INTRODUCTION

Ranong is one of Thailand's southern provinces. Located on the coast of the Andaman Sea,
568 kilometers south of Bangkok, Ranong encompasses an area of 3,298 square kilometers.
The province shares borders with Myanmar (Burma) and the Thai province of Chumphon. Geographically, in addition to sixty-two islands, long expanses of sandy beaches, unspoiled forests and waterfalls, parks, and a world sanctuary zone, Ranong finds the Kra, the narrowest point on the Malayan Peninsula, located within its borders. Administratively, Ranong is divided into five districts, Muang, La-un, Kra Buri, and Kapur, and one subdistrict, Suksamran.

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

From Ranong city to nearby provinces
Chumphon 122 kms.
Ta Kua Pa, Phang-Nga 174 kms.
Lang Suan-Surat Thani 223 kms.
Phuket 300 kms. From Ranong city to its districts

From Ranong city to its districts
Amphoe Kra Buri 57 kms.
Amphoe La Un 43 kms.
Amphoe Ka Poe 52 kms.
Suk Samran subdistrict 85 kms.

Things to see & do sights & experiences
Amphoe Muang
Amphoe Kra Buri
Amphoe Kapur
Amphoe La-un

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Interesting Activities
Amphoe Muang

Hot Springs and Raksa Warin Arboretum
Located about 2 kilometers east of the provincial office, the hot springs have been a popular tourist spot ever since King Rama V visited Ranong in 1890, and named the road to the hot springs 'Chon Ra-u', meaning 'hot water'. There are three natural spring pools. The temperature of the water in the pools remains constant at about 65 C. The water is both potable and suitable for bathing. Doctors routinely prescribe bathing in the pools for both medical treatments and as a relaxing way to ease stress and tension. Surrounding the hot springs is a deep shaded forest called 'Raksa Warin', where resting pavilions and wash rooms have been provided for the visitor's comfort. Nearby Wat Tapo Tharam also provides bathing rooms for visitors who want to enjoy the healthy mineral water from the thermal springs.

Ngao Waterfall
Located in Tambon Ngao in the vicinity of Khlong Phrao National Park, the steep Ngao Waterfall can be seen from a great distance away because of its commanding height. The area is home to a unique species of crab. Known to locals for years as Poo Chao Fa. This fresh water crab has just been recently classified by the scientific community and added to the world's list of shellfish. These crabs, easily recognized by their white bodies and dark purple mouths, live in crevices or under dry leaves along the banks of the small creeks which run from the waterfall. Interestingly, the biologist who first classified this species, Professor Phaiboon Naiyanet from Chulalongkorn university, named the crab Phricotelphusa Sirindhorn in reverence to her
Royal Highness, Princess Sirindhorn.

Ngao Mangrove Forest Research Center
Located about 15 kilometers from the town center, the Ngao Mangrove Forest has been declared a World Biological Sanctuary Zone by UNESCO owing to the essential role this mangrove plays in maintaining the region's ecological integrity. Many species of marine life come to the mangrove to mate, incubate their eggs and care for their young until the offspring are strong enough to face the perils of the open sea. The center offers guided forest walks. Arrangements can be made by writing to the Chief of Ngao Mangrove Forest Research Center, Mu 4, Ban Lang,
Tambon Ngao, Amphoe Muang, Changwat Ranong 85000 at least three weeks in advance
of a proposed visit to the center.

Phu Khao Ya (Grass Hill) or Khao Hua Lan (Bald Hill) or Khao Phi (Ghost Hill)
Known to local residents by a variety of names and endearingly referred to as Thailand's version of a Swiss pasture, this hill, located in Tambon Ngao on Highway 4 (Ranong-Phang-nga) about twelve kilometers from downtown Ranong, is something of an anomaly as it is completely treeless, being covered instead by a thick blanket of grass. Numerous walking trails and good vantage points offering unbroken views of the countryside make this hill the most popular in Ranong.

Chan Damri Beach
Located about nine kilometers from downtown Ranong along highway 4004 (Ranong-Pak Nam), this small beach and pier, and a nearby hillside viewpoint offer good vantage points from which to witness seafaring life along the mouth of Ranong's principal river. From here visitors can see across to Victoria Point of Ko Song in Myanmar of further out to the many other islands, big and small, which dot the Andaman Sea. The hilltop viewpoint is a particularly good location for watching Ranong's sunsets. The Jansom Thara Resort, situated above the beach, offers boat trips to some of the islands.

Victoria Point of Ko Song
As an island in neighbouring Myanmar, Ko Song offers visitors a variety of local products, souvenirs such as wicker basketry and laquerware, and gems. Longtailed boats can be hired in Pak Nam Ranong or on the Ranong Pier. The boat ride to Victoria Point takes about 15 minutes each way and costs between 200 and 300 baht. Before embarking on this excursion, visitors must obtain a boarding card issued by the Ranong Immigration Office in Pak Nam Ranong,
tel : (077) 821216. Jansom Travel also offers tours to Ko Song.

Ko Phayam
Two hours by boat from the Ranong Pier, Ko Phayam is famous for both its long fine white sandy beaches and for the cashew nuts which are grown on the island. A number of sea gypsies,
or Chao Le, live on the island as well. The waters between Ko Phayam and the nearby islands of Ko Hai Hin and Ko Chang often provide excellent game fishing. To get to Ko Phayam visitors can charter boats from Ranong Pier for about 1,000 baht per trip. Visitors can also charter speed boats from Ko Phayam Resort. Prices range from 2,000 to 4,000 baht, depending on the size of the boat. Reservations can be made by calling (077) 812297, (01) 3230436

Ko Phayam (en annan beskrivning)
One and half hours by boat from the Ranong Pier, Ko Phayam is famous for both its long fine white sandy beaches and for the cashew nuts which are grown on the island. A number of sea gypsies, or Chao Le, live on the island as well. The waters between Ko Phayam and the nearby islands of Ko Hai Hin and Ko Chang often provide excellent game fishing, snorkeling and diving. To get to Ko Phayam visitors can get taxi boats daily at 2 p.m. from Ranong Pier for 100 Baht per person. There are several resorts available like Aow Yai Bungalows, prices range
from 150 Baht to 350 Baht.

Ko Chang
With only 45 homes on the entire island, Ko Chang welcomes visitors with a quiet,
unspoiled tropical island ambience. Visitors who wish to explore the island for more
than a day are advised to contact the abbot at Wat Ko Chang. Like Ko Phayam,
boats can be chartered from the Ranong Pier.

Amphoe Kra Buri
Kra Isthmus
Located in Ban Thapli, Tambon Lamu at Km 545 on Highway 4, 66 kilometers northeast of the town center, the Kra is the Malayan Peninsula's narrowest point, spanning a mere 44 kilometers from the Gulf of Thailand on the east coast to the Andaman Sea on the west coast.
There is a large cement map to help orient visitors. The Kra provides an excellent vantage point from which to see the Kra Buri River forming a natural boundary between Thailand and Myanmar

Amphoe Kapur
Laem Son National Park
Declared a national park in 1983, Laem Son is a coastal park that extends out to include a number of islands. Covering an area of 315 square kilometers, the park offers white sandy beaches,
pine trees forests, a seascape of nearby islands and great bird watching. The park office is on Highway 4 (Ranong-Phang-nga), 45 kilometers from the provincial capital, six kilometers from Kapur. Turn right at kilometer 657 and contine for ten kilometers until reaching the office on Bang Ben Beach.
It's easy to see why Bang Ben Beach was chosen to be the location of the Park's headquarter.
A coastal breeze and shady pine trees help to keep temperatures pleasant nearly all year round. The long white sandy beach looks out onto a mutitude of islands scattered offshore, making every position on the beach a wonderful view. Just four kilometers from Bang Ben is Laem Son Beach where visitors can camp and enjoy bird watching. A number of the islands in the park are worth visiting. From Bang Ben Beach, local fishermen will take visitors out in their long-tailed boats to visit the boulder formations on Ko Khang Khao, a trip that takes about 40 minutes,
or 20 minutes further to "Buffalo's Horn" Island, or Ko Aoa Khao Kwai, aptly named for its shape. (Park's rangers are also stationed here to assist visitors.) From Bang Ben Beach, arrangements can also be made to destinations further afield such as the fabulous beaches on
Ko Kham Yai. Travel to this island takes about 1 hour and a half.
Accomodation and restaurants are available in Laem Son National Park. Further information can be obtained from either National Parks Division, Forestry Department in Bangkok, tel . (02) 5797223, 5795734 or to the Chief of Laem Son National Park, Bang Ben Beach, Tambon Muang Kloung, Amphoe Kapur, Ranong 85120.

Amphoe La-un
Khao Fa Chi & WWII Japanese Army Base
So named because of its resemblance to a traditional Thai food cover, Fa Chi Hill is located off of Highway 4 in Tambon Bang Kaew. The hill provides an excellent vantage from which to see two rivers, the Kra Buri and the La-un, converge. The many river islands formed where these two rivers meet makes the scenery fascinating to behold. Sunsets are often breathtaking.
To reach Fa Chi hill turn left at kilometer 580 onto the paved road that has the sign Khao Fa Chi Communications Center posted on it, and continue for three kilometers. Two kilometers further, near the bridge which crosses the La-un River, history buffs will find the remains of a Japanese military based complete with a warship wrecks, underground tunnels and the remains of a railway line. Japanese soldiers used this area as a port of sending support to Burma.

Interesting Activities

Hiking in Mangrove Forests
The mangrove forests along the shore, at the mouths of the rivers, and on islands, though covering a relatively small area of the province, are essential to the region's integrity and continued prosperity. The people of Ranong take pride in having some of the best preserved and protected mangrove forests in the country. Twenty-Five of the world's sixty-eight species of mangrove trees can be found in the province. Those who are interested in exploring these fascinating ecosystems can contact the Mangrove Forest Management Unit.

Cruising along the Kra Buri River
Visitors can independently hire boats at Ranong Pier or take organized tours arranged by the Jansom Travel. As the Kra Buri forms a natural boundary between Thailand and Myanmar, visitors can witness river life in two countries at the same time. The best time for exploring the river is during the dry season (Jan.-Apr.) Visitors are advised to leave early in the morning so that they can arrive at Kra Buri in time for lunch. The restaurant here features succulent jumbo prawns.

Elephant Riding
Near the hot springs in Raksa Warin Arboretum, there is a forest management unit responsible for protecting and maintaining the adjacent forest. From here, visitors can ride on elephants and tour the jungle, viewing many different species of trees, giant ferns, giant vines and other flora. The trip, organized by the Ranong Chamber of Commerce, will take visitors to waterfalls and out towards the Thai Burmese border. Further informaiton and reservations can be made at the office near the hot springs in Raksa Warin Park, tel : (077) 823901-2.

Local Product
Cashew nuts from Ko Phayam are very popular. You can buy good quality cashew nuts in the shops downtown, especially those on Ruang Rat Road and Tha Muang Road.

Ranong - Getting There and Away

BY BUS

From BANGKOK Departing from the Southern Bus Terminal at Nakhorn Chaisri Rd in Pinklao
There are three types of buses (all air-conditioned) and two companies, each priced according to comfort level:
VIP buses are the most luxurious with only 24 deep reclining seats and a toilet on board.
First Class (Por Neung) has 34 seats and toilet in the same space.
Second Class (Por Song) has 44 seats and no toilet inside.
All buses make rest and refreshments stops along the way.
Approximate Departure Times: (8-9 hours travel time)

Daily from Bangkok: 07:10 08:40 13:40 15:30 17:30 18:30 19:30 20:50 22:00
Ranong to Bangkok: 05:00 07:00 09:00 10:30 13:30 17:30 19:00 20:30

From PHUKET Departing from the Central Bus Station near Phuket City Centre
Approximate Departure Times: (4-5 hours travel time)

Daily to Ranong: 10:00 15:30
Ranong to Phuket: 08:30 15:30

From HAT YAI Departing from the Bus Station (Arriving at Tanatwan Palace, Ranong)
Approximate Departure Times: (8 hours travel time)

Daily to Ranong: 07:00 11:00 21:00
Ranong to Hat Yai: 06:00 10:00 20:00

From SURAT THANI Departing from the Bus Station at Talaat Kaset 2 behind Thai Thani Hotel
Approximate Departure Times: (4 hours travel time)

Daily to Ranong: 08:30 12:00 14:00
Ranong to Surat Thani: 05:30 08:30 14:00

Non-Airconditioned Departing from Bus Station at Talaat Kaset 1 opposite side of main road
Approximate Departure Times: (5 hours travel time)

Daily to Ranong: 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:30 14:30
Ranong to Surat Thani: 05:15 06:30 07:30 08:15 09:30 10:30 11:30 12:30 13:30

From KRABI Departing from the Bus Station at Talaat Kao on the Highway
Approximate Departure Times: (Non-airconditioned via Takua-Pa - 6 hours travel time)

Daily to Ranong: 06:00 07:00 09:30 11:30
Ranong to Krabi: 06:00 07:00 09:30 11:30 14:00

From CHUMPORN Departing from the Bus Station on Tha Taphao Rd near the railway station
Approximate Departure Times: (Non-airconditioned - 2 hours travel time)

Daily to Ranong: 07:00 08:30 10:00 11:00 13:00 14:30 17:30
Ranong to Chumporn: 06:30 08:30 10:00 11:30 13:00 14:30 16:00

BY AIR FROM BANGKOK
Phuket Air has daily flights to Ranong (approx 1 hour flight time)

Bangkok to Ranong: 07:50 09:00
Ranong to Bangkok: 10:20 11:30

Information on Renewing your Thai Visa in Ranong

One of the great things about Ranong is the simple process for visa renewal, which saves the longer trek to the Malay border for those wandering around southern Thailand, or for those resident in Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui etc on longer resident or work visas which need to be renewed every three months.

There are 2 basic options for renewing your visa in Ranong with variations within these options. We have tried out most of these but some comments are based upon enquiries only, not experience, nevertheless here goes.

The first option.... Completing the process by yourself.
Take a songteow (local share pick-up taxi style transport) on a standard route to the "Port" known as "SaapanPlaa" which translates as "fish-bridge" and is located at the river mouth where the fishing boats and long-tails depart for their various destinations. This can be a very busy place but since the fishing in Burma has been restricted (stopped!) the activity is much reduced. Just before the entrance to that area, and opposite Thai Farmers Bank you will notice an english sign for the Department of Immigration. Stop here (most drivers will expect you to stop here anyway), paying 7 Baht for the ride. Office hours are 8.30am to 4.30pm. Present your passport at the office in the second building (well back from the road), for an exit stamp. You will automatically be given the papers to be completed for re-entry, but nothing needs to be completed now. Then walk or get a motorbike taxi (20Baht) the short distance (1-200metres) further to the actual port area. This is where you have a choice. You can accompany one of the many touts leading you to a private long-tail boat taxi. Depending upon the number in your party and your negotiating skill this can be a good option. If you are only requiring a visa stamp and not a tour, you can negotiate a return journey on one of these for anything from 150Baht to 400 Baht. Make sure there is no misunderstanding as to whether the quoted rate is per person, per boat ride and one way or return, remembering that these boatmen are from Burma and totally dependant upon these fares to cover their costs and make a small income.
The other option here is to continue on another 200m from where the bulk of the touts are to the Port entrance. Walk behind the service station on your right to where the smaller public taxi boats are waiting for customers. Many boatmen here are also touting for your fare. The standard fare currently is 50 Baht per person to Victoria Point via the Burmese Immigration Post. If you wait until a boat already has 3 or more passengers, you may be able to negotiate a reduced price, as they will leave with this many if there is no sign of additional fares arriving. Don't get on the open boat before it is ready to leave as it is hot waiting in the sun.
It is a 30-45 minute trip across the estuarine river mouth, passing a scenic coastline and several small islands before you reach the small concrete hut on stilts in the water on the Burmese side. This is the Burmese Immigration office. You must disembark here, climbing the concrete steps and indicate whether you wish to stay in Victoria Point or return the same day to Ranong.
This will determine the type of visa stamp issued. If returning you get a day entry stamp for a fee of US $5 per person (must be clean crisp notes. Currently Thai Baht is not accepted and no change is available for larger denomination notes.). A receipt is given to be shown later to the on-shore Immigration officials! Your boatman will wait for you while you receive the entry stamp only. With this you can stay overnight in Victoria Point if you wish, and we were advised by the officials that 3 day stays are possible but not beyond that without a visa from the Embassy in Bangkok. Foreigners are officially only allowed to stay at designated hotels, but unoffically this rule may not always be applied.
Victoria Point is quite a bustling place, with significant effort made to encourage tourists to buy local bargain priced and overpriced imported goods. Thai Baht are accepted in most places. Beyond this facade you can find evidence of a relatively impoverished population with few amenities but very warm hearts. They will welcome you hesitantly but with warm dignity.
After a short or long wander exploring Victoria Point, you will need to locate the new Dept of Immigration office on the pier near your boat landing point. The officials will check your entry stamp and receipt before giving you the necessary exit stamp. Although the rule may be flexible, the new ruling stipulates that an exit stamp is given only after you have been in Victoria Point for one hour! With your exit stamp duly obtained you can similarly locate either a "private" taxi boat or a public boat for your return to Ranong. The negotiation may be a little tougher here, especially later in the day, as this is their home port so the boatmen need to be assured of sufficient benefit to make the return trip worthwhile. You will need to stop at the Immigration Post in the water on your way out to check that everything is in order before you continue back to Ranong.
Once back in Ranong, return to the Immigration Office, armed with your Burmese stamps in your passport. If you don't already have another longer term visa to cover you (ie non-immigrant visa), a standard 30 day tourist visa will be issued. If you have a longer term visa with renewal required, the length of permitted stay should be the same as your previous entry permit, but check this carefully.
Return to the Ranong Market by any songteow passing the office (7 Baht) or a motorbike taxi for 20 Baht. From there the No.11 or No. 2 will take you on to Tanatwan Palace, the best place to stay in Ranong.
Allow for 2.5-3 hours for a "quick" return trip, more if there is longer waiting periods, or you spend time at the markets etc in Victoria Point. During the monsoon season (July to October) it is very likely to rain in the mid afternoon so early morning crossings are recommended. Take an umbrella at any rate as it also serves to keep the sun off.

OR.. Just Cruise Through the Process with Andaman Club
The alternative is to go to the Andaman Club Pier (well out of town, so you may be asked to pay 25 Baht for a songteow to take you the extra 500m or so to the Pier, otherwise it is 10 Baht to the Andaman Club turnoff. Watch for the green songteow to Ban Samlan!). Comfortable enclosed cruise boats with plushly upholstered seats travel rapidly each hour from the Pier to the Andaman Club casino on an island resort just inside the Burmese border. The Andaman Club have their own Immigration official procedures. The cruise usually allows for a 3-day package holiday stay. This may be the reason why the Club demands you have 5 days validity remaining on your existing Thai visa. If you have less than this you will have to pay an additional renewal charge of 600 Baht. To obtain your papers for the cruise at the main office, you must hand over your passport or personally complete the required forms.
The cost of the journey to the Casino (500 Baht return to be paid upon your arrival at the island) includes a return boat ticket and the cost of the Burmese entry and exit visas, so no US dollar notes are required. Your passport is returned to you along with a veritable stack of official papers and the boat ticket, which is required for entry onto the ferry.
The comfortable and scenic journey takes around 15 minutes. Watch for the large fish greeting you upon arrival at the island pier!! You hand in your passport at Immigration upon arrival then pay 500Baht to the Club staff before you are bussed uphill to the casino and treated like royalty for the day. Quality food is available at inexpensive prices (all transactions in Thai Baht), and the views are priceless! Before you return collect your passport at the small centrally located Lobby desk by the stairs. Check that the Myanmar Entry and Exit visas are duly stamped. Then catch a bus to retrace your route back. Upon your arrival back at the Club Pier in Ranong don't forget to return to the Thai Immigration Desk to obtain your new Thai visa stamp in the usual way.
Songteows to Ranong are not available from the Andaman Club after about 4.45-5.00pm. If you walk the 1-1.5kms back to the Ban Samlan Road or on to the Pak Nam Road, songteows may be available a little later but not after 6.00pm. Hitchhiking is possible but not common in this area.

Don't forget to take your swimming gear etc, as there is a beautiful swimming pool with a view and a health club including gymnasium, aerobics and sauna if you wish to make use of them. The view from the restaurants and lounges are stunning. There is also a Duty Free shop with the occasional bottle of cheaper grog and European chocolates, while of course there is the Casino!!! You can always lighten your pocket a little by getting rid of a few 10Baht coins in the slot machines and electronic gaming boards!!!! All purchases are made in Thai Baht.