 Coastal
Rayong province, with over 100 km of beaches and coves, and lush
tropical islands just offshore, offers visitors a more serene seaside
experience than nearby Pattaya. Once the home province of Thailand's
most famous poet, Sunthorn Phu, Rayong is rapidly being transformed
from a traditional economy which relied primarily on fishing and
agriculture for its livelihood. It is fast becoming an industrial
powerhouse full of manufacturing, port facilities and heavy industry.
In
the Gulf just south of the province are several groups of beautiful
tropical islands, including the ten islands of the Samet Marine
National Park. The main island of the group, Ko Samet, is a favorite
destination of tourists seeking crystal clear waters and peaceful,
unspoiled beaches.
Ko
Samet
An
island with sensational beaches, Ko Samet has experienced rapid
development despite being part of a national park. The island has
developed a loyal group of visitors who return to it year after
year to enjoy the superb beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Less than
seven kms off the coast of Rayong Province in the eastern Gulf of
Thailand, it combines the allure of a tropical paradise with reasonable
proximity to Bangkok.
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Hat
Laem Charoen & Hat Sang Chan
These
two connected beaches are 5 kms immediately south of Rayong City,
separated from the mainland by the Rayong River which passes through
the provincial capital then turns east before emptying in the Gulf
of Thailand. Lined with bungalows and seafood restaurants, the two
beaches have an authentic Thai flavor but may be less desirable
destinations for those seeking peace and quiet.
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Ko
Man
This
group of three islands in the eastern Gulf of Thailand are protected
as part of the Khao Laem Ya Ko Samet National Marine Park. One island,
Ko Man Nai, has been set aside as a sanctuary and breeding center
for several species of sea turtles, and the other two, Ko Man Klang
and Ko Man Nok, have nice isolated beaches and well preserved coral
reefs.
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