Ranong

In the northeast of the province, the Kra Isthmus signals the narrowest point of the peninsula, where just 44 km. separate the Andaman Sea from the Gulf of Thailand.

Covering an area of 3,298 sq. km., Ranong is located 56 km. from Bangkok and about 300 km. north of’ Phuket. It is bordered to the west by the Andaman Sea, to the north by Myanmar, to the cast by Chumphon and to the south by Surat Thani.

Ranong is the wettest province in Thailand, with over 4,000 mm. of rain per year, and also the country’s least populous province. As it has a long rainy period, which lasts for around 8 months each year, it is best visited between December and April. Its compact area includes many natural wonders such as hot springs, waterfalls, white sandy beaches and offshore islands. In the northeast of the province, the Kra Isthmus signals the narrowest point of the peninsula, where just 44 km. separate the Andaman Sea from the Gull of Thailand.

Major Attractions
Ranong Hot Springs and Raksawarin Arboretum
Just 1 km. to the east of town, on the grounds of Wat Tapotharam, are some hot springs, which bubble tip out of the ground at a scalding 65-70 degrees Celsius. This is too hot to bathe in hut the rustic public baths are a much cooler 42 degrees, while the nearby Jansom Thara Hotel has a large public spa that uses the same waters. The hot springs are surrounded by the Raksawarin Arboretum, where there are benches for relaxing in the shade, and from where it is possible to take elephant rides. Try the Jansom Hot Spa Ranong Hotel, with its own mineral water spa from a natural geyser.
Website: www.jansomthararanong.com

Victoria Point
Ranong has long been popular among Thais as a jumping off point for a glimpse into Myanmar at Victoria Point, known as Ko Thuang to the Burmese and Ko Song to the Thais. Boats leave from Saphan Pla, Ranong’s port and harbor about 5 km. southwest of the town centre. For a small fee, foreigners can also take the short boat ride across the Kra Buri River to this bustling island, which is mostly dedicated to fishing, but also produces a high number of champion kick-boxers. Among the many shops in Victoria Point are some selling intricately made baskets, lacquer ware and gems.
Immigration Checkpoint Tel. 0 7782 1216

Kra Isthmus
The narrowest part of the peninsula that connects Thailand with Myanmar is Ban Thap Li, 545 km. from Bangkok and 66 km. northeast of Ranong town. A small monument just off Highway No. 4 marks the spot where the peninsula’s waist measures a slender 44 km., while just 22 km. separate the Gulf of Thailand from Kra Bun River, which flows south into the Andaman, and forms the border between Thailand and Myanmar.

Namtok Ngao
Located within sight of Highway No. 4, about 12 km. south of Ranong, this waterfall tumbles down from a great height, and is particularly impressive during the wet season. National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department Tel. 0 2562 0760
Namtok Ngao National Park Tel. 0 7784 8181
Website: www.dnp.go.th

Ko Chang
Not to be confused with Thailand’s second largest island with the same name over on the eastern gult this 18 sq. km. island has four beaches strung along its west coast, and also bungalows to rent. Though there is a small village here, there are no cars as yet, so it is a very tranquil place.

Ko Phayam
Similar in size and just south of Ko Chang, Ko Phayam thrives on its cashew orchards, tended by a handful of local residents, who include “Chao Le” or sea gypsies. The island also has some great beaches, and accommodation on Ao Yai and Ao Khao Khwai. Both these islands are best visited between November and May, to avoid the monsoon rains. Longtail boats to Ko Chang and Ko Phayam leave from Saphan Pla port near Ranong.

Laemson National Park
Situated 45 km. south of Ranong on the Andaman Sea coast and occupying 315 sq. km., including over 60 km. of coastline, two archipelagoes and 8 islands, Laemson National Park offers a chance to enjoy unspoiled nature, as few people live in this region. The Park headquarters is at Hat Bang Ben, which is typical of others in the region, a broad spread of sand, backed by shady casuarinas. Four kilometres further on from here, Hat Laemson is a memorably peaceful spot, good for bird watching. Park staff can arrange boat trips out to other islands such as Ko Khang Khao and Ko Kam Yai, the latter of which has some fabulous beaches and lays an hour and a half off the coast. National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department Tel. 0 2562 0760 Laemson National Park Tel. 0 1978 6620 Website: www.dnp.go.th