12 Things to Do in Ranong on Your First Trip

Tucked away along Thailand’s northern Andaman coast, Ranong offers a quieter alternative to the country’s better-known southern destinations.

The province is shaped by forested mountains, waterfalls, natural hot springs and a long rainy season that keeps its landscapes especially green. Beyond Ranong Town, travellers can explore peaceful islands, mangrove-lined coastlines and rural communities influenced by both Hokkien Chinese and Myanmar cultures.

From soaking in mineral-rich pools to escaping to laid-back Koh Phayam, here are some of the best things to do in Ranong on your first trip.

Image credit: Sheila Dee

1. Visit Ngao National Park

Just a short drive from the heart of Ranong Town, Ngao National Park is most famous for its large waterfall that spreads across the grey craggy rock face. You can admire the falls from afar or follow a well-marked trail to get to the base of the cascades. There are lookout points that provide sweeping vistas across the surroundings, and you’ll spot an array of local flora and fauna.

2. See Phu Khao Ya, Ranong’s Grass Hill

Known as Phu Khao Ya, Khao Hua Lan or Grass Hill, these rounded hills are covered almost entirely in grass rather than large trees.

Their appearance changes with the seasons. During the rainy months, the hills turn a vivid green, while the grass becomes golden brown during the hotter, drier part of the year.

Located beside the main road south of Ranong Town, the hills are easy to visit and provide a distinctive contrast to the province’s surrounding forests.

3. Soak at Phon Rang Hot Spring

Relaxing at Phon Rang Hot Spring, close to Ngao National Park, is a great way to combat travellers’ fatigue. There are communal baths containing naturally heated waters of varying temperatures and you can plunge into the refreshingly cool waters of the river to cool down between soaks. The springs are surrounded by nature and are popular with holiday-making Thais.

4. Discover Ranong Canyon

While it’s unlikely to be the most amazing natural sight you’ll encounter on your travels through Thailand, Ranong Canyon is a pleasant sight in the mountains. The drive to reach the water-filled canyon is scenic, and you can unwind and admire the views from a small grassy park next to the canyon. It is a peaceful place to admire the water, surrounding hills and local birdlife.

5. Gaze upon Punyaban Waterfall

Image credit: Sheila Dee

Several kilometres outside of the town, Punyaban Waterfall is easy to reach. No hiking is required to admire the falls which sit next to the road. You can enjoy walks in nature and relax on the rocks.

6. Soak at Raksawarin Hot Springs

Located close to Ranong Town, Raksawarin Hot Springs and Public Park is one of the province’s best-known wellness attractions.

The naturally heated water emerges into several pools, with areas where visitors can soak their feet or relax beside the springs. Temperatures vary between the individual pools, so enter gradually and follow any safety signs displayed at the site. Public soaking areas and nearby paid spa facilities may be available, but check current access and operating conditions before visiting.

7. Take a trip to Koh Phayam

One of the most popular islands off the coast of Ranong, Koh Phayam is connected to the mainland by regular ferry and speedboat services. Rural and rustic, the way of life on the island is pretty olde worlde. There are no mass developments, letting the island retain an idyllic charm that has now been lost on many of Thailand’s more touristic islands. There are enough facilities and amenities to be comfortable, though, with a number of basic guest houses, restaurants, and chilled-out bars. Koh Phayam has no conventional car-based public transport network. Visitors commonly get around by scooter, motorbike taxi or local transport arranged through their accommodation. Alternatively, you can hitch a ride with a tractor or catch a motorbike taxi. Secluded white-sand beaches, mangroves, and nature are the island’s main draws, and you may spot majestic hornbills in the trees.

8. Explore Ranong’s rural areas

Travelling beyond Ranong Town reveals agricultural landscapes, small villages and forested mountain roads.

Rubber, cashew nuts, coconuts and other crops are grown across the province, while roadside communities offer glimpses of everyday life away from Thailand’s major tourism centres.

Explore respectfully, avoid photographing residents without permission and remember that these communities are people’s homes rather than tourist displays.

9. Enjoy Ranong’s beaches and mangroves

There are several nice beaches off the coast of Ranong, though most are a short distance from the centre of town. Chan Damri Beach is one of the closest beaches to the town, and others include Praphat, Kaey, Bang Ben, and Leam Son Beaches. The coastal area also has patches of interesting mangroves that are rich in marine life.

10. Observe unusual mudskippers

Head to muddy coastal areas and you may be able to spot the unusual mudskipper—a fish that can walk on land. Watching the busy hybrid creatures scoot across the mud using their fins and returning to the water for a swim is really quite captivating. Mud crabs can often be seen too.

11. Learn about local history at Rattana Rangsan Throne Hall

Standing on a hill in central Ranong, Rattana Rangsan Throne Hall is a wooden replica commemorating royal visits to the province.

The original royal residence was associated with visits by Kings Rama V, Rama VI and Rama VII. The present structure contains recreated rooms, period-style furnishings and displays introducing Ranong’s royal and local history.

Check the latest opening hours before visiting, as the museum may close on selected weekdays or public holidays.

12. Experience the local night scene

Ranong Town has a decent selection of places to eat and drink in the evening. While you won’t find any pumping party places, you can enjoy a low-key drink in bars that are perhaps fancier than you would expect for a lesser-visited province. You’ll also find a good range of both foreign and Thai food to satisfy your hunger.

Ranong may receive fewer visitors than Phuket or Krabi, but that is a large part of its appeal.

Its waterfalls, hot springs, grassy hills and quiet islands offer a slower look at Southern Thailand. Just remember that heavy rain, national park conditions and boat schedules can affect travel plans, particularly during the wettest months.

Allow some flexibility, check local conditions and take the time to experience Ranong at its naturally unhurried pace.