Adjoining Chon Buri, Rayong's coastline stretches almost 100 kms
west to east along the Gulf of Thailand, blessed with beautiful
beaches, bays and offshore islands. Using its coastal attributes, the
province has earned a reputation for seafood products, the best known
being fish sauce produced around Ban Phe, fish paste (kapi) and dried
seafood. However, it is also one of the country's great fruit growing
centres, famed for its durians, rambutan and mangosteen, which are
displayed and sold at the annual fruit fair each May/June.
Rayong's beaches are fine, white and relatively undeveloped, with
particular mention to Mae Ramphung and Laem Maephrim beaches.
But the focal point for visitors is the pristine island of Samet, and the
marine national park that encompasses its coastal areas, where there
are many glittering beaches, clear waters and interrsting coral. The
province's most famous poet, Sunthorn Phu, is celebrated with
interesting park decorated with statues from his works.
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Location & Access
Rayong is 179 kms south-east of
Bangkok, running along the Gulf
of Thailand coast. Access is via
fast highway through Chon Buri,
and either cut across country to
Klaeng or down the coast to
Pattaya and then detour down to
Rayong.
Geography
The hinterland is marked by a
series of mountains interspersed
by flat plains and large tracts of
land under forest,, rubber and
fruit plantations. Two rivers,
Rayong and Klang, are the
province's natural freshwater
supply. The long coast is full of
bays and quiet beaches, while
offshore are a number of island
groups, the best known being
Samet Marine National Park and
the Man islands.
Borders
North : Chon Buri
South : The Gulf of Thailand
East : Chanthaburi
West : Chon Buri
Highlights
Attractions: Samet Island
National Park (Sai Khao Beach,
Wong Duen Beach), Mae
Ramphung Beach, Sunthorn Phu
Park, Ban Phe
Souvenirs: Shrimp paste, fish
sauce, dried prawns, squid,
rambutan, durian, mangosteen and
pineapple.
Festivals: Rayong Fruit Festival
held in May/June at harvest time;
Sunthorn Phu Day (Thailand's
most famous poet, June 26) |
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