An Andaman coast town of hot springs, Koh Phayam, and the Myanmar border, known for eight months of rain and four of sun
Ranong is a long, narrow province on the upper Andaman coast, famous as the rainiest place in Thailand. The small town sits in a valley around the natural Raksawarin hot springs in the center, with rows of old Hokkien Chinese shophouses that recall the tin-mining era. Head out to
Start with stays →Pak Nam Seafood — Right on the Andaman, there are fresh prawns,
Raksawarin Hot Springs — A natural hot spring in the center of Ranong t
Raksawarin Hot Springs — A natural hot spring in the center of town
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The best of Ranong — don't miss these on a first trip
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Ranong stays picked from real reviews — honest about the good and the bad, with price ranges and booking links
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7.4Highlights and sights around Ranong — nature, city and culture
A natural hot spring in the center of Ranong town, with water bubbling up from underground all day. There are foot-soaking pools and mineral bathhouses, and it's the first thing most people picture when they think of Ranong.
A still-quiet island in the Andaman Sea with Ao Yai and Ao Khao Kwai beaches and clear water. No cars run here, so you get around mainly by motorbike, and it's made for an easy stay of several days.
The town has old Hokkien Chinese shophouses and mansions from the tin-mining era, such as Baan Thian Sue and the Ranong Governor's Residence. You can walk around and take in the old architecture in town.
Pak Nam Ranong sits across from the town of Kawthaung in Myanmar. There's a fish-market pier for watching the fishing boats and seafood stalls, and you can take a boat across to walk the markets on the Myanmar side.
Phukao Ya is an open grassy hill that changes color with the seasons, while Khao Fachi is a viewpoint over the mouth of the Kraburi River and the Myanmar side. Both are best in the early morning.
Ranong grows a lot of cashews, and roasted and processed cashew nuts are a well-known local souvenir. You can buy them in town and at roadside shops.
Ranong's signature food — real local spots, rounded up and ranked
Right on the Andaman, there are fresh prawns, crab, fish, and shellfish from Pak Nam Ranong. Seafood spots in town and along the water cook it every way — steamed, stir-fried, and in tom yum.
The mouth of the Kraburi River raises large, meaty oysters. Eat them raw with the usual sides or battered and fried — a local specialty you'll find all over town.
With its Hokkien Chinese roots, Ranong has morning dim sum and old-style coffee shops. Sit down for steamed buns, dumplings, and kopi before you head out.
The province's signature souvenir comes salted, honey-roasted, and pan-roasted. Pick some up from shops in town and roadside stalls near the hot springs.
Bold southern dishes are everywhere in town — khanom jeen with curry, gaeng tai pla, gaeng leuang, and fresh raw vegetables. This is the everyday food of Ranong locals.
At Pak Nam Ranong there's a fish-market pier selling seafood fresh off the boats. Buy prawns, crab, and fish to have a restaurant cook, or take them home, at a fair price.
Close to the Kawthaung border, the town's markets mix in food and dried goods from the Myanmar side — fried snacks, pickled items, and spices worth a taste.
Ready-made plans — from a day trip to 2–3 days, plus routes to neighbouring provinces
Best time to go, getting around, and what to know before visiting Ranong
November–March brings less rain and calm seas, ideal for Koh Phayam and Koh Chang. Soaking in the hot springs and sightseeing in town work year-round.
A natural hot spring in the center of Ranong town, with water bu
A still-quiet island in the Andaman Sea with Ao Yai and Ao Khao
The town has old Hokkien Chinese shophouses and mansions from th
Pak Nam Ranong sits across from the town of Kawthaung in Myanmar
Phukao Ya is an open grassy hill that changes color with the sea
Ranong grows a lot of cashews, and roasted and processed cashew
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🌊The gateway to the south, with long Sai Ri Beach, the Prince of Chumphon's warship, dive islands, and robusta coffee
Explore Chumphon →
🏝️Limestone-bay country on the Andaman — home to James Bond Island, the Similans, and Khao Lak
Explore Phang Nga →
🛶The 'town of a hundred islands' on the Gulf of Thailand — gateway to Samui, Cheow Lan Lake, and the old temple town of Chaiya
Explore Surat Thani →Ranong is a long, narrow province on the upper Andaman coast, famous as the rainiest place in Thailand. The small town sits in a valley around the natural Raksawarin hot springs in the center, with rows of old Hokkien Chinese shophouses that recall the tin-mining era.
Head out toward the sea and there are piers to Koh Phayam and Koh Chang, both still quiet, with clear water and empty beaches that reward a long, slow stay. Across from Pak Nam Ranong sits Kawthaung in Myanmar, where people cross over to walk the markets and renew visas. People come to Ranong to soak in the hot springs, eat seafood, and reach the islands without fighting anyone for space.
Best time: November–March brings less rain and calm seas, ideal for Koh Phayam and Koh Chang. Soaking in the hot springs and sightseeing in town work year-round.
