Rayong National Park and Golden Mangrove Private Day Trip from Pattaya

This private day trip leaves the beaches of Pattaya for the forests and mangroves of Rayong. You walk a waterfall trail in Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park, cross the Thung Prong Thong golden mangrove boardwalk, and kayak through paperbark forest. The car and guide are for your group alone, and park fees and kayak hire are included.

The Route

It is about two hours from Pattaya to the national park, where the morning’s trail climbs past a chain of waterfalls, over rocks and tree roots, with fish in the clear pools. Lunch is at a seafood restaurant by the river near Pak Nam Prasae, an old fishing community. In the afternoon you walk the boardwalk at Thung Prong Thong, where the mangrove canopy glows gold in the sun, then paddle through the flooded paperbark forest of the Rayong Botanical Garden before the drive back.

Watch out: It is a long day, with four hours in the car. Bring snacks and cash for lunch.

Who It Suits

It suits travellers based in Pattaya who want a day of nature away from the city, and small families or groups of friends. It is not for pregnant travellers or anyone with back or heart problems.

Insider Tip: Pack a change of clothes and a dry bag. You will get wet on the waterfall trail and in the kayak.