Ranong - Where Tourists Are Fewer Than White Elephants
Ranong: Thailand's Forgotten Backwater That Nobody Asked About
Ever heard of Ranong? No? Join the club. If Thailand were a high school cafeteria, Ranong would be that quiet kid eating alone in the corner while Phuket and Koh Samui sit at the popular table. Located on Thailand's western edge bordering Myanmar, Ranong is the least populated province in Thailand, which tells you everything you need to know about its party scene.
What Even Is Ranong?
Ranong is basically Thailand's wettest province. Not "wet" like the Full Moon Party, but literally wet: it rains here approximately up to 245 days per year. This makes it perfect for anyone who's ever said, "You know what would make this vacation better? Constant dampness and perpetual humidity."
The province stretches along the Andaman coast, which sounds exotic until you realize everyone just goes to the Andaman beaches further south. It's like being Madonna's less talented sibling; same genes, way less attention.
Things To Do (Yes, There Are Some)
Surprisingly, Ranong does have attractions, though using that word feels a bit generous:
- Hot springs where you can boil yourself like a human dumpling
- The thrilling opportunity to take a longtail boat to Myanmar for a visa run (tourism at its finest!)
- Abandoned tin mines that scream "perfect tetanus opportunity"
- Some genuinely beautiful untouched islands that nobody visits because they're too busy at Phi Phi taking the same photo as 8 million other tourists
The crown jewel is probably Ngao Waterfall National Park, which would be packed with tourists if it were located literally anywhere else in Thailand.
The Local Scene
Ranong's population is a mix of Thai Buddhists, Muslims, and a significant number of Burmese migrants. This creates an interesting cultural blend that's reflected in the local food, which combines Thai spice with Burmese influence. The result? Food that will set your mouth on fire while simultaneously confusing your taste buds.
The city itself has a strange frontier-town vibe, partly because it sits so close to Myanmar. It's the kind of place where you might see a pickup truck full of durian fruits pass by a 7-Eleven where fishermen are buying energy drinks at 5 AM.
How To Get There (If You Really Insist)
Getting to Ranong is half the adventure, and by "adventure" I mean "test of your will to live":
- By Air: There is technically an airport in Ranong. Flights from Bangkok operate on what locals call "Thai time," which means "maybe today, maybe tomorrow, maybe next week." Nok Air runs flights from Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport for about 1,500-3,000 baht ($45-90), assuming the pilot remembers Ranong exists.
- By Bus: Air-conditioned buses run from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal, taking approximately 8-10 hours (or 12-14 if you count the inevitable breakdowns). Expect to pay 500-700 baht ($15-21) for the privilege of questioning your life choices for nearly half a day.
- By Van: Minivans operate from various southern cities like Phuket, Krabi, or Surat Thani. They cost around 250-400 baht ($7-12) and fit approximately 15 people in a space designed for 8, plus at least one durian fruit that someone will insist isn't bothering anyone.
- By Car: Renting a car and driving yourself is an option for those who enjoy Thai interpretations of road safety. The drive from Bangkok takes about 9-10 hours on Highway 4, offering scenic views interrupted only by the occasional motorbike driving in the wrong direction.
Where To Stay If You Don't Fancy Sleeping Under A Bridge
Ranong's accommodation options range from "possibly haunted" to "surprisingly decent":
- Budget (300-800 baht/$9-24 per night): Guesthouses offer basic rooms with fans, cold showers, and the occasional gecko roommate. Perfect for backpackers or those experiencing a quarter-life crisis.
- Mid-Range (800-2,000 baht/$24-60 per night): Hotels offer actual amenities like air conditioning, hot water, and staff who've been trained to smile when they see foreigners. Their Wi-Fi might even work 60% of the time!
- High-End (2,000-4,000 baht/$60-120 per night): "Luxury" in Ranong means places which would probably be 3-star hotels anywhere else but shine like beacons of opulence here. Expect pools that aren't terrifyingly green and breakfast that includes more than just instant noodles.
- Splurge (4,000+ baht/$120+ per night): A few secluded resorts near the hot springs or on nearby islands charge premium prices for the privilege of being the only guests during low season. Their marketing materials all contain the words "hidden gem" at least seven times.
Who Actually Goes There?
Ranong attracts three types of visitors:
1. People doing visa runs to Myanmar
2. Old European men who read "least populated province" and thought "perfect!"
3. Confused tourists who meant to go to Rayong
The province does have a small expat community, mostly consisting of people who came for a day and somehow stayed for 7 years. They all have complicated stories involving either a business venture, a romantic partner, or "just needing to get away from it all." They can be found at the three bars in town, telling these stories to anyone who will listen.
Should You Go?
Should you visit Ranong? Well, let me put it this way: if your ideal vacation involves telling people "Oh, you've never heard of it" with a smug expression, then absolutely yes.
If you actually want to experience Ranong at its best, use it as a gateway to the genuinely gorgeous and undeveloped Surin Islands. Or visit during the Ranong Mineral Water and Hot Spring Festival, which is exactly as exciting as it sounds.
The truth is, Ranong has a certain charm in being so overlooked. No scammers trying to sell you suits or timeshares, no Full Moon Party bros puking on the sidewalk, no influencers blocking your view while doing yoga poses on the beach. Just real Thailand, rainfall, and the constant question of "What am I doing here?" which, frankly, is the authentic Thailand experience many claim to be seeking.
Pack an umbrella. And maybe a book. You'll need both.
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