Thailand · 2026 itinerary
Rayong 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Rayong: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A small, quiet Buddhist temple known for its ancient chedi and peaceful woodland setting. Features a meditation pavilion and local monk chats.
🕐 Daily 6am–6pm
Free entry💡 Dress modestly (cover knees and shoulders). The temple is most atmospheric at sunset when the monks chant.
Hotels near Wat Pa Pradu →A long, clean stretch of public beach with calm waters, popular for relaxing and swimming. Plenty of shade trees and basic facilities.
🕐 24 hours
Free entry💡 Go early morning (before 8am) to avoid the heat and crowds. You can buy cheap grilled seafood from stalls on the promenade.
Hotels near Rayong Beach →Baan Rabieng Mai 2 · ££
Chopana · ££
Deeper Into Rayong
A modest museum housed in a former governor's residence, showcasing local history, fishing heritage and rambutan cultivation artefacts.
🕐 Wed–Sun 9am–4pm (closed Mon–Tue)
💡 Donations welcome but not required. Ask at the desk for the short English guide leaflet.
A small, landscaped park dedicated to Thailand's famous poet Sunthorn Phu. Features statues, flower beds and a pond with benches.
🕐 Daily 6am–8pm
💡 Combined with a walk along the nearby walking street market (open weekends only). Best visited late afternoon.
ร้านปากคลอง ซีฟู้ด
Vegetarian
Final Favourites & Departure
A quieter, less developed beach about 30 minutes south of town. Shallow sand bars at low tide and pine trees for shade. Entry is free; parking costs 20 baht.
💡 Bring your own food and drink – only a couple of basic stalls. The best swimming is during high tide.
E-S@N-Bar
The Beatles Bar Resto
Getting Around Rayong
Go to the official taxi stand at the airport (gate 4 or 7 on level 1) to avoid touts. Meter plus 50 baht surcharge is standard; the fixed price quoted at the counter is often higher but hassle-free. Ask the driver to use Highway 7 — it's faster than the coastal road.
Catch a government bus (blue and white) from Ekkamai — they're reliable and air-conditioned. Get off at the Rayong bus terminal, then take a songthaew or motorbike taxi (50 THB) to Mac Garden on Sukhumvit Road. Avoid the private vans that hang around the terminal; they overcharge.
Songthaews in Rayong run set routes with coloured signs — the blue ones go along Sukhumvit Road. Flag one down, tell the driver your stop (or show the hotel name in Thai), and pay the flat fare when you get off. They're slow and can be hot, but they're dirt cheap and locals use them.
U-Tapao is smaller than BKK but closer. Taxis queue outside arrivals; fix the price before getting in. Morning flights are cheaper as fewer people head to Rayong. Check if your hotel offers pickup — some do for an extra fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Rayong?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Wat Pa Pradu and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Rayong?
See our full best time to visit Rayong guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Christies, TN Place, Mac Garden. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.