03 - HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Herb Garden

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1 RAYONG PROVINCE 01 - Rayong Aquarium Located in the Eastern Marine Fisheries Research and Development Centre, Ban Phe, the aquarium keeps various kinds of beautiful fish and sea plants. The centre conducts study, research and testing regarding marine biology and behaviors of marine life. A large aquarium with a tunnel allows visitors to see various beautiful fish as well as economicrelated creatures living in the mangrove forest such as cuttlefish, crab, giant clam, and horseshoe crab. The outdoor aquarium also houses various marine life. The turtle pond houses hawksbill turtles, olive turtles, and leatherback turtles. The fish pond houses large species of fish. Visitors can witness the real underwater world in a special pond that houses starfish, anemone and sea cucumber. Various fishery tools in miniature are also displayed. The Fossil Museum exhibits stuffed and extinct animals as well as a display of rare animals such as humpback dolphin and Irrawaddy Dolphin. Seafood products are available on sale outside the building. The Rayong Aquarium is open from Wednesday to Friday during a.m. to 4.00 p.m. and on weekends from a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Group visitors should call in advance The Sopha Arboretum The extensive grounds located near the entrance to Ban Phe, just about 200 meters off Highway No.3 at Km. marker 238 are home to various flowering plants. A 100-year-old Thaistyle wooden structure houses porcelain ware from various periods, in particular the Ban Chiang style. The place is open daily except Thursdays from 8.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Herb Garden PTT Public Company Limited (PTT) has planted and established the first herb garden of Thailand since 1984 on the 60-rai area with the objective to conserve and develop the natural resources for people in the next generation. Various kinds of herbs are gathered and planted in the garden, which was later presented to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on 18 April The landscape was developed and more herbs were planted and the 50th Birthday Anniversary in honor to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Building was built on the auspicious occasion of the Princess 50th Birthday Anniversary in HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Herbs Garden comprises of 2 parts: 1. The Herb Garden

2 The garden of more than 260 medicinal herbs of about 20,000 herb trees which can be divided into 20 groups according to their medical properities. The garden serves as the source of Thai Herbal knowledge and the place for recreation. 2. The 50th Birthday Anniversary in honor to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Building It is the exibition hall where visitors can enjoy interesting knowledge about Thai herbs shown through various multimedia, exciting and encouraging the desire to learn more. The exhibition hall consists of: - The Adventure of the Whirling Rubber Seed Room - Thai Energy Save the World Room - 4 essential elements of a person body room - The Conservationist Princess Room - House of the Village Doctor - World of Herb Room The Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhon Herbal Garden is located within the grounds of the Petroleum Authority of Thailand, about 25 kilometers from town on Highways No. 36 and No in Nikhom Phatthana sub-district. It is not only a center where various herbal plants are put on display the place as well engages in herbal research. Open daily except Monday from 9.00 a.m p.m Ko Samet A favorite get-away island for Bangkokians, Ko Samet offers extensive pristine beaches with clean white sand and strangely shaped rocks. A haven for relaxation, this T-shaped island is a perfect retreat for those looking for sun, sand and sea. The climate is always pleasantly cool with an abundance of rain in August and windy monsoons in May. There are a wide range of accommodations on the island with prices at the low-end starting from 200 baht for a bungalow with basic amenities, while bungalows with furniture and airconditioning may start at the rate of 600 baht. Mid-range hotels and resorts mostly located around the Hat Sai Kaew area are also available. Reservations for accommodations should be made in advance as the place gets crowded especially during the festive season. Attractions on Ko Samet include: Hat Sai Kaeo One of the most beautiful and most popular beaches on Koh Samet, Hat Sai Kaew is 1 kilometer long and meters wide. The name speaks for itself, Hat Sai Kaew, which literally means Crystal Sand Beach, is a nice beach filled with activities. From dusk to dawn, visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, jet skiing, windsurfing, riding on a banana boat or even partying at night. Accommodations provided include bungalows and villas.

3 Ao Noi Na Ao Noi Na, which is located near Hat Sai Kaew, has different ambience. It is quieter and therefore more suitable for those looking for a truly relaxing experience on the white, clean sandy beach. Ao Hin Khok Ao Hin Khok is separated from Hat Sai Kaew by a small rocky sea point where a mermaid statue is located. The beach, which is half the size of Hat Sai Kaew, is famous for its strangely shaped rocks. There are inexpensive bungalows/huts located along the beach, and also value-for-money restaurants providing fresh, quality seafood dishes. Ao Pai Located close to Hat Sai Kaew, Ao Pai is therefore quite crowded. For visitors interested in sunbathing, this is the ideal place as swimming is not recommended as there is whirlpool on the sea, as designated by the red flag. Ao Phutsa Ao Put Sa is a small bay on Koh Samet which draws repeat visitors intent on relaxing. Suitable for those who are tired of crowded beaches and nightlife activities, Ao Put Sa offers a quite retreat that reunites visitors with nature in its crystal clear waters. Ao Thapthim Ao Tub Tim, which is set in a tranquil atmosphere, is located near Ao Put Sa and is well known for its white sand and clear water. Ao Tub Tim has a small, cozy resort, which provides nice services in a well decorated compound. Ao Nuan Ao Nuan is located near Ao Put Sa and is a perfect hideaway for holidaymakers in search of tranquility. Ao Wong Deuan Ao Wong Deuan is the second largest beach on the island (the first being Hat Sai Kaew). Ao Wong Deuan attracts tourist groups during both the high and low seasons due to its beautiful white sandy beach and good accommodations. On top of this, good seafood restaurants with nice views are also available. Ao Thian (Candlelight Beach) Ao Thian s topography is painted by rocky beach in which some nice spots for skin diving are available. This beach is very quiet and free from group tours with bungalows and resorts available around the beach area.

4 Ao Wai Ao Wai is located within a short walking distance of Candlelight Beach. Shaded by coconut trees, the beach is a quite, scenic and serene spot for sea lovers. Ao Kiu Nok This bay is a perfect secluded den for those planning to keep their distance from the busy, crowded beaches and vibrant nightlife. From Aow Kiew Nok, visitors can actually walk to Aow Kiew Nai which is the ideal spot to see the spectacular sun rise and sun set. Ao Karang The best place to experience the traditional lifestyle of the residents of Koh Samet is at Ao Karang where there also are a number of seafood restaurants providing fresh seafood dishes at reasonable prices. Ao Wiang Wan Ao Wiang Wan is located on the west of Na Dan Pier, a large bay where lots of sport activities such as fishing, etc. take place. Ao Phrao Ao Prow is one of the quietest beaches of Ko Samet. Located quite far away from the lively nightlife of Ko Samet; Ao Prow is preferred by travelers who quietly enjoy the deep blue sea and white sand in the sunshine. Ao Prow has a long white sandy beach which is ideal for swimming. How to get there: Four operators; namely, Nuanthip, Si Ban Phe, Phe Port, and Saphan Pla, around Ban Phe offer shuttle boat services between their ports and the main port of the island. All operators charge a flat rate of 100 baht per person for a round trip or 50 baht for a single journey. Boats can leave anytime when more than 20 passengers are waiting. The service is available around the clock, seven days a week. For groups of at least 7 persons, Nuanthip Boat offers a shuttle boat service to other bays as well, such as Ao Wong Duean (120 baht each) and to the last bay Ao Pakarang (200 baht each). Si Ban Phe Boat also runs a scheduled boat service during weekends between Ban Phe and the main port of Samet. The hourly boat service from Ban Phe runs from 8.00 a.m. to 6 p.m. In the return trip from Samet, the boat leaves at a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The company also offers a speed boat service at 1,000 baht a trip for 12 people to the main port, or higher rates for other routes. A parking service on the main land is available. Getting around on Ko Samet: The island has only a single road. Some parts are concrete and some parts are only a dirt trail. A pick up truck offers a passenger service to the desired

5 beach. The fee depends on negotiation, ranging from baht each. Chartered service to get around the island costs between 200-1,500 baht. Attractions on Ko Samet and Nearby: Most beaches are on the eastern side of the island. The beaches hide in small bays and stretch some 200 metres. From the north, there are Hat Sai Kaeo, Hat Hin Khrong, Hat Khlong Phai, Ao Phutsa, Ao Thapthim, Ao Naun, Ao Cho, Ao Thian, Ao Wai, Ao Kio Na Yok and Ao Karang. The only beach on the western side is Ao Phrao. One of the famous beaches is Ao Wong Duean in the middle of the eastern side. This beach stretches in the shape of an almost complete circle. Both Ao Wong Duean and Hat Sai Kaeo have very fine white sand. Ko Kruai, Ko Kham, and Ko Pla Tin These islands are some 600 metres north of Ko Kudi. With coral reefs, tourists can enjoy fishing here. A rental boat service is available at the port in Ban Phe. Ko Kudi or Ko Kut The island is on the east of Ko Samet, six kilometres from the mainland. Ko Kudi totals an area of 63 rai. A nice beach and coral reefs make it a nice place for a hideaway. Nearby islands are Ko Thai Khangkhao and Ko Tham Ruesi. Without accommodation, the national park office on the island offers a tent for rent at 200 baht per person/ night. Pitching a private tent requires paying a fee of 20 baht per person/night. Ko Thalu Some 6 kilometres east of Ko Kudi, the island is another scuba diving site among coral reefs. The island totals an area of 69 rai, most remains lush forest. While high cliffs occupy the west, white sandy beaches occupy the east and south of the island. Ko Thalu is a habitat of seagulls, flying fox, and turtles Wat Pa Pradu Also dubbed "Wat Lum Market by the locals, the temple is located next to a market which offers interesting local Thai and Chinese food. Just watching the old houses located along the street behind the market can inspire your imagination on daily activities and lifestyles of the past Suan Si Mueang Dubbed as "Ko Klang" by the locals, Suan Sri Muang is a public park and health center. Located behind the former city hall, the park is well known for its landmark the Phra Buddha Angkhirot (Buddhist Shrine) housed in a traditional Thai style shrine.

6 07 - Hat Mae Ramphueng This 12-kilometre stretch of white sandy beach is a perfect place to enjoy the scenery while swimming. The beach trails along the way to meet Ban Kon Ao, where a small fishing community can be found. Accommodations and restaurants are available Hat Laem Charoen This beach is located 5 kilometers from the city and is a popular area among the locals and tourists as it is the location of many great seafood restaurants Wat Saranat Thammaram Near the turning point at km. marker 265 on Highway No. 3 Near junction Highway 3 and 34 is Wat Saranat Thammaram, which was built in The main attraction of this temple is a beautiful ubosot and a replica of the highly revered Phra Buddha Chinnarat statue of Phitsanulok. Around the ubosot are also replicas of major Buddhist monuments from Thailand s four regions Sunthon Phu Monument Five kilometers further on from Laem Mae Phim on the beach road (Highway No. 3145) is the Sunthorn Phu Monumentl. The place was built to commemorate one of Thailand s most famous poets in the early Rattanakosin era, two centuries ago. Sunthon Phu, a Rayong native, had written his literary works as Phra Aphai Mani being his most well-known work. There are statues of Sunthon Phu and characters from his famous literature. 11- Laem Mae Phim This cape can be reach either from Sukhumvit Road by taking a right turn at km. markers 259.5, 263 or 268, or proceeding further for another 1 kilometre from Wang Kaew on the beach road. This is a perfect spot either for relaxation and swimming or sampling local foods. To the north of the cape is a small off-shore isle named Ko Khi Pla Ko Man Nai This small island located approximately 5 kilometers off shore from Laem Mae Phim has been developed into a Sea Turtle Preservation Sanctuary under the royal initiative of Her Majesty the Queen. The place is open to the public from Monday to Sunday. Nearby are Ko

7 Man Klang and Ko Man Nok which are famous for their immaculate white sandy beaches and hip boutique resorts. Resorts on Ko Man Klang and Ko Man Nok offer accommodation packages that include boat transfer from the Rayong pier and three meals / day. Call to book your place in advance at The boat trip takes only 30 minutes from the pier. 13 Suphattraland Thirty kilometres from town is Suphattraland, an extensive orchard open to the public. It grows succulent mangosteen, durian and rambutan. They generally mature in late April- June. Visitors can enjoy not only the pleasant surroundings but also taste for themselves freshly-picked fruits from the trees. Open daily from hrs. Admission is 200 baht per person. Admission including a meal is 350 baht. Ask for more information at Supattraland Office Tel : Fax : Hat Phayun and Hat Phala Hat Phayun and Hat Phala are located approximately 32 and 34 kilometers respectively from the town of Rayong. Shaded by pine trees, the beaches offer unique opportunities for tourists to unwind in tranquility. Hotels and bungalows are available as perfect hideaways Namtok Klong Pla Kang The last piece of virgin forest in Rayong, the park is located in Klaeng District, 71 kilometers from the city. Declared as a National Park in December 31, 1975, Khao Chamao Khao Wong covers an area of 83.6 square meters, which is home to tigers, wild elephants and bears. The park is famous for its limestone mountains, caves, high cliffs, verdant forests and waterfalls. Khao Chamao Khao Wong National Park offers the following attractions: - Namtok Khao Chamao is situated approximately 17 kilometers off of the main highway at Km. marker 274. The main attraction and landmark of the 8-tiered waterfall is "Wang Mutcha a large pond on the second level which is the habitat of Pluang fish. Reaching the top is easy and visitors can enjoy the refreshing scenery all the way up to the highest level of the waterfall. - Namtok Klong Pla Kang Located some 3 kilometers from the National Park Office is this 7-tiered waterfall. Reaching the top of the waterfall is not quite an easy task as visitors have to walk through the verdant forest and also climb up the mountains. Plant lovers should

8 not miss this opportunity to see several kinds of plants such as ferns, orchids, mushrooms, etc., while walking along the trails. - Pha Sawan (Heaven Cliff) Pha Sawan is situated about 1,500 meters from the Park s Office. The cliff is famous for its scenic lookout point which offers an intriguing panoramic view of the pristine forests. Various types of plants can be found along the way up to the cliff and are ideal for nature studies. Camping sites are available at the price of 10 baht to pitch personal tents. Bungalows are also available (8 all together), at the cost of 800 baht/bungalow and have to be reserved well in advance. For more information 16 - Khao Chamao - Khao Wong National Park This national park was established in 1975, covering an area of 52,300 rai. This lush forest with a great variety of flora and fauna is the watershed of the Prasae River. The national park has two nature trails for tourists to explore herbs and animal behaviour. The trails are two kilometres and three kilometres long, respectively. To explore the trail, registration at the tourist centre is required in advance. Amission is 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for children. Houses and tents are available for tourists. Pitching a private tent costs 30 baht per person/night. For more information, please call the park at Tel begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting or National Park Department in Bangkok at Tel begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting or How to get there: The national park is 71 kilometres from Rayong town. Follow Sukhumvit Road and turn right at the Khao Din Intersection, kilometre 274. The national park is 17 kilometres away. Attractions in the national park : - Namtok Khao Chamao or Namtok Khlong Nam Sai This crystal clear waterfall is one kilometre before the national park. The waterfall comprises seven levels, stretching for three kilometres. The large pond called Wang Matcha, is a habitat of brook carp. - Pha Sawan (ผ ) The viewpoint is 1.5 kilometres from the national park headquarters. On the way, visitors can explore nature. Contact the national park staff first.

9 - Namtok Khlong Pla Kang The waterfalls is three kilometres from the headquarters. Ferns and orchids grow well in this lush forest. - Namtok Khlong Hin Phoeng The small waterfall is actually in Chanthaburi province, ten kilometers from the headquarters. Water runs all year round. Nature lovers can enjoy wild flowers around the waterfall. Khao Wong ( ) Many limestone mountains surround a flat plain in the middle. The amazing mountains have a total of 80 caves inside. This is also a habitat of mountain goat. - Krommaluang Chumphon Shrine The shrine houses the statue of Krommaluang Chumphonkhetudomsak, founder of Thailand's modern navy. He is much honoured by the people of Rayong. Turn right at kilometre 274 off Sukhumvit Road, the shrine is 10 kilometres away Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park - It is located in Ban Phe, 20 kilometres from Rayong town, the park totals an area of 81,875 rai comprising land, sea and islands. Its major attractions include Mae Ramphueng Beach, Khao Laem Ya, and Samet Archipelago. The most famous island is Samet where many private-owned bungalows are available. The park has three nature trails; namely, Ko Samet, Ko Kudi, and Khao Laem Ya. On each route, visitors can enjoy nature as well as beautiful view points. Admission fee: adults 200 baht, children 100 baht each. The national park offers houses and tents. Pitching your own tent costs 20 baht per person/night Khao Laem Ya Follow the beach road, a bit beyond Ban Kon Ao, to reach the seaside hill. From this sunset viewpoint, comprising scrub forest and cape, it is possible to see Mae Ramphueng Beach and Ko Samet. The 670 rai area is headquarters of the Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park. Administration is 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for children. Accomodation is available. Camping is allowed. Tents are available for rent at baht per person/night. Pitching a private tent requires paying a fee of 20 baht per person/night. Admission is Adult 200 baht Child 100 baht Wat Ban Don Shadow Play Museum The museum is located in Wat Ban Don, exhibiting a hundred Nang Yai shadow play characters. The Shadow Play character, or Nang Yai, is a large piece of leather carved and

10 painted into different characters. Aged over 200 years, these characters were brought from Phatthalung in For the Nang Yai performance, please contact 3 days in advance 20 - City Pillar Shrine Located on Lak Mueang Road, this shrine was first built of wood. Then it was replaced by a concrete construction with Chinese characteristics. The old city pillar was formerly in front of the shrine. A new one was later set up with a four-porched shelter. A celebration is held annually during the Songkran festival in mid - April Ban Phe A seaside town located approximately 19 kilometers southeast of the city, Ban Phe is the best place to enjoy relaxing on a long white sandy beach while sampling sumptuous seafood. Ban Phe is a major fishing community in the province, hence, the wide range of fresh and preserved seafood products or other local products. In addition, Ban Phe is also the departure point for Ko Samet Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon Also dubbed "Wat Lum Market by the locals, the temple is located next to a market which offers interesting local Thai and Chinese food. Just watching the old houses located along the street behind the market can inspire your imagination on daily activities and lifestyles of the past The King Taksin Shrine Located at Wat Lum Mahachai Chumpon on Taksin Road, the shrine was built to commemorate King Taksin the Great's brief stopover in Rayong to mobilize his troops and liberate the Kingdom of Ayutthaya from the Burmese. Legend has it that King Taksin the Great s elephant was believed to be stabled at a large Parkia tree (in front of the shrine). A well-regarded place by the locals, especially the Sino-Thais, the shrine attracts big crowds during Chinese New Year and on December 28th Suan Son This beach is located approximately 4 kilometers from Ban Phe. Travel along the beachfront road and visitors will find a place that offers true relaxation under the shade of pine trees. The scenic beach is eminently suited to relaxation and swimming. Accommodations and food shops are also available.

11 25 - Phra Chedi Klang Nam (Wat Samut Khongkha or Wat Pak Nam) Built at the center of the isle at the mouth of the Rayong River, the pagoda is located about 2 kilometers from town. The origin of the pagoda, which stands about 10 meters high, is still unknown. Sailors once used it as the sign of arrival in Rayong. An annual celebration held during November, features an exciting boat and Loy Krathong Festival Hat Saeng Chan Situated approximately 7 kilometers from the city, this beach is connected to Laem Charoen beach and is also suitable for swimming. Accommodations and restaurants are available. 27- Ban Kon Ao (The Fisherman's village) The best place in town to discover the traditional way of life is from a small but typical fisherman s village located at the end of Hat Mae Ramphueng. Visitors can also see how they catch fish and process seafood. An additional attraction worth visiting is the Catholic Church established near the village over 100 years ago Wang Kaeo A recreational park and resort located approximately 11 kilometers from Suan Son on the beach road, Wang Kaew provides accommodations and other tourist facilities. For more information, call or (Bangkok) Somdet Kromluang Chumphon Shrine This shrine, which was built to honor Somdej Krommaluang Chumphon, "Father of the Royal Thai Navy, who is highly revered by the locals is situated near the Prasair River in Klaeng District Ao Kai-Laem Tan This little cape located beyond Laem Mae Phim in Klaeng District is located near a small fishing village, where the main occupation is to pickle jellyfish. Set in tranquil ambience the place is marvelous for seafood lovers with seafood restaurants providing reasonably priced seafood dishes of good quality. Traveling to Ko Man Klang can be done by taking a speedboat from here.

12 31 - Dhammarachanusornsatan Situated at Kaochamao Rayong, there are many brilliant shrine buildings that house several statues such as a statue of Somdej Phra Putthajarn Tho Phromrangsi, the famous Buddhist priest of the Rattanakosin Age, and King Rama 5. There is a coins and antiques museum which contains many memorable things. There is no fee for entrance.

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School Information: GeoVisions. Experiences Are More Important Than Landmarks! Website: https://geovisions. Experiences Are More Important Than Landmarks! Many people dream of living in Thailand and having the adventure of a lifetime. Here time slows down, every day is different, and you are surrounded with