Dive trip Ranong
Stay, Diving holidays in Thailand, in Ranong
Ranong, a port city, is located on the southwest coast of Thailand, 600 km from Bangkok. The city is bordered on the west by the Andaman Sea, on the north by Burma, on the east by Chumphon and on the south by Surat Thani.
Brightly colored boats loaded with goods shuttle daily between Thailand and Burma. We stroll through colorful markets amidst food stalls where local women in sarongs and golden faces with make-up do their shopping. It is the wettest region in Thailand, with lush jungle-covered mountains and beautiful waterfalls. The coast is composed of beaches, as well as mangroves.
Ranong is the place where cruise ships leave for the mainland to the Surin Islands, 80 kilometers from the coast, and Burma to the Mergui Archipelago. A trip to Ranong allows you to explore the dive sites of Koh Phayam and Ko Chang, 2 hours away by boat. The best time to dive in Ranong is from December to April. Attention the visibility is between 5 and 10 m.
Marine species in the area
Dive sites
From Ranong, you can access some rather deep dive sites and with the current around Koh Chang and Koh Phayam. They are more suitable for experienced divers.
The atmosphere of the underwater landscapes is wild with shoals, deep falls, and pinnacles.Around these small islands protected by a marine park, we meet pelagic fish with barracudas and mackerel. It is sometimes possible to observe whale sharks, manta rays and guitar rays.
Macro photographers will also be delighted: frogfish, Mantis shrimp, and Spanish dancers diving at night.
Others Activities
You can go on an excursion to Koh Phayam and Koh Chang, off Ranong. Ko Chang should not be confused with the country's second-largest island in the east in the Gulf of Thailand. Covering an area of 18 km², the island off Ranong has four beaches along its west coast, where it is possible to rent bungalows. Although there is a small village, cars do not circulate there. The local island population is made up of Moken or Chaolays, the sea gypsies. The beaches are beautiful, the forests and waterfalls are protected by national parks.
The most curative hot springs in Thailand can be found 2 km from Ranong. It is a popular pilgrimage to enjoy the medicinal properties of mineral water. The water has a temperature of 65°C. It's impossible to jump directly into the springs with your feet together! Possible access to 4 swimming pools with water-cooled from 20 to 45 °C. Free access to small public baths.
Located 150 km from Ranong, Koh Sok National Park and an elephant watching spot in the vast rainforest. You can canoe there and discover the fauna and flora of the tropical forest.
Two beautiful waterfalls, Punyaban and Ngao are located in the Ranong region and are worth a visit. You can visit temples such as Wat Na Muang, the oldest, built a century ago, with a statue of Buddha, and Wat Baan Ngao where we have to climb the hill to admire Buddhist bells.
Activities on Koh Phayam are possible with snorkeling, surfing and stand up, sea kayaking, rental of small motorcycles and bicycles for walks on trails, hiking in the forest, bird watching.