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Open Days: Every day

Opening Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

 

Rayong is a coastal province famous for its pristine beaches and fresh seafood. It is a popular destination for travelers from Bangkok seeking a peaceful seaside getaway that is not too far from the city. One of its lesser-known gems lies in Ban Chang District – a tranquil coastal area where two beaches, Phayun Beach and Phala Beach, stretch along the same shoreline. Both are known for their clear waters, tall pine trees, and the simple charm of local fishing communities.

 

Phayun Beach is located about 32 kilometers from downtown Rayong. It is quiet and serene, ideal for those who want to relax away from crowds. The fine sand and clear water make it perfect for swimming or strolling along the coast. At the southern end of the beach, visitors can find small fishing villages and local seafood restaurants such as “Good Day Surf Club” – a seaside café-bar popular among young travelers, and “Pa Juan Seafood Restaurant,” famous for its fresh catch cooked in local style.

 

Phala Beach, located only two kilometers away, is slightly livelier and well-known for its long pine-lined coastline. It offers shaded spots perfect for picnics and is one of the best places in Rayong to watch the sunset. Hotels and bungalows line the area, including Play Phala Beach Resort and Royal Phala Cliff Beach Resort, which both offer beautiful views over Ban Chang Bay.

 

Both beaches offer convenient facilities such as public restrooms, freshwater showers, and spacious parking areas. There is also a tourist information center operated by Ban Chang Municipality on weekends. Visitors can rent mats, swim rings, and find snack stalls and beverage shops scattered along the beach. The calm environment makes it ideal for families or those seeking a laid-back seaside experience.

 

Getting There: From Sukhumvit Road at kilometer marker 191, turn toward the seaside road and continue for about 5 kilometers. The coastal road runs along both beaches and connects to the Map Ta Phut Pier. From Bangkok, it takes about 2.5 hours by car via the Motorway (Bangkok–Pattaya) linking to Sukhumvit Road in Rayong. Travelers can also take a minivan from Bangkok to Rayong, get off at Ban Chang Market, and take a local taxi or songthaew to the beach. The beaches are only a 15-minute drive from U-Tapao Airport.

 

Popular activities include swimming, jogging or cycling along the beach, and watching the sunset at the end of Phala Beach. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, or jet-skiing depending on the season, but should always check safety notices and flags before entering the water.

 

Nearby restaurants include “Khrua Khun Ya Seafood,” located 400 meters from Phala Beach, famous for its steamed shrimp with glass noodles and fried seabass with fish sauce, and “Phala Beach Restaurant,” right on the beachfront, open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tel. 038-630-248. At Phayun Beach, “Phayun Café & Bar” offers a relaxing spot with sea views and cold drinks, just 1.8 kilometers from Phala Beach.

 

Recommended accommodations include “Play Phala Beach Resort” (Tel. 038-630-555), “Royal Phala Cliff Beach Resort” (Tel. 038-630-888), and “Triple O Phala Beach Hotel” (Tel. 038-025-999), located only 150 meters from the shore. There are also small homestays within the local fishing community for visitors who prefer a more authentic experience.

 

The best time to visit is from November to February, when the weather is cool and calm with crystal-clear water. Between May and October, the southwest monsoon brings occasional rain and stronger waves, though the beaches remain beautiful and accessible on many days. Always check the weather forecast before your trip.

 

Nearby attractions include Nam Rin Beach (4 km away), a smaller continuation of the same coastline, and the “Urban Forest Project, Rayong,” a nature trail with a scenic mangrove walkway and the iconic stupa on the water. From here, visitors can also drive to Ban Phe or take a ferry to Koh Samet in less than an hour, making Phayun–Phala Beach a perfect stopover in any Rayong itinerary.

 

Together, Phayun and Phala Beaches embody the quiet beauty of Rayong’s eastern coastline – clean, calm, and filled with the rhythm of everyday local life. For those who seek peace by the sea, this twin-beach stretch offers a truly refreshing escape.

 

 

A: From November to February, when the weather is cool and calm, with clear seawater ideal for swimming and sightseeing.

 

A: Yes, public restrooms and freshwater showers are available along the beach, especially near the tourist information center.

 

A: Yes, several options are available such as Play Phala Beach and Royal Phala Cliff Beach Resort, both right by the beach, and Triple O Phala Beach Hotel just 150 meters away.

 

A: Yes, it takes around 2.5 hours by car via the motorway, or by minivan to Rayong followed by a local taxi to Ban Chang.

 

A: There are safe swimming zones along the middle section of Phala Beach, where the water is shallow and calm under lifeguard supervision.

 

A: Yes, there are many local seafood restaurants and cafés including Phala Beach Restaurant and Good Day Surf Club on Phayun Beach.

 

A: The southern end of Phala Beach near the fishing pier offers the most stunning sunset view over Ban Chang Bay.

 

A: Yes, a one-day trip is possible, taking about 2.5 hours each way. However, staying overnight is recommended to enjoy the sunset view.