Sandy Forest MTB Trail, Rayong province – Located on a plot of public woodland next to the downtown area of Rayong, near the western end of the entertainment strip on Ratbamrung Road. Sandy Forest Trail is currently the most popular training ground for local Rayong mountain bikers. But that isn’t only because of its convenient location and the fact that it can be ridden any time of day, thanks to the thick canopy that shields bikers from the harsh sunlight 90% of the way. The 4.8 kilometer track has been laid in a woodland adjacent to a sandy coastal area that helps prevent muddy surface conditions on the trail. GPS location: GPS – N 12 40.344, E 101 14.064 Trail condition: Shaded, loose-surface, winding singletrack on a relatively flat terrain with a number of fun obstacles. Trail Distance: 4.8 kilometer loop. How to get there: From the PMY intersection on Sukhumvit Road (Highway 3) that runs through the city, follow the road that goes south. In a few minutes, you’ll find another intersection, turn right. A few moments from there you’ll come to a wooded area on the left with a children’s playground next to it. That is the area of the trailhead. Food & drinks: Opposite the park there is a coffee shop. Accommodation: Many choices are available in downtown Rayong. On the same street as the woodland, drive east and you’ll find many more hotels that charge only 600-900 THB. Local contact: Khun Yot of J.S. Bike Shop (089-400-6554), and Khun Yod of Rayong DH Cafe (081-487-4374).
MTB Cross-Country Trail at Khao Yai Da, Rayong province – These cross-country trails are located at the reservoir behind Wat Khao Sam Phao Thong, Rayong. The 5 kilometer red trail starts off from a rest area sala by the reservoir. There is a tough climb on the paved road towards the TV tower on top of the adjacent hill. After this climb you’ll be out of the forest and on to a fast and flowing section that will lead you back to the reservoir, and your original starting point. From there you can continue straight on to the second half of the trail. The second half of the trail is a dirt road alongside the reservoir. At Khao Yai Da, there is also an easier trail marked with blue and green arrows that is more suitable for younger riders and beginners. It shares many of the less challenging sections of the red trail, and all of the trails have the start point in common, but the easier blue and green arrow trails turn off the paved road later than the red trail. GPS location: GPS – N 12.645614, E 101.412590 Trail Distance: 5 kilometer loop. How to get there: From Rayong, take Highway 3 towards Ban Phae. About 100 meters or less before the intersection that leads to the pier to Koh Samet, there will be a Buddhist temple called Wat Khao Samphao Thong on the left-hand side of the road. The road to Khao Yai Da runs along the east wall of Wat Khao Samphao Thong. The reservoir is only another 200 meters down that same road. Food and drinks: Bring your own. Accommodation: None at Khao Yai Da, but plenty along the beach areas. Local contacts: Somyos Kawilkrua (081-487-4374), Narong Wong Thai Phadung (081-823-7165), and Samart Sapchuen (086-900-4601).
Downhill MTB at Khao Yai Da, Rayong province – The trail at Khao Yai Da, which is near the coastal town of Ban Phae – where ferries to the famous Koh Samet island launch from – was built by local Rayong downhillers. It’s a short course, about 1.2 kilometers, but it’s full of drops and jumps of various sizes and types. It is one of the most exciting trails within 200 kilometers of Bangkok. GPS location: GPS – N 12.646574, E 101.413358. How to get there: From Rayong city, drive on Highway 3 towards Ban Phae. Approximately 100 meters before the intersection that leads to Ban Phae, you will see a temple called Wat Khao Samphao Thong. The road leading to the Khao Yai Da downhill trail runs along the eastern wall of the temple grounds. Drive down the road alongside the temple about 200 meters and you will see a pavilion and a reservoir. This is where you can park and where the Khao Yai Da downhill trail ends.
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