How to Get from Bangkok to Rayong

Rayong is Thailand's hidden gem on the Eastern Seaboard - famous for pristine beaches, fresh seafood, and fewer tourists than Pattaya. Located between Pattaya and Chanthaburi, Rayong offers beautiful islands (Koh Samet nearby), fruit plantations, and authentic Thai coastal life. Here's your complete guide!

Transportation Options Overview

Distance: 220 km southeast of Bangkok

🚗 Private Taxi/Car (Most Convenient)

Cost: 1,800-2,500 THB (entire vehicle)
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Capacity: Up to 4 passengers + luggage

What You Get:

• Door-to-door service from Bangkok hotel
• Direct to your Rayong destination
• Flexible departure time
• Air-conditioned comfort
• Stop for photos/bathroom as needed

Routes:

Main Route: Bangkok → Highway 34 → Highway 3 → Rayong
Via Pattaya: Bangkok → Highway 7 → Pattaya → Highway 3 → Rayong (scenic coastal route)

Booking Options:

• Hotel taxi desk: 2,200-2,500 THB
• Online platforms: Klook, 12Go (1,900-2,300 THB)
• Smile Taxi Service: Pre-book, English-speaking drivers
• Ride-hailing (Bolt/Grab): 1,800-2,300 THB

Recommended Stops:

1. Bang Pakong Riverside: Quick stop, local market (20 min)
2. Chonburi viewpoint: Photo opportunity (10 min)
3. Roadside fruit stands: Fresh tropical fruits (15 min)

Timeline Example:

• 9:00 AM: Depart Bangkok hotel
• 10:30 AM: Rest stop at Bang Pakong
• 11:45 AM: Arrive Rayong city or beach
• 12:00 PM: Check in, lunch, beach time!

Pros:

✅ Fastest option
✅ Most comfortable
✅ Door-to-door convenience
✅ Your schedule
✅ Can stop at beaches en route
✅ Cost-effective for 3-4 people (600-750 THB per person)

Cons:

❌ Most expensive for solo travelers
❌ Need to book in advance
❌ Traffic possible during rush hours

💡 Pro Tip: For a group of 4, this is only 500-625 THB per person - just 250-350 THB more than minivan but WAY more convenient! Book early morning (8-9 AM) departure to avoid Bangkok traffic.

🚐 Minivan (Best Value!)

Cost: 200-300 THB per person
Duration: 3-3.5 hours
Recommended!

Departure Points:

1. Victory Monument

• Most popular departure point
• Century Plaza (near BTS Victory Monument)
• Frequent departures

2. Ekkamai Bus Terminal

• Eastern Bus Terminal
• Regular minivans to Rayong

Schedule:

• First departure: 6:00 AM
• Regular departures: Every 30-60 minutes
• Last departure: 6:00 PM
• Most frequent: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Destinations in Rayong:

• Rayong City Center: 200-250 THB
• Ban Phe Pier (for Koh Samet): 250-300 THB
• Mae Ramphueng Beach: 250-300 THB
• Laem Mae Phim: 280-300 THB

Booking:

• Walk-up: Usually available, but might wait 30-60 min for van to fill
• Pre-book online: 12Go Asia (recommended!)
• Phone booking: Contact operators directly

What's Included:

• Air-conditioned minivan
• Reclining seats
• 12-15 passengers
• Luggage space
• One rest stop (usually)

Journey Details:

• Modern, comfortable vans
• Usually makes 1 rest stop (15 min)
• Drops at your specified location in Rayong
• Can request drop at specific hotel

Timeline:

• 9:00 AM: Depart Victory Monument
• 11:00 AM: Rest stop (15 min)
• 12:15 PM: Arrive Rayong destination
• 12:30 PM: Check in, lunch

Pros:

✅ Excellent value for money
✅ Frequent departures
✅ Comfortable and fast
✅ Air-conditioned
✅ Direct to beaches/pier
✅ Can specify drop-off location

Cons:

❌ Fixed schedule (but very frequent)
❌ Might wait for van to fill up
❌ Less legroom than private car
❌ Shared with other passengers

💡 Pro Tip: This is the sweet spot! For 200-300 THB, you get comfortable, fast transport with frequent departures. Book through 12Go to guarantee a seat and specific departure time. The 9 AM or 10 AM departures are perfect timing.

🚌 Public Bus

Cost: 150-200 THB
Duration: 3.5-4 hours
Budget Option

Departure Point: Ekkamai Bus Terminal

Location: Eastern Bus Terminal (BTS Ekkamai)
Getting There:

• BTS to Ekkamai Station
• 5-minute walk to terminal
• Or taxi from central Bangkok: 150-200 THB

Bus Types:

1. Air-Conditioned Bus Cost: 180-200 THB
Schedule: Every 30-40 minutes, 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Features:

• Air-conditioning
• Comfortable seats
• Rest stops
• More stops than minivan (picks up passengers en route)

2. Standard Bus Cost: 150-170 THB
Schedule: Similar frequency
Features:

• Fan-cooled (no AC)
• Cheaper
• More local experience
• Can be hot

Arrival: Rayong Bus Terminal

• Central location in Rayong city
• Need songthaew/taxi to beaches: 40-100 THB
• To Ban Phe Pier: 50-80 THB (songthaew)

Timeline:

• 10:00 AM: Depart Ekkamai
• 12:00 PM: Rest stop (15 min)
• 2:00 PM: Arrive Rayong Bus Terminal
• 2:30 PM: Transfer to beach/hotel

Pros:

✅ Cheapest option
✅ Frequent departures
✅ Reliable schedule
✅ Large comfortable seats
✅ Most authentic local experience

Cons:

❌ Slowest option (makes more stops)
❌ Arrives at bus terminal (need local transport to beaches)
❌ Less convenient than minivan
❌ Can be full during weekends

💡 Pro Tip: The bus saves you just 50-100 THB compared to minivan, but takes 30-60 minutes longer and requires additional transfer to beaches. Only worth it if you're on extreme budget or enjoy local bus travel!

🚕 Shared Taxi

Cost: 250-350 THB per person
Duration: 3 hours
Good Compromise

How It Works:

• Private taxis that take 4 passengers
• Each pays per seat
• Departs when full (4 people)
• Faster than minivan/bus
• Similar to private taxi but shared cost

Where to Find:

• Victory Monument area: Taxi touts approach
• Ekkamai Bus Terminal: Shared taxi stands
• Online groups: Facebook groups for ride-sharing
• Hotels: Can sometimes arrange

What to Expect:

• Standard sedan (4 passengers)
• Usually departs quicker than waiting for minivan to fill
• Direct route (fewer stops than bus)
• Air-conditioned
• Each passenger pays 250-350 THB

Pros:

✅ Faster than bus/minivan
✅ More comfortable than bus
✅ Cheaper than private taxi
✅ Direct route

Cons:

❌ Depends on finding other passengers
❌ Less predictable schedule
❌ Might wait 30-60 min for 4th passenger
❌ Less organized than official minivan

💡 Pro Tip: If you're traveling with 2-3 people, you can book private taxi and "convert" it to shared by finding other travelers going to Rayong. Check your hotel bulletin board or Facebook travel groups!

🗺️ Understanding Rayong

Main Areas:

1. Rayong City (Downtown)

• Provincial capital
• Shopping, markets, restaurants
• Bus terminal location
• Administrative center
• Not a beach area

2. Ban Phe (Pier Town)

• 25 km from Rayong city
• Departure pier for Koh Samet
• Hotels, guesthouses
• Seafood restaurants
• Tourist info centers

3. Mae Ramphueng Beach

• 12 km from city center
• Longest beach in Rayong (12 km!)
• Local favorite
• Quieter than Pattaya
• Beachfront restaurants

4. Laem Mae Phim

• 20 km southeast of city
• Beautiful beach
• Resorts and hotels
• Less developed
• Good for swimming

5. Koh Samet (Island)

• Ferry from Ban Phe (30-40 min)
• Most popular destination
• Beautiful beaches
• See separate guide!

Getting Around Rayong:

Songthaew (Local Pickup Truck):

• 20-40 THB per trip within city
• 50-80 THB to beaches
• Shared transport

Motorbike Taxi:

• 30-60 THB for short trips
• Convenient but less safe

Motorbike Rental:

• 200-300 THB per day
• Explore at your own pace

Taxi/Car Rental:

• Taxi: 300-500 THB for trips around Rayong
• Car rental: 800-1,200 THB per day

🎯 Recommended Options by Traveler Type

Solo Budget Traveler

Minivan from Victory Monument (200-250 THB)
Best value, comfortable, frequent departures.

Couple

Minivan (400-600 THB total)
Affordable and convenient. Save the extra cost.

Family/Group of 4

Private Taxi (450-625 THB per person)
Split 4 ways, it's affordable and most convenient!

Going to Koh Samet

Minivan direct to Ban Phe Pier (250-300 THB)
Drops you right at the pier for island ferry.

Weekend Beachgoers

Early Morning Minivan (200-250 THB)
Beat the traffic, arrive for lunch, full beach afternoon.

Business Travelers

Private Car Service
Professional, punctual, comfortable.

📅 Sample Itineraries

Beach Weekend (Rayong):

Day 1:

• 9:00 AM: Depart Bangkok (minivan)
• 12:15 PM: Arrive Mae Ramphueng Beach
• 12:30 PM: Check in, lunch
• 2:00 PM: Beach time, swimming
• 5:00 PM: Beachfront seafood dinner
• 7:00 PM: Beach walk, sunset

Day 2:

• 8:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM: Explore Laem Mae Phim
• 12:00 PM: Lunch at local restaurant
• 2:00 PM: Visit Rayong Aquarium
• 4:00 PM: Return minivan to Bangkok
• 7:00 PM: Arrive Bangkok

Koh Samet Weekend:

Day 1:

• 8:00 AM: Minivan to Ban Phe
• 11:00 AM: Arrive Ban Phe Pier
• 11:30 AM: Ferry to Koh Samet
• 12:15 PM: Arrive island, check in
• Afternoon/evening: Beach, snorkeling, sunset

Day 2:

• Full day on Koh Samet

Day 3:

• Morning ferry back to Ban Phe
• Minivan to Bangkok
• Arrive Bangkok afternoon

💡 Essential Tips

Best Time to Visit:

• Cool Season (Nov-Feb): Perfect weather 25-30°C
• Hot Season (Mar-May): Very hot 30-35°C, good for beach
• Rainy Season (Jun-Oct): Afternoon rain, fewer tourists, cheaper prices
• Best Months: November-February

What to Bring:

• ✅ Swimwear and beach gear
• ✅ Sunscreen and hat
• ✅ Light clothes
• ✅ Cash (many places don't accept cards)
• ✅ Mosquito repellent
• ✅ Waterproof phone case

Money:

• ATMs: Available in Rayong city, Ban Phe, beaches
• Budget (Mid-range): 1,000-1,500 THB per day
• Hotels: 500-2,000 THB per night (wide range)
• Food: Very affordable (40-150 THB per meal)

Rayong vs Pattaya:

• Rayong: Quieter, more local, less touristy, cleaner beaches
• Pattaya: More developed, nightlife, more tourists, more activities
• Distance: Rayong is 80 km past Pattaya

🏖️ What to Do in Rayong

Top Attractions:

1. Mae Ramphueng Beach

• 12 km long sandy beach
• Local favorite
• Seafood restaurants
• Less crowded than Pattaya
• Good for swimming

2. Laem Mae Phim Beach

• Beautiful, quiet beach
• Resorts and hotels
• Very clean water
• Good for families

3. Koh Samet (Must Visit!)

• 30-min ferry from Ban Phe
• Stunning white sand beaches
• Crystal clear water
• Nightlife and quiet beaches
• Day trip or overnight

4. Rayong Aquarium

• Marine life exhibits
• Educational
• 100 THB entrance
• Good for families

5. Suphattra Land

• Fruit plantations
• Orchard tours
• Fresh fruit tasting
• Rayong famous for fruits (durian, mangosteen, rambutan!)

6. Wat Pa Pradu

• Famous for reclining Buddha
• Unique: Buddha statue lying on right side (unusual!)
• Free entrance
• Beautiful temple grounds

7. Rayong Night Market

• Local food
• Cheap eats (30-80 THB)
• Shopping
• Authentic experience

Activities:

• 🏊 Swimming at pristine beaches
• 🚤 Island hopping day trips
• 🐟 Snorkeling
• 🍽️ Fresh seafood feasts
• 🍉 Fruit plantation tours
• 🛵 Motorbike coastal rides
• 📸 Sunset photography

🍜 Food in Rayong

Must-Try Local Specialties:

1. Fresh Seafood

• Rayong famous for seafood!
• Grilled fish, prawns, squid
• 150-400 THB per dish
• Beachfront restaurants

2. Pla Pao (Grilled Fish)

• Whole fish grilled with salt
• 100-250 THB depending on size
• Local specialty

3. Tropical Fruits

• Rayong = Fruit capital!
• Durian (May-Jul): 100-400 THB per kg
• Mangosteen: 40-80 THB per kg
• Rambutan: 30-50 THB per kg
• Fresh fruit smoothies: 40-60 THB

4. Khanom Jeen (Rice Noodles)

• Local breakfast
• Various curry toppings
• 30-50 THB

Where to Eat:

• Beachfront restaurants: Fresh seafood, great views
• Night markets: Cheap local food
• Laem Charoen Seafood: Famous chain, reliable
• Rayong city markets: Most authentic, cheapest

⚠️ Important Notes

Rayong is QUIET:

• Much quieter than Pattaya
• Less nightlife (except Koh Samet)
• More family-oriented
• Great for relaxation!

Language:

• Less English than Pattaya
• Learn basic Thai phrases helpful
• Hotel staff usually speak English
• Translation app useful

Koh Samet Ferry:

• From Ban Phe Pier only
• Last ferry usually 5:00-6:00 PM
• Ferry: 70-100 THB (40 min)
• Speedboat: 200-300 THB (15 min)
• National Park fee: 200 THB (foreigners)

🎁 Final Recommendation

Best Overall Option: Minivan from Victory Monument (200-300 THB)

Why: ✅ Excellent value (200-300 THB)
✅ Comfortable and fast
✅ Frequent departures
✅ Direct to beaches/pier
✅ Can book specific time online

Perfect timing: 9 AM departure → arrive 12 PM → lunch and beach afternoon!

Group Option: Private Taxi for 4 people (500-625 THB per person)
Just slightly more expensive but door-to-door convenience.

Budget Option: Public Bus (150-200 THB)
Saves 50-100 THB but takes longer and requires transfer to beaches.

Rayong is Thailand's underrated beach destination - clean beaches, fresh seafood, authentic Thai culture, and far fewer tourists than Pattaya. It's the perfect escape if you want beautiful beaches without the crowds and commercialization. Plus, it's the gateway to stunning Koh Samet!

Pro tip: Use Rayong as a base for exploring the Eastern Seaboard. Day trip to Koh Samet, visit Chanthaburi gems market (1 hour further), explore fruit plantations, and enjoy some of Thailand's best and cheapest seafood. Rayong rewards those who venture beyond the obvious tourist spots!

Questions about beaches, getting to Koh Samet, or where to eat? Happy to help!