Tung Prong Thong (Tung Prong Thong) is part of the Prasae River Basin Mangrove Forest Natural Resources and Environment Restoration Project, covering an area of over 6,000 rai. Formerly a degraded area due to shrimp farming and unsustainable resource use, it has been continuously rehabilitated through the cooperation of the community, government agencies, and private sector, returning it to a rich mangrove ecosystem and becoming an important natural tourism destination in Rayong province today.

This area plays a crucial role as the “Green Lung of Pak Nam Prasae”, acting as a Carbon Sink to help mitigate climate change, prevent coastal erosion, and serve as a nursery for juvenile aquatic animals in the upper Gulf of Thailand. Especially in the aerial root systems of the mangrove and grey mangrove forests, which provide shelter for a variety of aquatic species, making this ecosystem highly rich and academically significant in environmental terms.

The main highlight is the vast, dense area of red and golden mangrove trees. When their young shoots reflect the sunlight in the morning and evening, a dazzling golden shimmer appears throughout the forest, creating the iconic image of the “Golden Meadow in the Mangrove Forest”, a famous and nationally popular photo spot. The most beautiful times are in the morning from 08.00–10.00 AM and in the evening from 04.00–05.00 PM, especially during the season from late rainy season to early winter when the light angle is perfect, making the golden color most vibrant.

The nature study trail is a wooden bridge spanning over 2 kilometers, divided into several zones: a mangrove zone with aerial roots protruding from the ground, a grey mangrove zone offering natural shade, and the open Tung Prong Thong zone providing a vast golden view. Along the way, visitors can learn about the mangrove ecosystem up close and observe local aquatic animals such as mudskippers, fiddler crabs, and cockles living naturally.

The end of the trail connects to a fishing community and the HTMS Prasae Memorial, reflecting the traditional way of life of the locals deeply connected to the sea and mangrove forests. This makes the area not just a tourist attraction but also a learning center for ecosystem, community economy, and local history simultaneously.

• From Prasae Intersection, drive along Highway No. 3162 into the Pak Nam Prasae community. There will be clear signs indicating the way to Tung Prong Thong. It is recommended to park at a private parking area (parking fee approximately 20 Baht) and then take a local sidecar motorcycle (approximately 5–10 Baht per person) to the start of the wooden boardwalk.

• Best time to visit: 08.00–10.00 AM and 04.00–05.00 PM for beautiful light and pleasant weather.

• Bring drinking water: The walking path is quite long and there are no shops along the way.

• Dress code: Wear comfortable shoes suitable for wooden pathways and long walks.

• Sun protection: It's advisable to bring a hat, umbrella, or sunscreen, as some sections are open areas with no shade.

• Photography tips: The wooden bridge amidst the Tung Prong Thong field is recommended, and morning–evening light is the most beautiful.

Admission Fee:

• Free (No entrance fee to the site, but there may be parking fees and fees for local sidecar transport).

Opening Hours:

• Open daily from 06.00 AM – 06.00 PM.