Rayong

Rayong (ระยอง) is a city on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand. Modest beaches dotted around Rayong Province are tranquil paradises for sea lovers who seek hideaways near the capital. Mind the oil refinery.

Understand
This city of 64,000 people (2016) sits 179 km from Bangkok.

Much of Rayong sits on the low coastal plain. The province has two national parks. The province is part [|Eastern Economic Corridor], which plays an important role in Thailand's economy. There are many industries in Rayong, one of which is The Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, the country's largest industrial estate.

Rayong has a tropical savannah climate type as classified in the Köppen climate classification. The city experiences seasonal monsoons from May to October. Various fruits including tropical fruits, particularly durian, rambutan, and mangosteen, as well as rubber farms are commonly cultivated and sold here.

By bus
Buses leave the Eastern Bus Terminal at Ekamai to Rayong and its districts via many routes. You can select to go to Rayong, Ban Phe, Klaeng, Laem Mae Phim, Map Ta Phut, or Prasae. For more information, Tel. 0 2391 2504, Rayong Bus Terminal, Tel. 0 3861 1379. Rayong Tour Co,Ltd., a privately-owned bus, operates a faster bus service via Hwy 7. For more information, Tel. 0 2712 3662 or Rayong branch at Tel. 0 3886 1354 – 5, Cherdchai Tour Co.,Ltd., Bangkok, Tel. 0 2391 2237, Rayong branch, Tel. 0 3867 4144. Buses serving Rayong are also available from the Northern Bus Terminal Tel. 0 2936 1216, 0 2936 0199

Rayong is the gateway from the east to the north and northeast of Thailand. As such, there are many regular bus services connecting Rayong, Bangkok, and other provinces such as Chiang Mai, Nong Khai, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Ubon Ratchathani.

Suvarnabhumi Airport is east of Bangkok, 150 km from Rayong. Transport by car/taxi or bus takes about 2 hours. To get to Rayong from Suvarnabhumi Airport, take a shuttle bus from Suvarnabhumi Airport at Level 2 or 4, Entrances 3, 6, and 9 to the Public Transportation Center. Then, go to the Intercity Bus Counter and buy a ticket to Rayong. The bus runs from 06:00 - 21:00 (9:00 pm).

There is also a minibus that leaves from Victory Monument. It arrives approximately every 45 minutes. The ticket is available in the basement of the mall, and the minivans are parked at the Century Mall. The minivan ends at the Clock Tower in Rayong.

By car or taxi
Driving from Bangkok to Rayong
 * 1) By Sukhumvit Rd, Hwy 3. This route goes through Bang Pu, Bang Pakong, Bang Saen, Si Racha, Pattaya, Sattahip, and Ban Chang before arriving at Rayong. This route is 220 km long.
 * 2) By Motorway Route 7. There is direct access from Suvarnabhumi Airport. From there, take Hwy 7 West heading toward Chon Buri. Then, take a Hwy 36 interchange (Pong interchange) toward Rayong. The road will directly lead to Rayong. This route is 175 km long. Keep in mind that this is a toll-freeway.
 * 3) By Bang Na-Trat Rd, Hwy 34. This route goes through Bang Phli and Bang Bo districts of Samut Prakan province before entering Hwy 3 at km70 marking in Bang Pakong. Then, continue in the same direction as the first route. The route is 220 km long.

Other highways to Rayong
 * 1) Hwy 3 goes through the heart of Rayong. Highway 3 starts in Bangkok and ends at Trat-Cambodia Border.
 * 2) Hwy 36 diverges out of Hwy 3 near IRPC company in Eastern Rayong and ends north of Pattaya City. This route is often used to get to Hwy 7 motorway and to Pattaya City.
 * 3) Hwy 344. This route starts in Chon Buri and ends Klaeng district of Rayong. This route is 180 km in distance and suits those who are going to visit attractions in Klaeng or continue their journey to Chanthaburi and Trat provinces. From the end of route 344 in Klaeng, Rayong city is {Convert|42|km|mile}} away.

Alternatively, a taxi from the Bangkok area to Rayong is also an option. The price usually costs about 3,000 baht.

See

 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.
 * Kru Kung Museum (ครุกุ้ง) : A private museum collection of bygones and antiques by Mr. Kung, situated in the Kram Klaeng district of Rayong.

Festivals

 * Rayong Fruit Festival (งานเทศกาลผลไม้และของดีเมืองระยอง) In May of each year Rayong's fruit reaches its peak season. The venue changes between Mueang and Klaeng Districts. This festival occurs at Tapong market area in Mueang District in May–July for about one week. Rayong Fruit festival has a lot of activities such as musical performances, fruit eating competitions, poetry readings and heritage exhibitions. Vendors sell OTOP products from Rayong and popular fruits such as durian, rambutan, and mangosteen. This festival has special shows such as the fruit parade and The Miss Fruit Gardener contest.
 * Sunthon Phu Day (งานวันสุนทรภู่) This is held on 26 June of each year at Sunthon Phu Monument, Klaeng District, to honour the great poet.
 * Changing the robe for Phra Chedi Klang Nam (งานห่มผ้าพระเจดีย์กลางน้ำ) The annual event is held during the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, or in November. The robe blanketing the pagoda in the middle of the Rayong River, in Mueang District, will be changed. People celebrate the event along with the Loi Krathong Festival with boat racing and local entertainment.
 * Thot Pha Pa Klang Nam (Waterborne Robe Offering Ceremony) (งานทอดผ้าป่ากลางน้ำ) During the Loi Krathong Festival each year, or on the full moon night of November, people living near the mouth of the Prasae River prepare a monk's robe at the pier. After completing the ceremony on the boat, a monk will come to get it. Normally, the robe-offering ceremony is held at the temple. This special tradition has been celebrated for over a century.

Buy

 * Fruit (ผลไม้) During May and June, orchards in Rayong produce durian, rambutan, mangosteen, etc.
 * Products from sedge mat (ผลิตภัณฑ์เสื่อกก) The in-house industry of Tambon Kram, Klaen District has quality products.
 * Crystal products (ผลิตภัณฑ์เครื่องแก้วคริสตัล) The crystal factory in Pluak Daeng District, produces export-quality crystal works.
 * Crystal products (ผลิตภัณฑ์เครื่องแก้วคริสตัล) The crystal factory in Pluak Daeng District, produces export-quality crystal works.

Go next
There are two bus stations: No. 1 (centre of town) and No. 2 (out of town). Bus 9904 goes from Rayong Bus Station to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) (starts from No. 1 bus station and calls at No. 2, ends up at Mo Chit). Cost to airport is about 150 baht, time to airport 3.5 hr. Minivans go to BKK from Ban Phe. Songthaews to Ban Phe from Rayong Bus Station cost 25 baht and take about 20 min.