Is Rayong Part of Bangkok?

Rayong is not part of Bangkok. However, it is reachable by car via a two and a half hour drive from Bangkok. Rayong has become a lower-cost option for those who want a beach town that is close to Bangkok but cheaper and quieter than Pattaya. 

One drawback of smaller cities like Rayong is the lack of transport options available compared with the larger cities. This means relying on rideshare apps and hoping for public transit that may be less ubiquitous and convenient. 

To make life easier, getting a car rental in Rayong is an economical and time-saving option. But why choose Rayong at all? Here are a few of the reasons people are now looking to this beach city over the more popular destinations:

Budget Friendly

What costs $15 (£12) in Pattaya costs $10 in Rayong (£8). While the prices of certain commodities like gasoline are the same everywhere, many things cost less in Rayong. 

Prices in Pattaya are rising as land becomes scarce and vacationers become expats. Gentrification is a very real thing for many in Pattaya, and it is pricing both individuals and businesses out of the market. 

Rayong is different. There is still reasonably priced land to be had, and the rental rates are lower, as well. 

Rising Levels of Western Convenience

Lower prices mean many Western expats and businesses–both foreign and domestic–have chosen to uproot themselves from Pattaya and settle down in Rayong. A rising expat population means visiting and living in Rayong for foreign visitors is easier than ever before. As more Westerners arrive, so do Western conveniences such as Western restaurants and English-speaking staff.

Rayong is quickly becoming a destination for not just individuals and businesses, but for families, as well. International schools are popping up to accommodate the business executives moving to the area as international factories choose to expand into Rayong thanks to its lower costs. 

The Slow Life

A standard greeting in the Thai language is “Sabai dee mai?” This can be translated to “Are you relaxed?” In the larger cities, few people are “sabai,” as they are constantly stuck in traffic and rushing to get from place to place. 

Rayong, with half the population of nearby Pattaya, still embraces the slow life. Few people here are in a hurry, and the overall pace of life is more relaxed. Visitors and residents alike will find few places that stay open late outside of the beach areas. This makes it a great place for those with families or those who want someplace quieter. 

Accessibility to Both Bangkok and Eastern Thailand

Rayong is also a great jumping-off point for people wishing to visit eastern Thailand. Destinations such as Trat, with its tranquil islands of Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood are just a few hour drive. The Cambodian border is also accessible, which makes visiting ancient ruins like those of Angkor Wat possible as a weekend trip.  

For business travellers who frequent both Bangkok and Rayong, the drive between the two is only two and a half hours. This means that major international airlines can deliver business travellers to Bangkok’s sprawling Suvarnabhumi Airport, then they can fly to U-Tapao airport or drive to Rayong in about the same amount of time. 

A Car is a Necessity

A scooter is fine for getting to the nearby shop and back, but for anything else, a car is absolutely necessary. With one-way fares for rideshare apps around $5 (£4) just to get around town, visiting destinations outside of town is either inconveniently expensive or impossible. 

For vacationers, Drive Car Rental offers the option to meet you at U-Tapao International Airport and take you to your rental car. Just let our staff know your flight date and flight number, and we’ll be waiting for you! This way, you can fly in and drive to wherever your destination may be. The best time to visit Rayong is in the dry season from November to February, before it gets hot in March and April. To secure a rental during the high season, it is recommended to book as early in advance as possible.

Business travellers and expats often visit and work in Rayong. There are several industrial estates in the area, and new factories are constructed regularly. Business expats also often supervise staff and search for potential business opportunities. With the slow pace of life in Thailand, this can take weeks to months. For periods this long, renting a car becomes the economical option. 

Drive Car Rental is proud to offer corporate customers options for both short-term and long-term monthly rentals. We also provide chauffeur services for those who want a private driver to make visiting and staying in Rayong as convenient as possible. Speak to our sales staff for more information today!