There are no flights to Ban Phe and the train does not go towards Rayong or Ban Phe. From Bangkok, take the Sky Train to the Ekamai bus station. Buses to Ban Phe leave every 30 minutes. The Bus ride takes about 3 to 3 1/2 hours, depending on traffic in BK. You can also take the bus to Rayong (2 1/2 hours) and take a sonthaew to Ban Phe (20 minutes). The bus trip is 140 baht (I think) and includes a snack and drink. 95% of the people on the bus will be Thai. Don't expect your girl to allow too much physical contact while on the bus in front of other Thai people.
From Pattaya, take a bus from the main bus station to Rayong and take a sonthaew from there. The bus drivers are suicidal. They will tailgate diesel trucks carrying petro and pass them going 80 mph. Just don't sit at the front of the bus or your trip might be very unpleasant. Best not to know.

Once in Ban Phe, walk across the street to the pier. There are travel agents with many pictures of the resorts , willing to book a night for you. Go to the ticket office to buy round trip boat ride. The boat ride to main pier takes about 45 minutes. We took a boat to Vong Duan Bay/Beach, as their is less people there. Beach Ao Phai and Candlelight Beach are more secluded but the bungalows are kind of rough. I think its' better to book bungalows once you take a look at them because pictures from travel agents can be deceiving.

Misfiled - please delete.

(Message edited by Gitano on December 13, 2004)