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 economic- related 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 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. and on weekends from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Group visitors should call in advance. 02 - 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 Thai- style 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. 03 - 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 1985. 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 2006. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Herbs Garden comprises of 2 parts: 1. The Herb Garden 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. 3191 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.- 4.00 p.m. 04 - 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 air- conditioning 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 25 – 30 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. 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. 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 10.00 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 beach.