CITY ATTRACTIONS Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon
Nearby, the local market called " Wat Lum Market " is interesting. Local Thai or Chinese foods such as noodle, and desserts can be found. Seeing the old houses lay down on both sides of the street behind the market, makes you think and imagine how the local people lived in the past.
Located on the grounds of Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon , The King Taksin Shrine marks the site where he and his follower once made camp. Within the shrine is a standing statue of the great king. The 300-year-old Satu tree (genus Parkia) is believed to be the very tree he once tethered his elephant.
Wat Pa Pradu
The City itself has no interest for tourists, except for someone, who is interested in customs, traditions and life style of local people.
The ancient Wat Pa Pradu on Sukhumvit road houses a 12-meter-long Reclining Buddha. Unlike other reclining statues, it lies on the left instead of the usual right. Originally unsheltered, a viharn was built over it in 1981.
Wat Samut Khongkha or Wat Pak Nam
At the end of Taksin Maharat Road and with a right turn into Samut Khongkha Road, Wat Samut Khongkha or Wat Pak Nam is about two kilometres south of town. It features an ancient 10-meter-high white Chedi on an isle in mid-Rayong River. No one khow who built it. But during the olden days when waterway was the main mode of transportation, the chedi served as a symbol of Rayong signifying to the boatsmen that they had arrived at the town. Celebrations are held in the full-moon day of the 12th lunar month with ceremony, boat races and other entertainment.
Ban Kon Ao
Ban Kon Ao A little fisherman's village located at the one end of Hat Mae Ramphung can still be in the traditional way of life although therer are many bunglows scattered among the houses. Swimming is also possible.
Ban Phe
A turn at between Km. 231 and Km. 238 leads to Ban Phe which is about 19 kilometres from the township. A Major fishing community of the province, it is also the main embarkation point for ferry to Ko Samet. On sale are popular fresh and dried seafood as well as other local products.
Hat Laem Charoen
Five kilometers from town at Tambon Pak Nam, Hat Laem Charoen is a seaside area popular with townspeople who come to enjoy the scene and the seafood. Hat Saeng Chan , seven kilometers from town at Tambon Pak Nam, is connected to Laem Charoen beach and also suitable for swimming. Food shops and accommodation facitlities available. Hat Mae Ramphung
About 12 kilometres from town with a right turn Km. 229 of Sukumvit Road is Hat Mae Ramphung , a 12-kilometre long beach on the way to Ban Kon Ao, a small fishing village. The beach is clean with gentle slope suitable for swimming. On the shore are several bungalows.
Khao Laem Ya A little further from Ban Kon Ao on the beach road to Khao Laem Ya and Mu Ko Samet National Park coverd with small shrubs and with a cape jutting into the sea. Along one side of the hill is along stretch of beach where the headquarters of the Khao Laem Ya-Samet Islands National Park is located. For more information, contact Khao Laem Ya and Mu Ko Samet Nation Park office : 08.30-16.30 Tel : (66 38)653 034
Payoon, Pla and Hat Namrin
Payoon,Pla and Hat Namrin Located Ban Chang District, These three connected beaches are peaceful and suitable for swimming. Dense pine trees at Pla Beach make it very charming. The choice of accommodation offered ranges from luxury hotels to economy complexes, including restaurants.
Phra Chedi Klang Nam
Phra Chedi Klang Nam This is a pagoda erected at the centre of the islet on the Rayong River, about 2 kilometres from town. This pagoda has been there for a long period, and it is not known who constructed it. Sailors once used it as the sign of arriving Rayong Province. An annual celebration is held during November, featuring an exciting boat and Loy Krathong Festival.
Suan Si Muang
Suan Si Muang Local people call it " Ko Klang". It is a public and health Park, located behind the former city hall. In front of the park is Phra Buddha Angkhirot (Buddhist Shrine) placed in traditional Thai architectural style shrine.
Suan Son
Suan Son , about 4 kilometres further from Ban Phe along the beach-front road, offers areas shaded by verdant pinetrees. The scenic beach is eminently suited for relaxation and swimming. Accommodations and food shops are also available.
The City Pillar Shrine
The City Pillar Shrine This is a Chinese-style pavilion on Lak Muang Road, which townspeople pay respect. Every year on Song Kran Festival period, celebration is held here. The original pavilion was made from wood, but later was restored by using mortar.
The Fisherman's village
The Fisherman's village The typical fisherman's village set around Laem Charoen, the mouth of Rayong River, is attractive for someone interested in people's way of life. You can also see how they catch fish and make seafood products. The old church established over 100 years ago nearby the village has symbolic statues of Chistian religion, is worth to visit.
The King Taksin Shrine
The King Taksin Shrine The shrine is located at Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon, on Taksin Road. King Taksin is highly revered by Thai people as one of the great kings, so many people come here to make a pilgrimage to him everyday. Celebrations are held here every year on Chinese New Year Day and December 28th, for recalling his kindness.
The Sopha Arboretum
The Sopha Arboretum is located near the entrance into Ban Phe about 200 meters off Highway No.3 at Km. 238. The extensive grounds are home to various flowering plants. A 100-year-old Thai-style wooden structure houses porcelain ware form various eras, particular of the Ban Chiang style. Open daily except Thursdays between 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. Tel: 0-3865-1688
Ticket Fee : Children 10 Baht / 1 person
Adult 20 Baht / 1 person
Foreigner 50 Baht / 1 person
AMPHOE BAN CHANG Hat Phayun and Hat Phala
Hat Phayun and Hat Phala , 32 kilometres and 34 kilometres respectively from the provincial town,offer Ban Chang's own lovely beaches. Shaded by pine trees, it has both hotels and bungalows for visitors.
AMPHOE BAN KHAI Suphattraland
Thirty kilometres from town is Suphattraland , an extensive orchard open to the public. It grows succulent mangosteen, durian and rambutan. They generally mature in late April-June. Visitors can enjoy not only the pleasant surroundings but also taste for themselves freshly-picked fruits from the trees.
Opend daily : 08.00-18.00 Ask for more information at Supattra Land Garden Office Tel : 0 3889 2048-9 Fax : 0 3889 2255.
AMPHOE KLAENG Ao Kai-Laem Tan
Ao Kai-Laem Tan a little cape beyond Laem Mae Phim to Klaeng District is rather quiet. Nearby is a small fisherman's village, in which the main occupation is to pickle jellyfish. Seafood restaurant here is well known among the tourists. Travelling to Ko Man Klang, can be done by taking a speedboat from here.
Sunthorn Phu Memorail
Five kilometres further on from Laem Mae Phim on the beach road (Highway No. 3145) is the Sunthorn Phu Memorail commemorating one of Thailand's top poets. The bard, native of Rayong by birth, produced his literary works during the early part of Rattanakosin Era some two hundred years ago, Phra Aphai Mani being his most well-known work.
Ko Man Nai
A small island some 5 kilometres off the shore of Laem Mae Phim is Ko Man Nai . It has been developed into a Sea Turtle Preservation Sanctuary under the royal initiative of Her Majesty the Queen, and open to the public from Monday-Sunday. Nearby are Ko Man Klang and Ko Man Nok with their beautiful beaches and resorts for relaxation.
Laem Mae Phim
Laem Mae Phim can be reach either from Sukhumvit Road taking a right turn at Km.259.5, 263 or 268, or continuing for a little over 1 kilometre from Wang Kaew on the beach road. It is popular site for relaxation and swimming. Beach stalls serve food and snacks.
Somdej Krommaluang Chumphon Shrine
Somdej Krommaluang Chumphon Shrine near the Prasair River in Klaeng District is the Somdej Krommaluang Chumphon Shrine, which honors as " Father of the Royal Thai Navy " He is highly revered by Rayong's people.
Wang Kaew
Wang Kaew is a recreational park and resort located some 11 kilometres further from Suan Son on the beach road. There are accommodation facilities and the well-landscaped park. For more information call 0-3863-8067-8 or 0-2259-4150-1 (Bangkok).
Wat Saranat Thammaram Near the turning at Km. 265 on Highway No. 3 is Wat Saranat Thammaram , built in 1945. It features a beautiful ubosot housing a replica of the highly revered Phra Phutthachinnarat statue of Phitsanulok. Around the ubosot are also replicas of major Buddhist monuments from Thailand's four regions.
AMPHOE KHAO CHA MAO Khao Chamao Khao Wong National Park
Khao Chamao Khao Wong National Park located at Klaeng District, 71 kilometres from town, there are various types of trees and plants, as well as those species highly valued as decorative plants. The waterfalls, caves and rock are attractive and popular among tourists. The Forest Department has proclaimed it as National Park since December 31,
1975.
Namtok Khao Chamao
Namtok Khao Chamao about 17 kilometres off the main highway at km.274. It has 8 levels, and it is not too difficult to reach the top. At the second level called " Wang Mutcha " is a big basin, which has a lot of fishes. They have become the symbolic of this waterfall.
Namtok Klong Pla Gang
Namtok Klong Pla Gang about 3 kilometres from National Park Office is the most beautiful waterfall with 7 levels. It may be 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, orchids, mushrooms and etc, appear along the way. These are suitable for studying about natural and plants.
Pha Sawan
Pha Sawan about 1,500 metres from National Park Office, is the best view point called " Pha Sawan ". On the way, various types of plants can be found and are available for natural studying.
The Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhon Herbal Garden
The Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhon Herbal Garden is located within the grounds of the Petroleum Authority of Thailand, about 25 kilometres from town on Highways No. 36 and No. 3191 in Nikhom Phatthana sub-district. It is a center of various herbal plants and engages in herbal research. Open daily from 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m. Tel: 0-3868-1817-30.
Major Area Koh Samet : Koh Samet offers beautiful beaches with charming white sand, strange-shape rocks and surrounded by colorful coral reefs. It is suitable for relaxation, water sporting such as swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. Travelers can engage these activities all year round because the weather is warm and the island is not much affected by the monsoon. Koh Samet is located some 6.5 kilometers from Ban Pae in Rayong. There are boat services available all day from 06.00 hrs. until 17.00 hrs. The trip takes about 40 minutes.
How To get there
Ban Phe is the main exit from the mainland to Koh Samet ., Boats leave Ban Phe regularly 06:00 to 17.00 with increased frequency at the weekends. Boats cost around 30 Baht. If you want some privacy, a charted boat with costs anything from 800-3,000 Baht per day.
Details : As with all National Parks, admission to Koh Samet comes with a 200 Baht entry fee - 100 Baht for the under 14s.
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