Located on the east coast of Thailand, Rayong and Samet Island receive less rainfall less than any other provinces in the eastern region. Koh Samet is located approximately 7 km from the mainland with microclimate and quite dry but occasional storms exist. It can be very windy at times especially on the island.

To make the best out of the blue sky and sunshine, plan and schedule your holiday in advance. This section provides information on the average rainfall, average temperature of each month, the actual temperature and the best time to visit.

Located only 220 kilometers from Bangkok, Rayong and Koh Samet can be accessed within 3 hours by different means of transport to suit your convenience. Driving is easy and the road is well-indicated. Even though cars are not allowed on to Koh Samet, there are parking service on the mainland where you can leave your car and ferry only yourself to the island. Buses frequently leave Bangkok’s Ekkamai Bus Terminal to Rayong city as well as Ban Phe where the piers to the island are located. It is also possible to fly but the nearest airport is the U-Tapao International Airport located in Chonburi (app. 35 km from Rayong City) which will require a road transfer to Rayong. Flights are only possible from Koh Samui and Phuket. Information on the flights, driving directions from Bangkok, bus information, ferry schedules from different piers and different companies and some useful travelling tips are provided in this section.

As a major tourist destination, Koh Samet might overshadow Rayong. In fact, Rayong has a kaleidoscope of natural attractions, religious and historical sites waiting to be explored. Rayong is a home to Khao Chamao – Khao Wang National Park where there are wondrous 20 caves and 4 waterfalls lie within. More waterfalls and caves can be found outside the National Park such as Klong Pla Kang Waterfall, Khao Wong Cave. Religious sites, shrines and monuments such as Pa Pradu Temple, Saranat Thammaram Temple, Somdet Krommaluang Chumporn Shrine or the statue of Sunthorn Phu. Parks, gardens and museums scatter throughout the city. Often forgotten, Rayong’s beaches offer a fantastic beach holidays on its long stretch beaches in serene surroundings. Beaches on the mainland include Mae Ramphueng Beach, Laem Chareon Beach, Laem Mae Phim, Saeng Chan Beach, Hat Phayun. This section provides information on attractions on different locations on Rayong mainland.

Rayong is brimmed with natural resources which provide abundance of things to do. The most apparent thing to do when visiting Rayong is lazing around in the sun on the white sand beach and swimming in the azure water. A ton of other fun things abound. In waters of the Gulf of Thailand, the coral reefs are prolific. Dive down to see the blue world of hundred species of fish swimming in its colourful playground. Some spots offer a chance to snorkel. Offshore, some pristine and uninhibited islands align along the horizon calling all to explore either by renting a boat. Kayak is a good activity to discover the coastline of the both mainland and island. As a home to a National Park, it provides an opportunity to hike or trek. Golf lovers will not be disappointed as Rayong has some good golf courses amidst majestic view of the nature. A multitude of offshore and on land activities are offered that you will not get bored when you are in Rayong.

Sit on the east coast, Rayong mainland is not really a destination where international tourists stay overnight. Most of them hit the city and then off to the island which makes the beaches in Rayong a tranquil place to unwind. The beaches stretch along the coastline with the length from 1 km to 12 km. The beaches include hat Phayun, Mae Ramphueng Beach, Laem Charoen Beach, Saeng Chan Beach, Laem Mae Phim. Great seafood is offered in the restaurants along the beach. Sparsely dotted in the sea, many offshore islands remain untouched, uninhibited and some with scattered population. Koh Samet seems to be the most well-known and frequently visited by Bangkokians and neighbouring residents over the weekend and national holidays. Yet, other surrounding islands such as Mun Islands, Koh Kudee, Koh Kruai, Koh Khangkhao and Koh Platin are worth to visit. Accommodations are available on the beach on the mainland and only on big islands like Koh Samet and Koh Mun.

Koh Samet is located 7 km from the mainland, travelling to the island is no hassle as there are ferry services leaving frequently between 07.00 am. – 05.00 pm. from 3 piers on the mainland or speedboat can take you only 10-15 minutes to the island. The island has 14 beautiful beaches and surrounded by colourful coral reefs and smaller surrounding islands providing a profusion of aquatic activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, island hopping, fishing, jet ski and sailing. With an area of only 13.1 sq km, it allows you to explore different beaches around the island by mini bus service on the island or even by foot. Each beach has different shapes, some are in crescent and some are long stretch. All beaches offer a range of accommodation from budget bungalow to 5-star resort. Despite its small size, the island caters tourists with a moderate option of cuisines such as Thai, Italian, Indian, seafood and seafood BBQ is offered at most resorts at dinner.

Dining in Rayong and Koh Samet is highlighted by its freshly caught seafood. A variety of dishes cooked in Thai style or just BBQ is offered everywhere. In Rayong, the Thai, seafood restaurants and some international restaurants spread out on the beach such as on Mae Ramphueng Beach. Hotels and resorts offer a wider option for international food.

Koh Samet is more concentrated on catering tourists, rather than the locals. A good option of cuisine and a number of restaurants can be enjoyed on the island. Every resort and bungalow provides food at its property on the beach or inner side of the island. There is a choice of Thai, Italian, German, Indian and other western food at reasonable price.

The nightlife in Rayong is more likely to be more local than touristic place. Pubs, bars and karaoke bars concentrate in the city centre and around with a few spread out in other areas like Ban Chang.

Koh Samet is not known a party island but the night scene here is energetic and vibrant in particular on Sai Kaew Beach and Ao Phai. It can cater those who are seeking a crazy night on the weekend with music and dance floor. Other beaches are more relaxed and offer chilling out night with cocktails served on the beach. Some of the restaurant lay out mats, low tables and cushions on the beach. Some restaurants offer fire show. It is possible to just walk along the beach and take your pick.