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The Ranong is the first southern province on the western coast, located 568 kilometres from Bangkok. It is known for the long rainy period, which lasts for 8 months each year. Ranong occupies an area of 3,298 square kilometres and is bordered by Myanmar and the Indian Ocean to the west. Within its compact area, Ranong contains various natural attractions and is blessed with hot springs and unspoiled mangrove forests.

A mountainous and heavily forested province, Ranong is best known as a fishing and trading port. It was settled by the Hokkian 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.

» North: Connects which Amphoe Tha Sae (Chumphon) and Myanmar.
» South: Connects with Amphoe Khirirat Nikom (Surat Thani) and Amphoe Khura Buri (Phang Nga).
» East: Connects with Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Sawi and Amphoe Pha To (Chumphon).
» West: Connects with Koh Song (Myanmar) and Indian Ocean.

» Chumphon	122 kms.
» Ta Kua Pa	174 kms.
» Surat Thani	223 kms.
» Phuket	300 kms.

» Amphoe Kra Buri	57 kms.
» Amphoe La Un	43 kms.
» Amphoe Ka Poe	52 kms.
» King Amphoe Suk Samran	85 kms.

By Car
Ranong can be reached from Bangkok by taking Highway No. 4 via Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon, a total distance of 568 kilometres. Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal to Surat Thani everyday for the approximately 8-hour trip. For a current schedule and further information, please call the Southern Bus Terminal at tel: 0 2435 1199, 0 2435 1200 or the Ranong Bus Station at tel: 0 7781 1548 or visit www.transport.co.th. Time tables There is Thai Airasia fly to Ranong 3 flights per week at Tuesday Friday and Sunday contact call center 0 2515 9999 or website www.airasia.com . Chinese New Year
Officially 7 February 2008 - 8 February 2008 (although various activities start from 1 February 2008) - The Year of the Rat! One of the most important Buddhist celebrations - Macha Bucha Day falls on the full moon day of the third lunar month. Not particularly a festival, Macha Bucha is a Buddhist holy day and marks a point in history when 1,250 of the Lord Buddha's followers gathered to hear his sermon. Macha Bucha Day is a day when worshipers to walk three times around temples in a bid to make merit. His Majesty the King presides over religious rites at the Emerald Buddha Temple where he leads the candlelight procession around the temple. In Bangkok processions usually start at around 20:00.

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