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Maneeya Dhammataree

Many residents of Bangkok and the kingdom's central provinces seeking a holiday retreat typically consider the seaside options offered by nearby Pattaya City and Jomthien in Chon Buri province, or the serene beaches dotted along the coast of Rayong province.

While these destinations are just a short drive (between one and three hours) from the capital, by venturing just a bit further eastwards to Klang, you can enjoy a truly authentic rural idyll alongside the Pra Sae River.
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Traditional charm
The Pra Sae River basin, where the river joins the Gulf of Thailand, includes large stretches of mangrove forest. Fortunately, a wooden pathway allows members of the local community and visitors to make their way around the forested area, which is ideal for exploring its natural beauty.

Locals have typically made a living from fishing, but about five years ago, a group of residents decided to open up the area to visitors. Suwandee Rattanaporn, the operator of Reunpae Homestay, was one of the early pioneers of the project.

Reunpae Homestay comprises a group of Thai houses located alongside the river. The most impressive of these buildings are Sa-No 1, Sa-No 2 (Sa-No is the name of a Thai flower), and  VIP House. Although the wooden houses were not built precisely in line with traditional Thai architectural methodology, they feature many common characteristics, including intricate wooden carvings.
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Since the houses are located alongside the river within a forested area, a bridge and series of wooden pathways connect them to the main community. Each property has its own private wooden deck, featuring benches, tables or even a porch swing, all made from wood to maintain the properties' rustic charms.

Sa-No 1 and Sa-No 2 are basically semi-detached properties, but Sa-No 1 is aimed at couples (1,000 baht [about US$30] per night), while Sa-No 2 is aimed at small groups of up to four (1,200 baht per night). The stand-alone VIP House can also accommodate a group of four people and costs 2,500 baht per night.

The mangrove forest features numerous cork trees and is also home to hordes of fireflies. While there are not so many near the accommodation, you can always organize a raft through the homestay, which will get you over to the island opposite where you are likely to see a greater number of the illuminating insects. The raft trips involve a three-hour cruise around the island, departing from and returning to the homestay.
 



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Waterworld
There are plenty of water-based activities to enjoy during the daytime, including kayaking. You can hire a small boat, for example, and head down river for some fishing, go swimming by the nearby island's sandbar, or, for more adventurous types, head off for the ocean and try some scuba diving around the islands of Koh Man Nok ('Man Nok Island'), Koh Man Nai ('Man Nai Island'), or Koh Khao Ta-Lu ('Khao Ta-Lu Island').

For further information or to make a reservation, contact Tel: +66 (0)38 672 858.

Transport connections:
Car: From Bangkok, take Highway 3 or Highway 7 and head towards Chon Buri. Before reaching the town of Chon Buri (Muang Chon Buri) take the Ban Beung-Klaeng Road (number 344). Continue along this road for about 30 minutes until you reach the major intersection with Sukhumvit Road. Turn left here and continue straight ahead while looking out on your right-hand side for Klaeng Hospital. Take the road bearing right on the corner of where the hospital is located and then look out for signs for Reunpae Homestay. The homestay is located in a rice field about two kilometers away from the main road.