Rayong Travel Tips

Banks: 09:00 to 15:30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday; 08:00 to 12:00 Saturdays
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 21:00, daily
Museums: 10:00 to 16:00, daily
Business Offices: 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday

Due to the small town nature of Rayong, crimes against visitors are virtually unheard of. As in most of Thailand, you can walk along the streets after dark without any concern. If you go to Koh Samet or another popular tourist destination it’s advised not to walk along the beach by yourself late at night.

Theft is always a potential issue, especially in tourist resorts. If you leave your bag unattended while swimming in the sea, chances are it will be gone when you return. Don’t let Thailand’s mellow friendly atmosphere lull you into complacency when it comes to your valuables.

Police: 191
Tourist Police: 1155

220V AC, 50Hz; round two-pin European plugs are the norm, but some outlets also accept flat two-blade plugs.

While Thailand itself doesn’t usually present travellers with any major disease concerns, it is still advised that all visitors get inoculated against hepatitis, typhoid and tetanus. A relaxed monitoring system of Thai restaurants means that there are really no health standards. This is particularly true in smaller towns such as Rayong. Lax enforcement leaves the issue of hygiene up to each individual shop owner, allowing diseases like hepatitis B to flourish through uneducated employees.

Some visitors to Thailand get a mild bout of upset stomach within a few days of arrival as their bodies adjust to new microbes native to the region. As a rule, if a restaurant looks dirty it probably is. If no one is eating in a beachside seafood shack, there’s probably good reason. If you stick to restaurants that look tidy and have customers you should be fine. Either way, always check that your seafood or meat has been thoroughly cooked.

The tap water in Rayong is not potable so visitors should drink only bottled water that is cheap and readily available everywhere you go. Ice is almost always prepared from clean water, but the problem lies in its storage. Bad ice most often results from the dirty ice cooler in which it is stored every day. Since it’s tough to tell if a restaurant or bar has contaminated ice, concerned visitors should just avoid it. Upset stomachs can be treated at any pharmacy located in the centre of Rayong.

Another health concern is the sun. If you plan to spend days lying on the beach, use sunscreen to protect your skin. Even on a cloudy day the Thai sun can be quite strong, burning fair skinned visitors in a short time. Dehydration is another thing to consider. The cooling sea breezes trick you into thinking that the sun is not drying you out. Drink lots of bottled water while sunbathing to avoid dehydration.

Should anything serious happen during your visit to Rayong, there are several hospitals in the city that are adequate to treat most common injuries. If you have a major medical emergency you should seek treatment in Bangkok. The costs for medical care in Thailand are low, but must be paid upon receiving treatment. It is suggested that all travellers to Rayong buy travel insurance as a precaution against unforeseen medical emergencies.

Thai people speak Thai language, and in general are only versed in their native tongue. It is possible that some of the locals working in the tourism industry can speak basic English, but don’t count on it. This is particularly true of small, remote towns which see few foreign visitors. It’s suggested you learn a few basic Thai phrases such as ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ to smooth the way.

The official currency in Thailand is the Thai baht. There are 100 satang in a baht, but these tiny golden coins are rarely used anymore. Banknotes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 baht. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, and 10 baht.

Thailand is a single currency nation so visitors will need to exchange their foreign money into Thai baht upon arrival. In general, credit cards and travellers cheques are a bit of an anomaly so don’t expect to be able to use your Visa or MasterCard at many businesses around Rayong. Cash is still the preferred means of payment so be sure and carry enough around when you venture out.

The best place to exchange money is at one of the banks along the main road, Sukhumvit. Not every bank offers this service, but the larger branches in Rayong do. Popular tourist destinations like Ban Phe cater to visitors and offer even more currency exchange options, but Koh Samet has only limited moneychangers. ATMs are easy to find in Rayong, but not all of them accept international debit cards.

All visitors to Thailand regardless of age may bring in 200 cigarettes, 250 grams of tobacco or the equivalent amount of cigars along with a litre of alcohol without incurring any duty tax. It is forbidden to take any antique or old Buddhist images out of Thailand so be careful what you buy.

Thailand has quite a few points of etiquette which visitors should be aware of. The two most important institutions in the country are the royal family and Buddhism. Be particularly conscientious when dealing with either subject. Insults against the royal family are punishable by prison sentence, and often enforced. Anything related to Buddhism is also sacred. Never point your feet towards an image of the Buddha or act disrespectful towards an image. Women should never touch a monk, and both sexes should dress conservatively when visiting a temple.

Thais greet one another with a wai. This graceful motion involves putting your palms together and raising them to your chest. It is a sign of respect and well received by Thai adults. However, children and staff who give you a wai do not expect one in return. Keeping your cool is a way of life in Thailand. Raising your voice or getting angry does not go down well and has no effect on resolving the problem. Travellers need to accept the reality of Thailand’s pace and go with the flow.

Although the culture is quickly modernising, Thailand is still conservative at heart. Visitors will notice that most Thais dress modestly and show very little skin. Unless you’re on the beach, it’s suggested that you follow suit as a sign of respect. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, as is loud obnoxious behaviour. Keep a thought directed towards what your feet are doing at all times. They are considered the lowest part of the body and should not be used for anything but walking. Don’t put them on a table or point them at someone.

At the other end of the spectrum, the head is considered sacred. Don’t touch anyone on the head, even children. Fortunately, Thais are extremely tolerant and forgiving. It’s likely you’ll make one or two social missteps during your visit, but if you show a willingness to learn the locals will quickly let it pass. A smile and a wai go a long way towards smoothing over a problem.

Dining Etiquette
Dining in Thailand is a casual affair. Thais rarely get dressed up to go out to eat, and Rayong’s beachside atmosphere makes this even more emphatic. This relaxed attitude towards eating out is also reflected in the woeful lack of service in restaurants. Don’t expect Western-style levels of attention from waiting staff and you won’t be disappointed. If you need something, simply beckon your waitress with a friendly wave of the hand.

Thais have a wonderful traditional of sharing their meals. It’s common to order several dishes and a big bowl of rice for the whole table. Everyone takes what they want, as more food can always be ordered. Tipping is not common practice in Thailand, but it’s always appreciated if you leave the small change from your bill.

Nationals of 41 countries qualify for a tourist visa upon arrival. Nearly every large country is included in this list, but if you are from a small nation you should check with the Thai embassy concerning visa regulations. Most visitors receive a 30-day tourist visa that can sometimes be extended at an immigration office for a fee, though don’t count on it. Your passport must be valid for six months and you will need a return ticket to show officials if requested.