Essentials

๐Ÿ™๏ธ City A coastal city in eastern Thailand, known for its beaches and proximity to the islands.
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Population Approximately 160,000
๐Ÿ’ป Internet Speed Average download speed of 30 Mbps
๐Ÿ’ธ Currency & Banking 1 THB โ‰ˆ 0.029 USD; ATMs widely available, major banks include Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank.
๐Ÿšฐ Tap Water Not usually considered safe to drink without boiling
๐Ÿ”Œ Power 230V, 50Hz, ๐Ÿ”Œ Type C/F sockets
๐Ÿ“ถ SIM Card Providers include AIS, TrueMove, and DTAC; prepaid options easily available.
๐Ÿ’ณ Banking for Expats Popular options include CIMB Thai Bank and Bangkok Bank, which accept foreign nationals.
๐Ÿ›Œ Accommodation Options range from hotels and serviced apartments to local guesthouses.
๐Ÿ’ณ Cashless Friendly Yes, cards accepted in most places but cash is still widely used.
๐Ÿ  Short Term Rentals Platforms such as Airbnb and Agoda offer numerous rental options.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ Budget Accommodation Hostel Rayong, with dormitory beds from THB 300 per night.

Working and Networking

๐Ÿข Best Coworking Space Co-working Space Rayong, offering reliable internet and meeting rooms.
โ˜• Best Cafe for Work Baker Street Cafe, known for good coffee and quiet ambiance.
๐Ÿ’ผ Networking Events Monthly meetups at Rayong International Community Club.
๐Ÿฅ‚ Social Events for Expats Rayong Expat Club organizes regular gatherings and activities.

Transportation

๐Ÿš• Best Taxi/Ride App Grab is the most popular app for ride-hailing.
๐Ÿšฒ Bike/Scooter Rental Rental shops available along main streets, with rates from THB 200 per day.
๐Ÿ–๏ธ Best Beach Nearby Mae Ramphueng Beach, approximately 15 km from downtown.
โœˆ๏ธ Top Regional Airline Bangkok Airways offers connections to nearby islands.
โœˆ๏ธ Top International Airline Thai Airways operates flights to major international destinations.
๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ Highway Access Well-connected via Highway 36, linking to Bangkok and Pattaya.
๐Ÿš‰ Main Train/Transit Hub Rayong Bus Terminal, servicing regional and local buses.
๐Ÿš Public Transport Passes Buses operate on fixed routes; no formal passes.
โœˆ๏ธ Regional Travel Buses from the terminal can take you to nearby cities, with fares starting around THB 50.

Health and Wellness

๐Ÿฅ Best Hospital Rayong Hospital, providing emergency and specialist services.
๐Ÿง˜ Yoga & Wellness Centers Yoga Room Rayong, offering classes for all levels.
๐Ÿ‹๏ธ Gyms & Fitness Centers Fitness First in Rayong, with monthly memberships starting at THB 1,500.
๐Ÿงบ Laundry Services Coin-operated laundromats available, with prices around THB 40 per wash.

Food and Drink

๐Ÿ“ฑ Best Food Delivery App Foodpanda offers a wide selection of local restaurants.
๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Best Local Dish to Try Tom Yum Goong, a spicy shrimp soup popular in Rayong.
๐Ÿฑ Vegan/Vegetarian Options Vegan Cafe Rayong, serving a diverse menu of plant-based dishes.
๐Ÿซ Best Dessert Spots Sweet Lab, famous for its unique desserts and ice creams.
๐Ÿ›’ Affordable Shopping Spots Rayong Night Market, offering local food and handicrafts.
๐Ÿ›’ E-commerce/Online Store Lazada and Shopee for online shopping needs.
๐Ÿ›’ Grocery Delivery BigC and Tesco Lotus offer delivery services.
๐Ÿธ Bar/Nightlife Area The beachfront bars near Mae Ramphueng Beach offer vibrant nightlife.
๐Ÿป Local Brewery Rayong Craft Brewery offers local brews and tasting tours.
๐Ÿท Wine Bars The Wood Barrel, known for a good selection of wines.
๐Ÿฒ Street Food Stalls Numerous stalls at Rayong Night Market; try the grilled seafood.
๐Ÿ• Popular International Cuisine Italian Place offers a variety of pasta and pizza.

Culture and Attractions

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Must-See Landmarks Wat Pa Pradu, a famous temple with an impressive reclining Buddha statue.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ Museums & Art Venues Rayong Aquarium exhibits local marine life.
๐Ÿฐ Historical Sites King Taksin Shrine, commemorating the Thai King Taksin.
๐Ÿ• Religious Sites Wat Thang Sai, a popular Buddhist temple.
๐ŸŽ‰ Annual Events Rayong Fruit Festival, showcasing local fruits every June.
๐ŸŽจ Cultural Districts The old town area has preserved traditional architecture.
๐ŸŽญ Theater Venues Cultural Center of Rayong hosts performances and shows.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ Local Markets Rayong Market is perfect for an authentic shopping experience.
๐ŸŽผ Music Scene Local bars often host live music on weekends.
๐ŸŽจ Street Art Murals found in the city center reflect local culture.
๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿณ Cooking Classes Cooking School Rayong offers classes on Thai cuisine.
๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐ŸŽจ Art Galleries Rayong Art Gallery promotes local artists.
๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ Historic Buildings Ancient nets in the old town are part of the cultural heritage.
๐Ÿด Local Heritage Rayong has a rich fishing tradition reflected in its local cuisine.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

๐ŸŒ… Nearby Nature Escapes Koh Samet Island, a short ferry ride known for its stunning beaches.
๐Ÿž๏ธ National Parks Nearby Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park, offering beautiful scenery and wildlife.
๐Ÿšฒ Cycling/Walking Paths Paths along Mae Ramphueng Beach ideal for cycling and walking.
๐ŸŒ„ Scenic Viewpoints Viewpoint at Laem Mae Phim offers spectacular ocean views.
๐Ÿฆ‰ Birdwatching Locations Koh Samet's mangroves are a great spot for birdwatching.
๐Ÿ”ฅ Bonfire-Friendly Spots Designated areas on beaches for bonfires.

Other Services and Amenities

๐Ÿ“ฆ Parcel Delivery Service Holidays Express provides reliable parcel delivery services.
๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Tech Repair Services Rayong Tech Solution for electronic repairs.
๐Ÿ“ Table Tennis Spots Sport Complex Rayong has tables available for public use.
๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿซ Language Classes Rayong Language School offers English and Thai classes.
๐Ÿ“š Libraries & Study Spots Rayong Public Library, a quiet place for studying.
๐Ÿ˜๏ธ Community Centers Rayong Community Center hosts various events and classes.
๐Ÿ•น๏ธ Gaming Lounges Gaming Zone, a popular hangout for gamers.
๐ŸŽฐ Casino & Gaming Halls Casino Royale, located in nearby Pattaya, for those interested.

Business

๐Ÿข Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. THB 70,000 per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = THB 2,800,000)
๐Ÿข Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. THB 50,000 per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = THB 2,000,000)
๐Ÿ  1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. THB 60,000 per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = THB 3,600,000)
๐Ÿ  1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. THB 45,000 per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = THB 2,700,000)
๐Ÿก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. THB 55,000 per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = THB 4,400,000)
๐Ÿก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. THB 42,000 per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = THB 3,360,000)
๐Ÿ’ผ Corporate Tax 20% on profits.
๐Ÿ’ต Dividend Withholding Tax 10% on dividends.
๐Ÿฆ Tax System Progressive tax based on income brackets.
๐Ÿ“ˆ Highest Income Tax Bracket Maximum personal income tax rate of 35%.
๐Ÿงพ VAT Standard Value Added Tax rate of 7%.
๐ŸŒ Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, there are rules to prevent tax avoidance.
๐Ÿ  Property Tax Land and buildings are subject to a gradual tax system.
๐Ÿ  Property Transaction Tax 2% transfer fee for property purchases.