12 Attractions to Explore Near Ko Samet

Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet is a Thai marine national park in the Gulf of Thailand off the coastline of Rayong. In 1981, the Royal Forest Department declared the archipelago of Ko Samet, along with nine other small islands, the headland of Khao Laem Ya, and the 11 kilometer Mae Rampeung Beach to be a national park. In August 2013 more than 500 national park officials were deployed to destroy three resorts—Muk Samet, Unseen, and Ploy Samet—which had been built illegally in the park.

Khao Chamao - Khao Wong National Park, is a National Park in Khao Chamao District, Rayong Province in Thailand. The park covers an area of 52,300 rai or 83.68 km² of forested mountains. North of the national park is the larger Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary. The Chamao-Wong Mountains forms a western outcrop of the much larger Cardamom Mountains, stretching east, well into Cambodia. Most of the mountain ridge is of moderate slope.

Nong Nooch Garden is set in a 2.4sq.km. beautifully landscaped park and can easily make an all-day trip. The entire area is more like a theme park, with daily cultural shows, restaurants and accommodation as well as a vast area showcasing individually themed gardens. A leisurely stroll through the botanical park is like taking a journey around the world, through its many famous gardens, whether 17th-century French garden, Stonehenge, or European Renaissance garden.

This 6 km straight stretch of sand is a much quieter place compared to its rowdy neighbour to the north. It still has many attractions - some of which are world firsts – but the biggest is, without a doubt, the pleasure of a leisurely day on the sandy shore, splashing in the clean and uncluttered sea and enjoying the cheap seafood snacks available from wandering vendors.

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is one of the highlights of a visit to Chanthaburi regardless of whether you are religious or not. There has been a Catholic church in Chanthaburi for more than 300 years although the present building only dates back to the early 1900s. It is one of the famous church in Thailand.

Mini Siam is a famous miniature park attraction in Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand. This park is located 143 km from Bangkok on Sukhumvit Road. Mini Siam had been started to research the project in 1985, and had been constructed in 1986 with more 29 Rais which separated to be Mini Siam, and Mini Europe. For the rest area, there are the Booking Halls, the Souvenir Shops for lease, and the Parking Lots. The Democracy Monument in Bangkok was the first model to build.

Pattaya Beach lies parallel to the city centre, and runs from Pattaya Nuea south to Walking Street, about 2.7 km long. The beach, which used to be 35 m wide, suffers from erosion and in some places was reduced to a width of only two to three meters. This place was a paradise for tourists and is a popular place in Thailand.

The Sanctuary of Truth is perhaps the most iconic structure in Pattaya. Intricately carved entirely from teak wood, the awe-inspiring 105-metre-tall hall on the headland to the north of Wongamat Beach is a one-of-a-kind structure in the whole world. Neither temple nor palace, despite looking like a hybrid of both, it was commissioned by a local business tycoon to act as a place of appreciation for philosophy, art, culture and faith, without being tied to a single religion.

The park covers a rich, verdant forestland of some 58 square kilometers where many herbal plants and wildlife are found. On the top hill, there also Khitchakut Temple where people will flock there every year from February to April to worship the giant rocks on the summit where there is a trace of Buddha's footprint which believes will bring them prosperities.

Namtok Phlio national park is situated in Amphoe Laem Sing on the Sa Bap Mountain Range. There are numerous plants found including Khanun Pa, Krathon Pa, Patchouli, and a lot of wild animals; such as, wild boar, serow, small Asian mongoose, tree shrew, and black bear. The Park is also a habitat of a variety of fish species.

A huge zoo which was located in the heart of Thailand and has a huge collection of Animals and Birds. It is a great place for kids on holiday in Thailand.

Bang Saen beach is just a 30 – 40 minute drive from Pattaya, a nice day out for the children would be Bang Saen beach and Monkey Mountain. Bang Saen Beach is very similar to the beach of Jomtien, but a little more child orientated. it is one off the popular beach in Thailand.