This month, we headed east to Rayong,only a bit over two hours fromBangkok. Though it is the locationof major industrial estates, Rayong is alsoa popular tourist spot with sandy beaches,forests, old town, and chic cafés. The localsare known to be proud of their hometownfor its all-year-round lush greenery, thanks toregular rainfall, making Rayong a great placefor nature lovers and relaxation.
In this one-day trip, our plan was to do everything; eating, having, and living like the Rayong people.
Touring the Old Town of Rayong
We started from Yomjinda Road, Rayong’s first main road, built during the reign of King Rama V by Phra Sri Samut Phok (Im Yomjinda), the last Rayong governor. The road brought development to the small town, turning it into a bustling commercial hub over a century ago. The Yomjinda Road is now a busy commercial district, flanked by important places such as banks, temples, markets, shrines, cinemas, and rice mills.
Today, the 700-meter stretch, lined with preserved old buildings, offers a leisurely walk through the historic community, showcasing its architecture, shophouses, wooden buildings, and local art. It’s a must-visit for those who love old town vibes and photography. Some of the interesting stops include:
– The Yomjinda Family House: A blue wooden riverside house, now a traditional Rayong restaurant run by the Yomjinda family, with antique collections on display.
– Tao Kae Tian Building: Once Rayong’s first commercial bank, this Sino-Portuguese building is adorned with stucco floral decorations on the gable and window ironwork. It serves as an art gallery, Da Vinci Studio, and has a cozy space for coffee and reading.It also hosts a movie night.
– Sat Udom House: An old noble’s residence, now the Rayong City Museum, displaying ancient artifacts and the local history.
– Maleewanich House: A bookstore and handmade pillow shop in Chinese-style wooden house.
– Laan Ake Coffeehouse: A vintage-style café and semi-community museum located in the Kipong Building, Rayong’s first Western-style structure.
– The Shrine of Goddess Tubtim: Established long before Yomjinda Road, the shrine is the spiritual center for Thai-Chinese residents and a gathering place for Rayong locals of all generations.
– Converstation: A co-learning space that welcomes everyone for reading, gaming, watching films, and meetings.
Exploring Naturein Thung Prongthong Mangrove Forest
A short drive from Rayong to Thung Prong Thong will take you to a 6,000-rai (around 2,371 acres) mangrove forest at Pak Nam Prasae, Klaeng district. The highlight is the vast Prong tree field, where leaves turn golden between 11 am and 3 pm. During this period, the entire area will be glistening with bright, golden light. You are welcome to take a stroll and take photos on the nearby wooden bridge. The field is open year-round, with free entry daily from 6 am to 6 pm.
Scenic Drive Along Saeng Chan Beach
The Saeng Chan Beach, just 7 km from Rayong city, never fails to surprise first-time visitors with its clear blue waters that rival any island. Locals say, “This place isn’t a pass-through, you need to make a plan to get here.”
The meaning of Saeng Chan Beach is Moonlight Beach, named after the crescent shape formed by stone barriers placed along the beach to prevent erosion, creating small bays resembling crescent moons. For us, this evening was a perfect end for the day, truly a relaxing experience. The beach is peaceful and runs along a long coastal road with picnic spots and few crowds. It’s a great place to bring your own chair or mat to soak in the sun. Nearby, you’ll find restaurants, food stalls, and accommodations, some of them just a few steps away from the sea.
Relaxing at a Beachside Café at Laem Charoen Beach
A short drive from Saeng Chan Beach brought us to Laem Charoen Beach, marked by the Giantess statue, a villainess character from one of Thailand’s most famous literature Phra Aphai Mani. The beach is known for dozens of charming, camping-style coffee trucks which sit right by the sea, rendering this chillaxing beach café vibe, especially at sunset. Content creators and photographers will love it. It’s also home to a fishing community where you can enjoy fresh seafoods at local restaurants. You can also opt to get them fresh at the fish market for home cooking or buy dried versions as souvenirs.
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For Thailand Area