South East Asian Trips

Although it has over 100 Km of coastline, some great beaches, waterfalls and a host of other natural attractions, Rayong province has for a long time been in the shadows of its successful Chonburi neighbour and as a result only recently emerged as a tourist destination in its own right. Rayong province is located on the Gulf of Thailand approximately 200 Km from Bangkok. The area is a major agricultural province known for fruit production, particularly pineapple and durian - Thailand's evil smelling but great tasting national fruit. Despite its agricultural prowess, the province is also an industrial hub housing major developments like oil refineries and industrial plants. The province spreads beyond the mainland to encompass a string of islands that include the world-famous Koh Samet - part of the Leam Ya/Koh Samet National Park. Although the mainland features mountains and flat plains, both the islands and mainland have some absolutely stunning white sandy beaches. The area is also home to a number of dive sites with excellent underwater ridges and masses of marine life.

Attractions in Rayong

Koh Samet in Rayong

Koh Samet is one of Thailand's nicest islands and has a unique place in Thai culture. It was here that Sunthorn Phu - Thailand's greatest poetic - was inspired to create his masterpiece "Phra Aphaimani" - the story of a prince imprisoned in an undersea kingdom. Despite its place in literary history, Koh Samet is these days more famed for its beauty and location - near enough to Bangkok to be a popular destination for weekend trips and far enough away from the capital to offer foreign tourists a chance to get away from it all. Koh Samet is part of the Khao-Laem-Yah Koh Samet National Park and as result enjoyed the protection of the National Parks Division. Although developed, the island is not overdeveloped and retains its charm.

The whole of Koh Samet is typified by glorious white sand, making the beaches excellent places to spend some time. There are 14 white beaches on the Island and surrounded by colourful reefs. Western Samet consists of long bays and shallow, crystal clear water. A series of paths link the bays... stray south and you come across a number of smaller, more secluded bays.

Of course, Samet has its fair share of diving and other water sports; the island has numerous outlets for canoeing, sailing windsurfing, snorkelling and, although technically illegal on the island, jet skiing. Those with an ecological perspective should avoid jet skis which are slowly eroding Koh Samet's coral.

With so many foreigners coming to the island, a healthy nightlife has emerged, and although this is not Pattaya, it has elements of Pattaya... bars, restaurants... the works really but in less intense amounts!

How to Reach - Ban Phe is the main exit from the mainland to Koh Samet ., Boats leave Ban Phe regularly 06:00 to 17.00 with increased frequency at the weekends. Boats cost around 30 Baht. If you want some privacy, a charted boat with costs anything from 800-3,000 Baht per day.

Details - As with all National Parks, admission to Koh Samet comes with a 200 Baht entry fee - 100 Baht for the under 14s.