Things to Do in Ranong: 8 Best Activities (2026 Guide)

Ranong is Thailand’s least-visited mainland province — a rainy, mangrove-fringed coastline at the northern end of the Andaman, where the Kra Canal concept has been debated for two centuries and where Myanmar is visible across a narrow channel. It’s a visa-run town, a fishing port, and — increasingly — the mainland gateway to Koh Phayam, one of the Andaman’s last genuinely quiet islands. Here are 8 things worth your time in and around Ranong.

1. Koh Phayam

The main reason most travellers come to Ranong. Koh Phayam is a small island 20 km offshore — no cars, mostly motorbike taxis and a few bungalow clusters — with good diving and snorkeling at the reef south of the island. Buffalo Bay on the west side gets consistent surf October–November; Ao Khao Kwai is the main bay. Speedboats and slow ferries depart from Ranong pier. Day trip (if the ferry timing works) or a 1–3 night stay.

2. Raksawarin Hot Springs

Natural hot springs at 65°C in a municipal park just north of Ranong town, in a forested valley. The spring feeds a public bathing pool (cooled to around 39°C) and a series of private soaking rooms. Free entry to the park; pool and rooms for a small fee. A good hour after a dusty drive.

3. Koh Chang Ranong (not Koh Chang, Trat)

A different Koh Chang — a quiet island 8 km south of Ranong pier, with mangrove-lined bays and a small fishing community. No large resort development. Longtail boats depart irregularly from the pier. Better suited to those happy to improvise — ask at the pier about the day’s schedule.

4. Myanmar Visa Run (Kawthaung border crossing)

Kawthaung (“Ko Thoung” in Burmese) sits across the Kra Buri estuary from Ranong — a 15-minute longtail ride. The standard day-trip visa run: cross by longtail, clear Myanmar immigration, get your Thai stamp on re-entry. Bring your original passport and enough baht for the longtail fare and Myanmar immigration fees (vary by nationality). Useful for extending a Thailand stay.

5. Ngao Waterfall

A three-tiered waterfall in Ngao National Forest Reserve, 13 km south of Ranong town on Highway 4. The pool at the base of the second tier is swimmable in the dry season. A short forested walk from the car park — 20 minutes in, 20 minutes back. Free entry.

6. Punyaban Waterfall

Another waterfall on the west side of town, inside Laem Son National Park. Less visited than Ngao, with a rougher access track. The water runs from a hot spring — unusually warm for a waterfall. Better in the mid-year low-water months when the colour is clearest.

7. Laem Son National Park and Beaches

A coastal park 60 km south of Ranong covering 315 square km of mangrove, beach, and offshore islands. Hat Bang Ben is the main beach — wild, mostly empty, good for shells and birdwatching at low tide. The park office runs speedboat trips to the offshore islands (Koh Kam Tok, Koh Kam Nui) during the dry season. Basic accommodation in park bungalows.

8. Ranong Town Market and River Promenade

Ranong’s daily market near the pier runs from early morning — fresh fish from the morning catch, crabs, southern Thai food, and local produce from Myanmar-side sellers who cross the estuary to trade. The Kra Buri River promenade is a quiet walk; longtails heading to Myanmar pass constantly. The town is majority Buddhist Thai with a significant Burmese migrant community — the blend of languages and food stalls is a vivid cross-border scene.