Thailand Beach

Rayong is locate 220 kilometres south of Bangkok on the east coast of Thailand. The area is dotted with beaches making it a tranquil paradise for sea lovers. Although most visitors to the area simple pass through Rayoung on their way to the island of Koh Samet, the town does have several places of interest.

The Shrine of King Taksin the Great in Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon has a huge 300-year-old in the front. Folklore says that troops to Chanthaburi to save the Kingdom of Siam from Burmese occupation. Wat Pa Pradu is an ancient temple dating back to the Ayutthaya period. The temple was honoured as a royal temple in the year 1990 and houses a large reclining Buddha image, 11.95 metres long. Unusually, the reclining Buddha image lies on its left-hand side.

Rayong Aquarium at the Eastern Marine Fisheries Research and Development Centre, Ao Ban Phe houses various kinds of beautiful fish and coral. Alarge aquarium with a tunnel allows visitors to see beautiful fish up close. The turtle pond houses hawksbill turties, olive turties, and leatherback turties.

Visitors can witness the real underwater world in a special pond that houses starfish, anemone and sea cucumber. The Fossil Museum includes display of rare animals such as humpback dolphin and Irrawaddy Dolphin. The Rayong Aquarium is open from Wednesday to Friday during 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. and on weekends from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Tel. (66 38) 653 741.

Koh Samet – Island Paradise Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park begins at Ban Phe, 20 kilometres from Rayong town. The park encompasses an area of 81,875 rai. Its major attractions include Mae Ramphueng Beach, Khao Laem Ya, and Samet Archipelago. Koh Samet is 6.5 kilometres offshore of Ban Phe and is easily reached by a regular ferry service from the town. Four ferry operators Nuanthip, Si Ban Phe, Phe Port, and Saphan Pla provide a shuttle boat service to and from the island. All operators charge a flat rate of 100 baht per person for a round trip or 50 baht for
a single journey. The service is available around the clock, seven days a week.

Most beaches on Koh Samet are on the eastern side of the island. The beaches hide in small bays and stretch some 200 metres. From the north, there are Hat Sai Kaeo, Hat Hin Khrong, Hat Khlong Phai, Ao Phutsa, and many more. The only beach on the western side is Ao Phrao. Koh Samet’s most famous beach is Ao Wong Duean on the eastern side. This 500 metre fine sand beach stretches in the shape of a half moon and is a fabulous place to enjoy an inspiring sunset.

The longest beach on the island is Hat Sai Kaew or Diamond Beach. The 780-metre stretch of sand is also the most popular. With pearl-white sand and a turquoise ocean, it’s easy to understand why. There are plenty of laidback bars and restaurants, and accommodation along the beachfront. One of the great things about Koh Samet is that is currently free of the rowdy nightlife so common on other islands. This makes it a better quality destination for families and those seeking relaxation. Koh Man Nai is a nearby island and the location of the turtle conservation station initiated by Her Majesty the Queen. The project has a breeding programme for hawksbill turtles and olive turtles. Tourists can visit from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Where to stay Once known for its cheap accommodation, Koh Samet has now moved upmarket.

Limacoco is a delightful tropical resort on Koh Samet, one of Thailand’s most beautiful and popular holiday island destinations. Located in the tranquil and picturesque Ao Prao district to the west of Koh Samet, this idyllic resort is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing holiday experience. Limacoco Resort is the ideal for enjoying the cooling sea breeze, blue sky, and crystal clear warm seawater, and sipping exotic cocktails at sunset. Limacoco Resort offers a variety of guest rooms to suit the requirements of the most discerning travelers. The Andaman Beachfront rooms occupy an idyllic position, just ten steps away from the resort’s beautiful private beach. Rooms include a large balcony on which to recline and enjoy the cooling sea breeze and inspiring view. Suites are equipped with the latest entertainment system for total relaxation.
Getting there:
By car from Bangkok; head out on Sukhumvit Road, highway 3, via Bang Pu, Bang Pakong, Bang Saen, Sri Racha, Pattaya, Sattahip, Ban Chang to Mueang district of Rayong. This route is a total of 220 kilometres. By bus from Bangkok; buses leave the Eastern Bus Terminal at Ekkamai 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. (66 2) 391 2504, Rayong Bus Terminal, or Cherdchai Tour Co.,Ltd., Bangkok, Tel. (66 2) 391 2237, Rayong branch, Tel. (66 38) 674 144. Buses serving Rayong are also available from the Northern Bus Terminal, Tel. (66 2) 936 2814.

Once a fishing town, Pattaya has now become an amazing city surrounded by 30 offshore islands. Pattaya is located approximately 140 km sourheast of Bangkok, and faces the Gulf of Siam.

Pattaya’s accoummodation ranges from luxuriously beachside hotels to simple guesthouses. It also offers the allure of a truly vibrant nightlife with a great variety of restaurants, night clubs, bars, discotheques, and the most famous Cabaret Show which one should not miss!

How to Get to Pattaya
From Suvarnabhumi Airport

• Taxi

Proceed to the taxi counter, level 2 at the Arrival Hall near entrance 3, 4, 7 and 8. Taxi Fare: Airport surcharge of THB50 plus amount on meter and expressway fees.

• Bus

You may purchase bus tickets at the arrival hall by Thai International. The bus transfer time is 2-2.5 hours from the airport to Pattaya.

Places of Interest

• The Million Years Stone Park and Crocodile Farm

Especially appealing to nature lovers this part has over a-millon year old petrified trees, strange rocks and rare and colorful flowers. Enjoy the exciting figh of man vs crocodile, man using his bare hands, as well as a collection fo rare animals!

• Sriracha Tiger Zoo

Don’t miss the chance to see how tigers live alongside other animals peacefully! Yoy can also hld, feed and take photos with the baby cubs. It is located in Si Racha County, only 30 minutes drive from Pattaya.

• Mini Siam

This miniature city is easily recognized by the huge statues that stand at the edge of the road. It offers great craftsmanship model of sacred places and important historical sites in Thailand. Besides that, there is a world section which also known as Mini Europe with models of various well-know
European structures.

• Nongnuch Tropical Garden

This is a stunning and beautiful landscape garden with an orchid nursery and other tropical gardens. Watch a fascinating Thai cultural performance, visit the mini zoo and view elephant shows
in this Thai-style recreation park. It is situated about 18
kilometers form South Pattaya.

• Vimantaitalay Submarine

This is one of the most unique Pattaya attractions where you can view the spectacular underwater world of fishes and corals through windows along the sides. You can get a ferry boat(25-30 minutes) from South Pattaya pier to Barge ship at Kor sak. Transfer to Barge ship to get into submarine (5-10 minutes). The
whole sightseeing expedition in the submarine takes around 30-45 minutes.

• Alcazar Cabaret Show

It is an entertaining show by beautiful lady boys with lip-singing, dance and various performances. This is a grand theatre with 1,200 seats.

Map of Pattaya Beach

Hua Hin Beach lies approximately 195km or 3 hour from Bangkok. This beach is recognized as Thailand’s most traditional beach resort. In 1926, King Rama VII built Klai Kangwon his summer palace during the summer months to escape the heat of Bangkok. Klai Kangwon Palace is still used by the present Royal Family at certain times of the year.

Huan Hin is a well established beach destination with full facilities for the tourist. Unlike Pattaya on the other side of the gulf of Thailand. Hua Hin provides a quieter more relaxed environment with a typically Thai ambience.

Hua Hin is ideal for families or for thoes who wish to simply escape the bustle and heat of Bangkok.

Many activities are available for the tourist from just swimming or watching the sunrise through to fishing, golfing, water sports and horse riding.

From Bangkok, Hua Hin beach is accessible by car, bus and train. To get there by car the usual route is along Phetkasem Road (Highway No 4) Via Nakhon Pathom or Thonburi-Pak Tor Road via Phetchaburi.

Hua Hin Map