Exploring Rayong Beyond the Beaches

When asked to name a tourist attraction in Rayong province, over 70% of people would likely think of Koh Samet first. Some might mention beaches like Mae Phim, Mae Ramphueng, and Saeng Chan. However, few would mention inland attractions. While Rayong is known for its beautiful beaches, it also boasts hidden gems beyond the coastline. This review will take you on a tour of Rayong, exploring its non-beach attractions. Let's discover what I experienced in Rayong.

This trip was a company outing for colleagues who are about to retire. The program included a visit to Tung Prong Thong, a raft trip on the Pra Sae River, and an overnight stay at Suk Sampun Raft. After the raft trip, I planned to split off and explore with a smaller group.

Mr. Kiem's Fish Dumpling Shop, also known as Sam Yan Fish Dumpling, has been a fixture in the city of Klang for over 60 years. With a name like that, there's no need to wonder what this shop is famous for. The menu here is quite diverse, offering not only fish dumplings but also chili salt rice.

My faculty arrived at the shop early in the morning, practically helping them open the shop.

This restaurant offers a variety of dumplings, including fish, shrimp, pork, and jade dumplings. If you can't decide which one to try, you can order the mixed dumplings. The dumplings are the perfect size for one bite and are served with a large piece of stewed pork bone and a small plate of fried shrimp to add flavor to your meal.

Rice mixed with chili and salt, served with both shrimp and crab claws.

Fortunately, I arrived early. The shop had just opened, and customers were already filling up the seats. If you're passing by Klang, be sure to try their signature wonton soup. After a satisfying meal, I headed to Pak Nam Prasae to visit the Golden Mangrove Forest.

Thung Prong Thong is a popular tourist destination located in the Baan Saem Phu community, Pak Nam Prasae. It is a conservation-based tourist attraction covering an area of over 6,000 rai. Previously, the area was used by villagers for fishing, shrimp farming, and fruit orchards, resulting in significant damage to the natural resources. The mangrove forests were degraded. Subsequently, the Pak Nam Prasae Municipality recognized the importance of the mangrove ecosystem and collaborated with local residents to restore the degraded mangrove forests, transforming them into the largest and most fertile mangrove forests in Rayong province.

Tourist vehicles are not allowed to park at the entrance of Thung Prong Thong due to the limited space. Visitors with cars must park at a nearby parking lot and take a motorcycle sidecar service to the entrance. The service costs 5 baht per person per trip, or 10 baht for a round trip. However, I recommend walking to the entrance as a warm-up for the nature trail. The distance from the parking lot to the entrance is not far, approximately a 5-minute walk.

The front of the nature study trail leading to the Golden Mangrove Field.

At the entrance, there is a boat service available for nature tours. The boat will take you along the mangrove forest, where you can see the lifestyle of mangrove animals such as mudskippers and fiddler crabs. The boat will also take you to the mouth of the bay. The boat service costs 50 baht per person.

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Both sides of the river are lined with lush mangrove forests.

Observing the local way of life, including people fishing.

The boat will stop for us to observe the fiddler crabs, small crabs with large claws that live on the mudflats and constantly raise their large claws, as if they were waving at us.

Oyster farming is also practiced.

The boat will dock at the mouth of the bay. During low tide, you can walk on the land. However, during high tide, you will only be able to see the bamboo breakwater.

After taking photos with the breakwater to our heart's content, our boat trip came to an end. The boat sailed back and dropped us off at the Shrine of Father Saen, which is located before the point where we boarded the boat.

Upon boarding the boat at the Sam Phraes Shrine, if you walk to the right, you will find a path leading back to the pier, passing through the golden mangrove field. However, if you have the energy, I recommend walking to the left first, as there is another attraction that is just as interesting as the golden mangrove field.

The trail consists of wooden walkways, which may be damaged in some areas. Please walk with caution. The trail is well-marked, so there is no need to worry about getting lost. Be prepared for a challenging hike, as the distance covered will leave you sweating. Along the nature trail, you will encounter a variety of plant species, including mangroves, black mangroves, and nipa palms.

The large mangrove tree, with its sprawling branches, provides shade to the surrounding area. It's worth noting that when I saw the giant mangrove, I forgot all about my fatigue and immediately started looking for angles to take pictures. As I mentioned earlier, if you still have the energy, I encourage you to go see the giant mangrove. It's definitely worth the effort.

From the giant Avicennia marina tree, we retrace our steps, passing the Shrine of Father Avicennia. Continuing on for a while, we will reach the highlight. The distance from the giant Avicennia marina tree to the golden mangrove field is quite far, but I must say, even if we are exhausted, we must grit our teeth and continue walking. Otherwise, we will have to eat monkey rice in the mangrove forest. However, we can stop and rest along the way.

The trail was lined with towering mangrove trees, their dense canopy blocking out the sun and creating a cool, shadowy atmosphere. Suddenly, the landscape opened up to reveal a vast expanse of nipa palms, their slender trunks and feathery fronds swaying gently in the breeze. The vibrant green of the nipa palms stretched as far as the eye could see, and the sunlight glinted off their leaves, creating a shimmering golden effect. It was as if we had stepped into another world in the blink of an eye.

Breathtaking aerial view of the golden mangrove forest! A must-visit for any trip to Tung Prong Thong. I highly recommend experiencing the full package: a boat ride, a walk among the giant mangroves, and finally, the golden mangrove field itself. Make the most of your trip with this comprehensive experience!

We spent a considerable amount of time at the Golden Mangrove Field, so much so that the dumplings we had stored in the morning had completely dissolved into our bloodstream. Looking around for a nearby restaurant, we came across Mr. Jieb's restaurant, which was not far from the Golden Mangrove Field. Without hesitation, we turned right and immediately parked the car next to the restaurant.

Recommended dish is stir-fried crab with Chanthaburi noodles, but that day the crab was sold out, so I got stir-fried shrimp with Chanthaburi noodles instead. I ordered it with horse crab salad and boiled fish dumplings with dipping sauce. The taste of the food was average, the salad was very spicy.

With renewed vigor, let's proceed to our next destination.

Take a moment to stop and admire the view of Pak Nam Prasae from the Prasae Sin Bridge (Prasae-Noen Khao). From the bridge, you can see both the sea side, which is the mouth of the Prasae River, and the old Prasae community.

From the viewpoint on the Saphan Prasae Sin Bridge, we continue to the HTMS Prasae, which is not far away. This is the second HTMS Prasae, replacing the first HTMS Prasae, which ran aground during the Korean War. Throughout its service, the second HTMS Prasae served with the United Nations Fleet in the Korean War, where it patrolled and protected transport ships, oil tankers, minesweepers, and occasionally conducted shore bombardments. The ship operated in the combat zone from Pusan Port on the east coast to Wonsan in Korea. The ship carried out 32 combat missions over a period of more than two years before returning to Thailand. It served as the main force of the anti-submarine fleet in countering maritime threats during the communist advance in the Indochina Peninsula until it was decommissioned on June 22, 2000. After decommissioning, the Pak Nam Prasae Subdistrict Municipality coordinated with the Royal Thai Navy to establish the HTMS Prasae Memorial at Pak Nam Prasae.

The bow of the Prasae has a breakwater, with stalls selling snacks. The wind is very cool, and I almost fell asleep sitting there.

Following the visit to the HTMS Prasae Memorial, the group proceeded to the Suksomboon Floating Market, the designated venue for a celebratory gathering in honor of the upcoming retirees.

What is included in the Paeksuksomboon package?

Package Includes:

• Rafting on the Prasae River
• Sound system and karaoke
• Three meals a day:
  • Dinner: 6 dishes
  • Late night snack: dumplings
  • Breakfast: rice porridge, coffee, Ovaltine
• Ice, soda, drinks, and soft drinks
• Accommodation:
  • Air conditioning
  • TV in every room

Upon arriving at the Pa Suk Sam Boon raft house, there was still some time to relax before the meeting. I took the opportunity to explore the accommodation options. There were several types of rooms available, and I snuck a peek at the wooden row house room, which was where the group would be staying. The room was surprisingly spacious, and could comfortably accommodate four people with the option of adding an extra bed for a fifth person.

There are also back models, but I didn't sneak in to see them because they belong to another faculty.

This activity involves rafting down the Pra Sae River on a large, safe raft.

The raft trip began in the late afternoon, waiting for the sun to set and the wind to die down to avoid the heat. As soon as we boarded the raft, food was already waiting for us at the table. There were a total of 6 dishes, but the organizer had the raft prepare 3 additional dishes: salt-baked shrimp, boiled sweet clams, and grilled squid. As the boat towed the raft out, we ate the food. I found the taste of the food to be rather bland and tasteless. Perhaps it was because it had been prepared too long in advance. Overall, I wouldn't say the food was good (this is just my personal opinion). I guess we were there for the atmosphere.

The boat will tow the raft along the river and tie it to a central pillar. The group can then enjoy the breeze, the view, and the music, which may be out of tune or melodious. The sound system provided by the raft is basic and may be loud, quiet, or distorted. It is sufficient to provide some background music.

As the sun set, the food raft transformed into a disco, complete with dazzling lights. Unable to resist the urge to move, the members began to dance, causing the raft to sway precariously. I sat there, feeling a mixture of excitement and fear, worried that the raft might break under the weight of their enthusiasm.

After enjoying the atmosphere of the Prasae River, the boat towed the raft back to our accommodation. Along the way, we were treated to a beautiful display of fireflies.

I recently had the opportunity to experience bamboo rafting in Rayong for the first time. I was surprised to learn that Rayong offers this type of activity. If you're looking for a change of pace from the usual bamboo rafting destinations in Kanchanaburi, consider trying it out in Rayong. You can find details about the packages in the image above. The food menu includes 6 sets, with each set offering a choice of one dish. The set includes a total of 6 dishes, along with steamed rice and fruit for dessert.

Upon boarding the raft, a pre-bedtime snack of "kiew nam" is offered. I quickly ate and headed to my accommodation for the night. I did not sleep with the others, but instead booked a room at the "Pe Por Peang" guesthouse.

Located in Ban Phe Subdistrict, Mueang Rayong District, Phao Phaeng is approximately 45 minutes away from Pa Suk Sampun Pier.

Upon arriving at the resort, I immediately turned into the parking lot, where a staff member was already waiting to greet me (as I had called ahead to inform them of my late arrival). A motorcycle with a sidecar was parked next to my car. The staff member, an older gentleman, quickly helped me unload my belongings from my car and placed them on his sidecar. I politely offered to carry them myself, but he insisted, explaining that the distance was quite far. Looking towards the accommodation, I realized he was right, so I didn't object.

I stayed in the innermost building. The building faces a large pond, as shown in the image above.

The overall room condition was acceptable, however, the lack of any additional locking mechanism besides the key-operated knob on the door is a significant concern.

Last night, we arrived very late and couldn't see anything. This morning, we decided to explore the resort. Let's start at the front of the resort.

Move a little closer, there will be an area similar to an office building, including a coffee shop.

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The building zone is suitable for seminars due to its large conference rooms and spacious outdoor areas.

The resort offers complimentary pedal boats and gondola replicas for guests to enjoy. These provide a delightful way to start the day with a refreshing arm and leg workout.

The property is not directly on the beach, but it is located within a short distance of the sea. It takes approximately 5 minutes by car to reach the beach. The sea can be seen in the background of the image.

During my stay, there were no other guests, giving the impression that the resort was closed. The atmosphere was peaceful and private, with ample space within the resort. Complimentary paddle boats were available for guests to enjoy. The staff provided excellent service and attention.

This morning, I took my time getting ready. After the members had worked up a sweat rowing, they showered and checked out. We then went to have lunch at Jeh Tai Poo Bern, a restaurant recommended by the staff and located not far from the resort.

Je Tay Poo Pen is a seafood restaurant located right by the sea. Parking is available in front of the restaurant.

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Today's meal included deep-fried sea bass with fish sauce, a three-egg salad (crab roe, horseshoe crab roe, and needlefish roe), grilled crab meat in banana leaf parcels, salt-baked prawns, and steamed crab. The overall taste of the food was delicious. The crab was fresh and sweet, although it was a bit small. I was not disappointed to follow the recommendation of the resort staff.

After a satisfying meal, we continued our journey. Initially, I had planned to visit a fruit orchard. However, after calling the orchard owner, I realized that this plan would have to be postponed. The fruits were nearing the end of their season during my visit. Nevertheless, I had another destination in mind: the shadow puppet museum at Wat Ban Don.

The Shadow Puppet Museum at Wat Ban Don is located within the temple grounds. This museum is one of three in Thailand that exhibit surviving shadow puppets (the other two are located at Wat Khanon in Ratchaburi and Wat Sawang Arom in Singburi). The museum displays shadow puppets in illuminated display cases, which enhance the visibility of the intricate designs. Notable puppets on display include the "nang chao" (used exclusively for the "wai khru" ceremony), "nang wai," "nang deen," "nang hao," "nang mueang," "nang rot," and "nang jab." The oldest puppet in the museum is over 200 years old. It was purchased from Phatthalung by Phraya Si Samut Phokhachai Chokchid, the first governor of Rayong province. The original set consisted of approximately 200 puppets. While some of the original 200 puppets have deteriorated, 77 new puppets have been added to complement the original set for performances.

For those who wish to witness the performance of Nang Yai shadow puppets, it is advisable to contact the museum in advance. This allows the museum to arrange for puppeteers to be present for the show. As I did not contact the museum beforehand (assuming that there would be regular performances every Saturday and Sunday, similar to Wat Khanon), I was unable to see the Nang Yai performance. This was a slight disappointment. However, for those who desire a full-fledged Nang Yai performance with coconut shell lamps, it is recommended to wait for the Songkran festival, which takes place between April 13th and 15th each year.

The program concludes at Wat Pa Pradu, an ancient temple in Rayong. Originally named Wat Pa Lelaik, it is estimated to have been built during the Ayutthaya period, approximately 400 years ago. The temple's main attraction is the Vihara, which houses the Phra Buddha Abhai statue. Uniquely, the Vihara's base features openings for devotees to crawl through, believed to bring good fortune. Beneath the Vihara, ancient sema stones and nine ancient nimit balls are found. It is believed that rubbing all nine nimit balls will bring happiness, prosperity, and success in all endeavors. Additionally, there are openings offering a view of the Phra Buddha Abhai statue inside the Vihara. It is believed that gazing upon the statue while making a wish will grant it.

One of the most notable highlights is the reclining Buddha statue, which lies on its left side. Typically, reclining Buddha statues lie on their right side, but the one at Wat Pa Pradu is unique in Thailand for lying on its left side. It is approximately 11 meters long and 3.60 meters high. Some believe that the statue's left-side position is a representation of the Buddha's twin miracle, where he performed identical actions with his reflection to convince doubters. The creators likely intended to convey this miracle through the statue's posture. It is believed that worshipping and making offerings to this statue will bring good fortune and career advancement.

This trip was truly a relaxing one, focusing on eating and sleeping. After paying respects at the temple for good fortune, I headed to my accommodation for the second night. Tonight, I'm staying at the Tamarind Garden Hotel.

The Tamarind Garden Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Rayong city, near the Rayong Orchid Intersection. The hotel offers ample parking space in front of the building.

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The ground floor of the building features a glass wall, creating a sense of height and openness. Standing outside, one can clearly see the lobby within.

The spacious interior is designed with white and green accents, creating a clean and refreshing atmosphere.

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The lobby area is furnished with comfortable sofas for guests to relax while waiting for check-in or check-out. Additionally, the Business Lounge and Rice Mill restaurant are conveniently located on either side of the lobby.

Let's take a look at the guest rooms. The room I stayed in tonight was a Deluxe room, which was very spacious. The color scheme was blue and white, which was very pleasing to the eye. The king-size bed was large, and there was a corner for working. The amenities were complete. Overall, I would say that the room was very good.

The bathroom is separated into wet and dry areas by a glass wall. The sink is modern but a bit shallow, so water splashes easily when turned on with high pressure. The hotel uses a solar water heater instead of electricity, which helps conserve energy and protect the environment. As a result, the hotel has received an award from the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Energy Conservation.

Breakfast is served at the Rice Mill restaurant, located next to the lobby.

The breakfast buffet offers a decent selection of food options.

Overall, the Tamarind Garden Hotel is a good choice. If I visit Rayong city again and need accommodation, I will definitely consider staying there again.

Before officially concluding our trip, we made a stop at the Roisae Market to purchase souvenirs. Located in the Ban Phe area, the Roisae Market is a large souvenir market where you can find everything produced in Rayong. From processed seafood like dried shrimp, dried squid, seasoned squid, sweet clams, and salted fish to various snacks like fried durian and preserved bananas, there's something for everyone. I ended up carrying two bags full of souvenirs back home!

In addition to its stunning beaches, Rayong offers a plethora of hidden gems waiting to be explored. Should I have the opportunity to revisit this captivating destination, I will endeavor to document and share these lesser-known treasures with you, my esteemed readers.

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