🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Rayong really has two seasons people tend to mix up: beach season and fruit season. The two barely overlap. If you're coming for clear water and open skies, aim for the cool season. But if you want durian, rambutan, and mangosteen straight off the tree, you'll need to come in the early rainy season. So before you book a place to stay, ask yourself what you're really here for — then pick the month around that.
When is the best time to visit Rayong
The sea in Rayong looks its best and the skies are clearest from November to March. This is the dry season on Thailand's east coast — cool breezes, little rain, and clear water — great for heading out to Koh Samet, taking photos, and strolling along Mae Ramphueng Beach. This is the real high season too, so it's busy and rooms cost more, especially on long weekends and around New Year.
- Nov–Mar — clearest sea, open skies, cool breeze, perfect for island days and photos (busy, prices high)
- Apr–mid-May — hot season, strong sun, the sea is still swimmable, crowds thin out, and the first fruit of the season starts to appear
- Mid-May–mid-Oct — rainy season with the southwest monsoon, rough surf in spells and frequent rain, but it's fruit season and rooms are cheap
Tip for picking a month
If you want both a nice sea and lighter crowds, aim for late November to early December, or February. You'll get good weather without colliding with the big long-weekend holidays.
Rayong fruit season — which month to eat it fresh off the farm
Rayong is one of eastern Thailand's fruit capitals, alongside Chanthaburi and Trat. The main fruit season runs roughly April to July, with the busiest, most abundant stretch being May to June. Monthong durian peaks in this window, followed by rambutan, mangosteen, and longkong. Many orchards open up for all-you-can-eat tastings, and the province usually holds a fruit festival around May.
- Durian — Monthong peaks May–Jun; early varieties like Kradum start sooner, from late March into April
- Rambutan, mangosteen, longkong — heaviest May–Jul; early-season mangosteen usually costs more than mid-season
- All-you-can-eat fruit orchards — open in seasonal spells, so call the farm ahead to check it's open on your day and what fruit is ready
Straight talk
Fruit season overlaps with the start of the rainy season, so you have to accept the sea may not be clear and you might catch some rain. If your heart's set on durian, treat the beach as a bonus and don't pin your hopes on crystal-clear water this time of year.
Catching the ferry to Koh Samet from Ban Phe pier
Boats to Koh Samet leave from Ban Phe pier in Mueang Rayong district. There are big passenger ferries and speedboats. The big ferry is the cheapest option, at around 50 THB per trip per person, dropping you at Na Dan pier on the island; small children pay less. The first boat is around 8:00 AM and the last around 6:00 PM, running hourly, and more frequently — every half hour — on holidays. Speedboats cost more but are faster and leave at a time you arrange.
- Big ferry — cheapest at around 50 THB/trip/person, takes about 40 min, good for budget travelers who aren't in a hurry
- Speedboat — faster but several times the price, usually charged per charter or with a minimum per head, good for big groups or far-off beaches
- Parking at Ban Phe — the municipal lot is around 60 THB/day, private lots around 100–120 THB/day; overnight stays are charged per day
Avoid the commission touts
At Ban Phe you'll get people coming up to sell you charter tickets or packages. If you want the standard ferry fare, walk over to the pier's own ticket booth and ask the per-trip price clearly before you pay.
Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet national park fees
Koh Samet sits within Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park, so when you land on the island you pay a park entry fee separate from the boat fare. The checkpoint is at the entrance to the main beach, and you pay once per entry. The current rate for Thais is quite a bit lower than for foreigners.
- Thais — adults 40 THB, children 20 THB
- Foreigners — adults 200 THB, children 100 THB
- Seniors 60 and over, and people with disabilities — free
- Vehicles (if you bring them over) — cars around 30 THB, motorbikes around 20 THB
Come prepared
The park fee is cash only, so it helps to carry small bills. Bring your ID too, in case you need to confirm the Thai rate or claim the senior discount.
How much is a day in Rayong, roughly
Your budget depends on whether you stay overnight on Koh Samet or on the mainland, and how hard you go on the seafood. Here's a rough frame per person per day, not counting travel from Bangkok or accommodation — just so you can gauge your wallet before you go.
- Budget — around 700–1,000 THB/day, eating at local spots, taking the big ferry, getting around on foot and by songthaew
- Comfortable — around 1,500–2,500 THB/day, a big seafood meal, cafés, and some activity costs
- Easy-to-forget extras — park fees, pier parking, songthaews on the island from around 20 THB, plus fuel and tolls on the drive over
Where you can save
Stay on the mainland or at Mae Ramphueng Beach and take the boat over to Koh Samet as a day trip — that saves on island accommodation, which tends to cost more. But if you'd love to see the island quiet in the early morning before the tour groups arrive, staying overnight has its own payoff.
SIM cards, internet, and what to pack
Rayong is a big town and every carrier's mobile signal works well, both in town and along the Mae Ramphueng–Ban Phe coast. Thais can just use their existing SIM, no extra setup needed. On Koh Samet the signal is fine at the main beaches like Sai Kaew, but it can drop off at the more remote, quieter beaches, so expect a few spots where the internet isn't strong.
- Foreign visitors — pick up a tourist SIM at the airport or a convenience store in town; price depends on the day-and-data package
- Sun protection — Rayong sun is strong, so sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are a must, especially on the island
- Mosquito repellent — handy in the evening by the beach and in the fruit orchards; worth carrying for peace of mind
- Small cash — local shops, songthaews, and park fees are mostly cash only
Plan your whole Rayong trip — things to do, where to eat, and where to stay
See the Rayong travel guide →