Ranong is located on the Kra Isthmus, the narrow strip that connects mainland Thailand with the Malay Peninsula, on the west side of the Phuket mountain range. The province is particularly noted as the home of the Ranong Biosphere Reserve and was declared as Thailand’s Fourth Biosphere Reserve in 1997. There are many natural attractions in the city :
Raksawarin Hot Spring, the most popular and easily accessible natural attraction, located only 2 km east of the town. The temperature of the springs is 65 degrees and the mineral water is believed can heal disease . A number of commercial spas are located around the springs.
Ranong Canyon, 9 km drive up into the mountains above the hot springs. A landscape of jagged rock and deep water pools that are the lasting legacy of Ranong tin-mining days. The luminous green colour of tin mine pools against the backdrop of luscious greenery are favourite spots for family picnics .
Namtok Ngao Water Fall, 12 km south of Ranong town. The stream cascades from a high mountain and can be seen from a distance. The jungle area around the falls is home to a rare species of freshwater crab.
Victoria Point, a small town across the border in Myanmar that is accessible by boat from the Ranong Landing at the mouth of Kra Buri River.
Koh Phayam Island, an island largely covered by cashew nut plantations, and can be reached by boat from the Ranong Landing. On the island there is also a pearl farm and fishing villages
Kra Isthmus, the narrowest part of the peninsula is located at Km 545 of Highway no. 4 in Kra Buri. There is a viewpoint overlooking the scenic landscape around the Kra Buri River, which forms the border between Thailand and Myanmar
Ranong Overview
Situated near Thailand's border with Myanmar, Ranong is a fine example of unspoilt natural beauty and traditional Thai culture. The Royal Princess, Ranong offers a peaceful location in the heart of Ranong, perfect for exploring the mountain ranges and lush rainforest that surrounds the town, while being close to the many attractions the area has to offer.
The natural wonders of Ranong make it hard to believe that the area is not filled with clicking cameras and packed tour buses. From the Royal Princess, hotel guests are only a short distance from Laemson National Park, featuring 60 kilometres of scenic coastline, and the island of Koh Phayam, where long white sand beaches and clear blue waters provide a perfect opportunity to escape.
Ranong's history is easy to discover from the Royal Princess. Guests will find Nai Khai Ranong, the historic former residence of the first governor of Ranong, the World War II Japanese army base at Fa Chi Hill, and the hilltop temple of Wat Bangnon, all close to the hotel. A unique insight into Ranong's culture can be found by taking a walk from the Royal Princess to Ranong's fishing pier, where the Kraburi River meets the Andaman Sea. Each morning the pier is filled with fishing boats loading and unloading their catch.
While Ranong is a place of secluded beauty, guests at the Royal Princess will never be short of something to do. Nearby Koh Song (or Victoria Point) offers a range of shopping options not far from the hotel, while the Rattanarangsarn Camp Golf Course provides a scenic course on which to tee off.
Ranong Attractions Close to the Hotel
- Laemson National Park
- Victoria Point
- Koh Phayam
- Fa Chi Hill
- Wat Bangnon
- Nai Khai Ranong, the First Governor of Ranong's Mausoleum
- Historical Places of Interest
Historical Places of Interest
Nai Khai Ranong / First Governor of Ranong Mausoleum
Nai Khai Ranong, or the first governor's former residence transformed into a shrine to honor the Khaw or Na Ranong family, who played an important role in the development of the tin industry in Ranong and Phuket. With a collection of mementos and ancestral figurines carved with the names of the deceased, the shrine is much respected by the local people of Ranong, in honour of Khaw Soo Cheang and his descendants.
Fa Chi Hill / WW II Japanese Army Base
Fa Chi Hill affords not only interesting historical site, but also a magnificent view of Ranong where the Kra Buri River and La-Un River converge. Fa Chi Hill is so named because its dome shape resembles 'Fa Chi' - a traditional Thai food cover. The hill provides an excellent vantage from which to see two rivers, the Kra Buri and the La-un, converge. The many river islands formed where these two rivers meet are fascinating to behold. Sunsets are often breathtaking.
Wat Bangnon
Hilltop temple, marked with the beautiful giant reclining Buddha image along the Phetkasem Road called 'Wat Bangnon'. Though conveniently located by the roadside, the temple is rarely visited by tourists, and has yet to be promoted as a tourist attraction.
Cultural Attractions
- Fishing Pier
A lively place where you can take a glimpse of the sea-faring life of Ranong. If you want to experience fisherman's way of life, better get up early and go to Pak Nam Ranong or Fishing Pier. Here is where the Kraburi River meets Andaman Sea. Early in the morning, the pier is lively with boats loading and unloading their catch, then daily landed and auctioned here at the fish market. Fishermen and merchants bargain for fish, and trucks transport fresh seafood to various places.
Shopping
- Victoria Point
Crossing the river from Ranong Pier, you will find a small yet famous town of neighbouring Myanmar named Victoria Point, also known to Thais as Koh Song. This Southernmost tip of Myanmar is a popular spot for visitors to Ranong, who usually cross the river to catch a glimpse of life in Myanmar, whose charming atmosphere has remained constant and unchanging.
Sports
- Rattanarangsarn Camp Golf Course
Rattanarangsarn Camp Golf Course is a small but fully equipped golf course. This nine-hole course is in the area of army camp, but is open to the public. The scenic course is located on hilly ground, with several slopes to challenge golfers. Climbing uphill, you will be impressed with beautiful mountainous scenery. To reach the golf course, drive on Phetkasem Road (Highway No 4). Rattanarangsarn Camp Golf Course is opposite the Airport, adjacent to the Rattanarangsarn Military Camp.
