With the raging success of White Lotus, it’s not far-fetched to guess where to go if you don’t mind being another face in the crowd.
Phuket, Koh Samui, and of course, Bangkok, all come to mind as places that borrow New York City’s famous moniker of vacation spots that ‘never sleep’.
But Thailand is inarguably one of Asia’s most diverse escapes, so there’s gotta be some undercover hideaways where you can catch up on some shuteye and enjoy pristine sun-drenched shores without the bustle of crowds, right?
Agoda, the #1 source for all things Asia, has revealed Thailand’s most relaxing summer getaway.
Little-known Rayong, both a province and coastal city, has been crowned as Thailand’s next big thing. Authentic, raw, and aligning with Thailand’s notorious low costs, why follow the crowd to the household names when there’s an undiscovered paradise awaiting?
Rayong (City): One Of Thailand’s Last Remaining Secret Retreats
With all the stunning islands Thailand has to offer, sometimes travelers forget there’s postcard beaches along the coastline.
With Phuket already a powerhouse and Koh Samui’s White Lotus glow-up, even places like Pattaya, once a favored destination, have been left in the dust, and that’s after a purposeful revamp to become more family-friendly.
Rayong is the best of both worlds as a coastal paradise and springboard to nearby island oases unrelated to the White Lotus boom — and culture certainly isn’t lacking either.
While you can surely find curated experiences all across Thailand, venturing into the lesser-known is always your best bet to discover the magic of travel; something that can’t be replicated by a tour guide, no matter how many perfect TripAdvisor reviews they may have.
Rayong’s night markets are truly captivating as you wander the maze of vendors selling ask-questions-later meats and piping hot noodles at bargain bin prices, but Agoda highlighted Rayong’s fresh seafood.
Definitely check out Star Night Bazaar Market, a local staple and the largest market of the city. Rayong may be Thailand’s most relaxing seaside destination, but you can still venture out for a sense of local culture and traditions with an array of markets, stunning temples, and historical landmarks, such as the Pillar Shrine.
Pristine Beaches & Insanely Cheap Resorts
I hate to keep bringing up White Lotus, but for better or worse, it’s really done a number on Thailand, as some vacationers are put off by the crowds and spike in costs.
You’ll quickly find Rayong doesn’t belong in that category. While Koh Samui’s resort rates will surely leave your jaw on the floor, Rayong’s portfolio of posh stays offers a contrasting sigh of relief.
Here’s a great example: stay at the name-brand Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa for only $73 this summer. That’s right — you can earn your Bonvoy points and book a luxe stay without breaking a sweat.
However, if you prefer to avoid corporate cookie cutters, there’s no need to sacrifice luxury for a more local feel. Book the 4-star Eastin Resort Rayong for even cheaper at $57.
Now that you have an understanding what your price point should be, now you can decide where to spend your beach days.
Saeng Chan is certainly the most unique with man-made rock embankments of crescent coves that, dare I say, feel Dubai-esque?
The most popular beach is Mae Ramphueng Beach, a local favorite known for its expansive swath of coastline and serene atmosphere; a surefire reason Agoda named Rayong as the most relaxing escape.
But if you must check off “visit a Thai island” on your travel wishlist, you can do so by visiting Koh Samet.
This lush island is renowned by locals for its gleaming white sand and crystal-clear waters and it’s easily accessible by ferry from nearby Ban Phe.
Reaching Rayong
If you’ve tried to visit Thailand before, then surely you’re aware there’s currently no nonstop flights from the U.S., and to make matters worse Thai Airways recently squashed rumors of that happening any time soon.
So, what’s the best way to reach Rayong?
There are multiple options, actually. Believe it or not, Rayong does share a small international airport with aforementioned Pattaya, and there are plentiful connections from popular hubs like Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and of course, Bangkok and Phuket.
The question you have to ask yourself is how adventurous you want to be? After all, Rayong is the ultimate place to unwind after long travel days!
According to 12Go, you can fly into Bangkok and hop aboard a 4-hour bus/ferry combo for as low as $10 or opt solely for a 3.5-hour bus for $6.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
