|
|
Welcome to Ranong
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
General
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 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.
Attractions
Hat Chan Damri
Hat Chan Damri Located about nine kilometres from downtown Ranong along Highway No. 4004 (Ranong-Pak Nam), this small beach and pier 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 or further out to the many other islands dotting the Andaman Sea. The nearby hilltop viewpoint is a particularly good location for watching Ranong's sunsets.
Hot Springs and Raksawarin Arboretum
Hot Springs and Raksawarin Arboretum 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 drinkable and suitable for bathing.
Ko Chang
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. 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, where private bungalows are available.
Ko Phayam
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.
Ngao Mangrove Forest Research Centre
Ngao Mangrove Forest Research Centre Located about 15 kilometres from the town centre, 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 centre offers guided forest walks.
Arrangements can be made by submitting a written letter at least 3 weeks in advance of the proposed visit to the Chief of Ngao Mangrove Forest Research Centre, Moo 4, Ban Lang, Tambon Ngao, Amphoe Mueang, Changwat Ranong 85000.
Phu Khao Ya (Grass Hill) or Khao Hua Lan (Bald Hill)
Phu Khao Ya (Grass Hill) or Khao Hua Lan (Bald Hill) Known to local residents by a variety of names and endearingly referred to as Thailand's version of a Swiss pasture, this hill is something of an anomaly as it is completely treeless. Instead, it is covered by a thick blanket of grass. Numerous walking trails and good vantagepoints that offer comprehensive views of the countryside make this hill the most popular in Ranong. It is located in Tambon Ngao on Highway No. 4 (Ranong-Phang-nga), about twelve kilometres from downtown Ranong.
Transportation
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. Air-conditioned buses, varying in 3 types, depart from Bangkok at the following times:
VIP Bus: 8 p.m.
Standard 1 Bus: 9 a.m., 9.10 a.m., 8.20 p.m., 8.30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Standard 2 Bus: 8.50 a.m., 1.50 p.m., 5.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.
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.
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.
Air
Phuket Air offers daily flights to Ranong and The journey takes 1.10 hours. The flights time are available at 13.15 hrs. from Bangkok and 15.05 hours from Ranong. For more information, call Bangkok office at tel. 66 2679 8999 or Ranong office at tel. 66 7782 4591-3 or visit the website www.phuketairlines.com
|
|
|
