Rayong is a well-known destination for Thais, but a bit off the beaten track for most Western visitors, despite being only 35 miles from Pattaya.  It is therefore an excellent place to relax and unwind for those wishing to delve deeper into Thai culture, while still enjoying the comforts of beautiful resorts and pristine beaches.

For travelers with adventurous tastes, Rayong is something of a culinary heaven.  Its fruits – especially the king of fruits, durian, and the queen of fruits, mangosteen, are some of the best in the world.  On top of that, the seafood is superb and a fraction of the cost in larger cities.

As if that’s not enough, seniors will enjoy the short boat ride to Samet Island, where idyllic bungalows by the sea await you, complete with hammocks, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and cocktails with little umbrellas.  What more could you ask for?