Ban Phe
บ้านเพ · Rayong Province
Population
10K
Budget / Month
$333
Internet
40 Mbps
Best Season
November to April (dry season)
About Ban Phe
Ban Phe is a small fishing town that most travelers experience only as the ferry departure point for Koh Samet. This is a shame, because Ban Phe has genuine character: a working fishing port with colorful boats, an excellent fresh seafood market, and a stretch of local beach life that gives an honest glimpse of coastal Thailand.
The town's long pier is the commercial heart, with ferry ticket offices, souvenir shops, and seafood restaurants. Behind the tourist-facing strip, Ban Phe is a proper Thai fishing community where life revolves around the daily catch. The seafood here is fresher and cheaper than on Koh Samet, making it worth arriving early to eat before your island trip.
For budget travelers, staying in Ban Phe and day-tripping to Koh Samet saves significant money on accommodation while adding a genuine Thai fishing village experience to the trip.
Historical Note
Ban Phe has been a fishing community on the eastern Gulf coast for generations. Its modern identity is tied to the ferry service to Koh Samet, which developed as a tourist destination from the 1980s onward.
Best time to visit: November to April (dry season)
At a Glance
Thai Name
บ้านเพ
Province
Rayong
Region
Eastern
Population
10,000
Area
15 km²
Elevation
3 m
Postal Code
21160
Local Language
Thai
Cost of Living
budget
/month12,000 THB
~$333 USD
comfortable
/month22,000 THB
~$611 USD
luxury
/month37,000 THB
~$1,028 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 40 | 70 |
| Local restaurant meal | 60 | 120 |
| Seafood restaurant meal | 120 | 300 |
| Coffee (cafe) | 40 | 80 |
| Beer (local) | 55 | 80 |
| Water bottle (1.5L) | 12 | 18 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic guesthouse | 200 | 500 |
| Mid-range hotel | 500 | 1,200 |
| Best available | 1,200 | 2,500 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry to Koh Samet (regular) | 100 | 100 |
| Speedboat to Koh Samet | 200 | 200 |
| Motorbike rental (day) | 200 | 300 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| SIM card (tourist, monthly) | 299 | 599 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Thai massage (1 hour) | 200 | 300 |
| Fishing trip (half day) | 500 | 1,000 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
20% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
November to April for dry season. May to July for Rayong fruit season with durian and mangosteen from nearby orchards. Best seafood selection early morning (6-8 AM) when boats come in.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 22 | 15 | 65% |
| Feb | 33 | 23 | 20 | 63% |
| Mar | 34 | 24 | 40 | 65% |
| Apr | 35 | 25 | 70 | 68% |
| May | 34 | 25 | 160 | 75% |
| Jun | 33 | 25 | 150 | 76% |
| Jul | 32 | 25 | 140 | 76% |
| Aug | 32 | 25 | 150 | 77% |
| Sep | 32 | 24 | 200 | 80% |
| Oct | 32 | 24 | 180 | 78% |
| Nov | 32 | 23 | 60 | 70% |
| Dec | 31 | 22 | 20 | 65% |
Things to Do
Ban Phe Fresh Seafood Market
Morning market with the day's catch laid out on ice at prices far below restaurant or island rates. The main attraction for food lovers.
Ban Phe Pier
Walk the long pier past ferry offices and souvenir stalls, watch fishing boats come and go. Good sunset spot.
Mae Ramphueng Beach
หาดแม่รำพึง
12 km beach stretching west from Ban Phe, mostly empty on weekdays with seafood shacks and local swimming spots.
Local Fishing Village Walk
Walk south along the waterfront through the working fishing community with colorful boats, drying fish, and real coastal Thai life.
Koh Samet Day Trip
เกาะเสม็ด
White sand island accessible by 45-minute ferry or 15-minute speedboat. Full day trip possible with early departure.
Sunset from the Pier
Watch the sun go down over the fishing fleet with a cold drink from a nearby shop. Simple pleasure.
Food & Dining
ปลาทูทอด
Pla Too Tod (Fried Mackerel)
Ban Phe's mackerel is caught the same morning, fried whole and served with rice, nam prik, and vegetables. Simple perfection.
40-80
Seafood market restaurants
กุ้งอบวุ้นเส้น
Kung Ob Wun Sen (Prawns with Glass Noodles)
Fresh prawns baked in a clay pot with glass noodles, ginger, and soy sauce. A Gulf coast classic.
100-200
Waterfront restaurants
หอยนางรมสด
Hoy Nang Rom Sot (Fresh Oysters)
Local oysters served raw or grilled with Thai dipping sauce, cheap and fresh at the market restaurants.
80-150
Seafood market
ข้าวผัดปู
Khao Pad Pu (Crab Fried Rice)
Simple fried rice loaded with local crab meat. Cheap and excellent at waterfront restaurants.
60-120
Waterfront restaurants near the pier
Food Streets
- Ban Phe pier area
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
200 - 400
THB / night
Budget Hotel
300 - 600
THB / night
Mid-Range
500 - 1,200
THB / night
Luxury
1,200 - 2,500
THB / night
Studio /mo
3,000 - 5,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
5,000 - 8,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Staying in Ban Phe and day-tripping to Koh Samet saves 50-70% on accommodation. Most guesthouses offer luggage storage.
Getting There from Bangkok
Minivan
3-3.5 hours
200-250 THB
Bus to Rayong + songthaew
3.5-4 hours
180-250 THB
Car
3-3.5 hours
Fuel + tolls THB
Getting Around
Walking
WidespreadCovers most of the town easily.
Free
Songthaew
LimitedShared trucks to Rayong city.
30-50
Motorbike rental
LimitedFor exploring Mae Ramphueng Beach and surroundings.
200-300/day
Neighborhoods
Pier Area (Tha Reua)
Busy transit hubCommercial heart around the ferry pier with ticket offices, souvenir shops, convenience stores, and seafood restaurants.
Best for: Ferry access and seafood
Fishing Village (South)
Quiet and traditionalWorking fishing community south of the pier with boats moored along the waterfront and fish drying on racks. Fewer tourists.
Best for: Authentic coastal atmosphere
Festivals & Events
Rayong Fruit Festival
Nearby fruit orchards celebrate durian, mangosteen, and rambutan harvest season with tours and tastings.
Loy Krathong
ลอยกระทง
Floating krathong from the pier, intimate and beautiful on the water.
Practical Info
Hospital
Rayong Hospital (30 min)
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Common
Language Tip
Very little English. Basic Thai helpful for anything beyond ferry tickets.
Drinking Water
Do not drink tap water.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Common
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Koh Samet
White sand beaches accessible by 15-45 minute boat ride. The main reason people come to Ban Phe.
Khao Laem Ya National Park
Coastal park at the eastern end of Mae Ramphueng with rocky headlands, viewpoints, and quiet coves.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I stay in Ban Phe or on Koh Samet?
Koh Samet for beaches and nightlife. Ban Phe to save money, eat excellent cheap seafood, and experience a real fishing village.
How early should I arrive for the ferry?
Ferries run frequently from about 8 AM. No need to pre-book unless it is a busy Thai holiday. Just show up and buy a ticket.
Is the seafood market worth visiting?
Absolutely. Even if just passing through, arriving an hour early to eat at the market is highly recommended. Fresh, cheap, and excellent.
Can I store luggage while visiting Koh Samet?
Some guesthouses and shops near the pier offer luggage storage for 50-100 THB.
What time is the last ferry back from Koh Samet?
Typically around 5-6 PM for regular ferries. Schedules vary by season. Always confirm current times to avoid being stranded.
Is Ban Phe worth more than a transit stop?
For food lovers and fishing village fans, yes. One night before or after Koh Samet adds a nice contrast to the island experience.