Rayong brings together a range of attractions: mangroves and wetlands, coastal landscapes, temples and places with historical significance. When choosing accommodation, you can first consider whether nature, culture or the sea will be the focus of your trip. Each destination has something quite different to show you.
Culture and Literature in Rayong
Wat Pa Pradu is an old temple dating from the Ayutthaya period, formerly known as Wat Pa Le Laiy. Wat Pluak Ket has a golden chapel. The grounds of the Sunthon Phu Monument feature a statue of Sunthon Phu seated as he composes poetry. These places offer different points of interest: a historic temple name, a golden chapel and a depiction of literary work.
Chedi Klang Nam is a stupa on an island in the Rayong River. It was built in 1873 by Phraya Si Samut Phok Chai Chok Chit Songkhram (Ket Yomchinda). The stupa is also associated with a tradition held annually on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month. This site thus brings together historical significance and a recurring tradition whose timing follows the lunar calendar.
Mangroves and Nature Watching
Rayong Botanical Garden is a large wetland in Klaeng District. Covering more than 3,000 rai, it offers boat trips, nature-watching walks and cycling. The area is home to more than 400 rare and endangered plant species from eastern Thailand. These activities offer different ways to explore the area: by boat, on foot or by bicycle.
Near Chedi Klang Nam, there is a nature trail through the mangrove forest that you can walk along. Another mangrove landscape is Thung Prong Thong at the mouth of the Prasae River. The area covers more than 6,000 rai, and the walk there is presented as an activity for nature watching and learning about nature. The trail through the mangrove forest and the expansive natural area at the river mouth offer two different ways to enjoy a nature-focused stay.
Coast, Islands and Views
Pine trees and tropical almond trees line Laem Mae Phim Beach, where there are also pavilions. The Man Islands in Klaeng District consist of Ko Man Nai, Ko Man Klang and Ko Man Nok. Ko Man Nai is the closest to the mainland and is also the centre of a sea turtle conservation and breeding project.
Khao Laem Ya is a low hill covered with grass and low shrubs. From there, you can see Mae Ramphueng Beach and Ko Samet; the hill also serves as a sunset viewpoint. The Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park office is on the Mae Ramphueng–Phe Road in Phe, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong Province.
National Park and Caves
Khao Chamao–Khao Wong National Park extends across Khao Chamao and Klaeng districts in Rayong Province, as well as Kaeng Hang Maeo District in Chanthaburi Province. It therefore includes areas in two provinces. Within the national park, Khao Chamao Waterfall is accompanied by a clear stream that stretches for three kilometres.
The caves of Khao Wong offer a different nature experience: of the 86 limestone caves in total, 16 are open to visitors. If you are planning a cave visit, check the current access conditions in advance. It is also advisable to check the latest arrangements for boat trips and other activities at Rayong Botanical Garden.
Discover more destinations: Rayong, Phang Rat, Ban Chang, Phe, Pluak Daeng District, Ban Khai, Chak Bok, Kram, Bang But, Klaeng, Mae Nam Khu, Mueang Rayong District, Chakphong, Ban Na, Nong Bua.
For the broader travel overview: Thailand.
