I didn't think Rayong would have so many beautiful islands, white sand beaches, clear water, and even a split sea! Rayong is not just about Koh Samet, and our first trip to Koh Samet was not what we expected. This time, Rayong threw a series of punches at us.

Let me start by saying that this trip came about from participating in a contest on the "Backpack Travel" page and winning a free trip. As for where I was going and who I was going with, I didn't know any of them beforehand. When the dates lined up, I didn't hesitate to accept the invitation.

From Pathum Thani, it only takes a few hours to reach the boat launch at "Speedboat to Koh, Rayong Province." There are many one-day diving trip programs to choose from, with prices starting from a few hundred baht. You can also charter a boat for a group of people, or if you are a small group, you can request not to go with other groups. If you want to stay overnight, there is also accommodation available called Aquatic Tour Rayong. You can inquire about the accommodation from Jieb, the caretaker. You can ask about the type of accommodation you want and the price range.

For more information, please contact: 082-444-5396

The program we went on this time included Koh Man Nai, Koh Man Klang, Koh Taloo, and an overnight stay at Koh Samet. On the boat, there were drinking water, soft drinks, fruit juice, snacks, and diving equipment provided, which were included in the package. The life jackets were in good condition, which made those of us who couldn't swim feel much more at ease.

From the shore, it takes about 30 minutes to reach Koh Man. The Man Islands consist of 3 islands: Koh Man Nok, Koh Man Klang, and Koh Man Nai. Koh Man Klang and Koh Man Nok have private accommodation and are private islands. If you are not staying on the island, you cannot enter. However, Koh Man Klang can go to the point where the sea is separated.

Man Island

The island's unique feature is that it is home to the Eastern Gulf of Thailand Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center, which is the site of the "Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn Sea Turtle Conservation Project," initiated by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. The project aims to conserve sea turtles for the Thai people. Both Their Majesties truly care for their people in every aspect.

Inside, there is a farm and a nursery for green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, and loggerhead turtles. It was the first time I had ever seen a sea turtle up close, and they were enormous!

In addition, there is also a sea turtle museum. Inside the building, there are exhibits of marine animals and pickled turtles. "P'Ek", in addition to driving the boat, also provides knowledge about sea turtles and answers our questions very well. He is both a boat driver and a guide.

Let's explore Koh Mun together. Today the weather is perfect. The sky is beautiful, the water is clear, and the stronger the sun, the more beautiful the sea.

Middle Island

This island has private accommodation. We stopped at a highlight, the Talay Waek. I didn't know that Rayong also has a Talay Waek. The water is very clear. From the boat, you can see the rocks under the water. When we went, the Talay Waek wasn't very wide. We saw a sandbar with water about half a shin deep. If you come at the right time, the sandbar will be visible. Nature is truly beautiful.

Thalu Island

This island is under the care of Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park. The island's prominent feature is a naturally formed rock cavity with a central channel through which seawater can flow, hence the name of the island (There are many islands called Ko Thalay, as far as I know there are in Rayong, Ranong, Prachuap Khiri Khan. Are there any more?).

What's flying around are not birds, but a large number of fruit bats. Some are still clinging to the branches. This part of the island must be really peaceful for so many fruit bats to gather here.

The island was more crowded with tourists than the other islands I visited, which is understandable given its crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Sea hare

You've lost a pedigreed cat, haughty like an aristocrat. But wait! This is an island. How did it get here?

Above all, it is very important that before we go to do activities or find a corner to sit and relax, we must eat first! The tour company prepared lunch for us, which we chose seafood basil rice. It doesn't end there, P'Jeab also arranged sweet crab meat for us. The diving tour price includes rice, while the crab is not included in the package. If you want to eat, you can inform P'Jeab in advance.

The water is so clear that you can see the fish without even diving. Plus, these fish aren't afraid of tourists either.

The snorkeling spot was a short swim from the shore, but not for someone who couldn't swim! Life jacket on, equipment ready, but I couldn't swim there! Until the staff who took care of us came to take us by grabbing our life jackets and slowly pulling us along. I tried to kick my legs, but did I move? No, I didn't. Haha. It looked like I was rescuing someone who was drowning. I got advice to wear a snorkel mask and just put my face down. He must have been tired of dragging a human the size of a manatee to go snorkeling. So I did it! It turned out that I choked on water as soon as I put my face down. I cried so hard. I had to raise the white flag and tell my brother that I wasn't going anymore. Let the waves wash me ashore as a stranded manatee with a blank stare.

I would like to borrow a picture of coral from P'Jeab's camera to show you and to reinforce myself. Thank you very much, P'Jeab ^^

Snorkeling in the muddy water teaches us that if we can't snorkel, we can do other things. There are other activities to do on this island, such as kayaking. Tears will flow… Brother Jieb took a picture of us paddling a kayak. It looks like we can paddle. This is the sea for people who can't swim. ToT

Having witnessed the beauty of the sea from eye level, we will now ascend to a higher vantage point to admire the splendor of Rayong's coastline from above. The path leading to the viewpoint is not particularly long, but the short, steep sections can leave one breathless. Whether this is due to the incline or one's physical condition is debatable. Let the images illustrate the steepness...

Emerging from the archway of trees, Paul was met with a breathtaking view of the endless sea. This spot definitely requires some "yorn" skills to reach.

This is the wooden archway we just passed through. The branches and leaves seem to sway with the wind. It's beautiful.

Brother Mon, a travel enthusiast, also brought a white loincloth to swing around in style.

The sweet corner of P'Jane and P'Tole, the owners of the Back Camera Travel page.

As for us...sitting alone like a dark shadow

The sunlight shines directly on my face. This spot must be a great place to watch the sunset.

But our sunset viewing wasn't here. From Koh Taluh, it took us about 45 minutes to reach "Nimmanha Nardee Resort", Ao Prakarang, Koh Samet, our accommodation for the night.

Ascending to Nimmanha Nardee Heaven on Koh Samet

"Nimmanha Nardee Resort" is the only resort in Ao Prakarang Bay, located at the end of Koh Samet. This makes the resort have its own sea in 2 bays. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, suitable for relaxation. Another special feature of this place is that the wind and seawater here do not make you sticky. But if you don't take a shower, you will still be sticky. ^^

Welcome drink is a refreshing glass of roselle juice.

Style Octagon house, a brightly colored octagonal house

I didn't take many photos of the room because I was too excited about how beautiful it was. This room is a Deluxe Cottage with a very spacious bedroom and bathroom. The bedroom has a red color scheme, wooden furniture, a TV, a sitting area, a storage cabinet, a refrigerator, a mat, a dressing table, and air conditioning. As for the bathroom, I loved the large mirror, the hairdryer, the water heater, the shower gel, and the hair conditioner.

The last mission of the day is to watch the sunset. The sunset viewpoint is not far from the resort, but due to limited time, "Khun Nu", the owner of the resort, drove us there. He also suggested that there are two viewpoints for the sunset, so we split into two teams to capture both views.

This angle gives the scene more depth, with the hills slightly entering the frame. We stood and watched the sun slowly disappear from the horizon, and that alone brought us joy. Simple pleasures... just changing the place where we watch the sunrise and sunset. Even though it's the same place, the sky's performance is never the same each day. It's like watching a work of art curated by nature itself.

After the sun had set, we walked to meet up with another group of older siblings.

From this angle, the sun shines on the vast, unobstructed sea.

The sun has already set, why haven't you gone home yet?

Because... the beauty of the sky doesn't just lie in the sun. The twilight after the sun sets is just as beautiful. Let's sit and watch the sky change colors together...

The orange-blue light gradually faded, and the green light of the squid boat became clearer. If it is after sunset, it is recommended to bring a small flashlight, because the way back is quite dark.

We thought that the night on Koh Samet would be full of lights, music and people partying by the sea. It would be like that if we went to Sai Kaew Beach, but at Ao Prakarang, there was soft music from the restaurants, soft-colored lights and green lights from the squid boats in the distance. If you walk to the eastern side of the beach, you will smell the faint scent of flowers carried by the wind. Small white flowers, I can't remember the name. Dinner at the resort was very satisfying. Delicious food, comfortable sleep. It's like a little paradise.

Last night it rained, so the sun is not out this morning. Relaxing in a hammock and enjoying the sea breeze in the morning is a delightful experience. For those who wish to make merit by offering food to monks, there will be monks collecting alms around 6:30 am.

Breakfast is a buffet. The food line is not large and luxurious, but the quality is solid and diverse. The menu includes rice dishes, noodle dishes, salads, ABF, toast, pancakes, milk, and fruit juice. Many people voted for the following dishes: rice porridge with pork, stir-fried noodles, and spring rolls.

In the quiet of the morning, we truly feel the relaxation. There are many corners to choose from to sit and let go of our emotions.

If you enjoy water activities, there are options for fishing, squid jigging, snorkeling, kayaking, or if you want to relax your muscles, there is a health massage service available.

Brother Jieb took us to visit Sai Kaew Beach, which is Koh Samet as we imagined. There are many shops and quite a lot of tourists even though it is a weekday.

The dog on the island has thick eyebrows.

Koh Samet is believed to be the magical crystal island from Sunthorn Phu's epic poem Phra Aphai Mani. Therefore, you can find statues of characters from the poem on the island.

Ko Samet Pier...

Kuti Island

The weather was nice today, so P'Jeab took us to Ko Kudi as a farewell. Before we even reached the island, a school of fish came to greet us. The island is quite quiet, and besides the clear water that is inviting to swim in, there is also the "Nilamangkorn Cliff" viewpoint, which requires a short walk to climb up and enjoy the beauty of the sea from a high angle. The walking distance is a short 480 meters.

Rayong province has much more to offer than you ever knew. There are many beautiful islands waiting to be visited, with a variety of activities to enjoy. Best of all, it's not far from Bangkok. Happiness is just around the corner.

I would like to thank the "Backpack Travel" page for inviting me to join this trip.

Thank you to the speedboat tour to the island of Rayong Aquatic Tour Rayong (Aquat'tic Rayong) and Nimmanha Naradhi Resort for taking care of me and returning a good day.

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