I awake this morning to a beautiful calm sea, the waves lapping around the artificially created small bays which gives the beach its name; Moonlight Bay. Just opposite the hotel there are no trees but where there is a small tree line, mobile food vendors ply their trade. This is where the community has set up dining facilities right on the beach with chairs and tables. These spaces are beautifully lit up at night. At Ban Chaitalay we set up our mobile kitchen in the room. It's ok, but I sure question that if a room with a view is a priority, then it would be worth paying more just for a change for a bit of luxury especially as we've no intention of going far today. All we need is food.
Although we've been to Rayong quite recently, it's worth a recap of the odd nature of Rayong City. It has a wonderful coastal strip as noted, which is divided from the city by the Rayong River which runs parallel to the coast, finally emptying into the ocean at the eastern end. Our hotel is at the narrowest point of the strip and there is no space available for anything more than a couple of hotels. In fact at our hotel, you have a choice of rooms with either a sea view or river view. We are located on Moonlight Beach, but there is another beach, Laem Charoen, further to the east which is by far the most popular. This is where many of the restaurants are. Last night we experienced the congestion there. It's now close to midday and time to consider lunch and it looks as if we are heading back there to a restaurant called Uncle Ra's Kitchen which offers seafood of course. In Thailand a lot of things happen by word of mouth, so my partner has to try it out. Well, clearly that word-of-mouth works as parking is a real nightmare despite it being only just after midday. It seems though that if you cannot park near, they will even come and collect you.
We settle down and take a fish meal while considering what to do next. As far as I'm concerned that consideration need only consist of grab in a beer to consume on the balcony. Yet, I'm happy to consider other limited options and of course, my partner has something in mind as we head for Wat Khot Thimtharam for a second time. All I need to do here is note my revisit and let my partner make merit.
By arriving in Rayong, I've sacrificed seeing trains and there are no more football games during our visit. We've also exhausted all options for visiting any significant attractions due to previous travels to Rayong. Undeterred, Katoon selects another temple. It's as if she needs to atone for missing making merit during Songkran. For me, I just have to suffer another hot day as we reach a temple that is a new addition to our visits.
At Wat Nong Tabaek I search for information about it but, fail. The temple does have a large golden chedi showing some age and near the Khanun River which borders the temple there is a large serpent sculpture. I find some shade beside the river but quite honestly, I'd rather not go temple hunting in the fierce heat of a Thai summer. I'm relieved to be heading back to the room to just chill out.
As the sun begins to set, attention turns to dinner and Katoon wishes to return to Laem Charoen Beach, but I'm not keen based on the midday experience and instead we find ourselves at an open-air food court on Rajbamrung Road. Finally, out of curiosity, we return to Leam Charoen Beach to find many day-trippers have left. It's now more peaceful, something that may affect choices tomorrow.
Back at the hotel, things are not right. I develop cold symptoms. It could well be an uncomfortable night.

Source: Visit