Rayong
At a distance Rayong is 180 km from Bangkok, has fast grown as a beautiful beach resort on the eastern coast of Thailand. With a huge coastline for a 100 km, Rayong have many of attractive beaches, namely, Ban Phe, Suan Son Pine Park and Suan Wang Kaew. Rayong is abundant in undersea resources, agricultural produce and industrial manufacture. Rayong is divided into many districts of Muang Rayong, Klaeng, Ban Khai, Bang Chang, Pluak Daeng and Wang Chan districts and Khao Chamao and Nikhom Phatthana sub-districts.
The important tourist attractions in Rayong are:
Phra Chao Tak Sin Shrine
The Shrine of Phra Chao Tak Sin put on the grounds of Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon at the spot where he and his follower once bunked. A standing statue of the great king is enshrined with in this shrine. The 300-year-old Satu Tree (Genus Parkia) is convinced to be the same tree with which he tied his elephant.
Wat Pa Pradu
Situated on the Sukhumvit Road is the ancient Wat Pa Pradu. A 12m long Buddha reclining on his left instead on his usual right side is enshrined within the temple. The authentic temple does not have a shelter and only in 1981, a wihan was built over it.
Wat Samut Khongkha or Wat Pak Nam
Wat Samut Khongkha or Wat Pak Nam is a primeval temple with a meter long chedi on an island in the middle of the Rayong River. The advocates of this temple are unknown but the chedi was the landmark of the province. Apparent from a long distance, the chedi indicate to the boatmen that they have arrived at Rayong. A commemoration includes the boat races are held on the full moon day of the 12th lunar month.
Sopha Arboretum
Situated close to the entrance into Ban Phe is the Sopha Arboretum. Home to different flowering plants, the main feature of the arboretum is the 100 years old Thai style wooden structure with display of porcelain wares of several histories and particularly of the Ban Chiang style.
Koh Samet
Triangular shaped island and a popular tourist destination is known as Koh Samet. Pearl white sand beaches, forested land and several scenic views can be enjoyed towards north and east side of the island while the southern sides die out into the sea. This place serves as the natural den of the Sea Gulls who also lay eggs over here.