Ban Phe

Ban Phe (บ้านเพ) is a coastal town on the Gulf of Thailand in Rayong Province, about 25 km east of Rayong city and midway between Sattahip and Chanthaburi. It is best known as the main ferry port for Ko Samet, but tourism has been growing steadily beyond its traditional role as a seafood-processing and fish-sauce town.

The town stretches along about 4 km of coastline and serves as the gateway to the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park. It has a relaxed, working-fishing-village feel, with a fish market, seafood restaurants, and easy access to several beaches just outside town.

By Plane

The nearest airport is U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport (UTP IATA), 60 km away. A taxi takes about 1 hour and costs around 1,200–1,500 baht. Alternatively, take a bus from the airport to Rayong Bus Terminal, then a dark blue songthaew to Ban Phe.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Ban Plu Ta Luang, served by only two trains daily in each direction between Bangkok and Chuk Samet. From the station, minibuses to Rayong stop at the Tesco Lotus 1.5 km south on Hwy 331 — a 20-minute walk or 5-minute tuk-tuk ride. Take a songthaew from Rayong Bus Terminal to Ban Phe.

By Car / Road

Direct first-class air-conditioned buses run between Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) and Ban Phe hourly, taking about 3.5 hours. By car, take Hwy 3 (Sukhumvit Rd) and turn right at km231 or km238.

Ban Phe is a small town, about 4 km end to end, and easy to navigate on foot. Motorcycle taxis are widely available. For Ko Samet ferries, the pier is a short walk from the bus stop — private speed boats (from 2,000 baht), shared speed boats (from 200 baht), and the regular ferry (50 baht one-way) all depart from here.

• Rayong Aquarium (สถานแสดงพันธ์สัตว์น้ำระยอง) — 3 km west of Ban Phe, houses various fish and sea plants as part of the Eastern Marine Fisheries Research Centre. Free entry.
• Hat Maerampung Beach — 5 km west of Ban Phe, a 7 km stretch of sand with restaurants and resorts.
• Suan Son Beach — 1 km east of Ban Phe, part of Suan Son National Pine Forest.
• Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park — Covers land, sea, and islands including Mae Ramphueng Beach, Khao Laem Ya, and the Samet Archipelago. Entry: 200 baht foreign adults.
• Kao Yai Da — 25 km from Ban Phe, offers ziplines and rainforest tours.
• Suphattra Land — 30 km away, an 800-acre orchard for fruit-picking.

Ban Phe's immediate beaches are less attractive due to the pier, but beaches just 2–3 km east or west are clean and quiet. Heading east along the coast road leads to Suan Son beach and continues for 24 km to Laem Mae Phim, passing several luxury resorts and uncrowded sand. Heading west reaches Hat Maerampung with 7 km of beach, restaurants, and cheap hotels.

• Relax Inn Restaurant and Bar — Chef with 10 years' European experience serves both Thai and Western food. Garden dining available. Dishes from 100 baht.
• Super Aroi Som Tam (06:30–17:30) — On the road to Hat Mae Ramphueng, traditional Isaan papaya salad from 35 baht.
• Paradise Home — German food in a resort setting with a pool, about 200–400 baht.
• 3 Continents Restaurant Ban Phe — European, Swiss, South African, and Thai cuisine in a garden atmosphere.

• Moka Bar and Lounge — A lounge bar serving drinks, large French plates, and pizza.

• Budget: Relax Inn — Fan and AC rooms with marble bathrooms, from 400 baht/night, free Wi-Fi.
• Mid-range: Baan Phae Resort — Beachfront rooms with pool, around 1,000–1,500 baht/night.
• Upscale: Novotel Rayong Rim Pae Resort — Resort with pool and beach access, from 2,500 baht/night.

The fish market offers local seafood products — fish sauce, sun-dried cuttlefish, dried shrimp. Nearby trinket stalls sell seashell crafts and blowfish lamps aimed at domestic Thai tourists. Serious seashell collectors can find bargains at the back stalls.

• Ko Samet (ferry, 20–45 min) — White-sand beaches and clear water, the main reason most visitors come to Ban Phe.
• Rayong city (25 km west) — Provincial capital with temples, parks, and fruit orchards.
• Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park (70 km) — Waterfalls and hiking in forested mountains.
• Ko Chang (shared minibus to Laem Ngop piers) — Large island with rainforests and waterfalls.
• Chanthaburi (east) — Gemstone capital with a historic town and cathedral.