TIRED OF THE CROWDED TRAILS ?

Ranong

Ranong is located near the Burmese border, on the West Coast of Thailand. The Andaman Sea  starts right here and goes all the way to India, offering one of the most beautiful displays of islands in South East Asia. The town connects to the North with Bangkok (about 600 km), to the East with Chumpon and Surat Thani, to the South with Phuket, a mere 3 hours by bus. Agriculture and fishing are the main activities of the province.

Maps

On the East, mountains spread their jungle and offer Waterfalls, hot springs and lovely paths to wander around.

The coastal waters are fringed by mangrove alive with wild life, ideal for a kayak trip. You'll find in Ranong a typically local atmosphere, happily mixed with the Burmese influence : colorful markets, women in sarongs, golden make-up on their cheeks, food stalls all along the streets…

 

The town is busy with its own things, and encounters with other tourists are rare. There are good hotels and restaurants, banks, fitness and massages clubs, golf, casino, and Internet service.

 

 

 

 

 

Visas can easily be renewed within a day, simply crossing the border by boat from Ranong.

Koh Payam

The authentic character of Koh Payam will hit you as soon as you set your feet on its soil. No cars here, only motorbikes, bicycles… and the roads that go with them, meaning narrow, always ending up in trails  through the cashew nuts plantations.

Contrary to its neighbor islands, Koh Payam has white sand beaches : long ones that stretch between rocky heights, ideal for the jogger, and tiny ones hidden under lush vegetation, perfect for sunbathing. Swimming, snorkelling, trekking, biking, or hammock practicing : there is an activity for everyone !

The cashew nut is the queen of the island. Each year on the 16th of March, the "Cashew nut Festival" gathers Thai boxing, cock fighting, even a Miss Cashew competition !

Accomodations range from simple bamboo huts to more comfortable concrete bungalows. Food is cheap, varied, with an abundant choice of seafood. Isn't all this very tempting ?