Laem Son National Park Getting there & around

Getting there & away

The turn-off for Laem Son National Park is about 58km from Ranong down Hwy 4 (Phetkasem Hwy), between the 657km and 658km markers. Buses heading south from Ranong can drop you off here (ask for Hat Bang Ben). Once you’re off the highway, however, you’ll have to flag down a pick-up truck going towards the park. If you can’t get a ride all the way, it’s a 10km walk from Hwy 4 to the park entrance. At the police box at the junction you may be able to hire a motorcycle taxi for 30B; the road is paved, so if you’re driving it’s a breeze.

There are daily boats from Saphan Plaa to Ko Phayam’s pier at around 8am and 3pm (100B, 1½ to two hours). From Ko Phayam back to Ranong the boats run at 9am and 2pm. During the high season there may be three runs daily. Long-tail boat charters to the island cost 1500B to 2000B.

There has been sporadic talk of a boat service running directly from Ranong to the two main bays on Ko Phayam (per person one way 100B), saving you a hefty motorcycle fare. This service would run from November to May only; ask around Ranong for the latest on this venture.

Boats out to the various islands can be chartered from the park’s visitors centre; the general cost is 800B per day. You can arrange to go as far as the Similan or Surin Islands for 900B and 1200B per person, respectively.