🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Rayong sits about 180–220 km from Bangkok, depending on whether you're heading for the town, Ban Phe, or Pak Nam Prasae. The two spots most first-timers aim for are Koh Samet and Mae Ramphueng Beach, but there's more to Rayong than that — mangroves, old market towns, and seasonal fruit orchards too. Before you plan, let's get the travel and costs straight.
How to get to Rayong
If you don't have your own car, the easiest way is to take a van or coach to Ban Phe Pier and catch a ferry to Koh Samet — or, if you're sticking to the mainland and town, just get off in Rayong town itself.
- Van, Ekkamai → Ban Phe — runs all day, around 200–250 THB, takes 3–4 hr. Drops you right at the pier, so the ferry connection is easy.
- Coach, Mo Chit/Ekkamai → Rayong — Cherdchai/Sombat Tour/government buses, from around 160–200 THB, 3–4 hr.
- Driving yourself — take Motorway 7 then Sukhumvit Road. Handy if you want to hit several spots, since Rayong's sights are spread out.
- Flying — land at U-Tapao (Pattaya) airport then drive into Rayong. Good if you're flying in from another region.
Koh Samet ferry fares
From Ban Phe Pier there are two options — the regular passenger ferry at 70 THB each way, around 30 minutes, and the speedboat at 200 THB each way, 10–15 minutes. The last regular ferry often fills up in the early evening, so if you're arriving late, budget for a speedboat instead.
Book the activities in your Rayong trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Costs to budget for
Koh Samet sits inside Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park, so there's a park entry fee on top of the ferry. For Thai visitors it's 40 THB for adults and 20 THB for children (foreign visitors pay more). If you bring a car into the park on the Khao Laem Ya side, add around 30 THB for the vehicle.
- Round-trip transport from Bangkok — around 400–500 THB per person (by van)
- Round-trip ferry to Koh Samet — 140–400 THB per person, depending on regular ferry or speedboat
- Park entry fee — 40 THB per person (Thai adult)
- Rough total per person (excluding lodging) — around 600–900 THB for a round trip
When to go + good to know
Rayong's sea is at its best from November to April — clear skies, calm water, great for swimming and photos. The rainy season (May–Oct) is still doable but comes with wind and on-and-off rain, so check the forecast first. If you're into fruit, April–June is durian, mangosteen, and rambutan season, when the orchards open for tasting.
- Koh Samet gets crowded on weekends and long holidays, and rooms fill fast — book ahead.
- Getting around Koh Samet is by songthaew (shared truck) or rented motorbike. ATMs are scarce, so bring extra cash.
- The mainland sights (Tung Prong Thong, Pak Nam Prasae) are in a different direction from Ban Phe, so if you don't have a car, plan one loop rather than backtracking.
- Sunscreen and beach shoes matter — the midday sun in Rayong is strong.
Recommended 2-day, 1-night plan (first-timers)
This plan suits first-timers who want both the Koh Samet sea and the Ban Phe vibe. You can trim it to a leave-early, return-late day trip if you only have one day.
Into town–Ban Phe–over to Koh Samet
Back to the mainland–Tung Prong Thong–Mae Ramphueng
Want to make it 3 days?
With one extra day, add a first night in Rayong town — visit Sunthorn Phu Park, the in-town cafes, and the seasonal fruit orchards — then head down to Koh Samet the next day. That way you won't be rushing yourself ragged.
See Koh Samet and Rayong town stays with real reviews
See Top 10 Rayong Hotels →