15 March,2010 (Mon)  


 

 
Rayong & Chanthaburi

Rayong and Chanthaburi are neighbouring coastal provinces on rhailand's Eastern Seaboard. Rayong provlnce covers some 3,562 square kilometres. Rayong's provincial capital is l79 kilometres southeast of Bangkok. Chanthaburi covers some 6,338 square kilometres. The provincial capital is some 245 kilometres from Bangkok, and some 110 kilometres east of Rayong. Both provinces are well known among Thais for their tropical fruits, fine beaches, flational parks and natural beauty.

City Attractions

  • Xing Taksin shrine

    • The shrine is located in front of Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon, and commemo-rates King Taksin's brief sojourn in Rayong fOllowing the fall of the ancient Siamese capital of Ayutthaya in 1767 to invading Burmese. A Thai nobleman who escaped Ayutthaya before its fall, Taksin was acclaimed king in Rayong, and is rememhered as the monarch who ra1lied the Thais, and expelled Burmese invaders before establishing a flew Thai capital in Thon Buri, currently that part of Bangkok occupying the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. A large tree in front of the shrine is believed to have heen the place where Taksin's elephant was stahled. The shrifle is highly revered, particularly hy Thais of Chinese ancestry, and traditionally attracts large crowds during Chiflese New Year celehrations.

  • Phra Buddha Angkhirot

    • The principle Buddha image of Rayong, is enshrined in a Thai-style pavilion at Suan Si Muang located behind the city hall.

  • Wat Pa Pradu

    • This Ayutthaya period (1350-1767) temple enshrines a large Reclining Buddha image, unusual in that the almost 12-metre-long image reclines on its left side, not the more conventional right.

  • Phra Chedi Klang Nam

    • This 10-metre-high chedi is located on an islet at the estuary of the Rayong River. Annual celebrations in the vicinity each November feature exciting boat races.

  • Si Muang Park

    • Located in the town centre, behind the city hall, the park contains a Buddhist shrine in traditional Thai architectural style.

    Out-of-City Attractions

  • Sai Thong beach

    • This fine sandy beach enjoys a peaceful and secluded setting. Bungalow accommodation is available. The beach is some l7 kilometres west of the provincial capital.

  • Ko Sahet

    • This small island is some 10 minutes from Sai Thong Beach. Clear island waters permit fascinating underwater vlews of coral formations. Bungalow accommodation is available.

  • Phayun & Phala Beaches

    • Located in Ban Chang district, some 33 and 36 kilometres respectively from the provincial capital, both beaches are connected, peaceful and eminently suitable for swimming. Luxury hotel and economy bungalow accommodation is availahle.

  • Mae Ramphueng Beach

    • This l0-kilometre-long beach falls within the Khao Laem Ya-Ko Samet Group National Park. It is eminently suitable for swimming and contains particularly picturesque headland.

  • Ban Kon Ao

    • This fishing vil1age, 22 kilometres from the provincial capital, is dominated hy a hilltop temple. The area is subject to wind and sea erosion. Beachside palms appear to rise from sand pedestals bound together by tree roots.

  • Sopha Botanical Gardens

    • Located 17 kilometres from town, and near the ferry to Samet island, the gardens contaln the most varied tree and plant collections in Thailand. Traditional Thai architecture helps beautify the area, besides displaying Thai antiques.

  • Khao Laem Ya

    • Samet Group National Park Khao Laem Ya is located on the mainland, some 6 kilometres from Ban Phe fishing village. Ko Samet, on which Thai1and's most popular poet, Suflthon Phu, created his most famous work, Phra Aphai Mani, lies some 40 minutes off Shore. The park a1so encompasses major malnland beaches and lesser islands to the east of Ko Samet.

  • Ban Phe

    • 22 kilometres southeast of the provincial capital, this busy fishing community is the major point of departure for visitors to Ko Samet. Ban Phe is famous among Thais for its fish sauce and dried marlne products.

  • Ko samet

    • This is Rayong's major attraction, a palm-fringed tropical island with fine white sandy beaches to the east, and rocky headlands to the west. Snorkelling, windsurfing, swimming, sailing and sunbathing number amoflg major beach activities. There is a large choice of accommodation facilities. Satellite and somewhat petite islands to the east include Ko Kudi. Ko Khaflgkhao and Ko Rusi.

  • Suan Son

    • Located one kilometre east of Ban Phe, and also known as the Casuarina (pine) gardefl, the area is characterised by these shadegiving trees which line the beachfront road for about a kilometre. The area is a favourite spot for picnics.

  • Laem Mac Phim

    • Located 40 kilometres from the provincial capital, at Km 26 on the coastal road between Ban Phe and Klaeng, this popular beach attracts local tourists who frequent roadside vendors selling fruits, fried squid, skewered oysters and other local delicacies.

  • Ko Man

    • These 3 islands can be conveniently visited from Laem Mae Phim. Fine sandy beaches characterise the islands. Accommodation facilities are available.

  • Sunthon Phu Memorial Park

    • 53 kilometres from the provincial capital, on the road towards Klaeng, this memorial park is located at Kram village, the hirthplace of the poet's father. Designated hy UNESCO as an eminent classical poet, Sunyhon Phu (1786-l855) composed his famous epic poem Phra Aphai Mani on nearby Samet island.

  • Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park

    • This national park is located some l7 kilometres off Sukhumvit Highway at Km. 274, and some 76 kilometres from the provincial capital. The park contaifls numerous plant and tree species, colourful butterflies and birds, and a gently flowiflg eight-leve1 waterfall.

  • Fruit Orchards

    • Fruits are famous in Rayoflg, particu1arly from mid-May until the end of June when durians, rambutans and mangosteens are availahle, of excellent quality and at reasonable prices. Several orchards in Rayong we1come tourists to visit and sample their succu1ent fruits. Please contact by telephofle the following places for complete details: Suphatthra Land, (038) 892048-9, Orchard Park, (038) 617397, (0l) 211-7789; BJ. Garden Villa & Resort, (0l) 2l0l666 ext. 127, The Park, (038) 640178

  • Laem Charoen Beach & Saeng Chan Beach

    • These are two beaches connected as a long beach and located 5 kms. away from town to the south. Several seafood restaurants can be found along Laem Charoen Beach, and there are hungalows scattered on Saeng Chan Beach.

  • Wat Saranat Thammaram

    • Located at the entrance to the Amphoe Klaeng at Km. 265 on Sukhumvit Road and built in l944, its principle image is a replica of the highly venerated Phra Buddha Chinnarat of Phitsanulok. At the four corners of the temple are replicas of fOur major Buddhist monumeflts, namely, Phra Pathom Chedi, Phra That Phanom, Buddha Gaya, and Phra That Chaiya.

  • Suan Wang Kaeo

    • This is a garden on Sukhumvit Road with a 5 km. right turn at Kilometre 248 or some 11 kilometres from Suan Son Pine Park along the beach road. Suan Wang Kaeo is remarkable for its scenic natural beauty, beaches and bays, hills, and beautifully decorated garden. It is open daily between 08.00 -18.00 hrs. Admission fee is 10 baht per person. Accommodatiofl is also available. Call 2594150-1

  • Suphatthra Land Garden

    • Rayong is a fruit-producing province. Before going to the beaches or islands, drop in at Suphatthra Land Garden, located at Amphoe Ban Khai, 30 kilometres from town. TOurists can see a fruit orchard and demoflstrations of taking care of fresh tropical fruits such as durian, rambutan, mangosteen, etc. It is also possible to taste and buy the fruit prices are reasonable. There are also plenty of flowers and trees in the garden. Open daily: 8.00-l8.00.hrs. Ask for more information at Suphatthra Land Garden office, tel: (66) (038) 892048-9.

  • Khlong Pla Kang Waterfall

    • About 3 kilometres from the natioflal park office is the most beautiful waterfall with 7 levels. It may he rather difficult to reach the top, as one does not only have to walk through the forest, but also climb up the mountain in some parts. Various types of plants such as ferns, orchilds, mushrooms, etc. appear along the way. These are suitable for studying about nature and plants.

  • Princcss Sirindhorn Medicinal Plant Garden

    • This is located at the Maintenance Centre and Staff House of PTT on Highway No. 3l9l, Tamhon Map Kha, Nikhom Phatthana Sub-district, approximately 25 kilometres from town. The place collects medicinal plants, as well as conducts experlmental research on them. Opened daily: 8.30-16.30 hrs. for groups, advance hookings are prefered. Tel.(66)(038) 681827-30, Monday-Thursday at 08.30-l6.30, and to l6.00 on Friday.

  • Lotus Crystal Factory

    • Located at Amphoe Pluak Daeng, 30kilometres from town. This is the first factory which produces crystal in Rayong Province. It is opened for anyone who is interested in the process of crystal production, and it is possible to buy good products at special prices. Open Monday-Saturday between 8.30-17.00. for more details, contact the factory at tel: (66) (038) 897028-32.

  • Dok Krai Reservoir

    • The reservoir, located at Amphoe Pluak Daeng, 35 kilometres from town, is the centre of development projects on agriculture, fisheries, irrigation land and livestock under the advice of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. There are various kinds of fish and animals, which make it to he a good place to visit.