RANONG

A mountainous and heavily forested province, Ranong is best known as a fishing and trading port. It was settled by the Hokkien Chinese, and their strong influence is evident in the town.

Ranong town is a gateway to Myanmar, with colourful longboats ferrying produce and people across the narrow divide that separates the two countries. The traffic is even heavier these days since a casino opened at Victoria Point.

The famous hot springs are just outside of town, where an arboretum and various first-class hotels cater to visitors eager to benefit from the medicinal properties of the mineral waters.

Ranong has one of the highest rainfalls in the country, giving rise to lush greenery and stunning waterfalls, like Punyaban Falls that cascade off a cliff on the outskirts of town. Further south, Laem Son National Park is an intriguing seascape of mangroves, cliff, beautiful beaches and uninhabited islands that offer interesting diving. The large island of Chang is increasingly popular as a relaxing destination, with quiet beaches, herb gardens and prolific fruit orchards.