| King Taksin Shrine
The shrine is located in front of Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon, and commemorates
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 remembered as the monarch who rallied the Thais, and
expelled Burmese invaders before establishing a new 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 been the place where Taksin's elephant was stabled. The shrine
is highly revered, particularly by Thais of Chinese ancestry, and traditionally
attracts large crowds during Chinese New Year celebrations.
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.
Sai Thong Beach
This fine sandy beach enjoys a peaceful and secluded setting . Bungalow
accommodation is available. The beach is some 17 kilometres west of
the provincial capital.
Ko Saket
This small island is some 10 minutes from Sai Thong Beach. Clear island
waters permit fascinating underwater views 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 available.
Fruit Orchards
Fruits are famous in Rayong, particularly from mid-May until the end
of June when durians, rambutans and mangosteens are available, of excellent
quality and at reasonable prices. Several orchards in Rayong welcome
tourists to visit and sample their succulent fruits. Please contact
by telephone the following places for complete details: Supattra Land,
(038) 615-670; Orchard Park, (02) 530-3860-3, (01) 211-7789; B.J. Garden
Villa & Resort, (02) 279-9285-9 ext. 127; The Park, (02) 261-8414-6.
Mae Ramphueng Beach
This 10-kilometre-long beach falls within the Khao Laem Ya-Ko Samet
Group National Park. It is eminently suitable for swimming and contains
a particularly picturesque headland.
Ban Kon Ao
This fishing village, 22 kilometres from the provincial capital, is
dominated by 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 contain the most varied tree and plant collections in Thailand.
Traditional Thai architecture helps beautify the area, besides displaying
Thai antiques.
Khao Laem Ya-Ko Samet Group National
Park
Khao Laem Ya is located on the mainland, some 6 kilometres from Ban
Phe fishing village. Koh Samet, on which Thailand's most popular poet,
Sunthon Phu, created his most famous work, Phra Aphai Mani, lies some
40 minutes offshore. The park also encompasses major mainland beaches
and lesser islands to the east of Koh Samet.
Ban Phe
22 kilometres southeast of the provincial capital, this busy fishing
community is the major point of departure for visitors to Koh Samet.
Ban Phe is famous among Thais for its fish sauce and dried marine products.
Koh Samet
This is Rayong's major attraction, a palmfringed tropical island with
fine white sandy beaches to the east, and rocky headlands to the west.
Snorkelling, windsurfing, swimming, sailing and sunbathing number among
major beach activities. There is a large choice of accommodation
facilities. Satellite and somewhat pettite islands to the east include
Koh Kudi, Koh Khangkhao and Koh Rusi.
Suan Son
Located one kilometre east of Ban Phe, and also known as the Casuarina
(pine) garden, the area is characterised by these shade-giving trees
which line the beachfront road for about a kilometre.
The area is a favourite spot for picnics.
Laem Mae 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.
Mun Islands
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 birthplace of t h e poet's father . Designated
by UNESCO as an eminent classical poet, Sunthon Phu (1786-1855) composed
his famous epic poem Phra Aphai Mani on nearby Samet island.
Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National
Park
This national park is located some 17 kilometres off Sukhumvit Highway
at Km. 274, and some 76 kilometres from the provincial capital. The
park contains numerous plant and tree species, colourful buttterflies
and birds, and a gently flowing eight-level waterfall. |