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, while remaining within easy reach of that mecca of hedonism.

Ko Samet island, part of the Samet National Marine Park and once a haven from pirates, is generally thought to have some of the most pristine beaches along the southeast coast. The fine, almost powdery sand is valued by commercial glass makers, and the clear waters are ideal for snorkeling and watersports. The struggle for the future of Ko Samet between those who wish to protect the fragile environment and those who want to encourage development has not yet been decided, but the developers seem to have the upper hand.

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 lured there by the convenient location on the Gulf of Thailand and the tax breaks and incentives accompanying it's designation by the Thai government as a "Zone 3" development district.

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