Rayong Airport | Guide to Arrivals & Departures at U-Tapao International

Guests who travel to Rayong by plane will more than likely land at U-Tapao International Airport, which sits 45 minutes west of the city. The airport services Rayong, Pattaya and nearby provinces and supports domestic and international flights daily. While the Rayong airport is smaller than Bangkok’s major airports, the facility contains an ample number of restaurants and things to do during layovers. U-Tapao International Airport also serves as the Royal Thai Navy Air Station.

Airport Overview

Located in Ban Chang District of Rayong, U-Tapao International Airport is a public airport that services both civilians and military personnel. The airport sits about two hours south of Bangkok, 45 minutes from Rayong and about 40 minutes from Pattaya. Due to its location, size and international flight services, U-Tapao International Airport is considered Thailand‘s third major airport, just behind Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok.

Airport Facilities and Passenger Services

Since receiving an expansion of shops and restaurants in 2019, U-Tapao International Airport offers a variety of places to shop and eat while waiting for flights. Guests enjoy numerous duty-free shops, international restaurants and souvenir stores, along with a pharmacy and even a stationery store. ATMs, a prayer room, postal services and free airport Wi-Fi also are available for travelers. while flight schedules, departure gates, and arrival information are available on various screens throughout the airport.

For arrivals, car rental services are available at the airport, so passengers can go directly from their flights, pick up their rental, and get on the road toward their final destination. Another handy service that’s available at the airport is the medical clinic. Travelers who are feeling under the weather can make use of the clinic’s services and hopefully get back on their feet in no time.

Travelers who want to be able to use their cellphones in Thailand can purchase a new SIM card, as the airport has SIM cards for sale. These SIM cards can be swapped with local SIM cards so that travelers can make use of calling and internet services via their cell phones as they travel.

Duty-Free Shopping

After visitors make certain they’re aware of any last-minute check-in procedures from their airlines and security, they should indulge in some duty-free shopping. Duty-free shopping is a valuable tool for travelers as it offers them luxury goods at discounted prices, including clothes, foods, perfumes, and jewelry. At airports, duty-free shopping can be a great final stop for travelers who need to find gifts or who are looking to bring back some tax-free goods from their vacation, as travelers are saving the import fees on some often expensive items.

At U-Tapao International Airport, King Power handles duty-free shopping, and shoppers can find exclusive deals online and in stores. King Power has a plethora of options for duty-free items, like watches, wines, liquors, and even skincare sets and perfume sets. Travelers are reminded that their home countries often will have limits on the number of duty-free items that can be brought back, especially alcoholic items or cigarettes, so it’s good to check for what’s allowed on entry. Otherwise, visitors may find themselves paying extra fees once they’re back home. So step into U-Tapao International and indulge in a little retail therapy while waiting for a flight, and bring back some items that will remind travelers of the exceptional trip they just had.

Transportation Options

Getting to and from the Rayong airport is simple, even for foreign guests. Private taxis are available outside the arrivals section of the airport, and many hotels offer shuttles. Buses also are an option, and even first-time visitors will find that taking a bus to Rayong from the airport is a breeze.

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Things to do near Rayong airport

The best thing about having a layover at U-Tapao International Airport is that guests can venture out to see a few sights they might not otherwise get to enjoy. Since the airport is located on the coast, it is surrounded by scenic viewpoints, beaches and seaside markets. Travelers with a couple hours’ time can hire a taxi and check out these attractions near the airport.

• Nam Rin Beach – a 30-minute drive away, Nam Rin Beach offers a calm respite for travelers who need to stretch their legs and grab a breath of fresh air. White powder beaches stretch before the water, while unique rock formations draw the eye, offering the perfect space for visitors to sit, relax, and enjoy the sun. The strip contains several local restaurants, resting areas and charming sea cow sculptures that make excellent selfie spots.
• Phala Beach – for a closer beach refuge, visitors can travel about 10 minutes to Phala Beach, a less-crowded coastal spot perfect for swimming and relaxing before boarding the next flight. Guests who need overnight accommodations can find several beachfront resorts as well as cheap bungalows on Phala Beach, so they can enjoy their final moments in this area by spending more time in the sun on the sandy shores. Any visitor who’s traveling with pets can also stop by this beach as well, as it’s pet-friendly. For a quiet, sunny retreat, Phala Beach is the perfect stop.
• Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhon Herbal Garden – one of the most popular places to visit in Rayong is Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhon Herbal Garden. The garden sits 30 minutes east of the airport and features outdoor displays of Thailand’s flora, fauna and traditional herbs used for medicines and healing therapies. Guests can enjoy the splendor of the garden while learning how the herbs are used in various medicines. With over 260 species of herbs and 20,000 plants, there’s plenty to see, so visitors will have lots to do if this is their final stop before a flight. Visitors can make their way through the site on foot, they can cycle, or they can go on a tour with a guide to get the most out of their visit.
• Ko Kloi Floating Market – travelers who have a little extra time to spare will want to take the 40-minute trip to Ko Kloi Floating Market. The traditional market sits alongside a small waterway and features local handmade goods, souvenirs and lots of antique shops. Guests also can grab a bite to eat and relax with a drink at several restaurants and local bars. Along with shopping, this market has a unique feature – guests can feed fish during their visit. With its retro ambiance, live performances, and eateries, there’s plenty to do, see, and buy at this location, so travelers who are scrambling for some last-minute gift ideas should give this market a visit.
• Rayong Aquarium – step into the underwater world of Rayong Aquarium, and marvel at this expansive aquarium before leaving Rayong. Walk through the exhibit which features a variety of fish, marine life, and plants, all of which are spread throughout 43 huge tanks. At this aquarium, visitors can find creatures that live in mangrove forests, including crabs, giant clams, and cuttlefish. Outside, the aquarium is home to lots of marine life, and the turtle pond features olive turtles, hawksbill turtles, and leatherback turtles. This facility also studies these animals, so it is an important facility and the perfect place to stop before heading back home.
• Wat Pa Pradu – step into Wat Pa Pradu, a stunning Buddhist temple in Rayong. Beautifully detailed, the architecture of this building impresses, as does the interior which features a nearly 40-foot-long reclining Buddha. This site is one of the most popular monuments in the city and is an easy stop to take in before a flight. The temple itself dates back to ancient times, and it acts as a pilgrimage site for monks as well. As with any religious site, it’s good for visitors to remember to dress and speak respectfully. Travelers should refrain from wearing revealing clothing and are reminded to speak quietly when in sacred spaces.
• Mae Ram Phueng Beach – located about seven miles south of Rayong, Mae Ram Phueng Beach is another stunning beach in Thailand’s collection. This elegant beach features long, lush shores, powdery sand, and unimpeded views of the Gulf. Visitors who are hoping to escape the crowds of some of the city beaches will love a trip to Mae Ram Phueng Beach, as it’s quiet by comparison. Stretching seven and a half miles, there’s plenty of room along the sandy shores of this beach, and its calm, shallow waters are perfect for swimming, which makes it a great pick for any visitors who are traveling with children. For a near-secret oasis in the sun, Mae Ram Phueng Beach is just what travelers who are looking to kill time before a flight will love.
• Tung Prong Thong (or Golden Meadow) – mangroves are essential protection for beach-front ecosystems, and Tung Prong Thong is the perfect stop to appreciate the beauty of these fragile ecosystems. At this site, over half a mile of wooden walkway stretches over the mangrove, offering visitors the perfect view of this location. This 2,400-acre mangrove is the largest in Rayong, and in this space, lush plants and thriving wildlife are on full display. Visitors who have early or late flights should try their best to time a visit with sunrise or sunset, and the mangrove is particularly beautiful when illuminated by the low light of the sun, which casts the whole area in a gorgeous, golden glow.
• Rayong Botanic Garden – Another eco-tourism haven, Central Plaza Rayong – Rayong Botanical Garden (Aquatic Plants and Living Collection) is a must-see for nature lovers in the area. Before hopping on a flight, visitors should make their way to the Rayong Botanic Garden and take in the gorgeous habitat which is home to animals, birds, and over 400 species of local plants. With walking paths, bike trails, boat tours, and plenty of space to explore, this site is a great spot to relax before a long flight. Visitors should make sure to stop at a few key areas before heading to the airport, including the butterfly garden, where beautiful flying butterflies will flitter through the space, impressing all who enter.
• Phra Chedi Klang Nam – Phra Chedi Klang Nam (Samut Chedi) is a unique chedi (Buddhist site) in Rayong, and at one point in time, its peaked form was a marker for sailors to the area who, upon seeing Samut Chedi, knew that they were in Rayong. Travelers to the area who are looking for a quick site to sneak in before a flight can pop over to this attraction, which is particularly interesting during the latter part of the year, as it is often dressed up for festivals, which makes this structure look even more beautiful.
• Yomjinda Road – no visit to Rayong is complete without a stop at Yomjinda Road (Old Town Rayong). Before leaving on a flight, visitors should pop over to this famous historical district and take in the sights of the traditional wooden buildings, while picking up some last-minute souvenirs, or snacking on some delicious, traditional Thai foods. This location is particularly notable for its antique shops, so visitors to the area should peek inside and see if anything unique catches their eye, as antiques make fantastic gifts for loved ones back home.

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Nearby Hotels and Accomodations

• Royal Phala Cliff Beach offers unparalleled views of the beach, and offers spacious rooms for guests to enjoy. With great amenities, like air conditioning, blackout curtains, free Wi-Fi, and airport transfer services, along with on-site entertainment, like a pool with a view and a private beach, this hotel is the perfect place to stay near the airport.
• Step into the colorful, modern Play Phala Beach Rayong and appreciate the epic views of the surf, while enjoying on-site amenities, like a poolside bar, private balconies, and free Wi-Fi. Relax before a flight in the pool, enjoy the spa services, and indulge in the sauna while making the most of this hotel’s exceptional services.
• Purimas Beach Hotel & Spa is a stunning oasis that is located near the airport, making the perfect location for any traveler. Enjoy gorgeous views of the beach from the pool, step into the sauna or steam room to decompress before a flight, and enjoy the on-site relaxation options, like the hot tub, massage services, and spa services.
• The Lord Nelson is a lovely spot that’s located near U-Tapao International Airport. Enjoy the charming feel of this site while indulging in its many amenities, including private beach BBQ facilities, an outdoor swimming pool, and massage services. In the rooms, amenities like air conditioning, air purifiers, private balconies, and free Wi-Fi impress. Thanks to on-site dining options, visitors will have plenty of options to enjoy before they travel to the airport to board their flight back home.

Hotels near U-Tapao airport

The Lord Nelson

Royal Phala Cliff Beach

Phalaburi Resort