General Information
Located approximately 220 kilometers from Bangkok is another delightful resort on Thailand’s eastern coast – Rayong province. A late bloomer, the province is well known for its pristine beaches stretching along a 100-kilometer coastline and scenic waterfalls amidst exotic surroundings. Aside from this, Rayong is blessed with an abundance of seafood products such as shrimp paste, fish sauce and dried seafood, and tropical fruits of which rambutan, mangosteen and durian are the most famous.
Covering a total area of 3,552 square kilometers, Rayong borders Chonburi Province on the north and the west, the Gulf of Thailand on the south, and Chantaburi Province on the east. Most of the land is marked by a series of mountains interspersed by flat plains and large tracts of forest and fruit plantations. Administratively, the province is divided into Mueang Rayong, Klaeng, Ban Khai, Bang Chang, Pluak Daeng and Wang Chan districts and Khao Chamao and Nikhom Phatthana Sub-districts.
Boasting indispensable sea-life resources, Rayong is one of the country’s major agricultural and industrial provinces. On the other hand, the province has maintained its traditions and customs in the daily lifestyle of the locals. The best months to visit Rayong are from November to February.
The Past
During the late Ayutthaya period, when the former capital was being razed to the ground by the invading Burmese, Phaya Tak led a troop of patriots, broke through the cordon of besieging troops and marched to Rayong in order to build up his navy before proceeding on to Chanthaburi. Because of his courage and bravery, the soldiers and local population anointed him as "King" in Rayong. Once he had built up sufficient troop strength, Phaya Tak who later became King Taksin of the Kingdom of Thonburi returned to Ayutthaya, routed the Burmese and set up a new capital in Thonburi.
How to get there
By Car
Route No.1
Sukhumvit Road (Highway No.3): Starting from Bangkok passes Bangpu District, Chonburi town, Bangsaen, Sri Racha District, Pattaya, Hat Jomtien, Sattahip District, Ban Chang District to arrive in the center of Rayong Province. The total distance is 220 kilometers.
Route No.2
The most popular route, starting from Bangna-Trat Road (Highway No.34) via Bang Phli and Bang Bo District (Samut Prakan Province) and Highway No.3 at km. 70. The total distance is 220.
Route No.3
Drive along Highway No.3 to Bang Lamung, then turn off of Highway No.3 at Km.140 and continue on Highway No.36 to Rayong. Total distance is 210 kilometers.
Route No.4
Taking Highway No.344 (Ban Bung-Klaeng) at Chonburi town, passing Ban Bung, Nong Yai, Wang Chan and finishing at Klaeng District, Rayong Province. The total distance is 100 kilometers. (Bangkok-Chonburi is 80 kilometers)
This route is suitable for those who like to go sightseeing in Klaeng District and Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park or passing through Chanthaburi Province.
Route No.5
Use the Motorway, starting from Phatthanakarn Road, Prawet District, Bangkok and drive all the way up to Pattaya (120 kilometers), then switch to use Highway No.36 and proceed for another 50 kilometers to Rayong.
Bangkok Airways operates one flight everyday from Phuket via Ko Samui to Rayong-U Ta Pao International Airport. For more information contact Bangkok Airways in Bangkok, Tel :(662) 265 5555 or travel agencies in Rayong.
By Bus
Rayong is the gateway from the east to the north and northeast. As such, there are many regular bus services connecting Rayong and Bangkok and other province such as Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima and Nong Khai.
Festivals
Rayong Fruit Fair
Rayong Fruit Fair , held around May-June, is designed to promote and market fruits and other products made from fruits and seafood of the province. Colorful fruit-decorated floats vie for prizes. There are fruit contests and agricultural exhibitions.
Sunthon Phu Day
Sunthon Phu Day is held annually on 26 June, the date of his birth. Sunthon Phu was the early Rattanakosin Period’s foremost poet, and his poems are widely acclaimed for their lyrical verse and pictorial language. The best of his poems is the epic romance Phra Aphai Mani. In 1986, he was listed as a person of international literary distinction by UNESCO. Activities include a procession of cars featuring Sunthon Phu’s literary works, competitions on poetry writing and painting of scenes from Sunthon Phu’s poetry.
The Robing of the Phra Chedi Klang Nam
The Robing of the Phra Chedi Klang Nam is a traditional fair held annually during the full-moon period of the 12th lunar month, coinciding with Loi Krathong Festival in November. Held at Wat Pak Nam in Mueang district, there are religious rites, long boat races, a delightful Loi Krathong and other pleasant entertainment.
จังหวัดระยอง ตั้งอยู่ในพื้นที่ชายฝั่งทะเลภาคตะวันออกของประเทศไทย อยู่ห่างจากกรุงเทพฯ 179 กิโลเมตร มีชายฝั่งทะเลยาวประมาณ 100 กิโลเมตร มีเนื้อที่ 3,552 ตารางกิโลเมตร เป็นแหล่งอาหารทะเล และผลไม้นานาชนิด เป็นเมืองอุตสาหกรรม และเป็นที่ตั้งของโครงการพัฒนาพื้นที่ชายฝั่งทะเลตะวันออก ซึ่งมีความสำคัญต่อการพัฒนาเศรษฐกิจของประเทศ รวมทั้งเป็นเมืองท่องเที่ยวชายทะเลที่สำคัญ แบ่งการปกครองออกเป็น 6 อำเภอ 2 กิ่งอำเภอ ประกอบด้วย อำเภอเมืองระยอง อำเภอแกลง อำเภอบ้านค่าย อำเภอบ้านฉาง อำเภอปลวกแดง อำเภอวังจันทร์ กิ่งอำเภอเขาชะเมา และกิ่งอำเภอนิคมพัฒนา
ระยอง เริ่มปรากฏชื่อในพงศาวดารเมื่อปีพุทธศักราช 2113 ในรัชสมัยของสมเด็จพระมหาธรรมราชาแห่งกรุงศรีอยุธยา สันนิษฐานว่าเมืองนี้ก่อตั้งขึ้นเมื่อประมาณปีพุทธศักราช 1500 ยุคที่ขอมมีอานุภาพเฟื่องฟูแถบดินแดนสุวรรณภูมิ ปรากฏจากหลักฐาน คือ ซากศิลาแลง คูค่ายที่ยังหลงเหลืออยู่ในเขตอำเภอบ้านค่าย อันเป็นศิลปะการก่อสร้างแบบขอม
ประวัติศาสตร์กล่าวถึงเมืองระยอง ระหว่างที่กรุงศรีอยุธยาใกล้จะเสียทีแก่พม่าเป็น ครั้งที่ 2 ในรัชสมัยของพระเจ้าเอกทัศน์ ปีพุทธศักราช 2309 พระยาวชิรปราการ หรือพระยาตาก พร้อมไพร่พลประมาณ 500 คน ได้ตีฝ่าวงล้อมทัพพม่า มาหยุดพักไพร่พลที่เมืองระยองก่อนเดินทัพต่อไปยังเมืองจันทบุรี เพื่อยึดเป็นที่ตั้งมั่นในการกอบกู้อิสรภาพคืนจากพม่าในปีพุทธศักราช 2311
Payoon and Pala Beach หาดพยูนและหาดพลงLocated in Ban Chang district about 33 and 36 kilometers Natural Beauty respectively from Rayong Town.
Both beaches are connected, peaceful and eminently suitable for swimming. Here visitors have choice of
accommodation from luxurious hotel to economy bungalows.
อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาแหลมหญ้า-หมู่เกาะเสม็ด/Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park
Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park
General Information
Sparkling white sand and cliffs from an azure sea… the archipelago of Same Island is the setting that inspired classical Thai poet, Sunthorn Phu, to write his most famous epic: Phra Aphai Manee, a story of princes, sages, mermaids and giants That was 150 years ago, and today you can still enjoy the magical qualities of Samet and surrounding areas. In 1981, the Royal Forest department declared the archipelago of Samet, the headland of Khao Laem Ya and 11 kilometer of Mae Ramphueng Beach to be a national park. Samet island group comprises of several islands i.e. Ko Kudi, Ko Kruai, Ko Ma Kham, Ko Ma Kham, Ko Plai Tin, Ko Thaiu and Ko Chan [Ko means island]. One has its’own uniqueness which visitors should not miss.
Located 200 kilometers southeast of Bangkok in Rayong province, Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park covers 131 square kilometers of land and sea, and is an easy destination for Bangkokians and world travelers alike. Most come to relax and enjoy the beaches, but opportunities exist for more adventurous: hiking trails and exploring reefs.
Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet is a coastal area and island national park. It is located at seaside of Eastern Thai Gulf. Topography of the area is made of granite mountain around Plet and Laem Ya mountain. Samet island is made of mountains and hills such as Kra Jom mountain. The area in the east of the island is highly sloped while in the east is less sloped. Beaches lie continuously from bay to bay all around the island. The area in the middle of the island is hilly. People settle in the plain near the coast and most villagers live in the north and the east of the island. There are another three small islands at the southern tip of the island, Ko Chan (moon island), Ko San Chalam (shark fin island) and Hin Khao (White rock). Other 8 islands near the shore in the park boundary are Ko Plai Tin (foot tip island), Ko Klet Chalam (Shark scale island), Ko Makham (Tamarind island), Ko Kruai (Cone island), Ko Kudi (Monk’s Chamber island), Ko Thai Khang Kkao (Bat bottom island), Ko Talu (Hole island) and Ko Yung Kluea (Salt silo island).
Climate
Normally, Cool and dry weather starts from mid October to February. Average temperature all year is 28oC. Minimum temperature in average is 20.oC in December. Maximum temperature in average is 33 oC in April. Average rainfall all year is 1,339 mm. Minimum average rainfall in December is 4 mm and maximum rainfall in September is 255 mm. Average relative humidity all year is 77%. During December to January average wind velocity is 5 knot and maximum wind velocity is 50 knot.
Flora and Fauna
Plant distribution in Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park varies depending on topography which can be classified as follow.
Dry Evergreen Forest which is majority of vegetation type can be found almost everywhere both on island and the mainland. Flora found here include Cansjera rheedei, Cleistanthus helferi, Memecylon cyaneum and Wrightia arborea etc.
Beach Forest is home to some wild flora thrived on beach. Plant and tree species generally found here are dwarf, branched and has short twig and thick leave such as Thespesia populneoides, Streblus asper, Xylocarpus rumphii and Terminalia catappa etc.
Wildlife From the survey wildlife can be classified as;
Mammals : Mammal found here such as Treeshrew, Flying Fox, Crab-eating Macaque etc.
Birds : At least 118 bird species are recorded from the survey in the national park. Some species found here are Black-winged Stilt, Plover, Sandpiper etc.
Reptiles : The survey has confirmed at least 15 species such as Spiny-tailed House Gecko, Flat-tailed Gecko, Tockay, Butterfly Lizard etc.
Amphibians : There are only 4 species of amphibians confirmed in the park such as Toad, House Tree Frog, Painted Bullfrog etc.
Coral reefs are the underwater equivalent to tropical rainforests in terms of species diversity, complexity and fragility. They support an intricate interdependent web of coastal ecology. In addition to their intrinsic value, coral reefs and sea grass beds provide invaluable habitat for a multitude of organisms including some economically important species. Exploring this exquisite undersea world is easy to do without having adverse effects on the local environment Wildlife includes monitor lizards, long tailed macaques and variable squirrels. Ko Thalu harbors a colony of large fruit eating bats, sometimes refered to as “flying foxes.” A variety of birds including several species of nesting terns, herons and hornbills reside seasonally or year round in the park. Though sea turtles rarely nest on the beaches, they have in the past and still are known to frequent park waters.
Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park
The main attraction has traditionally been a series of sculpted coves on the east shore of Samet Island which offers a variety of privately run accommodation on splendidly scenic beaches. Numerous restaurants serve Thai, Chinese and Continental cuisine. There are may beaches and bays on this island eg. Sai Kaeo Beach, Phai Bay, Thapthim bay, Cho Bay, Wong Duean Bay, Thian Bay, Wai Bay, Kio Nok Bay, and Pakarang Bay. On the west coast, there are only two bays namly Phrao Bay and Kio Noi Bay.
Samet Island is the largest island in this group which has about 6 km long north to south and covering approximately 9 sq.km. lts name came from Samet tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia) that found on a swamp near Sai Kaeo Beach. For a more rustic approach, there is a National Park campground on kudi Island. In addition to tents, visitors need to provided food supplies and arrange transportation to and from the island. There is a loop nature trail for walking around this island which shorter than 1 km. It take about half an hour to walk on this trail so that visitors can admire the nature and exercise for their fitness as well. Thalu Island is a popular destination for a day trip is not available able for overnight guests.
Mae Rum Peung Beach
Mae Rum Peung Beach is white sandy beach on the mainland. Mae Rum Peung beach is the longest beach on the eastern side of Rayong. The beach is slightly inclined and is situated in Khao Laem Ya-Koh Samet national park. 12 km of sandy beach has made it an ideal place for holiday making. The beach is about 6 kms from Ban Pe, around 9 kms from the hi-way no. 2 and about 500 metres from the park headquarter.
Laem Ya Monutain and Pret Mountain
Laem Ya Monutain and Pret Mountain are a small laterite hill covering the area of 1.09 sq.km. Forests cover the southern cape that project into the sea. Spectacular scenery of curvy and sandy beaches can be viewed afar from the mountain top by looking into the west. Samet Island and another two small islands lie in the west right in front from the lookout. Looking to the east, small bay with spacious sandy beach and some rocks in crystal clear water can be seen.
Samet Island
Samet Island is a largest island of the national park. It covers the area of 6.72 sq.km and is located about 6 kilometers from Ban Phe. Samet Island is famous for its fine and whitish beach. Sun Thon Phu, a legendary Thai Poet, refer to this beach as amazing crystal beach comparing the beach that as fine as crystal. Samet Island has taken its name from the local tree species commonly found on the island called Samet both white and red species. There are many natural attractions on the island due to abundance of beautiful beaches and bays.
Klang Bay
Klang Bay is in the north of the Samet Island and can be viewed from mainland at Ban Phe. The bay has 1 km of long white and sandy beach. It is an area for tourist boat parking. The famous Sai Kaeo Beach is located in north-eastern of the island about 300 metres from Samet village. It's a gorgeous beach in the park.
Wong Duean Bay is located in central area on the eastern side of the island. The shape of bay looks like crescent. It is a 500 meters long white and sandy beach, located 1.5 km from Sai Kaeo Beach. It takes no more than 20 minutes of walking time that would pass Phai Bay and Cho Bay to this peaceful Wong Duean Bay.
Wai Bay, Kio Bay, Toei Bay, Thian Bay, Phai Bay and Phrao Bay
They are suitable sites for observing coral reef because the coral lies near the shore and every bay has beautiful beach especially Kio Bay.
Kudi Island
Kudi Island is one of the island in Sun Thon Phu’s literature (Sun Thon Phu is a Thai legendary Poet). It is situated on the east of Samet Island about 6 kilometers from the mainland, 8.5 kilometers from the park headquarters. The island covers the area of 0.16 square kilometers Two surrounding islands are Thai Khang Khao Island and Tham Ruesi Island. Kudi Island is a location for Ranger Station 3 (Ko Kudi). The island is full of serenity with beautiful beaches. Nin Mangkon Cliff on the steep rock in the south is a good place to look over wide ranging scenery. Coral reef is found around the island made it suitable site for snorkeling and camping.
Kruai Island, Makham Island and Plaitin Island
Kruai Island, Makham Island and Plaitin Island are island group located about 600 metres in the north of Kudi island. Kruai Island, Makham Island are connected by beach and cays in low tide. Plaitin Island is about 400 metres from Kruai Island, Makham Island. Sand Dunes and beautiful coral reef are found surrounding Makham Island and Plaitin Island.
Chan Island
Chan Island is a smallest island in the national park and located in the most southern part. It offers a good lookout and popular sites for scuba diving.
Talu Island
Talu Island is situated about 6km from Kudi Island. The outstanding feature is the unique form of the island that given its name. In the north, rocky cliff project out in the sea look like natural bridge. The sea current runs through the hole underneath the bridge. White and sandy beaches are found in the east and the south in which two areas are excellent for camping. Large coral reef is found in underwater world surrounding Ko Talu especially in front of the beach. This made it a great site for snorkeling and scuba diving. The island is also home to Terns and Flying-Fox that found living in large number.
Hin Khao Island
Hin Khao Island is a small island. There is submerged rock in the north-eastern of Samet island. Rocks found on the island are all creamy white. This rock is a nesting site for Terns. Visitors can snorkel and scuba dive at the site.
Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park
Contact Address
Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park
79, Mu 1, Ban Kon Ao, Hat Mae Ramphueng-Phe rd, Phe Sub-district, Amphur Muang Rayong Rayong Thailand 21160
Tel. 0 3865 2136 Fax 0 3865 3034 E-mail reserve@dnp.go.th
How to go?
By Car
From Bangkok to Rayong take the hi-way no.3, Sukhumvit road, taking about 220 kms. Alternatively, take hi-way no.36 which come from hi-way no.3 at km.136. This will shorten the distance about 35 kms. Once you are in Rayong city continue for another 12 kms, turn right at km 231. Follow the road for 2 kms to get to Ban Phe. The boat jetty to Ko Samet is located here.
On Samet island, there is only one road which used to be just a walkway. This road is 6 km long and started from the north of Thap Thim Bay passing Anodat pool to Sai Kaeo beach. The distance from Ban Samet to Sai Kaeo beach is about 800 metres.
By Ship
Getting to Samet island by boat starts at Ban Phe Jetty. There are three public jetties for boats that carry from 10 up to100 people. It takes about 30 minute to travel to the island. Boat service is available from 6.00 am to 5.00 pm. The boat fee costs 50 bath/trip/person. You can also hire the private boat and negotiate for the price. Three Jetties on the island are Island Head jetty, Wong Duean Bay jetty (eastern side) and Phrao Bay jetty (western side). Some operators located in smaller bay also do have speed boat service to transport tourists from Ban Phe to their own resorts
By Bus
From Bangkok to Ban Phe, there is public bus service, both window and air-condition type, available every hour from 5.00 am to 8.30 pm, starting from Eastern Bus Terminal (Aekamai) at Sukhumvit road.
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