Thread: Laem Mae Pim

I've lived in the area since 2002, and the area east of Ban Phe, including Laem Mae Phim is one of my favorites.

There's always been a good range of accomodation here, from the usual Thai joints, small boutique hotels, and even a Novotel. Now there's quite a bit of development going on, including a massive Marriot complex set to open next year, I believe.

However, it's still a pretty large area (Ban Phe to Lae Mae Phim), with a lot to offer. Nice range of beaches, from small little coves to long wide sandies. Certainly better than anything you'll find in Ban Chang or Sattahip IMO.

I agree that renting a car is a good idea, or rent a motorbike for a cheaper (and more fun) option. Should be easy to find both in Ban Phe.

Like I said, don't just limit yourself to Laem Mae Phim, the area has a lot to offer, from racuous Thai beaches to quiet (sometimes unbelievably so) little getaways.

Originally Posted by Bexar County Stud

I've lived in the area since 2002, and the area east of Ban Phe, including Laem Mae Phim is one of my favorites.

There's always been a good range of accomodation here, from the usual Thai joints, small boutique hotels, and even a Novotel. Now there's quite a bit of development going on, including a massive Marriot complex set to open next year, I believe.

However, it's still a pretty large area (Ban Phe to Lae Mae Phim), with a lot to offer. Nice range of beaches, from small little coves to long wide sandies. Certainly better than anything you'll find in Ban Chang or Sattahip IMO.

I agree that renting a car is a good idea, or rent a motorbike for a cheaper (and more fun) option. Should be easy to find both in Ban Phe.

Like I said, don't just limit yourself to Laem Mae Phim, the area has a lot to offer, from racuous Thai beaches to quiet (sometimes unbelievably so) little getaways.

OK, Mr Bexar County (San Antonio TX) has given you the best advice - Ban Phe is about 22 kms east of Rayong City and there are Baht buses available (parked along the side Soi, off Sukumvit [Rt #3/Rayong Main Street and not fdar from the bus station) to and from Rayong City/Ban Phe - but they don't run too late in the evening.
The road along the beach at Ban Phe is straight and few kilos long; the beach, is beautiful and generally clean (the water, with all the local shipping to/from Rayoang oil refinery and storage depot and Sattahip? - not so sure). Visually it is a beach in paradise.

There is a band of trees for shade running parallel to the beach - between the road and the water. Great place to relax - eating areas - or sleep out of the sun; there are many, open air seafood shops/restaurants - with fresh catch [even samll shark] available at curbside [make your pick and they cook to order/speak very little English but you'll manage - no problem].

Across the street you will fing Guesthouse - some ethnic, i.e., German, some bungalows, and some 3-5 star hotels as well.

Know this is a Thai holiday area so, while you will have the whole place to yourself Mon am - to Friday noon - brace for a large influx of Thais for the weekend - similar to Cha-am. But it is no problem.

Rayong has a visually beautiful beach, 12 kilos long - BUT - there ia an oil refinery at one end and a storage depot of some sort at the other end. We used to take the children there and sometimes had to wipe the oil off their skin - no joke. The Thais don't seem to care. On Sundays you can count 12 - 18 tankers just off shore, at anchor, waiting for the refinery / depot to open on Monday. No telling what they're dumping.

There is one Guesthouse here with a swimming pool - faces the beach (just across the road - and you can hear the surf from your room) and the backside faces the Rayong River. I stayed here; a beautiful place; nice owner (a Swiss guy and his Thai wife) - good food etc. I don't swim just enjoy walking the beaches and sleeping with the surf sound... The name escapes me but it means lightning and there are ligntning bolts on the sign - easy to find: turn right, off Rt 3/Rayong Main street, just before you enter the town, at the PNY Resort sign. Go about 2 kms and at 'T' intersection, turn left (PNY resort is to the right) - you will see it on your left about 1/2 kilo.

ENJOY Rayong.