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.
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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
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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getting to Ko Surin
by Yasawa 28 August 2011
Arriving in Bangkok in December. What is the easiest way to visit the Surin and Similan Islands? Is there air service to Ranong? Any…
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RE: Visa extension from koh tao
by Captain_Bob 04 June 2011
>some say just go to embassy in bangkok Nope. Wrong advice. >Some people have said burma Yep. Do a border hop at Ranong which is the…
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RE: Island Weather
by Batfish 02 June 2011
Wet in Phuket now - had 91mm of rain yesterday, and it's been a wet morning today too. Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi, Lanta will all be about…
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