Travel Guide to Rayong and Laem Mae Phim
Laem Mae Phim is a stretch of the Rayong coast east of Ban Phe. The road from the piers is 42 km and takes about 40 min. It is a quiet part of the province, known for seafood, fruit orchards and long beaches with few visitors.
The coast
Beaches along the Laem Mae Phim coast are long and sandy, with casuarina trees behind them and fishing boats at anchor. The sea is calmer than on the open Gulf in the months from November to April. Weekends bring Thai families from the city, and on weekdays the beaches are almost empty.
There are small resorts, beach houses and guesthouses, and few big hotels.
Food
Seafood is the reason many Thai visitors come. Restaurants near the fishing piers grill fish, crab and squid, and Rayong is known in Thailand for its fish sauce. A meal at a roadside seafood place costs far less than at a resort on the island.
Fruit is sold by the road in the season. From April the stalls offer durian, mangosteen and rambutan.
The road
The coastal highway from Ban Phe is a two-lane road with villages, temples and fruit stalls on the sides. The traffic is light. A stop for a meal or to look at a beach adds a few minutes, and the driver waits at no charge.
The fare for a car is on the price page, and the booking page is the service description Taxi to Rayong, Laem Mae Phim.
Combining with Koh Samet
Many visitors split a stay: two nights by the sea at Laem Mae Phim, then two on the island. The ferry from Ban Phe takes 30 to 40 minutes, costs 70 THB per person one way and 120 THB return, and runs daily from 08:00 to 18:00.
Questions and answers
When is the best time to visit?
From November to April the sea is calmer and the weather is drier.
Is Laem Mae Phim crowded?
Weekends are busier. On weekdays the beaches are quiet.
Is it easy to get around without a car?
Public transport along the coast is limited, which is why many visitors use a booked taxi.
How far is it from Ban Phe?
42 km, about 40 min.
Can I stop for seafood on the way?
Yes. Ask the driver for a short stop.
Book Ban Phe (pier to Koh Samet) to Rayong
Free cancellation. Pay the driver in cash, or by Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, transfer by QR code or bank transfer to a Thai account if you prefer.