A Forgotten gem: Ranong Province
Categories: Attraction
Written By: Thailand Tourism Update
Situated just north of Phuket, looking over the Indian Ocean, is the unspoilt province of Ranong. It is unspoilt in the sense that developers have been completely indifferent to the province’s natural beauty, preferring instead to pour their wealth into the nearby provinces of Krabi, Phuket and Phang-nga.
Ranong receives an incredibly minimal amount of tourists in comparison with its three big sister provinces. Most foreign backpackers are too busy sipping their banana shakes and scoffing banana pancakes in Krabi, it would seem, to even bother contemplating getting off the beaten track and venturing down to Ranong.
It really is an amazingly tranquil province, boasting some of the most fantastic natural surroundings in the south of Thailand. (If you don’t mind the rain that is - Ranong gets the most rainfall in the whole of Thailand). Ranong’s largest island Ko Chang (not to get mixed up with the well-known Ko Chang in Trat province) is one of the least developed islands in Thailand. The island is so underdeveloped it has no motorbikes, minimal electricity and hardly a phone in sight. It’s reminiscent of the beaches of Krabi 20 years back.
The island boasts a few white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. And unlike some of the other provinces, the Chao Le (sea gypsy) villages haven’t turned into a “human zoo” for tourists to gawk at. If it’s a fancy resort with the latest spa fads you are after, then don’t bother going - accommodation on the island is traditionally Spartan.
Other idyllic islands in the vicinity include the exotic Ko Khang Khao with its abundance of colourful coral, pristine forest and one superb beach. One more island not to be missed on a day-trip in Ranong is Ko Kam Yai. As there is no human settlement on this island, the place is a refuge for a variety of migrating birds seeking a peaceful resting place during the cooler months.
So, if you’re a beach bum who is fed up with the rowdy crowds in the South’s more touristy areas, you know where to go the next time you’re yearning for a bit of sun.
Blogger: Stephen Cleary
URL: www.thai-blogs.com
February 22nd, 2009 at 6:25 pm
I miss Koh Payam in this article.
February 23rd, 2009 at 2:40 am
Hi Stephen, Ranong Province sounds ideal and just the place to get out of the hustle and bussle of Patong!! One question? How do you get there? I am guessing there aren’t tourist boat operators that go there. I am not sure if I feel confident enough to just go and hire a boat and driver so what do you suggest? We are heading to Phuket in late April and love getting back to the ‘real’ Thailand. Thanks and talk soon, Michelle
February 25th, 2009 at 11:10 am
Hi Michelle.
There are direct buses to Rayong Town from a lot of the main provincial towns down south such as Phuket etc… Then, of course there are night buses from Bangkok.
For boats to the islands arrive at Rayong boat pier early in the morning and wait for a shared boat - be adamant that you want to share a boat (if you want to save money) then hang around till there are other passengers and the boatman decided he has enough passengers to make his journey worth-while.
May 3rd, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Hi MICHELLE,
From Phuket bus station you can take early morning a ticket to be 5 hours later
at RANONG city, take a motorbike taxi, pass by the immigration office and you
come to the Phayam pier, there you can jump at 2 pm on the ship which goes every day to KOH PHAYAM passing by koh chang. Koh Phayam is only 8 km from north to south and about 5 km large. A hand-full ‘resorts’ with a bit of comfort and some very good restaurants are already available. The real place to visit !
‘PATONG 25 years ago’ with the difference : No cars, no banks at KOH PHAYAM
Real sort of PARADISE …..
Aow Yai beach at the west side is about 3 km long, good place to swim, eat, sleep.
KK.AowYaiResort, BambooResort, CoconutResort, SilversandResort next to beach.
May 27th, 2009 at 4:02 am
Hi I am wondering where you suggest for accomodations on this island? Thank you.
June 23rd, 2009 at 5:56 pm
I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.
February 4th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
I am coming for the first time il like mature and swiming snorkeming..
with may with what is the more simple from Pouket?`
My wife is just starting waiting for baby is it safe ..Laurent from RUSSIA /FRANCE