Ranong is located on Thailand's west coast, on the Isthmus of Kra and is the narrowest point between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The Isthmus of Kra connects the Thai mainland with the Malay Peninsula. The distance from Bangkok is just under 570 km. Ranong is the least populated province in Thailand: over 80% of the total area is covered by mountainous rainforests. Several waterfalls fall from up to 1,000 m high mountain slopes down. The province is considered the rainiest region in Thailand (with an average of 200 rainy days and a rainfall of more than 4,000 mm per year).

Nevertheless, the region offers much to see: in addition to several national parks, there are hot springs, colorful markets and beautiful islands and beaches. The border with Myanmar is not far. The village of Kawthaung (Victoria Point) in Myanmar can be reached via the Pak Chan River.

We spent a few days at the Numsai Khaosuay Resort. The rooms are beautifully and luxuriously decorated in traditional Thai style (with dark wood furniture). The water in the bathrooms is fed by the hot springs. From the balconies of the rooms you can look into a beautiful tropical garden. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool. There is also very good food in the "Leela Restaurant". The hotel is located directly across from a larger (night) market and near the hot springs, making it the perfect base for some tours in Ranong.

Due to its proximity toKhao Lak and Phuket, Ranong can be easily reached by bus or minivan. Phuket is by land, depending on the route between 300 and 400 km away. From Phuket Airport, you can only get by car (rental car, bus or minivan) on the Sarasin Bridge in the direction of Phang-Nga to Ranong. By plane you can travel from Bangkok (Don Muang) in less than 1.5 hours (including Nok Air and Air Asia).

Airport transfer from Phuket to Ranong:
Ranong is on the bus route "Phuket - Bangkok". From the main road H 402 different buses run in this direction. Optionally you can also drive from the bus terminal in Phuket Town to Ranong.
At the airport in Phuket you can book the bus tickets directly. There you will receive a receipt and can then board the booked (mini) bus / van.

You can also rent a car at the airport. Here are several lenders to choose from. In addition to the common lenders AVIS and Europcar, Thailand's largest lender is Thai Rent a Car. Depending on the season, the prices vary greatly and often smaller vehicles are fully booked in the main season. The best way to book the car already in Germany. Depending on the route and traffic, the journey takes about 4-5 hours (shortest route 281 km).

From Phuket Town:
From the bus terminal in Phuket Town, buses run 3 times daily to Ranong and Takua Pa. The travel time in the public buses is about 4 hours, depending on the traffic. The price of the ticket per person is about 200 Baht.

•       Bus No. 435 - direction Ranong
•       Bus No. 436 - direction Takua Pa

Arrival from hotel in Phuket:
Here it is advisable to book a ticket in one of the small travel agencies that are found everywhere in the tourist centers. The travel price includes a pick-up service directly from the hotel. The mini bus continues to the "Bus Station" in Phuket Town. From here, the journey continues in a larger bus to Ranong. Here on the main street Songthaeos (pick-up collecting taxis) are waiting as a feeder to the hotels and beaches.

Arrival from Bangkok:

• The arrival from Bangkok by plane is possible to Ranong. The companies AirAsia and NokAir serve this route.
• From Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal there are several daily buses to Ranong, Khao Lak and Phuket. The fare is between 500 and 900 baht. Depending on traffic, the journey takes between 9 and 10 hours. Due to the air conditioning it gets pretty cold in the buses. It is best to take a warm sweater or jacket with you for the ride. There are 4 different buses at the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok:

1. Standard buses (orange) with about 55 seats (505 THB = about 14.- EUR) (the bus stops in different places)
2. Aircon buses (blue) with approx. 50 seats (482 THB = approx. 13.- EUR)
3. VIP buses (inscription "VIP Bus 999") with approx. 24 seats (692 THB = approx. 19.- EUR)

• Buses depart from Southern Mo Chit Terminal in Bangkok towards Phuket for approximately 650 THB. These pass also Ranong.

• Ranong is not connected to Thailand's rail network. But you can take the train to Chumphon and from there about 123 km with the AC "Phuket Bus" No. 465 continue towards Khao Lak. The trip costs between 80 THB / 130 THB and takes about 2 hours depending on the traffic. You can also take the minibus, which costs 150 THB.

Arrival from Koh Samui / Koh Phangan / Koh Tao:
Here it is advisable to book a ticket in one of the small travel agencies that are found everywhere in the tourist centers. The travel price includes a pick-up service directly from the hotel. The mini bus continues to the pier and from there by boat / ferry to Surat Thani. From Surat Thani the bus continues to the bus station in Ranong.

Arrival from mainland Tailand (for example Krabi, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin):
Again, you can book the pick-up service directly from the hotel again. With the mini bus it goes on to the respective bus station and from there with a bigger bus up to the "bus station" in Ranong.

Also, the Phuket - Khao Lak - Ranong and Krabi - Ranong routes are also served by public buses. Here the fare is much cheaper, but is stopped at many stops.

Waterfalls:
Namtok Ngao Waterfall: This is located about 15 km south of the center of Ranong. The waterfall is already visible from the road, as it extends over 300 m altitude. Admission to the National Park is 50 THB for children and 100 THB for adults.

Punyaban Waterfall: This is located about 20 km north of the city center of Ranong. The waterfall is already visible from the road. Admission to Lamnam Kra Buri National Park is 50 THB for children and 100 THB for adults.

National Parks:
Ngao Mangrove Forest Research Center / Ranong Biosphere Reserve about 16 km south of the city center of Ranong. About artificially created wooden bridges and platforms you can walk on a trail in the mangrove forest. The path is about 2 km long and leads past some information boards to animal and plant species. In addition to giant mangrove plants, you can see various species of birds, monkeys, crabs, mud jumpers and various insects! On the Ngao Canal guided boat tours can be made through the mangroves.
At 2 km from Ngao Mangrove Forest Research Center is Phu Khao Ya (Grass Hill, a hillside completely covered with grass). There are various hiking gnats and you can enjoy a beautiful view.

Khlong Na Kha Wildlife Sanctuary: This park is located approximately 75 km south of the center of Ranong.

Laem Son National Park: This park is located approximately 65 km south of Ranong on the Andaman Sea. The park includes forest areas and various beach areas and islands. The park staff can arrange boat trips to the smaller islands, such as Ko Khang Khao or Ko Kam Yai. Ko Kam Yai is a small, unspoiled island with only one fishing village and about 1.5 hours from the mainland. The Laem Son Beach is particularly popular with ornithologists, as it can be observed here various rare species of birds. The Bang Ben Beach is the seat of the park administration and located about 65 km south of Ranong. Entrance fee 200 THB per person

Hot Springs:
Raksawarin Park is located on the grounds of Wat Tapotharam 2 km west of City Hall. The 3 hot springs are called father, mother and child source. The water temperature is up to 65 ° C. Of course, this temperature is too hot for bathing, but this can be done in the charming baths of the temple at a pleasant 42 ° into the water. There is also an enclosed bathing area (entrance 40 THB) where you can swim with swimwear. In the park there is also a pavilion with "heated" floor as a relaxation area and yoga area. Something luxurious are the hot springs in the spa's (Siam Hot Spa) and hotels in the area (including the Jansom Thara Hotel and the Tinidee Hotel Spa areas)

Kra Isthmus / Thailand's narrowest point
Thailand's narrowest point measures just 44 km. The Kra Isthmus is located approximately 65 km northeast of Ranong's provincial capital in Ban Thap Li. On Highway 4 there is the information sign "Kra Isthmus". The border river Kra Buri, which flows in the south in the Andaman Sea and forms the border between Thailand and Burma is only 22 km away.

Koh Song / Victoria Point / Kawthaung (Myanmar): The city of Kawthaung is the southernmost mainland point of Myanmar. For one, the city is a free trade area and therefore a popular shopping destination (including tobacco, alcohol and craftsmanship). On the other hand, the border crossing to the "Visa Run" offers. (The visa stamp in Myanmar costs $ 10 or 500 THB, opening hours immigration from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm). The Longtail boat trip with locals costs from 50 THB for residents (Thai / Burmese) and 100 THB for "foreigners". Also larger charter boats are offered with lunch, here costs the crossing between 200-400 THB (oneway / per person). The crossing takes about 40 minutes.

The Laem Son Beach is located approximately 65 km south of Ranong and is particularly popular with ornithologists, as it can be observed here various rare species of birds.
Bang Ben Beach is approximately 65 km south of Ranong. Here is located next to the park management and an idyllic village with accommodation.

Ranong Province has 2 archipelagos and 8 other islands. The islands are best visited in the period from November to May to escape the monsoon season.

Over the Laem Son National Park you can reach the smaller islands such as Koh Khang Khao or Koh Kam Yai. Ko Kam Yai is a small, unspoiled island with only one fishing village and about 1.5 hours from the mainland.

Koh Chang (the little Koh Chang)
The little Koh Chang is an only 18 km ² small island with just 4 beach sections on the west coast. There are no cars on the island, which is why the island is a really quiet idyll. Only a small village with a few small shops provides the inhabitants. (The little Koh Chang is not to be confused with the Koh Chang in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, except for the two islands have nothing in common!) From the port Saphan Pla near Ranong the longtail boats go to Koh Chang.
 

Koh Phayam
Koh Phayam is located about 35 km off Thailand's northwest coast and is about as big as the little Koh Chang. The few inhabitants are descended from the sea gypsies (Chao Le). In addition to the income from tourism, they live mainly from the cultivation of coconut and cashew nuts. On Koh Phayam there are some beautiful beaches: at the Ao Yai Beach or Ko Kwai Beach there are some accommodations.

From Saphan Pla Harbor, near Ranong, long-tail boats depart for Koh Phayam. There is also an older ferry that goes to Koh Phayam in about two hours. In addition, speedboats operate in the main season in 35-50 minutes drive (depending on the waves) for 350-400 baht.
Ferry (200 THB / person):
Ranong - Koh Phayam 9:30 am and 2:00 pm
Koh Phayam - Ranong 8.30 and 14.00 clock

Speedboat (350 - 400 THB / person)
Ranong - Koh Phayam several times between 7:00 and 17:00
Koh Phayam - Ranong several times between 8:00 and 17:00

Attention: On the smaller islands there is no ATM machine!