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 Major
Attractions
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Ranong Hot Springs and Raksawarin Arboretum
Just 1 km. to the east of town, on the grounds of Wat Tapotharam,
are some hot springs, which bubble up out of the ground at a scalding
65-70 degrees Celsius. This is too hot to bathe in, but the rustic
public baths are a much cooler 42 degrees, while the nearby Jansom
Thara Hotel has a large public spa that uses the same waters. The
hot springs are surrounded by the Raksawarin Arboretum, where there
are benches for relaxing in the shade, and from where it is possible
to take elephant rides. Try the Jansom Hot Spa Ranong Hotel, with
its own mineral water spa from a natural geyser.
Victoria Point
Ranong has long been popular among Thais as a jumping off point
for a glimpse into Myanmar at Victoria Point, known as Ko Thuang
to the Burmese and Ko Song to the Thais. Boats leave from Saphan
Pla, Ranong’s port and harbour about 5 km. southwest of the
town centre. For a small fee, foreigners can also take the short
boat ride across the Kra Buri River to this bustling island, which
is mostly dedicated to fishing, but also produces a high number
of champion kick-boxers. Among the many shops in Victoria Point
are some selling intricately made baskets, lacquerware and gems.
 Kra
Isthmus
The narrowest part of the peninsula that connects Thailand with
Myanmar is Ban Thap Li, 545 km. from Bangkok and 66 km. northeast
of Ranong town. A small monument just off Highway No. 4 marks the
spot where the peninsula’s waist measures a slender 44 km.,
while just 22 km. separate the Gulf of Thailand from Kra Buri River,
which flows south into the Andaman, and forms the border between
Thailand and Myanmar.
Located within sight of Highway No. 4, about 12 km. south of Ranong,
this waterfall tumbles down from a great height, and is particularly
impressive during the wet season.
 Ko
Chang
Not to be confused with Thailand’s second largest island with
the same name over on the eastern gulf, this 18 sq. km. island has
four beaches strung along its west coast, and also bungalows to
rent. Though there is a small village here, there are no cars as
yet, so it is a very tranquil place.
Ko Phayam
Similar in size and just south of Ko Chang, Ko Phayam thrives on
its cashew orchards, tended by a handful of local residents, who
include “Chao Le” or sea gypsies. The island also has
some great beaches, and accommodation on Ao Yai and Ao Khao Khwai.
Both these islands are best visited between November and May, to
avoid the monsoon rains.  Longtail
boats to Ko Chang and Ko Phayam leave from Saphan Pla port near
Ranong.
Laemson National Park
Situated 45 km. south of Ranong on the Andaman Sea coast and occupying
315 sq. km., including over 60 km. of coastline, two archipelagoes
and 8 islands, Laemson National Park offers a chance to enjoy unspoiled
nature, as few people live in this region. The Park headquarters
is at Hat Bang Ben, which is typical of others in the region, a
broad spread of sand, backed by shady casuarina. Four kilometres
further on from here, Hat Laemson is a memorably peaceful spot,
good for birdwatching. Park staff can arrange boat trips out to
other islands such as Ko Khang Khao and Ko Kam Yai, the latter of
which has some fabulous beaches and lies an hour and a half off
the coast.
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Covering
an area of 3,298 sq. km., 
