When people think of Thailand, they often associate it with sunny beaches and picture-perfect blue seas. But there’s more to it than just that—like the vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and blues of fruit orchards in full bloom. Just a three-hour drive from Bangkok, Rayong Province draws fruit lovers every year between May and July, offering an unbeatable deal: tree-ripened fruits for just HK$88/THB400. After stuffing your face with sweet treats, head over to Koh Samet for some sunshine and resort relaxation—your perfect 72-hour chill fest awaits!
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Rayong
#1 HK$88 All-You-Can-Eat Fruit
Rayong boasts several fruit orchards open to visitors, and this time we visited the locally recommended Suan La Mai Orchard. This 80-hectare farm is home to nearly 3,500 fruit trees and has been operating for 15 years—but only opened to tourists in the last three. For just THB400, you can hop on a sightseeing vehicle to tour the grounds. The first stop is the rambutan orchard. At first glance, you might think you’ve come at the wrong time since most of the fruits are still green, but the staff have already picked the ripe ones and piled them on tables for everyone to enjoy. Rambutans, those cute little red hedgehogs, have a slightly firmer texture and less juice than lychees, but their flavor is delightfully refreshing.
Don’t assume you’ll only be eating budget fruits here. Even “the king of fruits,” durian, makes an appearance, along with its milder cousin, mangosteen. There are also dragon fruit, longan, jackfruit, santol, and more. Watching these fruits hanging overhead in vibrant colors, you can even pick them straight from the tree yourself. Some varieties, like mangosteen, are best opened right on the spot—and if you’re unsure how, the friendly staff will gladly help. Others, like durian, are served pre-opened so you can enjoy them as is—or add them to dishes like mango sticky rice or coconut ice cream. For those who aren’t big on durian, there are plenty of other mouthwatering options to choose from.
Next up is the durian section, where the most experienced staff are on hand. Most of the fruits are already prepped and ready to eat. As soon as you select one, they expertly slice it open right before your eyes. There are two main types: one with a golden flesh and a rich aroma, and another with a lighter color and slightly milder taste. Both are incredibly delicious. For first-timers, the milder version is a great choice. If you’re not a fan of the strong smell or don’t want to risk trying unfamiliar fruits, go for the sweeter varieties or stick to other tropical delights. And don’t miss out on the fresh young coconuts—they’re incredibly hydrating and refreshing in the heat.
Another highlight of this orchard is its small petting zoo, home to dozens of adorable lambs. Want to get up close? Just buy some fresh grass to feed them—you’ll instantly become the most popular person there. Some of the lambs are so eager, they’ll practically jump into your arms, a far cry from their usual lazy image.
Suan La Mai Orchard
Address: 19/9, Ban Bueng-Klaeng Road, Tambon Payubnai, Ampher Wangchan, Rayong, Thailand
Phone: +66-(0)98-737-4983
Opening Hours: April 27, 2016 – August 14; Daily 8:00–17:00
Admission: Adults THB400, Children THB200
Website: http://www.suanlamai.com/
#2 Yom Jin Da Walking Street, Rayong
Though Rayong isn’t as developed as Pattaya or Phuket, that’s exactly what helps preserve its 150- to 160-year-old heritage houses. Yom Jin Da Walking Street is the liveliest spot in town—but only on weekends. When I visited on a weekday, I was treated to a quieter side of the street, allowing me to admire the historic architecture in peace.
One must-visit is a small museum showcasing everyday items from Thai life—old magazines, kettles, telephones, and more. It’s not a huge space, but history buffs will find it fascinating.
#3 Squid Paradise – Kang Ban Phe
While raw shrimp sashimi is a must-try in Thailand, in Rayong, you have to hit up the local favorite Kang Ban Phe for squid sashimi. This popular spot centers its menu around squid, featuring it in almost every dish—and at incredible prices. Our big group ended up ordering twelve squid-based dishes, including: raw squid (THB 300), squid papaya salad (THB 250), garlic squid (THB 250), plus dishes for just THB100 each such as tom yum squid khanom jeen, clear broth squid khanom jeen, squid fried rice, spicy squid fried rice, squid stir-fried khanom jeen, squid fish skin dumplings, squid balls, stir-fried squid, and squid in Thai spicy sauce.
Location: Opposite Jadet Pier (the pier to Koh Samet), next to the orange Tom Pizza
#4 Infinity Pool & Ocean View Marriott Hotel
We stayed at the Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa. By the time we checked in, it was already dark, so our room curtains were drawn. But when we woke up and pulled them open the next morning, we couldn’t help but exclaim in awe—the view was nothing short of breathtaking. Thankfully, we’d booked a Deluxe Ocean View room. Before we knew it, I’d already spent half an hour sitting on the little window-side sofa, staring out at the sea in a daze. Eventually, I stepped out onto the balcony, letting the sound of the waves wash over me and carry my worries away. I stayed in that 430-square-foot room for nearly an hour before heading down for breakfast. The high ceilings gave the dining area an airy feel, and the floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of sunlight, making it even more relaxing. After fueling up and taking it easy, we headed to the two infinity pools, lounging under the blue sky—a perfect way to enjoy a holiday!
Everything was just pulled open. When I woke up in the morning and drew back the curtains, I couldn’t help but let out an exclamation of “Wow!” An endless sea view stretched out right before my eyes. Fortunately, this time I had booked a Deluxe Ocean
View room. Before I knew it, I found myself sitting on the small sofa by the window, gazing at the sea and letting my mind wander for half an hour. Later, I simply stepped out onto the balcony, listening to the sound of the waves crashing, and all my worries seemed to be blown away. I stayed in this 430-square-foot room for nearly an hour before heading down for breakfast. The high ceilings gave the dining area an airy, spacious feel, and the floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of sunlight, making the atmosphere even more pleasant. After eating and resting, I headed to the two infinity pools, basking in the sun under the blue sky—this is probably what a proper vacation is all about, just chilling out.
Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa
Address: Kram, Klaeng District, Rayong
Phone: +66 38 998 000
Room Rate: Deluxe Ocean View rooms from HK$1,175
Website: http://www.marriott.com/
For details on Koh Samet, transportation, and itinerary tips, stay tuned for Part 2 of the 72-Hour Itinerary: Rayong Koh Samet – Relax at the Resort (Part 2)!
Acknowledgement: Tourism Authority of Thailand (Hong Kong), Thai Airways
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