Rayong or Pattaya whichever is better. What hotels in Rayong have nice views? Collection of Personal Data
Rayong province- a place for tourists who want to relax with a family in a quiet and cozy place. The nature here is very diverse - there are plains, and huge fruit plantations and virgin rainforests.
But it is known for its beaches, stretching for 100 km along the entire coastline, and picturesque waterfalls in the jungle.
The beaches in Rayong Province are very different. Mae Ramphuen Beach, which is 10 km long, has 5 safe surf spots for beginners. Suan Son and Mae Phim are long beaches with a wide strip of white sand and small waves. For traveling with children, Laem Mae Phim is ideal - there are no waves, and the coast is shallow.
Samet Island
If you want to admire the corals in Rayong province, you need to go to (Koh Samet) - a picturesque island with paradise. Please note that you will have to pay about 200 baht to enter the island, since its territory is a national reserve.
Rayong city
There are many small temples in the province. Be sure to visit the Wat Pha Pradu temple, famous for the 12-meter statue of the Reclining Buddha, which is interesting not only for its size, but also for the fact that the Buddha, contrary to tradition, lies on his left side.
This province is famous for its holidays. In May-June, you can get to the Rayong Fruit Fair - a variety of fresh fruits are brought to the city from the most remote villages. Fun contests and fruit contests are held. And in November, the famous Phra Chedi Klang festival takes place. During this time, you can observe religious rituals, traditional boat races and much more. The action takes place in the temple of the same name, located on the Rayong River.
Rayong province nature
To experience the famous waterfalls of Rayong province, head to Khao Chamao National Park. This is the last patch of untouched rainforest. The park is known for its limestone mountains, caves, cliffs, forests and large waterfalls.
The park has a complex of 86 Tham Khao Wong caves. While traveling, you can spend the night in special camping areas or rent a place in a public bungalow.
Rayong province can compete with the famous for its magical beaches. It is worth going here for people who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle and admire the beauty of nature.
Rayong is a fairly well-known province and place. It stretches along the coast of the Gulf of Thailand for 110 km and has a total area of 3500 sq. km. The capital is the city of the same name, located 190 km from and 65 km from. The closest regions to the province are Chantaburi and Chon Buri.
The nature of Rayong is a combination of forested mountains, waterfalls, numerous fruit and rubber plantations and countless beaches. The province is one of the most important agricultural producers in Thailand, with large plantations growing vegetables and fruits all year round. The region is the main supplier of seafood - numerous fishing vessels bring rich catch to Bangkok and the provinces every day. Prices for fruits and seafood in local markets are also not high.
You can get to Rayong from Bangkok by bus, the journey takes 2.5 hours.
The main thing that attracts foreigners here is the local Thai flavor, uncrowded beaches, lack of crowds of tourists, developed infrastructure with hotels, shopping centers, shops, markets. In Rayong, the beaches stretch for tens of kilometers, so everyone will find a place to their liking. The most famous are located near the city, these are: Laem Charoen, Saeng Chan, Mae Ramphueng. Phayun and Phala beaches are located a little further.
The development of Rayong began in the late 80s of the last century, when the first tourists appeared here. Since the beginning of the 90s, the city has developed at a gigantic pace, and today this area is a fairly developed industrial center with hotels, supermarkets, shops, banks and restaurants.
But despite this, Rayong is very different from its closest neighbor - Pattaya, with its turbulent, discos and affordable girls. It is a quiet place and is more suitable for couples and those who like a relaxing holiday. However, if you wish, you can have a fun evening here, just the nightlife is not so noticeable, it is not paraded like in Pattaya or Bangkok.
Rayong city on the map of Thailand
Who should go
Going to Rayong is for those who like city rest, but who want to find a middle ground. Those. those who do not want too fast pace and nightlife in Pattaya, but at the same time do not want to live in purely Thai towns that are located in the neighborhood (Siracha, Sattahip, Chonburi) and where the tourist infrastructure is not so developed.
Rayong, on the other hand, offers a fairly large selection of beaches and hotels near them. There are massage parlors, restaurants (including Western food), shopping centers (Tesco Lotus, Central Plaza), shops, markets, attractions (National Park, temples, etc.), entertainment (Aquarium, cinemas). The city has a large selection of fresh seafood and fruits, prices are quite low and are designed for locals, not tourists.
Rayong is worth going to those who do not want to live in a tourist place, where most Thais are trying to cheat you for money. Here people are not spoiled by foreigners and are still very welcoming.
And now about who will not like this resort. First of all, it will be boring for lovers of nightlife, discos, bars and hot spots with affordable girls. Also, the city will not appeal to those who like to swim in the clear sea and generally love bounty. Such people should go to the islands where there is complete relaxation and clear sea (the nearest ones are Ko Lan, Ko Samet and Ko Chang). And in Rayong, there are quite a few factories located right on the coast next to the beaches. Naturally, everything merges into the water and it cannot be as clean as on the islands.
Also in Rayong, public transport is not very developed. Rather, it is, but the routes are laid in the interests of the local population, and not tourists who want to move between the beaches. Without your own motorbike or car, it will be difficult here to go to markets, shops, beaches and attractions. And almost all city transport is labeled in Thai, and the drivers hardly speak English.
So, let's summarize. Rayong is worth going to those who like city rest, and not an island one. Who wants to be able to buy inexpensive food, fruits, etc. at Thai prices, not tourist prices.
The resort has enough condominiums in which foreigners buy apartments and live for several months. Some even moved to Thailand, but do not want to live in the noisy Pattaya.
For retirees or couples with children, Rayong is more suitable than Pattaya. The only thing is that there will be less entertainment for the child. But he will not constantly see transvestites, drunk tourists and girls of easy virtue.
In our opinion, the resort is more suitable for a long stay (from a month) than for a short week-long vacation.
How to get to Rayong
You can get to Rayong by air and land. 30 km from the city center is located, where planes arrive daily from Koh Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai and some others. From there to the hotel you will have to take a taxi or.
Cheap flights to Bangkok
You can buy air tickets to Thailand as profitably as possible with the help of special search engines that collect data from all airlines.
The easiest way to get from Bangkok is by bus, which leaves every half hour from - from 04:00 to 22:00. The fare is about 180 baht, the travel time is 2.5 hours. Buses arrive at the bus station in Rayong, from where you can get to the coast on a public songteo for 15-20 baht.
Directly from Suvarnabhumi International Airport can only be reached by taxi. The fare is from 1,500 baht, the journey time is a little more than 2 hours. You can order a taxi at the Public Taxi counter in the arrivals area or. The return cost is about 2500 baht. Therefore, as an option, you can get to the bus station, from there for 180 baht to Ekkamai, and upon arrival take a taxi and take the meter to Suvarnabhumi for about 200-250 baht. Or from Ekkamai to Phaya Thai station, and then change to the metro line to the airport (Airport Rail Link) for 45 baht.
Buses from Pattaya go to Rayong, you need to catch those that pass along the Sukhumvit highway from Bangkok. Or contact local travel agencies that organize minivans to Koh Samet. They pass Rayong along the way. The fare is about 200 baht. One of these carriers is 35 Group Pattaya.
Tickets are sold at bus stations, travel agencies in resorts and cities, or you can.
Transport
Urban transport in Rayong is represented by songteo and motorcycle taxis. The songthaew costs 10 baht, but it is not clear which route goes where. everything is written in Thai and the drivers often do not understand English. The author of the article only once saw the inscription in English Mae Ramphueng (this is a beach) on a songteo. But this is more the exception than the rule. Some songteos stand next to the beaches, but it is also not clear where they go from them.
In short, if you want to live in Rayong or come here for a day, then you should forget about public transport. The best solution would be either a motorbike from where you are going to this resort. There are almost no rentals here, but if you are staying at a hotel, you can ask the reception about renting.
Mototaxis can only be found near popular Thai destinations, such as shopping malls and markets. They are not on the beaches.
Rayong beaches
The common thing that distinguishes the beaches in Rayong is the lack of people. Only in the evenings and on weekends can you see local residents on the beaches closest to the city. They come here not only to swim, but also to sit in one of the coastal cafes.
The coast stretches for several tens of kilometers, there are many places where there are no people at all, or any infrastructure in the form of hotels, restaurants and cafes. Since the place is not very touristy, you will not see vendors with food and trinkets on the beach, as in neighboring Pattaya. Nobody pesters here, and almost no one speaks English outside the territory of the hotels.
But it is worth understanding that the beaches of Rayong, located in the center of the provincial capital and near it, are not very good due to the fact that there are many factories on the coast. Accordingly, the purity of the water also leaves much to be desired. Yes, and they are not removed from the garbage every day.
One of the nearest beaches suitable for swimming is located within the city limits and is called. There are many Thai seafood cafes on the coast. On weekends, it is chosen by the locals who come to rest. There is a wild and dirty one nearby.
The 10-kilometer Mae Ramphueng beach is very beautiful, located 12 km from the city center.
Hat Suan Son attracts with pine trees, in the shade of which you can hide from the sultry rainforest. Located a few kilometers from the town of Ban Pe.
And finally, near Rayong there is a popular one, which is part of the National Reserve. This status guarantees crystal clear water ideal for swimming, diving and snorkeling.
Pillar of the City
Located on Lak Muang Rd. This is a symbol of Rayong, at first the pillar was wooden, and then it was replaced by a brick one. In mid-April, the main celebrations dedicated to.
Rayong province, despite its beaches and proximity to Bangkok, has long been unknown to foreigners. The tourism industry did not develop, since agricultural production and fishing are historically concentrated here. The proximity of giant Bangkok and Pattaya road has led to the province's specialization as the main supplier of food for these parts of Thailand.
In recent years, tourists in search of new places sometimes visit Rayong, and foreigners buy real estate. By the standards of Thailand, it is inexpensive here, and has its own attractions.
How to get there
Rayong is conveniently located in eastern Thailand on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand. In the west and north, the province borders on Chonburi, that is, it is located nearby (58 km). Bangkok is also close - 183 km. By car or bus from Rayong, you can easily get to the central cities of Thailand.
There is no airport in Rayong. The closest is (33 km from Rayong). Regular and charter flights from Russia and other countries land in Utapao. Minibuses run from the airport to Rayong.
There is no direct flight from Bangkok to Utapao. With a stopover in Phuket, a flight from Bangkok Airway will cost $ 175. Therefore, it is common to get from the capital to Rayong by bus. They leave from Ekkamai Bus Station every hour or more. The route passes through Pattaya. Travel time - about 3 hours. Ticket price - from $ 10.
The aquarium operates at the Marine Research Center. Yes, Thailand is not only about beaches and entertainment, but also quite serious institutions. The main task of the Center is to study the underwater ecosystem in its natural form. The tourism component exists as a supplement to the research component.
Of particular interest to visitors is the tunnel aquarium. Tropical fish, molluscs, crabs, cuttlefish swim in it. Turtles, starfish live in open reservoirs, marine flora is widely represented.
There is also a museum of the sea, which exhibits not only living, but also extinct, marine life. A separate exposition is dedicated to fishing as a traditional occupation of the Thai people. Location: Ban Phe Fishing Village in Mueang Capital District - 40 km from Rayong City. The aquarium is open: 10.00 - 16.00, except Monday and Tuesday.
Parks
By tradition, natural parks and gardens are the main attractions of Thailand.
Khao Chamao National Park - Khao Wong
The park is located in the eastern part of Rayong and borders Chanthaburi province. It is a mountainous landscape covered with a tropical forest. There are 2 trails in the park: one is two kilometers long, the other is three kilometers long. Both on the one and on the other there are waterfalls, rapids, several dozen limestone caves. It is most interesting here during the rainy season. If you happen to be in Thailand in March or April, then this is a good reason to visit Khao Chamao - Khao Wong.
On the territory of the park there is a camping with tents and bungalows. Accommodation - from $ 6. You can come with your own tents, but you will have to pay almost the same.
How to get there: from Rayong follow Highway 3, then turn onto road 4010, then turn onto 3377 and then follow the sign. The entrance to the park is paid - $ 10.
Administratively, the park includes the territory of all the islands belonging to Rayong and the coastal line of the continental part of the province. On the big land, the hills of Laem Ya Hill and Phet Hill, which offer views of the sea and the island of Samet, are of interest. They are easy to climb along specially laid paths. The length of the route - a little more than 1 km - which can be easily overcome in the fresh sea air. There are several places upstairs where you can grab a bite to eat. The possibility of long-term accommodation in the park is provided. A room with all the amenities will cost $ 40 per night.
The park is located next to Rayong Mae Ram Phung beach. Entry to the territory costs $ 5.
More than 20 thousand plants have been collected in the garden. Almost all of them are used in traditional Thai homeopathy. Visitors are driven around the park by an environmentally friendly bus. Sometimes there are stops, and guests have the opportunity to get acquainted with the representatives of the Thai flora more closely. It is not allowed to enter the lawns and approach directly to the plants. There is a shop at the botanical garden. It presents rare living plants, dried homemade products, vegetable and essential oils, literature on homeopathy, souvenirs.
How to get there: follow Highway 36 from Rayong City towards Pattaya, when crossing with Highway 3191, turn left and continue for 1.5 km. The Botanical Garden is on the right side of the road.
Although the markets are a stretch of sight, the one located in the large fishing village of Ban Phe deserves attention. Anything that swims in the waters of the Gulf of Thailand is sold at this place at prices below which you will not find in Thailand. The market is open all day, but it is worth arriving for the freshest in the morning. In addition to seafood, you can buy spices, vegetables, fruits, handmade souvenirs. Boats depart from the nearest piers. Therefore, it is always crowded here.
The village is located about 40 km from Rayong city center (see above). You can get there by bus, car or - traditionally for Thailand - by bike.
Religious sites
Rayong Province, like other areas of Thailand, is rich in places of worship. True, most of them lack scale. Two religious sites can be recommended to visit.
Khodtimtaram temple
The oldest temple in Rayong. It was erected in the middle of the 15th century. The walls are painted with scenes from the life of a very respected monk by the inhabitants of the city, who lived 500 years ago. Every year on April 13-15, a festive religious festival is held near the temple.
Phra Chedi Klang Nam is considered one of the symbols of Rayong. Belaya chedi rises 10 m in the middle of the river of the same name on a small island. Created in the 18th century, it served as a landmark for passing ships. Today, residents continue to treat this sacred site with respect. Every year, on the December full moon, a traditional holiday is held: the chedi are “decorated” with fabrics, and hundreds of boats ply along the river.
A hundred meters from the chedi is the Mangrove Research Center. A kind of natural botanical garden is arranged here, in which scientists study the ecosystem of mango thickets. Visitors have the opportunity to walk along special paved bridges with a total length of 200 m and get acquainted with the mangrove forest.
On the territory of the research center, a 22-meter Sky View Tower has been erected, from which a good view of the river, Rayong and the Gulf of Thailand opens.
Chedi and related facilities are located near the city center, next to Saeng Chan Beach.
Beaches
The coastline of Rayong is long and there are many beaches. There are few tourists. Reviews are conflicting. Most vacationers in Rayong say that swimming in the sea is unlikely to be possible: the quality and color of the water leaves much to be desired, and the beach areas are not cleaned at all.
If the sea is not the most important thing for you on vacation, and you do not mind swimming in the hotel pool, then Rayong is a good option: close to Bangkok and inexpensive.
Where to stay - hotels
There are many hotels in Rayong that stretch along the entire coast. The maximum star rating is 4. There are budget options, the night of accommodation in which will cost $ 30 for two. In this case, the hotel will be located on the seashore. There are suites for $ 300. In any case, compared to other coastal areas of Thailand, accommodation in Rayong is one of the most inexpensive. And it is much cheaper than the one offered on the nearest island of Samet.
The map showed that it was not far away, but I didn't know how to get there. I decided to ask the woman at the reception of my hotel in Ban Phe. It turned out that you can leave directly from the hotel to the songteo. To my surprise, the caring Thai woman not only showed me where the bus stop was, but also went with me to wait for the next minibus, waited, and put me on it :) To be honest, I was just incredibly amazed at what kind of participation a completely unfamiliar woman showed ! I'm not sure if I could find this minibus myself, because there were no inscriptions in English.
In general, for 20 baht and about an hour of time, we got to the bus station Rayonga.
Route on the map:
I walked the streets, on the way I met a half-empty market with pineapples for 10 baht:
As it turned out later, all the markets begin to work actively in the evening, after 16-17 hours, when the heat subsides.
The city is very lively, something like a district center, the center of the eponymous province of Rayong.
Guided by Google maps, I reached Tesco, where I had lunch at the food court (very, well, just very spicy food, almost like in a non-tourist area).
2. Hotel in Rayong - description and review
It was time to decide on housing. There was nothing suitable at the agoda, on the way I did not see any signboards for renting rooms. I found a report on the Internet, where there was a description of one hotel, which was located just near Tesco. I went there.
Here I must say about the imperfection of Google maps. Several times it has already happened that Google shows one location of the object, but in fact, this hotel / store / something else is located in a completely different place. You need to double-check and ask the locals more. In general, Google showed me one place where the selected hotel is located (I found it on the map by name), and the report described a completely different path.
After unsuccessful attempts to find a hotel by Google tag, I finally found it, following the directions from the report.
The correct location of the hotel on the map:
The hotel is called Chomdao Hotel, the number is 500 baht per day(if you pay at the hotel itself, for some reason a little more expensive through the agoda). This large hotel (6 floors) is owned by the Chinese, so it was very difficult to communicate at the reception (they do not understand English at all).
If you walk / drive along the road Sukhumvit, then the signboard serves as a reference point Homemart:
If you face the sign, then on the right is Sukhumvit, and on the left is the street leading to the hotel.
At the end of the street you need to cross a wide road and the hotel will be right in front of you.
2.1. Photo of a budget hotel in Rayong
My room was on the 4th floor, a corner room, so the room had 2 windows:
The right window overlooks the wasteland, and right outside the window there is a small balcony with rails for drying clothes.
2.2. What is in the hotel
The room has:
- Spacious shower with hot water
- Large wardrobe with a bunch of shelves
- Air conditioning
- Dining table with chairs
- Small refrigerator
- Television
- Only 3 sockets, 2 of which are occupied by a refrigerator and TV
- Window screens
- Wi-Fi
Of the minuses of the room:
- Terrible synthetic underwear;
- In the evenings, music is heard from the karaoke bar, which is located behind the vacant lot (very loud, I could not even sleep, it plays somewhere until one in the morning).
But everything is fine, I think there are always rooms there, the hotel is big. Probably, there are rooms cheaper, without air conditioning, but it is almost impossible to find out anything at the reception.
If you are interested to see what other hotels in Rayong are, then I advise you to look at the hotellook search engine (there you can find the best deals from 40 booking systems, for example, there are 85 hotels in Rayong) or choose one of these hotels with a good rating:
3. Where to find food in Rayong (Tesco, market)
As for food, not far from the hotel there is a huge Tesco.
To reach it, you need to cross the road, and walk along this street until the Home Mart signboard:
Narrow street leading from the hotel to Sukhumvit
Then you need to turn left and sooner or later you will reach Tesco.
Also, right behind Tesco, in the evenings, a night bazaar opens, where it is full of all kinds of ready-made food:
Lots of chopped fruits:
You can also take just fruit by weight:
Amazingly tasty and healthy shakes for 20-30 baht, most importantly, ask to do it without sugar, otherwise it will be added by default:
Sheiks at the night bazaar in Rayong
There is even sushi:
Also, there is not very pleasant food there, like fried insects, I will not post photos, it's disgusting.
After walking through the bazaar, I came to a computer hardware store:
On the way, there are periodically such mini-temples:
