Rayong in Thailand

General Overview
Rayong Province is famous among tourists for its interesting destinations and exciting activities. There are three distinct attractions on this coastal province, the first is beautiful white sandy beaches both on the mainland and islands. The second is the variety of delicious seafood at reasonable prices, and the last but not least is regional fruit such as pineapples, durians, rambutans.

Moreover, long traditions and customs including the way of the local people's life are also attractive. Don't let the chance pass by without going inside the heart of Rayong and you will find it is a very wonderful trip. Many experiences and impressive moment will happen here, at Rayong Province.

Rayong is located at the east coast of Thailand, about 220 kilometres from Bangkok on Highway No.3 or 179 kilometres on Highway No.36. The total area is 3,552 square kilometers. Most of the land is marked by a series of mountains interspersed by flat plains and large tracts of forest and fruit plantation. Administrative, it is divided into Muang Rayong, Klaeng, Ban Khai, Bang Chang, Pluak Daeng and Wang Chan districts and Khao Chamao and Nikhom Phatthana sub-districts.

Topography
In general the geography of Rayong is marked by a series of mountains interspersed by flat plains and large tracts of land under forest, rubber and fruit plantation. Offshore, there are many islands which are well-known by the tourist, such as Ko Samet and Ko Mun.

Location
Rayong is located in the east coast of Thailand on the northern shoreline of the Gulf of Thailand, about 179 kilometers from Bangkok.Rayong has an extensive coastline stretching for approximately 100 kilometers, and some 3,552 kilometers square in area, and is divided into 6 administrative districts and 2 sub-district.

To the north and the west they are bordered by the province of Chonburi, the east by Chanthaburi Province and the south by the Gulf of Thailand. The total population of the province is about 508,398 persons. (In 1996) .

Climate
The climate is tropical, generally warm and humid with abundant rainfall, average temperature is around 28 C. The best months are November through February.

History
Rayong was mentioned in the Thai history during the late Ayutthaya period, when the former capital was razed to the ground by the invading Burmese. At this time Phraya Tak, later to become King Taksin of Thonburi, led a band of patriots and broke out through the cordon of besieging troops who has surrounded the capital.

Then he made this way towards the coast stopping in Rayong to build up his navy before proceeding on to Chantaburi. Because of his courage and bravery, the soldiers and local populations anointed him as "King" in Rayong.

Once he has built up sufficient troop strength, Phraya Taksin returned to Ayutthaya and routed the Burmese and set up a new capital in Thonburi