Thailand's eastern-seaboard coast, about 180 km from Bangkok · the national-park island of Ko Samet and Hat Sai Kaew · the Ban Phe seafood pier · quiet mainland beaches · fruit orchards heavy with durian and rambutan
Rayong is an eastern-seaboard province about 180 km southeast of Bangkok, best known for the white-sand national-park island of Ko Samet. Catch a boat from the Ban Phe pier to powdery beaches like Hat Sai Kaew, then come back to the mainland for long quiet sands at Laem Mae Phim, waterfalls in the Khao Chamao hills, fresh seafood and orchards full of durian and rambutan. It all makes for one of the easiest weekend escapes from the capital.
The big decision in Rayong is island versus mainland. Stay on Ko Samet to wake up by the sand, near Ban Phe for easy ferries and seafood, or along the mainland beaches at Mae Ramphueng and Laem Mae Phim for more space and lower prices. Pick the one that matches your trip.
Sleep right on the island — busy, beautiful Hat Sai Kaew or quieter bays like Ao Wong Deuan and Ao Prao. White sand, clear water and a national-park setting a short ferry from Ban Phe.
The mainland gateway to Ko Samet — handy if you want easy boats, a fresh seafood market and a base that's cheaper than the island itself. Good for early ferries.
A long mainland beach near town lined with beachfront resorts and wide open sand. Easy parking, sunset views and quick access to Rayong city and the aquarium.
A long, quiet beach east of town toward Klaeng — calmer and better value than the island, with simple resorts and a relaxed local feel by the sea.
Selected across Ko Samet, the Ban Phe area and the mainland beaches — from island cottages to beachfront resorts. Compare prices across 3 booking platforms in one click.
A relaxed beachfront resort on Mae Ramphueng with big pools, a spa and direct access to a long mainland beach — an easy drive from Rayong town.
Ko Samet's most polished retreat, with hillside cottages and a spa above quiet Ao Prao (Paradise Beach) on the island's sunset-facing west coast.
A reliable beachfront 4-star on the quiet sands near Laem Mae Phim, with a big pool and family rooms — a relaxed base east of Rayong town.
A laid-back beachfront resort right on Ao Prao, the island's calm west-coast bay — the spot for sunsets, swimming and snorkelling off Ko Samet.
Right on Hat Sai Kaew, the island's most famous strip of white sand — bungalows and rooms steps from the water, in the middle of the action.
Spacious serviced rooms and apartments in Rayong town — a comfortable, well-priced base with a pool, handy for Ban Phe ferries and the mainland beaches.
Found your ideal base? Compare prices from three leading booking platforms — Rayong has great-value stays everywhere, from Ko Samet beach bungalows to mainland resorts near Ban Phe.
Rayong's coast lives on the sea — grilled prawns, crab and shellfish straight off the Ban Phe boats — backed by orchards of durian, rambutan and mangosteen. From the seafood market to a fruit-farm tour, here is what you cannot miss.
Big river and sea prawns grilled over charcoal until sweet and smoky, split open and dipped in fiery seafood sauce. The signature treat of any Rayong seafood meal, best straight off the Ban Phe market grills.
Signature DishSteamed blue swimming crab, cockles and fresh oysters pulled from the eastern gulf. Simple, sweet and cheap by the kilo at Ban Phe — the heart of a Rayong seafood spread.
Fresh SeafoodRayong is famous for its fish sauce and dried seafood — squid, fish and shrimp paste sold all along the coast. The classic edible souvenir to carry home from Ban Phe.
Local SpecialtyA clear-broth noodle bowl loaded with sweet picked crab meat — a beloved seaside lunch around Ban Phe and the ferry pier. Light, fresh and unmistakably coastal.
Coastal NoodlesRayong's orchards are some of Thailand's best — durian, rambutan and mangosteen ripen from roughly April to June. Tour a fruit farm or buy straight from the roadside in season.
Orchard FruitFrom durian sticky rice and fruit-paste sweets to sea-view cafés along the mainland beaches — Rayong's easygoing dessert scene is made for slow afternoons by the water.
Sweets & DrinksRayong pairs the white-sand island of Ko Samet with quiet mainland beaches, a working seafood pier, waterfalls in the eastern hills and fruit-orchard farms. Here are the sights you shouldn't miss.
The white-sand national-park island that defines Rayong, about an hour from town by road and ferry. Hat Sai Kaew is its famous powdery beach — clear water, palms and easy island life.
Top LandmarkThe ferry gateway to Ko Samet and a lively fresh-seafood market in its own right. Catch a passenger boat or speedboat to the island and stock up on dried squid and fish sauce.
Transport & MarketA long, quiet mainland beach east of town toward Klaeng — wide sand, calm water and a relaxed local feel. The easy, uncrowded alternative to the island.
Mainland BeachWaterfalls and rainforest in the eastern hills, with shady trails and pools full of soro brook carp. A cool, green half-day escape from the coast.
Nature & WaterfallsA coastal marine learning centre near the city showcasing local sea life — an easy, kid-friendly stop on a rainy afternoon or between beaches.
AttractionA tropical fruit-orchard farm offering tram tours and tastings of durian, rambutan and mangosteen. The fun way to meet Rayong's famous fruit straight from the trees.
Fruit-Farm TourTwo days is the perfect first taste of Rayong — day one catch the ferry from Ban Phe over to Ko Samet for white-sand beaches and a sunset, day two back on the mainland for the long coastal beaches, a seafood market and a tropical-fruit orchard. Easy to tweak to your own pace.
Essential info and getting-around tips to help your Rayong trip run smoothly from the very first step.
Drive or take a bus from Bangkok's Ekkamai terminal in about 3 hours (~185 km). U-Tapao Airport (UTP), shared with Pattaya, is roughly 30 minutes from the city if you prefer to fly.
Head to Ban Phe Pier and take a scheduled ferry (~฿70–100) or faster speedboat across in 30–40 minutes. The island is a national park, so expect a ฿200 entry fee for foreign visitors on arrival.
A car or scooter is easiest for the spread-out mainland coast. On Ko Samet, shared songthaews and walking cover most beaches, and cash is king on the island.
Pick up a tourist SIM (AIS, TrueMove or dtac) on the way in, or activate an eSIM before you board. 4G/5G is solid on the mainland, though it can be patchy in Ko Samet's quieter coves.
Click any pin for details — plan your route with ease
Rayong has great-value stays for every style — from Ko Samet beach bungalows to mainland coastal resorts. Pick the island or the mainland and start comparing right now.
A good trip doesn't end at one city — 3 eastern Thailand destinations easily reached from Rayong.