Readme before you journey
This will be a wooden bungalow and bamboo hut. This will be a wooden bungalow and bamboo hut. This will be a wooden bungalow and bamboo hut.
"Ranong," a land of eight parts rain and four parts sunshine, awaits your exploration.
Hello, this time I will take you to visit Ranong. It is a province that I have never been to and I don't often pass through Ranong.
Recently, I have seen many reviews of Ranong and I would like to experience it myself. This time, I have set my sights on "Koh Phayam" and plan to stay there for one night. The journey will begin from Phuket on Friday at around 4:00 PM. This trip came about because a friend I know was taking his family on a trip in a van, and I took the opportunity to join them.
Phuket ==> Ranong (Ngap) ==> Koh Phayam ==> Phuket
The first night's stay at The White Village Ranong Resort
The White Village Ranong Resort is a small, vintage-style accommodation located in "Ngow", near the Grass Mountain, Ngow Waterfall, and other major tourist attractions. Decorated in white tones, the resort offers clean and beautifully landscaped accommodations.
The room features a plush bed and a spacious bathroom with separate wet and dry areas. Toiletries are provided, and the room is decorated with flowers grown in the resort's garden.
This is the first night's accommodation, small but cozy, like a family vacation home.
There is a swing for children to play on.
The hotel also offers a breakfast room, which is beautifully decorated.
"Rotenistra"
This morning, we skipped breakfast at our accommodation to try the famous roti at Roti Up in Hang Nga before heading to Koh Phayam.
This delicious roti shop is called "Roti Nisra", or some people might call it "Roti Hongaw" because the shop is located in the Hongaw Fresh Market area. Now, they have added a shop next to the original one to expand the seating area, which is about 2 shop houses away from the original location.
Walk a little further and you will find Nisra Fried Chicken Restaurant. It is a new, spacious restaurant with more tables than the original corner shop. The original shop still has a corner where you can see them making roti dough. The "Roti Nisra" restaurant is located in Ban Hong Ngow, Pracha Pithak Road, Mueang District, Ranong Province. To get there, drive from Ranong town towards Hong Ngow Waterfall for about 10 kilometers. The restaurant is located near the Hong Ngow fresh market. The restaurant is open every day.
Renowned for its roti, this Ranong establishment has long been the subject of rave reviews. A visit to Ranong would be incomplete without trying it. Despite being located ten kilometers from the city center, we made the arduous journey to sample its delights. After all, when it comes to food, no distance is too great.
Every dish is truly delicious. The roti dough is different from other shops. The plain roti has a chewy and soft texture, with a fragrant aroma of milk and butter, and is perfectly crispy.
The fried chicken here has a crispy batter unlike any other. I don't know what they season or marinate it with, but it's fried perfectly without being greasy. The chicken meat is dense and delicious to chew, but also tender and juicy, not dry or tough. In fact, many people agree that it's delicious even without dipping sauce, but the restaurant does provide chicken dipping sauce. This menu item is definitely a must-try, just like the roti. Don't miss it!
"Wat Ban Hangao"
After leaving Nisara Roti Shop, not far away, you will pass Wat Ban Hongaw. Be sure to stop and pay your respects at the temple.
Wat Ban Hangao, a renowned temple in Ranong Province, houses the world's largest pewter Buddha statue. Situated near Khao Ya Mountain and opposite Hangao Waterfall, the temple offers a serene and picturesque setting.
From Wat Ban Hong Ngao, looking east, you can see a waterfall cascading down the mountain, forming the Hong Ngao River. During the rainy season, the waterfall is particularly impressive and beautiful.
The mountain behind the monk's hut has a staircase leading up to it, with approximately 300 steps. Those who are physically fit can climb to the top for a 360-degree view. At the summit, there is a bell that can be rung for good luck and prosperity. The mountain also offers stunning panoramic views.
This trip to Ranong would not have been possible without the help of our tour van driver, who allowed us to fly into Phuket Airport and continue our journey to Ranong and Phang Nga.
Go-Daytrip, a van tour service in Phuket/Phang Nga/Ranong, requires a vehicle. Please contact us.
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Line ID: petchphuket
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"Phu Khao Ya"
If you visit Ranong and don't take a picture at "Phu Khao Ya," it's like you haven't been to Ranong at all.
The Grass Mountains: A Unique Landscape
The "Grass Mountains," also known as "Bald Mountain" or "Ghost Mountain" by locals, are a group of low-lying hills characterized by their lack of large trees. During the rainy season, these mountains are covered in lush green grass, creating a picturesque landscape perfect for leisurely walks.
The absence of trees is a defining feature of these mountains. In the rainy season, the vibrant green grass carpets the entire slopes, transforming the landscape. As the dry season approaches, the grass dries out, turning the mountains a golden yellow, hence the name "Grass Mountains."
"Koh Phayam"
Embark on a journey to the verdant meadows of the mountains, where the "Tha Tiap Ruea Tesaban Tambon Pak Nam" pier awaits. This bustling port serves as a gateway to the idyllic shores of Koh Phayam and its neighboring islands. A fleet of spacious ferries and swift speedboats stands ready to whisk you away to this tropical paradise. For those seeking a swift passage, speedboats offer a convenient option, traversing the distance to Koh Phayam in a mere 30-45 minutes.
Ferry schedules are available at the pier and vary depending on the company.
After a 45-minute speedboat ride, we arrived at the pier of Koh Phayam. Fortunately, the sky was clear and bright since morning.
Before arriving at Koh Phayam, I searched for accommodation to book in advance. As it was a weekend, many accommodations were quite full. However, I managed to book a room at "Banana Resort" in Khao Kwai Bay.
After disembarking from the boat, we walked straight ahead and encountered a queue of local taxis. However, we opted to head directly to a motorbike rental shop to explore the island at our own pace. The rental prices varied depending on the motorbike model, with newer models generally being more expensive.
After picking up the car, we drove to our accommodation. The staff at the rental shop asked where we were staying and kindly provided directions.
The car rental staff advised me to drive straight ahead. When I reach the intersection near the school, I should continue driving straight. However, I need to pay close attention to the signs as there are few directional signs and mostly resort signs. These resort signs do not indicate the distance to the resorts, only showing the entrance to the resorts.
And then we arrived at "Banana Resort". As soon as we arrived, we saw the beautiful sea right in front of our accommodation.
Accommodation options include wooden bungalows and bamboo huts, all equipped with private bathrooms. However, electrical outlets are limited, with only one outlet available per unit.
After exploring the room, we took the children to the beach in front of the accommodation. Everyone seemed to be having a lot of fun, running down to the water without hesitation.
The beach is located in the southern part of Ao Khao Kwai. Ao Khao Kwai has two sides: the north and the south.
This beach is a popular spot for dogs to run, play, and sunbathe.
22.
No need to travel far to the beach, the beach in front of the accommodation is beautiful and inviting.
As we were playing with the children, we looked around and saw the pirate ship that we had seen in reviews or checked in on. It was close to our accommodation.
As we arrived at the accommodation around noon after taking the 10:00 am ferry, everyone was starting to feel hungry. We noticed a restaurant near our accommodation, so we walked along the beach and came across "The Sun," a fairly large restaurant. At that time, there were some foreign customers.
The restaurant boasts a stunning beachfront location, offering breathtaking ocean views while you dine.
After a hearty meal, we headed to the Hippy Bar, a hip establishment that evokes the atmosphere of a pirate movie.
This bar appears to be constructed from salvaged wood scraps, assembled to resemble a ship. The bar's design is quite artistic. The clientele at this bar is primarily foreign tourists. I was unable to visit and appreciate the interior due to the hot afternoon weather and the fact that I was still full from The Sun restaurant.
I'm back to take a shower and rest for a bit. Then I'll head out to explore the other islands and bays.
After resting, we walked out of the room and under the trees. We saw something flying past us. When we looked up at the tree, we exclaimed in surprise! It was a real hornbill! It was the first time we had seen one in person, and we were very excited. There were many hornbills on the island, which must be due to the abundant natural resources.
The first bay we aimed for was "Ao Kwang Pi Pi", which was just a left turn and straight drive from our accommodation. It was a bit difficult to get there. Not only was the road rough, but there were also high hills before reaching the beach. If you are not a confident motorbike rider, it is recommended to park and walk.
Park your motorbike at the top and walk down. Don't miss this place when visiting Koh Phayam. It's worth it because Ao Kwang Peeb is a famous snorkeling spot on Koh Phayam. The beach of this bay has a lot of rocks and many trees around the bay. Koh Phayam is very fertile. There are trees almost everywhere.
Located at the northernmost tip of Koh Phayam, Ao Khaw Kwai is a relatively small bay with clear water and gentle waves.
The intricate beauty of nature, meticulously crafted by tiny creatures.
We didn't walk for long before the sky darkened, indicating that rain was imminent. We wondered if we would be able to return to the bay before the downpour. We quickly left Ao Kwang Pi Pi, as the road from there would become slippery if we waited any longer, posing a danger to inexperienced drivers like ourselves.
Before reaching the large bay, heavy rain forced us to seek shelter. We drove into a school and waited for the rain to subside. It was almost 5:30 pm by the time the rain stopped. We wouldn't have had enough time to reach another bay. My sister and niece were waiting for us at our room, so we decided to skip the other bay and find dinner instead.
After the rain stopped, we drove out of the school and headed towards the pier. On the way, we passed by some food stalls and decided to stop for some papaya salad, meatballs, and crispy rice pancakes.
The rain had completely stopped, and the sky cleared to reveal a beautiful golden sunset in front of our accommodation. We had just returned from shopping and arrived just in time to witness the stunning light. We enjoyed a meal by the sea, admiring the breathtaking view and watching the sun set.
Tourists were seen walking and taking pictures after the rain stopped.
After a hearty meal, the mosquitoes started to swarm, so we moved inside to the room. We didn't venture out onto the balcony again, as we had gotten soaked in the rain. We took some medicine and rested, fearing we might catch a cold.
Good morning at "Koh Phayam", the air is fresh. Come out for a walk on the beach.
After exploring the beach, we quickly packed our belongings and checked out of our accommodation, as we had to return to Phuket that day. However, due to the rain the previous day, we were unable to explore the entire island. Therefore, we made an effort to visit the must-see attractions this morning before our scheduled boat back to Ranong at 9:00 AM.
Leaving the accommodation around 7:00 am, I headed towards Koh Phayam Temple as planned. Driving to the school intersection, I turned left and continued straight until I reached the temple.
On Koh Phayam, you'll find the island's only temple, a small but stunningly scenic spot. This temple boasts a unique feature: a mid-sea chapel jutting out into the ocean. The chapel resembles a lotus flower embrace, with a concrete bridge leading to it. On the back, a large Buddha statue in the Līlā posture stands majestically, visible from afar. This unseen gem of Koh Phayam is a must-visit.
The Wat Koh Phayam temple houses numerous sacred objects, including a statue of Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, the Prince of Chumphon.
After leaving the temple, I returned the same way until I reached the school intersection. As there was still some time, I drove straight up to Ao Yai.
"Hin Thalu, Ao Khao Kwai" on Koh Phayam, Ranong Province, is another charm of Koh Phayam. On the beach, there are many strangely shaped rocks that have been eroded by water into holes, resembling archways...
Upon reaching the beach, look to your right and you will see the first Hin Ta Lu. However, don't turn back just yet, as there are several more Hin Ta Lu formations further down the path.
The rock archway consists of approximately 3-4 arches, which are large enough to walk through. This natural wonder is formed by the erosion of rocks by seawater and waves over decades, resulting in a natural rock archway.
Given the time constraints, reaching Ao Yai by boat seems unlikely. Therefore, I returned the motorbike and stopped for a light breakfast.
We came across a shop near the pier. When we asked if they served freshly brewed coffee, we parked the car and ordered food.
While waiting for breakfast, we took a quick trip to Blue Sky. We had originally planned to have dinner there the previous evening, but the rain forced us to cancel our plans.
It's time to say goodbye to Koh Phayam. With tickets and boats ready, we can now return to the shores of Ranong.
"Huai Khang Khao Coffee"
Upon arriving in Ranong, the remaining time before returning to Phuket necessitates a visit to some must-see attractions, although time constraints may limit the number of sites explored.
The first stop for a coffee break was "Huai Khang Khao Coffee Shop".
The familiar taste of fresh coffee at Huai Khang Khao, Ranong Province, a coffee shop with a natural atmosphere by the waterfall stream, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains. It is another cool and enjoyable check-in point for visiting Ranong that should not be missed.
The lower seating area is adjacent to the stream, creating an atmosphere that attracts tourists and invites them to find a corner to sip their drinks. The seating is made of bamboo rafts amidst the stream, arranged in harmony with the surroundings.
After visiting Huay Kha Khaeng Cave, we continued to "Raksa Warin Public Park" in Ranong city. Raksa Warin Hot Spring is a natural hot spring source formed by underground water flowing through the earth's heat.
The hot yoga studio was crowded with people soaking their feet and napping, as the service was free of charge.
For lunch, we stopped at "Khoon Lin," a renowned local restaurant in Ranong.
Every dish I ordered today was delicious.
- Steamed Grouper with Lime and Chili Sauce (This is another highly recommended dish. We finished the whole plate and had to order another one to take home.)
- Okinawan-style fish roe sour curry
- Deep-fried mackerel with shrimp paste (This dish features fragrant shrimp paste and crispy mackerel.)
- Stir-fried Chaya with Egg
"Ratchawat Rattanarangsan Palace (Replica)"
The Ratnarangsarn Palace, a former palace from the reign of King Rama V, is one of 19 royal palaces in Thailand.
The first Ratnarangsarn Palace was built as a residence for King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) during his visit to the southern provinces on the west coast (between April 23-25, 1890). He was the first monarch to visit Ranong. (Source: museumthailand)
The replica of the palace currently stands on Niveshanakiri Hill, replacing the original palace that was destroyed. The original Ratnarangsansan Palace was located at the site of the current Ranong City Hall, which was demolished and rebuilt as the new city hall. Visitors can enter the building for a tour, but must be accompanied by a guide. As my visit did not coincide with the tour schedule, I was only able to take photos of the building from the front courtyard.
The front area is a public park with a wide lawn, seating areas for relaxation, and shaped trees. In the evening or at night, the park is illuminated with lights, creating a different atmosphere.
The area in front of the Ratnarangsarn Palace (replica) is a public park with statues depicting ancient mining practices, signifying the region's rich mineral resources during that era.
"Sunrise Farmhouse"
The final stop is "Baan Rai I Arun", as it is on the way back to Phuket. Enjoy fresh fruit drinks and the rustic atmosphere surrounded by nature. I have been following Baan Rai I Arun's page since it opened and have always wanted to stay there for a night. However, it is very popular and always fully booked. I was finally able to visit Ranong and decided to stop by to experience the atmosphere. Even though I couldn't stay, I was able to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink.
A table in the middle of the water to soak your feet and enjoy a drink would be amazing, but it was raining when I went there, so we got soaked. If it's the next season,
Fresh passion fruit juice, iced Ovaltine, and delicious sticky rice with banana - a perfect combination of flavors and textures.
The group ordered Khanom Jeen, a Thai noodle dish, which came with a beautifully arranged set of accompanying vegetables.
"Ranong" still has many beautiful tourist attractions and places. This time, I haven't even been to half of them yet. I will find time to travel and collect the atmosphere of Ranong to show you again. Thank you for following my review.
How About Chillout
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 4:33 PM
