'''Kra Isthmus, Grass Hill, Sweet Cashew Nuts, Mineral Hot Springs, Genuine Pearls'''
Ranong is the first southern province on the western coast, located 568 kilometres from Bangkok. It is also known for the long rainy period, which lasts for 8 months each year. Ranong occupies an area of 3,298 square kilometres, with the Kra Isthmus which is the narrowest part of the Malay Peninsula, 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 unspoilt mangrove forests.
The province comprise of 4 Amphoe (Districts) and 1 King Amphoe (Sub-district):- Mueang Ranong, Kapoe, Kra Buri, La-un and King Amphoe Suk Samran.
'''''Distances from Amphoe Mueang (Town) to Other Districts'''''
''''Distances from Ranong to Neighbouring Towns'''''
There is a _gSong Thaeo_h service within the municipality area starting from Ranong Municipality Wet Market (Talat Sot Thetsaban) and ESSO petrol station during 6.00 a.m. ? 6.00 p.m. on the following routes :
From the Ranong Bus Terminal, there are buses to nearby provinces and destinations including Chumphon, Lang Suan, Surat Thani, Takua Pa and Phuket. Taxis are also available on Rueang Rat Road.
'''Ranong Governor_fs Grave (???????????????????)''' This Chinese grave of Phraya Rattanasetthi (Kho Su Chiang), Ranong_fs first governor, is situated on a piece of land dedicated by King Rama V, about 1 kilometre away from Ranong provincial town on Highway 4004 (Ranong-Pak Nam). There are 3 tiers of stone platform with steps leading up to the grave with antique granite sculptures of Chinese noblemen, horses, goats and lions on both sides.
'''Hot Springs and Raksawarin Public Park (?????????????????????????????????)''' Located about 2 kilometres 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. Bathing in the pools is recommended for both medical treatments and as a relaxing way to ease stress and tension. It is also one of the various sources of water used to make lustral water for the Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King_fs 5th Cycle Birthday Anniversary. Surrounding the hot springs is a deep shaded park called _gRaksawarin_h, where rest pavilions and washrooms have been provided for visitors_f comfort. Nearby Wat Tapotharam also provides bathing rooms for visitors who want to enjoy the healthy mineral water from the thermal springs.
'''Wat Hat Som Paen (?????????????)''' Located at Mu 3 Tambon Hat Som Paen, 7 kilometres from Ranong provincial town on Highway 4005 (Chon Ra-u Road) or 6 kilometres from Raksawarin Park. This temple is on Khlong Hat Som Paen and provides a sanctuary for a shoal of soro brook carp. Besides feeding the fish, visitors to Wat Hat Som Paen can also pay respect to the image of Luangpho Khlai who was much revered by southerners and passed away at this temple.
'''Wat suwan Khiri (????????????)''' This century-old temple is located within Mueang Ranong Municipality on Highway 4004 (Ranong-Pak Nam). It contains a Burmese style Chedi of over 70 years old and 10 metres in height, which was built by a Burmese, a main ordination hall or Phra Ubosot where a beautifully bejeweled standing Buddha image is enshrined and a belfry decorated with a feline pattern.
'''Namtok Punyaban (????????????)''' Formerly known as Namtok Set Takuat, this 20-metre high waterfall is located at Mu 1 Tambon Bang Non, on the right at Km.597 on Highway No.4 towards Chumphon. A parking area, food shops and souvenirs are available.
'''Namtok Ton Phet (????????????)''' Situated at Mu 4 Tambon Ratchakrut, 29 kilometres from Ranong on the Ranong-Phang-nga route. Turn right at Km.641 into a dirt road with a direction sign to the Ranong Boyscout Camp for 2 kilometres and another 1.5 kilometres walk will lead to the 11-tiered falls. Surrounded by moist evergreen forest with Ranong_fs hightest Phota Chong Dong Mountains being the source of water, each tier of the falls cascades down boulders all year round. Visitors are recommended to ask villagers in the area for directions.
'''Phukhao Ya (Grass Hill) or Khao Hua Lan (Bald Hill) (???????????????????????)''' Known to locals by a variety of names and endearingly referred to as Thailand_fs version of a Swiss pasture, this hill, located in Tambon Ngao on Highway No.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.
'''Namtok Ngao National Park (???????????????????????)''' Covering a total area of approximately 417,500 rai in Amphoe La-un and Amphoe Mueang of Ranong and Amphoe Sawi, Amphoe Thung Tako, Amphoe Lang Suan and Amphoe Phato of Chumphon, it was declared a national park on 3 June, 1999. For information, please contact Namtok Ngao National Park Headquarters, Tambon Ngao, Amphoe Mueang, Ranong 8500, Tel : 0 7784 8181
How to Get There From Ranong, take Highway No.4 (Ranong-Ratchakrut) for approximately 13 kilometres, then turn left for another 2 kilometres to the headquarters.
'''Ngao Mangrove Forest Research Centre (???????????????????????)''' Located about 15 kilometres from the town centre, the Ngao Mangrove Forest has been declared a World Biosphere Reserve 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 centre offers guided forest walks. Arrangements can be made by writing to the Chief of Ngao Mangrove Forest Research Centre, Mu 4, Ban Lang, Tambon Ngao, Amphoe Mueang, Ranong 85000 at least three weeks in advance of a proposed visit to the centre, Tel. 0 7784 8391-3 or contact Office of Mangrove Resources Conversation, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Tel. 0 2298 2649.
'''Hat Chan Damri (??????????)''' Located about nine kilometres from downtown Ranong along Highway No. 4004 (Ranong-Pak Nam) or 8 kilometres from the Ranong Governor_fs Grave, 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 or 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 or Ko Song (?????????????? ???? ???????)''' As an island in neighbouring Myanmar, Ko Song offers visitors a variety of local products, souvenirs such as wicker basketry, lacquerware, and gems. Long-tail 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 : 0 7782 1216. Jansom Beach Resort also offers tours to Ko Song, Tel. 0 7783 5317-9, Fax : 0 7781 1589 E-mail : jansombeach@yahoo.com
'''Ko Chang (????????)''' With an area of 18 square kilometres and 80 homes on the entire island, Ko Chang welcomes visitors with a quiet, unspoiled tropical island ambience. Cashew and para rubber plantations as well as coastal fisheries are the people_fs main occupations Ko Chang is also home to oriental pied hornbill. In addition to bird-watching and fishing, there are various other activities for visitors to enjoy. Like Ko Phayam, boats can be chartered from the Ranong Pier. The island can be reached within 1 hour by long-tail boat. There are four beaches on the west of the island. Accommodation is available, please contact Ranong Agricultural office, Tel. 0 7781 1091, 0 7781 2918. E-mail : agristrn@cscoms.com
'''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 speedboats 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 0 7781 2297, 0 1323 0436
'''Mangrove Arboretum (????????????????????)''' Located within Pa Khlong Lamliang-La-un National Reserve area and attached to a concession forest, the mangrove became under concession for 15 years before reforestation under the Khlong La-un Mangrove project in March 1983. Two years later, it was developed into a mangrove arboretum with a 1,500-metre long boardwalk being constructed to facilitate visitors in studying the 25 species of mangrove flora.
'''Royal Initial Stones (????????????????????)''' At Km.525 on the Chumphon ? Ranong route in Tambon Pak Chan, 86 kilometres from Ranong, there is an area opposite to Ban Cho Po Ro School where the royal initials of King Rama V were inscribed onto a stone to mark his royal visit by an elephant and horse caravan from Chumphon to stay overnight at Don Wang Thu Pavilion in Tambon Pak Chan on 21 April, 1890. There are also inscriptions of Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit_fs as well as Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn_fs initials on their royal visit from Chumphon to see their people here on 7 March, 1959.
'''Kho Khot Kra or Kra Isthmus (???????? ???? ???????)''' Located in Ban Thap Li, Tambon Lamu at Km. 545 on Highway No. 4, 66 kilometres northeast of the town centre, the Kra Isthmus is the Malay Peninsula_fs narrowest point, spanning a mere 44 kilometres 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 Isthmus provides an excellent vantage point from which to see the Kra Buri River forming a natural boundary between Thailand and Myanmar.
'''Tham Phra Khayang (????????????)''' Formerly known as Tham Khao Yang, the cave is located on mountain in Tambon Lamliang, 18 kilometres from Amphoe Kra Buri, with a left turn from Phetchakasam Road (Ranong-Chumphon route) for another 1 kilometre between Km. 563-564. Despite its small scale, this cave is related to a legend of the establishment of the district. Some 40 metres deep inside, a staircase leads upward and further outside the cave to where some rare herbs are believed to have been grown. The cave has a large flock of bats inhabiting inside. Visitors are recommended to take with them a candle or flashlight. Every year during Chinese New Year, a 3-7 day fair is held for people to gild and pay respect to the Buddha images in the cave, as well as, to admire the cave_fs beauty and study the herbs.
'''Namtok Chum Saeng or Namtok Sai Rung (???????????????????????????)''' This waterfall is situated at Ban Pak Chan, Tambon Pak Chan, 80 kilometres from Ranong on Highway 4 and 16 kilometres from Kra Buri (on the way to chumphon) between Km. 529-530. Turn left opposite to the entrance to Ban Pak Chan Self-help Settlement for 3 kilometres. It is recommended to visit Namtok Chum Saeng in the rainy season when a lot of water cascades down the boulders in rainbow splashes. This is how it is called _gNamtok Sai Rung_h or Rainbow Waterfall.
'''Namtok Bok Krai (???????????)''' Located at Mu 8 Tambon Nam Chuet, approximately 54 kilometres from Ranong on Highway 4 (Ranong-Chumphon). There is a sign to the waterfall between Km. 556-557 for another 13 kilometres. The road is not in good condition all year round, particularly in the rainy season. At the end of the road, a 20-metre walk through farmland and a moist forest will lead to this enormous waterfall that runs throughout the year.
'''Khlong Nakha Wildlife Reserve (??????????????????????????????)''' From Amphoe Kapoe, take Highway 4 toward Phang-nga for approximately 25 kilometres, turn left between Km. 685-686 for another 200 metres to Khlong Nakha Wildlife Reserve Headquarters. This wildlife reserve houses a breathtaking waterfall known as Namtok Phan Met (????????????) amid a stretch of verdant forest. Unlike national park, wildlife reserves are not open for tourism. An overnight stay within the area for educational purposes will require a letter of permission to be presented to the official. Write to the Director, wildlife Conservation Office, National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Bang Khen, Bangkok 10900 Tel. 0 2562 0760, 0 2561 4292-3 ext. 765 Contact at least 15 days in advance.
'''Laem Son National Park (????????????????????)''' Declared a national park on 19 August, 1983, it covers a total area of 196, 875 rai, comprising coastal districts from Tambon Ratchakrut, Amphoe Mueang, southward via Tambon Muang Klang, Tambon Kapoe, Tambon Bang Han and Tambon Nakha, Amphoe Kapoe, Ranong province, to Tambon Khura Buri, Amphoe Khura buri, Phang-nga province. It also covers islands in the Andaman Sea; namely, Ko Khangkhao and Mu Ko Kam. The national park headquarters is located at Hat Bang Ben, Mu 4 Tambon Muang Klang, 45 kilometres from Ranong on Highway 4 (Ranong-Phang-nga), or 6 kilometres from Amphoe Kapoe, with a right turn for another 10 kilometres on a dirt road at Km. 657.
The national park has two climates: rainy season with heavy rainfalls during May-November and summer during December-April. Places of interest within the national park include:
'''Hat Bang Ben (?????????)''' is a long and vast sandy beach shaded by pine trees where the national park headquarters is located. A scenic view of islands in the sea is available from here.
'''Hat Laem Son (?????????)''' is a white sandy beach approximately 4 kilometres next to Hat Bang Ben. It provides home for various kinds of birds and is ideal for bird-watching and camping.
'''Hat Praphat or Hat Hin Thung (????????? ???? ??????????)''' is located at Mu 2 Tambon Kam Phuan, approximately 90 kilometres from Ranong on Highway 4 (Ranong-Phang-nga) or 30 kilometres from Amphoe Kapoe with a right turnat Km. 702 into a dirt road for another 3 kilometres to the national park_fs Protection Unit. Similar to Hat Bang Ben, Hat Praphat is a large beach shaded by pine trees.
'''Ko Khangkhao (???????????)''' is an island with fine sandy beaches and a gravel beach known as Hat Hin Ngam in the north. It is approximately 40 minutes by boat from Hat Bang Ben.
'''Ko Kam Tok or Ko Ao Khao Khwai (???????? ???? ???????????????)''' is approximately 20 minutes by boat from Ko Khangkhao and is where a sub-unit of the national park is located to facilitate visitors. It has a bay that curves to nearly make a circle.
'''Ko Kam Yai (??????????)''' is a scenic island with white sandy beaches almost all around. It is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by boat from Hat Bang Ben.
'''Ko Kam Nui (??????????)''' is not far from Ko Kam Yai with beaches on one side and many other nearby islets, Laem Son National park provides accommodation and food shops for visitors. For more information, please contact the National Park Office, National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department at Tel. 0 2562 0760, www.dnp.go.th or Head of Laem Son National Park, Hat Bang Ben, Tambon Muang Klang, Amphoe Kapoe, Ranong.
'''Khao Fa Chi (???????)''' So named because of its resemblance to a traditional Thai food cover, Fa Chi hill is located off Highway No. 4 in Tambon Bang Kaeo. 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. Japanese Warship Wreck near the bridge which crosses the La-un River, history buffs will find the remains of a Japanese military base complete with a warship wreck, underground tunnels and the remains of a railway line. Japanese soldiers used this area as a port of sending support to Burma during the Second World War.
'''Japanese Shipwreck (????????????????)''' Approximately 2 kilometres beyond Chao Fa Chi, on the left near the bridge across the La-un River, a wreck of a Japanese logistic warship used in World War II between a pier in Tambon Pak Chan, Amphoe Kra buri and Burma is visible at low tide.
'''Cruising along the Kra Buri River (????????????????????????)''' Visitors can independently hire boats at Ranong Pier or take organised 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 (January - April). 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.
'''Fishing and Diving at Mu Ko Kam (???????? ?????????????? ??????????)''' The most convenient starting point is Hat Laem Son ? Bang Ben. It takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to the fishing/diving spot where corals and fish are in abundance, due to the fact that there are islets providing shelter from winds and waves, as well as that professional fisheries are prohibited within the national park area. Contact Laem Son National Park or Jansom Thara Hotel_fs tour service counter.
'''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.
'''Elephant Riding (???????)''' Near the hot springs in Raksawarin Public Park, there is a forest management unit responsible for protecting and maintaining the adjacent forest. Form 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, organised by the Ranong Chamber of Commerce, will take visitors to waterfalls and out towards the Thai Burmese border. Further information, please contact Tourist Office Centre Tel. 0 7782 5373
Ranong is renowned for it preserved seafood such as dried shrimps, shrimp paste, as well as cashew nut and dumplings. Other souvenirs such as bags and artificial flowers are also available. All are available at the following shops:
'''Pricha (?????????)''' 2/24 Tambon Bang Rin, Amphoe Mueang, Tel. 0 7781 2288, 0 1893 9851, shrimp paste, dried shrimps, cashew nuts and dried seafood.
'''Nam Heng (??????????)''' 155 Rueang Rat Road, Amphoe Mueang, Tel. 0 7783 3237, shrimp paste, dried shrimp and cashew nuts.
'''Han Yok Yuan (????????????????)''' 29 Mu 4 Tambon Mamu, Amphoe Kra Buri, Tel. 0 7784 6218-9, Thap Li dumplings.
'''Khao Man Kai Thap Li (????????????????????)''' Ban Thap Li, Tambon Manu, Amphoe Kra Buri, Tel. 0 7784 6075, 0 1895 7319, Thap Li dumplings.
'''Krapao (???????????)''' Soi 15 opposite the Ranong Garden Hotel, Tambon Bang Rin, Amphoe Mueang, Tel. 0 7783 5371, 0 1968 3890, stingray skin bags and artificial flowers from kaolin.
'''Visit Ranong and Andaman Fair (?????????????????????????????)''' Held in December, the Fair features exhibitions by various organizations, booth displays of travel agencies and folk sports activities.
'''Image Boat Procession and Races (??????????????????? ????????????)''' Held cooperatively by Thai and Burmese people during the 1 st ? 3nd days of the waning moon of the 11 th lunar month, the event features a Buddha image boat competition. Boats will be decorated to carry Buddha images and will float in procession along the Kra Buri River, near the Kra Isthmus, passing by riverside communities. There will be a boat song contest and boat races as well as other forms of entertainment in front of the Kra Buri District Office.