Rayong in Thailand is known as an urban forest and a haven for beach lovers and those who love to immerse themselves in nature. It is situated to the South East of Bangkok or 1 hour's drive from the hustle and bustle of Pattaya. Rayong is a fishing port and the region's hinterland is marked by the cultivation of cassava, fruit, and rubber while seafood lovers have an abundance of fish, prawns and squid on menus. Take a look and see why Rayong should be on your next Thailand itinerary!
Mr NQN and I often have the conversation about where we will retire. So far we've narrowed it down to Thailand (or maybe Tweed Heads). I have a suspicion that he might insist on Rayong instead of Bangkok because the pace of life in Rayong is leisurely and relaxed and perfect for nature lovers. Most people usually associated Rayong with the island Koh Samet but we are visiting the mainland part of Rayong.
The drive from Pattaya to Rayong is around 1 hour but its a journey best made unhurried. Our first stop on the journey is at Manga and Hubba cafe for a morning coffee in the local fishing village of Bang Saray. This peaceful little town is around 15kms away from the beachside bustle of Pattaya and offers a calm respite. Our van weaves through the quiet mid morning market. Shops sell food and trinkets for the mostly local clientele.
Manga and Hubba is located on Bang Saray beach and is the perfect place to stop by for a drink or snack - sit back on one of the chairs facing the gently rippling waves. There's a large drink menu - the vanilla milk tea is gorgeous although quite sweet while the strawberry stormy is an interesting but ultimately odd mix of strawberry syrup, double espresso and whipped cream.
We arrive at Rayong. Many local Thais flock to Rayong preferring the quiet serenity of this beachside province to the bustle of Pattaya. Head to Kao Laem Yah National Park for Rayong's most beautiful viewpoint. There's a short 600 metre hike but it's best done in sneakers as parts of it can be a bit tricky.
There is also another shorter route via boardwalk that affords you expansive views of the ocean and the crescent shaped beach. Walk out on the clear platform above the rocks and rolling waves and feel the strong breeze hit your face.
If you can't wait to dive into those waves, nearby Laem Yah Rayong Surf Club at Mae Ram Pueng Beach rents out surfboards and gives lessons for beginners. There are also street vendors alongside the road that sell delicious Gai Yang or Thai roast chicken paired with Som Tum green papaya salad and sticky rice.
Sitting on the beach on a lounge chair watching people surf and the waves coming in makes this the most perfect lunch with a view. The Gai Yang is so tender and juicy and goes perfectly with the sticky rice and crunchy green papaya salad.
We stop for lunch at Tamnan Pa restaurant, a stunning tropical rainforest jungle restaurant come to life. It's an enormous restaurant accessed through a paved path with plenty of opportunities for photos. Kids can also feed the tropical fish there.
The restaurant has soaring ceiling, sprays of ferns and enormous palms and misting water. The Thai food on the menu is varied and very tasty. The fried fish, Pad See Ew, friend rice and green chicken curry in a large tureen are standouts. All of the food is satisfying and freshly cooked. Try the pak kood or sautéed Thai fern, cooked similarly to morning glory or water spinach. Uncooked, the fern's large fronds spread out but once cooked and wilted it is very similar to morning glory.
We slake our thirst with enormous, sweet fresh coconut juice and finish the meal off with a platter of fresh fruit with chilli salt to dip in. This spicy salt brings out the flavour and sweetness of the fruit.
In the afternoon when you need a bit of rest and respite from the afternoon sun and heat, head to Roi Sao Market for souvenirs of the edible kind as well as fashion, bags and trinkets. The market is most known for their food items like dried squid that comes in a variety of ways from soaked in a tamarind chilli syrup to dried with a peanut chilli sauce or brushed with marinades.
One of the top sellers at the market are durian chips. Even those less enamoured of the smelly fruit's aroma (that's me) will love durian chips. These are sliced thin and fried. Once cooked they taste just like potato crisps and they lose most if not all of their signature smell. It's here that you can buy fresh fruit or bottles of fermented sea mussels or bags of fresh snakefruit.
And stay tuned for Part 2 to see a famous walking market, a restaurant with a local celebrity Thai chef and a stunning nature reserve!
So tell me Dear Reader, have you ever visited Rayong? Does it appeal to you?
NQN visited Thailand as a guest of the Tourism Authority of Thailand but all opinions remain her own.
Reader Comments
Loading comments...Add Comment