Page 29 - OST April 2020

Escaping to Rayong’s islands
on quiet days.
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Story and photos by Chedtha Nuilek
Despite being an industrial city on the East coast, Rayong embodies numerous fascinating natural attractions including beaches and various islands in Rayong’s sea. Having the advantages of its location being not far from Bangkok and convenience of transportation, during holidays, the province is normally crowded with tourists. This might eclipse the beauty and natural surroundings of the place. Hence, this story will take our readers to take a trip on weekdays that we do not have to face a lot of people and can enjoy the peaceful and beautiful nature.
The islands in Rayong can be divided into 2 archipelagos: Mu Ko Samet. Apart from the famous Ko Samet, there is Ko Thalu featuring white sandy beaches and crystal clear water, Ko Kudi, Ko Khangkhao, Ko Kham-Ko Kruai best known for Thale Waek (a sandbar) of the Rayong Sea, and Ko Plai Tin with a pink rock terrace. These islands are overseen by the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park. Another island cluster is Mu Ko Man, which is under supervision of the Royal Thai Navy consisting of Ko Man Nai, where the Sea Turtle Conservation Center is located, Ko Man Klang and Ko Man Nok that have been granted concessions to private entrepreneurs to build resorts on the islands.
To get around the different islands, visitors can buy a one-day trip or charter a boat to sightsee the islands, except Ko Samet, where tourists can travel on their own via a ferry service all day. Ko Man Klang and Ko Man Nok are private islands in which the private companies have been granted concessions; therefore, only guests of the resorts are allowed.
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