produce. The town of Ban Phe is characterised by narrow streets of shops and houses, It is a stopping off points for tourists en route to the island of Ko Samet. Boats leave regularly for the island from the piers. Shop in the main street stock a wide variety of marine produce and many souvenirs and trinkets fashioned from shells of different shades and sizes.

Ko Samet or Ko Kaew Phisadan

It is the most well-known attraction of Rayong offers beautiful beaches with charming white sand, strange-shape rocks, suitable relaxation, water sporting, exploring the coral reefs beneath the sea. Ko Samet is located some 6.5 kilometres from ban Phe. There are boat services available all day and many kinds of accommodation there.

Ko Kudee

It lies approximately 6 kilometres offshore. Besides Ko Kudee there are two smaller islands, one is Ko Khangkhao and another is Ko Rusee Cave. All three islands lie a little to the east of Ko Samet. The islands have beautiful natural landscapes and ringed by fine beaches which are ideal for swimming and camping on.

Suan Son Park

It is 1 kilometre from Ban Phe and also known as the Casuarina (pine) gardens: These splendid tress line both verges of the road for a distance of 1 kilomertre. It is a popular picnic place with shady areas.

Wang Kaew

This is agreeably one of the most picturesque part of the east coast and used to be the most famous tourist spot. Wang Kaew is a beautifully landscaped headland with a fine beach and accommodation available in cottages and bungalows. It is 38 kilometres from town.

Laem Mae Phim

At km 26 on the coastal road between Ban Phe and Klaeng, 48 kilometres from town, is Laem Mae Phim. This is a popular beach that attracts Thai tourists. There are many bungalows for rent at the site and along the roadside there are vendors selling a wide range of produce. Such as fruits, coconuts, fried squid and skewers oysters. Boats can be hired to visit the nearby Ko Mun island group.

Mun Islands

Lying off -the coast near Kram is the Ko Mun island group which consists of three islands, namely Ko Man Nai, Ko Mun Kiang and Ko Mun Nok which mean inner, middle and outer Mun islands. These islands are located about 5 kilometres off Laem Mae Phim and take about 50 minutes to reach by boat, The cost is about 500 baht per round trip. The islands are worth while exploring, each one having fine sandy beaches which offer secluded sports for sunbathing or swimming. Accommodations are available on Ko Mun Klang and Ko Mun Nok.

The Statue of Sunthorn Phu

Being further down the beautiful road going towards Kaeng district, 53 kilometres from town, the great poet of the Ratanakosin Era has been designated by UNESCO as an eminent classical poet The statue is located in the village of Ban Kram, the birthplace of Sunthorn Phu's father. There is a well kept memorial park at the house site. A statue of the poet in a seated position is placed on a hilllock overlooking an ornamental pond. Characters from his most famous work can be seen below him. His beloved hero, Phra Aphaimanee, is playing a flute at the foot of the hill. The graceful mermaid rests on a rock in the pond as a giant ogress rises out of the water.

Wat Saranat Thammaram

This temple is located at the market in Klaeng town and was constructed in 1945. This very imposing structure boasts one of the, most beautiful Ubosots in the East. Replicas of many well-known Buddhist chedis are erected around the compound.

Somdet Krommaluang Chumphon Shrine

Near the mouth of the river Prasair is the district of Klaeng is the Somdet Krommaluang Chumphon shrine, which honours the "Father of the Royal Thai Navy". To reach the site turn off the Sukhumvit Road at km. 278 and travel a distance of 9 kms.

The Khao Chamao - Khao Wong National Park

It is about 17 kilometres off the main highway at km. 274, 76 kilometres from Rayong and abounds with various types of trees and plants, as well as. species highly valued as decorative plants. The Khao Chamao waterfall has eight levels. It is not too difficult to reach the top.

Khao Wong Caves

To reach Khao Wong take the turning at km 288 on the Sukhumvit Road and travel a distance of 12 kms to find the caves. At Khao Wong there are about 60 caves around the base of the mountain. Many of the caves are occupied by Buddhist monks, and one has been turned into a shrine with a replica of the Buddha 's footprint.