Cycling Tour in Rayong: Visiting a Nostalgic Town, Golden Mangroves, and an Antique Museum

Located south of Bangkok, Rayong Province is famous for its abundant summer fruits. This time, however, we challenged ourselves to explore the most authentic local culture and scenery of Rayong by bicycle in just half a day. ...

The starting point of our cycling mini-trip is at the Dak Tien Goddess of the Tree Shrine (coordinates 12.713907, 101.708130), a temple dedicated to praying for love and safety. Legend has it that a woman, worried about her husband who had been out fishing for many days without returning, fasted under a tree to pray for his safe comeback. After days of waiting with no news, the woman died from not eating. But soon after, her husband surprisingly returned home safe and sound. People believed it was her heartfelt devotion that moved the gods and saved her husband, so she was revered as the Goddess of the Tree. In front of the shrine stands a large tree with sprawling branches, adorned with colorful ribbons—it’s the very spot where the woman once prayed. Locals honor it as the Goddess of the Tree.

Starting from the Goddess of the Tree Shrine, we began cycling toward Prasae Old Town in Rayong Province (coordinates 12.708134, 101.703726). This old town preserves intact wooden buildings, with large wooden doors opening into vintage grocery stores, barbershops, hardware shops, and fruit stalls...

Narrow alleys often see children and dogs running and playing through. Curious kids with wide eyes greet us strangers with shy smiles. Looking up, the eaves and power lines are decorated with many small fish made from recycled plastic bottles, swimming against the blue sky. The occasional passing motorcycle always goes by patiently at a slow speed—no honking can be heard. What a peaceful small-town scene it is.