Ranong, Thailand

The first Southern province bordering the Indian Ocean is Ranong, located some 568 kms. from Bangkok. Ranong is very famous even though it is very small occupying an area of only 3,298 square kilometers, because it is Thailand's rainiest province, and also its narrowest.

The Kra Isthmus, the narrowest part of the Malayan Peninsula is located here. Ranong is a long narrow plot of land extending 169 kms. from north to south, and only 9m kms. at its narrowest. Most of the province is rainforested mountains bordering on Chumphon to the north, Surat Thani and Phangnga to the south, Chumphon to the east and Myanmar to the northwest. Ranong is administratively divided into four Amphoes and one King Amphoe Amphoe Muang, Kra Brui, Kapoe, La-un and King Amphoe Suk Samran.


Boundary:
North- Connects which Amphoe Tha Sae (Chumphon) and Myanmar.
South- Connects with Amphoe Khirirat Nikom (Surat Thani) and Amphoe Khura Buri (Phang Nga).
East- Connects with Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Sawi and Amphoe Pha To (Chumphon).
West- Connects with Ko Song (Myanmar) and Indian Ocean.

Attractions:
Hot Springs The most popular attraction of Ranong is 2 kms. east of town, situated among shady surroundings which has a maintained arboretum called the Raksawarin Park. The temperature of the springs is about 65 degrees Celsius.

Wat Hat Som Paen 7 kms. along Route No. 4005, this temple is located by the Hat Som Paen Canal, which is full of fish.

Nam Tok Punyaban This roadside waterfall is some 15 kms. before Ranong township on the Kra Buri - Ranong route. The water cascades from high cliff and makes a refreshing rest stop for motorists touring in the South.

Nam Tok Ngao this pristine waterfall in the Khlong Pharo Nation Park is located 12 kms. south of the town. The whole stream cascades from a high mountain top and can be seen from a distance. The jungle area around the falls is home to Pu Chao Fa, a rare species of freshwater crab.

Phu Khao Ya A vast hilly grassland, which offers refreshing scenery during the rainy season, is located 12 kms. south of Ranong town. This naturally bald area is distinct to the surroundings which are covered by thick forest.

Hat Chan Damri Situated near Km. 8 on Route No. 4004 (Ranong - Pak Nam route) this small beach stretches to the mouth of the Kra Buri River where visitors may take a boat to travel up the river to Amphoe Kra Buri. Accommodation on the beach is available.

Ko Song or Victoria Point A small town of Myanmar that is accessible by boat from the Ranong Landing at the mouth of the Kra Buri River. The boat trip takes only half an hour. Customs and Immigration formalities must be processed first.

Ko Phayam This island largely covered by cashew nut plantations can be reached by boat from the Ranong Landing. On the island, there is also a pearl farm and fishing villages. Other offshore island where visitors can enjoy fishing and diving are Ko Sin Hai and Ko Chang. A boat can be hired from the Ranong Landing.

Namtok Chum Saeng or Namtok Sai Rung This is located in Ban Pak Chan, 80 kms. north of Ranong or 16 kms. from Amphoe Kra Buri. It is accessible by Highway No. 4 and then turn left at Km. 529-530 onto the laterite road for another 3 kms. The waterfall looks most beautiful when a colourful rainbow sometimes appears on the spray of the waterfall on a sunny day.

Tham Phra Khayang This beautiful cave adorned with plenty of stalactites and stalagmites is located at Km. 564 on Highway No. 4, some 12 kms. north of the town. An old legend links it to the establishment of Kra Buri town.It is said that Lek Lai, a special iron element believed to be elastic and flexible like wax, has been found in this cave.

Kra Isthmus The narrowest part of the Malay Peninsula is located approximately at Km. 545 of Highway No. 4 in Amphoe Kra Buri. There is a viewpoint overlooking the scenic landscape around the Kra Buri River, which forms the border between Thailand and Myanmar.

Namtok Bokkrai This waterfall with many levels and pleasant surroundings is 2 kms. from the Kra Buri Market and another 13 kms. on an access road.

Laem Son National Park Travel 45 km. south of Ranong along Highway No. 4 and turn right at km. 657 for another 10 Kms to the park office. The Laem Son National park covering an area of 315 square kilometres contains many beautiful attractions. Hat Laem Son and Hat Bang Ben are two extensive beaches lined with pine trees. Hat Praphat is another beach in the park located 90 kms.south of Ranong. Visitors may take a boat from the park office to explore some offshore islands such as Ko Khangkhao, Ko Kam Tok and Ko Kam Yai. Coral abounds in the area called Him Khan Na,15 minutes by boat from the shore.

Namtok Khao Phra Narai This is a lovely waterfall located about 3 kms. from the Kapoe District Office.

How to get there:

By car
From Bangkok take Highway No.35 (Thonburi-Paktho Route) for 90 kilometers and turn left to Highway No.4. Drive to Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khirikhan and Chumphon. At Pathom Phon Intersection in Chumphon, turn right to the direction to Ranong. The total distance is 568 kilometers.

By bus
Non air-conditioned buses and air-conditioned buses depart from the Southern Bus Terminal on Borom Ratchonnani Road in Bangkok to Ranong daily, taking 8 hours for the trip. For more information, please call tel. 435-1199 (air-conditioned buses) and tel. 434-5557-8 (non air-conditioned buses) or Ranong Bus Terminal on Ranong at tel. (077) 811-548.

By air
Bangkok Airways has daily flight to Ranong. Call Bangkok Airways office in Bangkok at tel. 229-3434 for more information and reservation.