When people think about a holiday in Thailand, they usually picture Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Samui. But a few years ago, I was invited on a trip to explore East Thailand and its mainland provinces, which I didn’t know much about. It turned out to be one of the most relaxed and tourist-free trips I’ve ever taken in Thailand.
When travellers plan a trip to eastern Thailand, they head straight for the islands. Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood usually get all the attention. But the mainland provinces of Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat have plenty to offer, from driving along quiet coastal roads and visiting oyster farms and fruit orchards to walking through old towns, exploring temples, and stopping at cosy cafés.
If you’re looking for a slower, more authentic route, this East Thailand itinerary is a great alternative to the usual island-heavy plans. I’ll share what I did, what I saw, and what I’d do differently on my next visit to eastern Thailand. I’ve also included the islands you can easily add to this route.
❤️ This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support.
Quick Itinerary Overview: Places to visit in East Thailand
| Day | Location | Main Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Bangkok → Rayong | Coastal drive and beaches |
| Day 2 | Rayong → Chanthaburi | Scenic stops and sea farm |
| Day 3 | Chanthaburi | Old town and cathedral |
| Day 4 | Chanthaburi → Trat | Oyster farm and temples |
| Day 5 | Trat → Bangkok or islands | Mangrove forest and departure |
East Thailand Road Trip: My Experience
I spent seven days exploring the eastern mainland of Thailand, an area that often gets overlooked by international travelers. The trip was organized by the Thai Tourism Board, and the goal was simple: to show a different side of Thailand, one beyond the famous southern islands and major tourist hubs.
Why to visit East Thailand
- The islands of Koh Mak and Koh Kood offer the kind of atmosphere that attracted the very first travelers: simple beach bungalows, coconut palms, and the sound of the sea.
- The old part of Chanthaburi, stretching along the river, strongly reminds me of northern Chiang Mai. You’ll find street art, cozy cafés, temples, and large gem markets.
- Eastern Thailand is easily accessible from Bangkok, you can get there by bus or plane in less than an hour.
- Accommodation and food prices are lower than in the south or in the main tourist areas.
- Trat Province lies close to the Cambodian border, so if you’re planning a longer trip around Southeast Asia, you can easily continue on to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh.
- Instead of beach clubs and fancy resorts along the mainland coast, I found quiet fishing villages, old wooden shop houses, and scenic coastal roads.
Places to Visit & Things to Do in Eastern Thailand
Rayong Province: Quiet Beaches and Fishing Villages
Distance from Bangkok: 180 km
How to get there: Rent a car or motorbike, or take a minivan from Bangkok’s Ekkamai bus station.
Where I stayed: Sand Dunes Chaolao Beach Resort
Rayong was our first stop after leaving Bangkok. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive and one of the closest coastal provinces to the capital, but it feels far less touristy than places like Pattaya or Hua Hin.
The coastline is long and quiet, with simple beaches, seafood restaurants, and small cafés overlooking the sea. It felt like a place where Thai families go for weekend trips rather than an international tourist hotspot.
Fishing Village Ban Phe
In Rayong, we stopped at the fishing village of Ban Phe, which has a small harbor with ferries to the island of Koh Samet. Since it was almost lunchtime, we decided to try some fresh seafood and stopped at J-Taipupen Restaurant (ร้านเจ๊ต่ายปูเป็น).
The menu featured crab prepared in different ways, lobster, fried fish, crab curry wrapped in banana leaves, and shrimp. Everything was served with jasmine rice and steamed vegetables. The food was incredibly fresh, and I tried crab for the very first time, the meat was soft and juicy. We enjoyed our meal on the restaurant’s terrace overlooking the bay.
Fruit Orchards at Suphattra Land
I love exotic fruit, so visiting fruit orchards in Rayong was a great way to see how all these fruits actually grow. We hopped on a small train that took us through the orchards, stopping at several points where our guide showed us different fruits and shared interesting details.
Apparently, the best time to visit is from May to July, when the largest variety of fruit is in season.
The biggest local specialty is durian, known as the “king of fruits.” Each fruit weighs between one and three kilograms, has a thick shell covered in pyramid-shaped spikes, and a very strong smell, so strong that it’s banned in most hotels. Durian has a texture similar to avocado, is very filling, high in calories, and Thailand is the world’s largest exporter.
After the train ride, we were taken to the fruit bar, where we could enjoy unlimited tastings of up to twenty kinds of fruit, along with papaya salad, which was absolutely excellent.
At Suphattra Land, besides durian, they also grow rambutan, mangosteen, starfruit, mango, longan, guava, salak, longkong, jackfruit, passion fruit, rose apple, and more.
You can check their Facebook for further details.
Chanthaburi Province: Old Town, Cathedral, and River Views
Distance from Bangkok: 250 km
How to get there: Rent a car or motorbike, or take a minivan from Bangkok’s Ekkamai bus station or MoChit Bus station.
Where I stayed: Rimnaam Klangchan Hotel
Chanthaburi ended up being my favorite stop on this trip. The capital of the province shares the same name as the region itself, and it strongly reminded me of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, one of the country’s most popular destinations.
The old town sits along a quiet river and is full of colorful wooden houses, small cafés, and local shops. It’s very walkable, and the atmosphere feels peaceful and slightly nostalgic. The city is also famous for its gemstone markets, where you can sometimes find sapphires for a fraction of the price compared to what you’d pay back home.
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
The Catholic community in Chanthaburi dates back to around the year 1700, and today about 8,000 Thai Catholics live here. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was first built in the 18th century and has been rebuilt four times since then. It gained its current appearance in 1909. The interior is truly beautiful and well worth a visit.
Gem Markets
Hundreds of markets take place across Thailand every day, but this one was the most interesting to me. Chanthaburi is known worldwide for its gemstone trade. In the city center, you’ll find Si Chan Road, lined with trading tables displaying different kinds of precious stones. Buyers from all over the world come here to purchase sapphires and rubies at better prices than almost anywhere else.
Traditional Egg Cakes
As part of our organized trip, we also visited a family-run bakery that makes traditional “egg cakes,” which have a texture similar to sponge cake. Three generations of the same family have been working here since 1948.
If you’re in Chanthaburi, you can arrange a city tour with a local English-speaking guide, Francisco, who organizes this and many other experiences.
Chanthaboon Waterfront
The Chanthaburi River runs through the city, and along its banks stretches the historic promenade known as the Chanthaboon Waterfront. It has existed for more than 300 years and has a very charming atmosphere. You’ll find beautifully decorated wooden houses, plenty of cafés, small shops, and restaurants with views of the river.
Gem and Jewelry Centre
If you’re interested in buying jewelry or precious stones, you can stop by the Gem and Jewelry Centre. At the beginning of the visit, we watched a short film about how the stones are mined and processed. Then we explored the small museum, and at the end we had the chance to purchase some pieces as well.
Tha Machan Food Restaurant
At 248 Sukhapiban Road, right along the Chanthaboon Waterfront, you’ll find Tha Machan Food restaurant. It has terrace seating directly above the river, which makes it a great place for a relaxed meal.
We tried a Thai omelet, Massaman curry, fried shrimp, and several other dishes served in metal mess tins. Everything was delicious.
Oyster Farm
If you’re a foodie, don’t miss a visit to the oyster farm. The farm is called Pa Louise Lung Thom (which translates to Aunt Louise and Uncle Tom), and you can reach it by boat.
Oysters are a local specialty in this area and appear on the menu of almost every restaurant. Uncle Tom will explain everything about how they’re cultivated and show you how they’re properly served. At the end of the visit, we had a small tasting, the oysters were unusually large, and we ate them with chilli, shallots, and lemongrass.
Kung Krabaen Bay Marine Farm
At the Kung Krabaen Bay marine farm, you can learn how oysters are cultivated and how crab eggs are harvested. You can also buy a bag of fish to feed the sharks.
The man in the photo was calling them over, and we were supposed to go down to a platform to feed them. But thanks to previous visitors, they were already full, so they didn’t show up. Entrance is free; you only pay 40 THB for the fish feed.
Noen Nang Phaya Viewpoint
On the way, be sure to stop at Noen Nang Phaya Viewpoint, located along the coastal road near Chanthaburi. The road also has a lane for cyclists and pedestrians, and it offers beautiful views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.
Trat Province: Slow Travel Near the Border
Distance from Bangkok: 330 km
How to get there: Rent a car or motorbike, or take a minivan from Bangkok’s Ekkamai bus station.
Where I stayed: Avada Hotel
Trat is usually just a transit point for travelers heading to the islands. But staying on the mainland gave me a completely different perspective. The province feels slower, quieter, and more rural than the others. Trat town itself is small, but it has a local charm, with markets, temples, and simple streets lined with old shop houses.
It’s not a place packed with attractions, but that’s part of its appeal. It works well as a slow travel stop before continuing on to the islands.
Mangrove Forest at Ban Tha Ranae
To experience local life, we visited the community of Ban Tha Ranae, which organizes boat trips through the mangrove forests. After a short welcome, we boarded a boat and set off toward the mangroves.
At one stop, we planted clams into the mud and even played a game of natural bowling. The bowling lane, pins, and ball were all made from materials the locals found in the forest.
After returning to the community’s main house, we tasted herbal tea called cha roi ru, a coconut dessert, and fried mangrove leaves. The whole activity costs just a few hundred baht per person, and you can make a reservation with Mr. Saichon through the Ban Tha Ranae Facebook page.
Ban Huai Raeng Community
One of the biggest highlights of this trip was visiting the eco-community of Ban Huai Raeng. With the help of local guides, we took part in several hands-on activities.
First, we took a boat ride along the Khlong Kud canal, where we learned how the nipa palm is processed. The leaves are used to make desserts, while the branches are dried, cut, and used for wrapping cigarettes.
After that, we watched how they produce natural mangosteen soap and a traditional dessert called khanom chak. You can arrange the same experience by calling +66 89 247 9648 or by asking at local travel agencies.
Wat Buppharam Temple
The oldest temple in the area is Wat Buppharam, built in 1652. Within its grounds, you’ll also find a small museum with local artifacts and prayer halls decorated with Thai-Chinese murals.
Trat City Museum
The Trat Museum offers a great insight into the history and culture of the province. The displays are designed in a way that keeps things interesting, even if you’re not usually a museum person. Everything is also available in English.
There are several short videos that explain key moments in the province’s history in a very engaging way.
Laem Ngop Lighthouse
From Laem Ngop Lighthouse, you can catch boats to the islands of Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak. It’s also a nice photo stop, with the red-and-white lighthouse and the large “Trat” sign nearby.
Baan Tewtara Restaurant
We headed to Baan Tewtara for dinner. The road led along a dirt track through the forest to a parking area, from where you could take a tuk-tuk or a small train to the restaurant.
There were plenty of locals dining there, which is always a good sign and the food did not disappoint. The menu focused mainly on seafood. For easier navigation, I’ve included a map to Tewtara Restaurant.
Manu Konpludthin Restaurant
At Manu Konpludthin Restaurant, you can enjoy your meal with a view of a small lake. If you come during fish feeding time, you’ll also see dozens of red hawks swooping in, mistakenly thinking the food is meant for them.
Still planning the rest of your trip? Take a look at my Thailand itinerary guide for routes covering 7 to 21 days.
My Mainland East Thailand Road Trip Itinerary + Islands
1st Day: Bangkok to Rayong
- Morning drive or minivan from Bangkok
- Visit the Suphattra Land fruit orchard
- Stop at Laem Charoen Beach
- Coastal drive with a stop at Khao Laem Ya Viewpoint
- Early dinner at J-Taipupen Restaurant
2nd Day: Rayong to Chanthaburi
- Optional stop at Laem Mae Phim Beach
- Visit the Khung Kraben Bay Aquaculture sea farm
- Stop at Noen Nang Phaya Viewpoint
- Drive inland toward Chanthaburi
- Check into your hotel
- Dinner at a local restaurant
3rd Day: Chanthaburi Old Town
- Visit the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
- Walk along the Chanthaboon Waterfront
- Explore side streets with street art and gem markets
- Relax by the pool
- Sunset by the river
4th Day: Chanthaburi to Trat
- Visit Uncle Tom’s oyster farm
- Drive to Trat
- Stop at Wat Buppharam Temple and the Trat City Museum
- Dinner at Baan Tewtara Restaurant
5th Day: Trat and on to the Islands or Back to Bangkok
- Visit the Ban Tha Ranae community and explore the mangrove forest
- Drive to Laem Ngop Lighthous
From here you can:
- Take a ferry to Koh Chang, or
- Drive back to Bangkok, or
- Return to Ban Phe and take a boat to Koh Samet (you’ll need to leave your car or bike on the mainland).
6th Day: Relax on Koh Chang or Continue to Koh Mak or Koh Kood
- Beach time and island activities, or
- Transfer to Koh Mak or Koh Kood for a quieter island experience
What I’d Do Differently Next Time
Looking back, if I were to do the same trip again, there are a few things I’d change.
1. Spend more time in Chanthaburi
Chanthaburi is a real hidden gem. It had the most character and the nicest atmosphere, with great cafés, street art, and a lovely riverfront. The vibe reminded me a lot of Chiang Mai. I also loved my hotel, so next time I’d spend more time relaxing by the pool and exploring the city center.
2. Plan more nature stops
Although we did spend some time in the mangrove forest, there are several national parks and waterfalls in this region that I didn’t have time to visit. I’d definitely be interested in exploring more of them on my next trip.
3. Add one island at the end
After the peaceful mainland route, finishing the trip with a couple of days on an island would have been the perfect contrast. I’d either go to Koh Chang and, if time allowed, continue island hopping to Koh Mak and Koh Kood, or spend two days in Koh Samet.
Eastern Thailand islands
From Rayong and Trat, it’s very easy to continue to the islands.
Koh Chang
Koh Chang is the second-largest island in Thailand and attracts visitors with its wild jungle, waterfalls, and beautiful beaches. From Bangkok, you can get here by bus and boat in just under six hours. Another option is to fly to Trat Airport, from where it’s about an hour’s journey to the island.
The most beautiful beaches:
- White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao) – the longest and most famous beach
- Klong Prao Beach – quieter, ideal for families
- Lonely Beach – popular with backpackers, with cheap bungalows and beach bars
Koh Mak
Koh Mak is a small, peaceful island, ideal for cycling, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and complete relaxation. If you want to escape the crowds, this is the place to go.
The most beautiful beaches:
- Ao Kao Beach – a long beach with golden sand and palm trees
- Ao Suan Yai Beach – views of neighboring islands and great sunsets
- Laem Tukata – a quiet spot in the northern part of the island
✹ Tip: You can reach Koh Mak by boat from Laem Ngop or Laem Sok; the journey takes about 30–40 minutes. Accommodation options are limited, so it’s best to book in advance. → Check accommodation options on Koh Mak
Koh Kood
Koh Kood is a remote island located south of Koh Chang, not far from the Cambodian border. Here you’ll find peace and quiet, minimal development, clear turquoise water, and plenty of palm trees.
The most beautiful beaches:
- Ao Tapao Beach – long, with white sand and beachfront resorts
- Ao Phrao Beach – romantic and surrounded by palm trees
- Khlong Chao Beach – known for its beautiful sunsets
✹ Tip: You can book a speedboat to Koh Kood from Laem Sok Pier via the 12Go website.
Koh Samet
Koh Samet is popular not only with international tourists but also with Bangkok residents, for whom it’s a favorite weekend escape. You can get here from the capital in about 3–3.5 hours. The beaches are known for their fine white sand and clear water.
The most beautiful beaches:
- Ao Phai – a lively beach with bars and restaurants
- Ao Prao – ideal for a quiet, romantic stay
- Sai Kaew Beach – the most famous beach on the island
How to Travel Around East Thailand
Best Option: Rent a Car or Motorbike
I recommend this only if you’re a confident driver who is used to driving on the left side of the road. The most challenging part is leaving Bangkok, as the traffic can be quite intense. But once you get out of the city, the mainland route is easy and very enjoyable.
You’ll have the most flexibility and access to smaller villages, scenic coastal roads, and viewpoints that would be difficult to reach by public transport.
→ Compare car rental prices in Thailand
Public Transport
From Bangkok, it’s fairly easy to take a minivan to Ban Phe in Rayong province. From there, you can use local minivans or songthaews (shared taxis), or continue by public transport to Chanthaburi and Trat.
It can be a bit of a hassle in some cases, especially when trying to reach more remote spots like the mangrove forest. But if you’re happy visiting places that are easily accessible, public transport is still a good option.
I usually book all my transport tickets in Thailand in advance through the 12Go website. It’s reliable, and the tickets are sent directly to my email.
By Plane
The only airport in this region with connections to Bangkok is Trat Airport. I actually flew back to Bangkok from here, and the flight took only about 55 minutes.
It’s also one of the smallest airports I’ve ever seen, with cute grass elephant statues outside.
Where to Stay in East Thailand
Rayong
Stay at one of the beachfront hotels or resorts along the coast. You’ll also find plenty of accommodation options in Rayong city if you prefer a more urban base.
Chanthaburi
Definitely try one of the boutique hotels in the old town or along the riverside for a more atmospheric stay.
Trat
For a one-night stop, I recommend comfortable city hotels or small guesthouses.
Best Time to Visit East Thailand
The weather in eastern Thailand is pleasant almost all year round. Unlike the south of the country, it generally receives less rain.
From December to March, the weather is dry and sunny, the sea is calm and clear, and conditions are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and boat trips.
This is also the period with the highest demand for accommodation, so I recommend booking hotels in advance. I visited in May, and the weather was great, not a drop of rain but the sea felt like a hot bath.
The rainy season runs from May to October, but the east coast is often less affected than southern Thailand.
East Thailand Practical Travel Tips
- Renting a car or motorbike makes the trip much easier.
- Carry some cash when visiting smaller towns.
- Book hotels in advance on weekends.
- Roads are generally in good condition.
- Make sure you have an internet connection for easy navigation. I recommend using an eSIM, my go-to option is Airalo.
- Get valid travel insurance and always wear a helmet if you’re riding a motorbike.
- When visiting the mangrove forest, don’t forget to bring mosquito spray.
FAQ About East Thailand
Is East Thailand worth visiting without the islands?
Absolutely. The mainland has a very local vibe, so if you’re looking for something more authentic, you’ll love it. During your road trip, you can always stop at one of the many beaches along the coastline, try delicious seafood, visit local communities, and experience what feels like the eastern version of Chiang Mai – the city of Chanthaburi.
How many days do you need for mainland East Thailand?
I’d say about five days is enough to visit Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat at a relaxed pace. If you want to add islands, plan at least eight days, ideally a bit more so you have time to properly relax on the beach.
Is it better to rent a car?
Yes, a car or motorbike gives you much more flexibility and makes it easier to explore coastal and rural areas. The roads are generally in good condition, and traffic isn’t too bad once you leave Bangkok.
Which island is easiest to add to this itinerary?
Koh Chang is the easiest and most popular extension from Trat, and you can also continue to Koh Mak or Koh Kood from there. If you prefer a smaller island closer to Bangkok, choose Koh Samet. Just note that you can’t take your car or motorbike onto the island, you’ll need to leave it at designated parking areas on the mainland.
Is East Thailand Worth Visiting? My Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed my trip through eastern Thailand. If you’re not interested in the slightly overhyped and expensive islands in the south and would rather see something more local and affordable, this is a great region to explore.
It doesn’t have the dramatic limestone cliffs of the south or the party scenes of the bigger islands, but that’s exactly the point. The days felt slower, the places felt more authentic, and I rarely ran into crowds.
Rayong was an easy introduction to the region, Chanthaburi had the most character, and Trat offered a calm, almost sleepy atmosphere before the jump to the islands.
Get ready for your trip to Thailand today!
✹ Flights: → Compare prices
✹ Transport around Thailand: → Search for tickets
✹ Tours, experiences, and tickets: → Book online
✹ Travel insurance: → View offers
✹ Accommodation: → Find nice places to stay
