Where to stay, eat & drink

The dauntingly painted cement Naga has the cheapest rooms, but is most prized for its bakery and coconut grove bar . The nightlife is groovier on Ao Phai, where Silver Sand hosts a beachside disco with cocktails served in plastic ice buckets. Its topless gigolo fire jugglers are rather keen on teaching Western women their swinging techniques..

Out of earshot to the south are the timber lodges of Samet Villa and the gay-friendly Tubtim Resort, which serves great seafood on the beach.

An Wong Deuan still suffers dowdy resorts and daytrippers, but also hosts raves with Bangkok and foreign DJs. On the northern rocks, Oasis bar is a private spot to chat and bop. Bay Watch is the liveliest bar amid the central clamour of seafood restaurants, while a suavely minimalist dance room opens on to the terrace of Talebure Bed & Bar where retro-chic garden bungalows  have stunning views but average service.

An Thien is developing fast, with Balinese bathrooms added to Sang Thien, eccentric shoreline huts at Lung Dum and the rustic, Wild West-themed hangout of Apache Garden View Restaurant .

The best food is found north-west of Na Dan at Moo Ban Talay . Its spa and sleek minimalist villas with roofless bathrooms face Baan Phe across a shallow gritty beach. Isolated on the west, humid Ao Phrao shelters the snazzily
romantic Ao Prao Resort .

Golf is as popular in Rayong as other parts of the country. The following courses are closest to Rayong itself. Eastern Star Golf courses 24/5 Mu 3 Tambon Phala, Ban Chang District, Rayong 21130 tel:(038) 639410-7. Great Lake Golf and Country Club 77 Mu 3, Off Highway no.36, Bangkok-Rayong Road, Map Yang, Pluak Daeng, Rayong 21130 tel: (038) 622630 and the Rayong Green Valley Country Club, Mu 7, Ban Chang, Rayong 21130 tel: (038) 603001.

Horse Riding is available at the Orchard Park Riding Club some 7 km off Highway no. 3 after a left turn at km. 260. tel: 530 3860-3 (Bangkok). Also at the Slo Bunny Horse Riding-Training Center at Mae Ramphung Beach tel: (038) 898623. Enjoy a brisk gallop along the shore or take a sedate stroll though the bush nearby. No matter how experienced you are, this is a 'family' activity that all can enjoy.

Mountain biking is as popular as ever and there are various rental places or your hotel will possible have a number you can use. Trails for bikes are everywhere as there are numerous paths leading off the beaten track that can be followed.

Tennis and other sporting facilities are usually supplied by the hotels or contact Orchard Park on 530 3860-3 (Bangkok) for more information on this and other sporting facilities in the area.


Swimming is another favoured pastime and the beaches around Rayong offer perfect seas for this activity. With a 100 km long coastline, it boasts several beautiful beaches that are rich in sea-life.

Fishing increases in popularity annually and both the beaches and off-shore islands have facilities for this sport. AS in most cases with fishing if you have your own tackle it's probably a good idea to bring it with you though rods and the like can be hired from some hotels and resorts in the area.

Diving under in waters that lap Rayong's shore and those of the off-shore islands abound in marine life so it's worth putting your head under water. There are a few dive centres both on the mainland and the islands close to Rayong where gear can be hired or lessons can be taken.

Ten Pin Bowling is another 'family' activity and can be accomplished at the Star Bowling Centre at the Star Hotel. Here 26 lanes with computerised scoring system are in operation from 10 a.m. to midnight..