Ranong

Introducing Ranong

On the east bank of the Chan River’s tea brown estuary, the frontier town of Ranong is no more than a short boat ride – or a filthy swim – from Myanmar. In many ways, the capital of Ranong Province is a stereotypical border town: shabby, frenetic and ever so slightly seedy. But while most visitors roll into town for visa services, the town has a thriving Burmese population – keep an eye out for men wearing traditional longyi (Burmese sarong) – a clutch of natural hot springs and a handful of tumbledown historic buildings. In fact, even if you’re not here to renew your visa, it’s well worth taking the opportunity to have a cup of afternoon tea in Myanmar.

An increasing number of travellers are showing up specifically to dive the spectacular Burma Banks, 60km north of the Surin Islands. A number of dive operators have established themselves in Ranong (which does lend the city a bit of an expat feel), using it as a jumping-off point for live-aboard trips to the aforementioned Burma Banks.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009