RAYONG

X2 Rayong Resort by Design, Centara Boutique Collection

Located approximately 220 kilometers from Bangkok is another delightful destination on Thailand’s eastern coast – Rayong province. A late bloomer, the province is well known for its pristine beaches stretching along a 100-kilometer coastline and scenic waterfalls amidst exotic surroundings. Aside from this, Rayong is blessed with an abundance of seafood products such as shrimp paste, fish sauce and dried seafood, and tropical fruits of which rambutan, mangosteen and durian are the most famous. Covering a total area of 3,552 square kilometers, Rayong borders Chonburi Province on the north and the west, the Gulf of Thailand on the south, and Chantaburi Province on the east. Most of the land is marked by a series of mountains interspersed by flat plains and large tracts of forest and fruit plantations. Administratively, the province is divided into Mueang Rayong, Klaeng, Ban Khai, Bang Chang, Pluak Daeng and Wang Chan districts and Khao Chamao and Nikhom Phatthana Sub-districts. Boasting indispensable sea-life resources, Rayong is one of the country’s major agricultural and industrial provinces. On the other hand, the province has maintained its traditions and customs in the daily lifestyle of the locals. The best months to visit Rayong are from November to February.  History of Rayong During the late Ayutthaya period, when the former capital was being razed to the ground by the invading Burmese, Phaya Tak led a troop of patriots, broke through the cordon of besieging troops and marched to Rayong in order to build up his navy before proceeding on to Chanthaburi. Because of his courage and bravery, the soldiers and local population anointed him as "King" in Rayong. Once he had built up sufficient troop strength, Phaya Tak who later became King Taksin of the Kingdom of Thonburi returned to Ayutthaya, routed the Burmese and set up a new capital in Thonburi.  Distances from Amphoe Muang (Rayong Town) to other Districts: Map Ta Phut 15 kms. Sang Chan Beach 8 kms. Hat Mae Ramphueng 11 kms. Ban Kon Ao/Kao Laem Ya 22 kms. The Sobha Botanical Gardens 17 kms. Suan Son Park 23 kms.  Distances from Klaeng District to other Districts: Suan Wang Kaew 38 kms. Hat Laem Mae Phim 38 kms. Statue of Sunthorn Phu 48 kms. Khao Chamao Waterfall 71 kms. Khao Wong Cave 78 kms. Ban Phe District 19 kms. Ban Khai District 12 kms. Ban Chang District 28 kms. Pattaya 65 kms. Chon Buri 98 kms. Chanthaburi 110 kms. Trat 180 kms. U Taphao Airport 35 kms.

HOW TO GET THERE

By Car Route No.1: Sukhumvit Road (Highway No.3): Starting from Bangkok passes Bangpu District, Chonburi town, Bangsaen, Sri Racha District, Pattaya, Hat Jomtien, Sattahip District, Ban Chang District to arrive in the center of Rayong Province. The total distance is 220 kilometers. Route No. 2: The most popular route, starting from Bangna-Trat Road (Highway No.34) via Bang Phli and Bang Bo District (Samut Prakan Province) and Highway No.3 at km. 70. The total distance is 220. Route No. 3: Drive along Highway No.3 to Bang Lamung, then turn off of Highway No.3 at Km.140 and continue on Highway No.36 to Rayong. Total distance is 210 kilometers. Route No. 4: Taking Highway No.344 (Ban Bung-Klaeng) at Chonburi town, passing Ban Bung, Nong Yai, Wang Chan and finishing at Klaeng District, Rayong Province. The total distance is 100 kilometers. (Bangkok-Chonburi is 80 kilometers) This route is suitable for those who like to go sightseeing in Klaeng District and Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park or passing through Chanthaburi Province. Route No. 5: Use the Motorway, starting from Phatthanakarn Road, Prawet District, Bangkok and drive all the way up to Pattaya (120 kilometers), then switch to use Highway No.36 and proceed for another 50 kilometers to Rayong.   By Air Bangkok Airways operates one flight everyday from Phuket via Ko Samui to Rayong - U Ta Pao International Airport. For more information contact Bangkok Airways in Bangkok, Tel :(662) 265 5555 or travel agencies in Rayong. By Bus Rayong is the gateway from the east to the north and northeast. As such, there are many regular bus services connecting Rayong and Bangkok and other province such as Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima and Nong Khai.

Reference: www.tourismthailand.org