Rating: 4/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Walking Street open on Saturdays and Sundays, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

 

Rayong Old Town (Yomjinda Road) is the living heart of old Rayong, where wooden shophouses line narrow lanes and the scent of coffee mingles with the sweet aroma of traditional Thai desserts. The street glows with the soft light of lanterns, echoing with laughter and the quiet hum of old-time merchants. Walking here feels like stepping into another era — a place where time has slowed, yet life continues to flow gently.

 

Yomjinda Road lies within Rayong City Municipality. It is one of the oldest streets in the province, dating back more than 130 years, once serving as the commercial center of the city during the reign of King Rama V. The name commemorates “Phra Ya Srisamutphok (Im Yomjinda),” a royal officer who helped develop Rayong. In the past, the road bustled with shops, goldsmiths, and grocery stores serving traders arriving by boat from the Rayong River. Though the town later expanded inland and business moved elsewhere, the charm of this old street has never faded.

 

Today, Yomjinda has been carefully restored through community efforts and municipal projects. Buildings have been repainted, vintage lamps installed, and the layout revitalized to resemble its appearance a century ago. On weekends, the street transforms into a lively walking street filled with visitors, food stalls, and performances — a revival of the town’s old rhythms that once defined Rayong’s identity.

 

Visitors will find a variety of long-standing shops, many operating for over five decades. Traditional noodle stalls, papaya salad vendors, handmade mattress makers, old barbers, and antique frame shops coexist with cozy coffeehouses inside aged wooden homes. Each storefront tells its own story, together weaving the living memory of Rayong’s community. Walking through the area feels like reading an open book, one written by the hands of its residents through generations.

 

Among the hidden gems is the Tui Buai Nia Shrine, better known as the Shrine of Goddess Tuptim — an old Chinese shrine adorned with red lanterns and hand-painted dragon murals. It stands as a spiritual center for local Chinese descendants. Nearby is the Rayong City Museum, which displays rare photographs, ancient household items, and exhibits illustrating local lifestyles from the past. Together, these landmarks make Yomjinda not only a nostalgic attraction but also a living archive of the province’s roots.

 

Every December, the area hosts the grand annual festival called “Phuburisi Rayong”, a heritage event celebrating the city’s history. The festival features parades in traditional attire, folk performances, and an old-style market recreating the life of Rayong in the late nineteenth century. Visitors can enjoy cultural exhibitions, local food, and music under a warm festive glow. For many, it’s the highlight of the year — when the street once again pulses with the life of its ancestors.

 

Getting There is simple. From Sukhumvit Road, turn into Adulyathammaprapas Road and continue straight to Yomjinda Road. Parking is available near the Rayong City Museum and on nearby streets. From Rayong Bus Terminal, a short 10-minute ride by local songthaew or taxi brings you directly to the area. On weekend evenings, when the road is closed for the walking street, it’s best to park outside and explore on foot to truly enjoy the slow, nostalgic atmosphere.

 

A visit to Rayong Old Town usually takes two to three hours. Start at the Rayong City Museum, walk along Yomjinda Road past the shrine, stop for local snacks and old-style coffee, and linger until dusk when the lanterns light up. The wooden houses glow amber against the night sky, the smell of grilled skewers drifts down the lane, and music hums softly from a nearby café — a simple but deeply charming reminder that Rayong still remembers where it came from.

 

 

A: It is situated along Yomjinda Road in Tha Pradu Sub-district, within Rayong City — about 500 meters from the City Pillar Shrine.

 

A: The area is open daily, while the walking street operates on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

 

A: Every December, featuring parades, traditional performances, exhibitions, and a vintage market atmosphere.

 

A: Drive from Sukhumvit Road and turn onto Adulyathammaprapas Road, or take a taxi or songthaew from Rayong Bus Terminal (10 minutes).

 

A: Yes — most restaurants, cafés, and antique shops remain open, and the Rayong City Museum welcomes visitors daily.

 

A: Parking is available near the Rayong City Museum and along adjacent streets. On weekend evenings, it is advisable to park outside the walking street area.

 

A: Around 2 to 3 hours is enough for a leisurely visit; half a day is recommended to fully enjoy the cafés and street vibes.

 

A: The City Pillar Shrine, Ban Phe Market, and Saeng Chan Beach are within a short drive from Yomjinda Road.