RAYONG

First mentioned in official dispatches of 2113 BE (1086 AD), Rayong has been a town of note for some time. One of Rayong's greatest claims to fame is that Thailand's most famous Poet Laureate, Sunthorn Phu, spent his years of exile from the Royal Court in the area, mostly on Ko Samet.

SIGHTS AROUND RAYONG
Near the town, Laem Charoen and Saeng Chan beaches are the most popular, while off the coast are numerous scenic islands including Ko Kudi, Ko Platin, Ko Talu, and the very popular Ko Samet.
KO SAMET
Ever since Sunthorn Pu became enchanted with this dry island, it has had a reputation for being slightly magical.

Ko Samet's popularity began to boom about 10 years ago. Until that time the island had very few inhabitants and only a handful of bungalows to stay in. The island has no fresh water source, so water boats come over from the mainland every day to fill the bungalow's tanks.