Ranong is the first southern province on the western coast, located 568 kilometres from Bangkok. It is known for the long rainy period, which lasts for 8 months each year. Ranong occupies an area of 3,298 square kilometres and is bordered by Myanmar and the Indian Ocean to the west. Within its compact area, Ranong contains various natural attractions and is blessed with hot springs and unspoiled mangrove forests.
A mountainous and heavily forested province, Ranong is best known as a fishing and trading port. It was settled by the Hokkian Chinese, and their strong influence is evident in the town. Ranong town is a gateway to Myanmar, with colourful longboats ferrying produce and people across the narrow divide that separates the two countries. The traffic is even heavier these days since a casino opened at Victoria Point. The famous hot springs are just outside of town, where an arboretum and various first-class hotels cater to visitors eager to benefit from the medicinal properties of the mineral waters.
How to get there
By
Car
Ranong can be reached from Bangkok by taking Highway No. 4 via Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon, a total distance of 568 kilometres.
By
Bus
Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal to Surat Thani everyday for the approximately 8-hour trip. For a current schedule and further information, please call the Southern Bus Terminal at tel: 0 2435 1199, 0 2435 1200 or the Ranong Bus Station at tel: 0 7781 1548 or visit http://www.transport.co.th/
By Air
There is Thai Airasia fly to Ranong 3 flights per week at Tuesday Friday and Sunday contact call center 0 2515 9999 or website http://www.airasia.com/ .
