Rayong

[smint]

Hi guys, thinking of going to Rayong on a little trip sometime these few days by bus. I'm totally unfamiliar with the place so appreciate if you guys who've been there or living there can help. So I'm taking the Sukhumvit bus to Rayong (the long bus ride that passes chonburi and perhaps pattaya?)

Was just wondering where (and what name) is the best place to stop for just some looking around and exploring - somewhere along is there a main town with some shopping/food, or it's just best to go to the terminal? Personally I'm more interested in going to some local places like the markets, or beaches, maybe even Koh Samet or some nice Thai restaurants there.. Or just any special place worth looking

Any recommendations from you experts who've been there or some of you who know some info?

Thanks in advance!

Edited April 23, 2010 by smint

[zaphodbeeblebrox]

For local stuff, the bus terminal lands you in the middle of action (markets, clubs and shopping). The beaches are a bit far. You can go to the PMY Resort and Kantary Bay by motorbike taxi. You can also go the other direction towards Ban Phe. Hat Maerampung Beach is a very long, beautiful stretch of beach before you get to Ban Phe. Not a lot to see, but the beaches are wonderful.

[backsoon]

Right. Listen to the beeblebrox. Beaches are beaut in Rayong. But nothing else.

Personally, I would keep out of town. Aquarium in Ban Phe (nothing spectacular).

Koh Samed (overrated). Suan Son beach. Mae Phim beach. Good swimming everywhere. Quiet. Boring. If this is what you need, go for it.

[MB1]

For local stuff, the bus terminal lands you in the middle of action (markets, clubs and shopping). The beaches are a bit far. You can go to the PMY Resort and Kantary Bay by motorbike taxi. You can also go the other direction towards Ban Phe. Hat Maerampung Beach is a very long, beautiful stretch of beach before you get to Ban Phe. Not a lot to see, but the beaches are wonderful.

Just as an addition your post, was in Rayong in October 09 and was staying at Star Hotel, used to take baht bus from bus station/terminal to Bahn Phe, 20 Baht, a bargain, I think it's nearly 30 kilometres so 20 baht well spent.

Also underneath the Star hotel is a very nice bar with some very nice ladies (Not that I indulged).

I like Ban Phe OP, also Kho Samed, nice place to chill with no traffic fumes, and a good fire show and food at Ploy Talay IMO, live music and a disco on Kho Samed.

A little bar directly opposite pier in Ban Phe that takes you to Kho Samed is called Christies , food okay and IMO reasonably priced, also a nice freindly bar/rooms available called Bedrock 100 metres or so further down the road from Christies is okay IMO..

Whatever you decide to do enjoy.

[johnnort]

I have lived in Rayong for some time and although it is a city it is not worth the visit. Yes, there are nice beaches, but nothing else that should draw you to the town. However Ban Phe is worth a visit. See MB1's post above.

Rayong has recently had a new bus station open. Your bus will stop here first; Do not get off as it is in the middle of nowhere. Carry on to the city centre. Disembark here, and catch a bus to Ban Phe, which incidentally has specialist markets, and you will not be disappointed. Boats to Koh Samet for day trips or longer stays in the many accommodation types there on the island. Some hate, and some love Samet; visit and decide for yourself. Now read MB1 above.

Buses for your return leave Ban Phe direct for Bangkok. Supposing that is where you are based.

[Gladiator]

For some reason I cannot get my post to register.

If you care to PM me I can give ou details of Hat Mae Rumpung beach just outside of Rayomg and Koh Samet

Both of which I have spent many enjoyable holidays.

Edited April 24, 2010 by Gladiator

[Spee]

Agree with the other posters that Rayong city is no different than any other larger inland town. See my earlier travel forum posts about Ban Phe and a stay at Bedrock Guest House. The only other "resort" areas I've stayed at are Karon in Phuket and Pattaya. Hotels were more upscale but not nearly as laid back and casual.

Also agree with the other poster about use of the baht buses. You can go from downtown Rayong to past Mae Phim with 2 or 3 changes. That's 50km plus for less than 100 baht. Can't beat that anywhere.

[davejonesbkk]

My friend and I are thinking of going there tomorrow for 2 days/nights, we live in bkk currently.

We will be taking out laptops as have some work to do still so can anyone recommend a reasonably priced hotel with wifi and a pool?

Also what is the night life like? We are both in our 30's but arent interested in girly bars but would like to have a few drinks at night and go on to a thai style club after...

[tokachinter]

My friend and I are thinking of going there tomorrow for 2 days/nights, we live in bkk currently.

We will be taking out laptops as have some work to do still so can anyone recommend a reasonably priced hotel with wifi and a pool?

Also what is the night life like? We are both in our 30's but arent interested in girly bars but would like to have a few drinks at night and go on to a thai style club after...

Replied to your PM