Rayong travel guide: planning your stay

Getting there and choosing your base

U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya Airport (UTP): The nearest airport with passenger flights, in western Rayong near Sattahip, with domestic routes from Chiang Mai, Ko Samui, Phuket and Udon Thani and some international flights. There are no flights from Bangkok.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): About 150 km away. Intercity buses to Rayong leave from the airport's public transport centre; drivers take Motorway 7 and Highway 36. For a beach hotel, a car to the door saves a change in town.
Ekkamai bus terminal: Buses from Bangkok's Eastern Terminal run to Rayong city, Ban Phe, Laem Mae Phim and other districts. Pick the service that ends nearest your hotel rather than changing at Rayong bus station.

Areas to consider

Rayong city and old town

Makes sense for work trips to the industrial estates and for food along Yomjinda Road and Khlong Yai. The beaches are a drive away; check the hotel has parking or that you are happy relying on songthaews.

Mae Ramphueng

Appeals to anyone wanting a long beach with condos, resorts and seafood restaurants. The coast road separates many buildings from the sand, so confirm which side of it the hotel stands on.

Ban Phe and Suan Son

Convenient for a night before or after Ko Samet, with the pine-shaded beach at Suan Son just east of town. If you will leave a car on the mainland while on Samet, ask whether the hotel will keep it or if you should use pier parking.

Laem Mae Phim

Good for calm swimming and seafood a long way from the city, about 48 km east. Bangkok visitors crowd the beaches at weekends, so come mid-week for quieter rooms and lower prices.

When to go

The monsoon runs from May to October. Fruit season peaks around May and June, when the Rayong Fruit Festival is held, and Loi Krathong in November is marked with boat races at the island pagoda in the Rayong River. Ban Phe has held a beach festival with Ko Samet in December, and rooms near the coast fill quickly at weekends and on Thai public holidays all year.

Before choosing a room

Parts of the coast sit close to refineries and industrial ports. Check the map around a seafront hotel before paying extra for a sea view.
Many beachfront units are condominiums let as holiday rooms. Confirm reception hours, key collection and how often rooms are cleaned.
For a Ban Phe stopover, ask whether the hotel stores luggage and can book the Ko Samet boat.

Sources and planning resources

Facts checked on 30 October 2026. Transport services, taxes and hotel offers can change. Confirm the details for your trip before booking.