Itinerary Ideas: Ranong, Ko Phayam and Ko Chang Noi

In this instalment of our Itinerary Ideas series, the focus is on Ranong. This is a destination that gets less attention than famous Andaman Coast locations such as Phuket and Krabi, with many travellers simply passing it by on their way south. As a result, the province has remained largely off the radar for international visitors. For those who take the time to stop, Ranong reveals an amiable provincial town, laid-back offshore islands, and a fascinating blend of cultural influences.

For a two-week holiday in Ranong, allow time to explore the mainland before hitting the islands:

• Ranong Town: 4 days
• Ko Phayam: 7 days
• Ko Chang Noi: 3 days

Ko Chang Noi
The official name for this small island in Ranong province is Ko Chang. However, to avoid confusing it with the larger, more developed island of Ko Chang on the East Coast, we’ve called the island Ko Chang Noi here (‘noi’ means small).

Ranong Town

The provincial capital, Ranong Town, is a good base for exploring the area and also serves as the transport hub for the islands. Although it’s a small town, Ranong has a diverse food scene with a mix of Thai, Burmese, Chinese and Malay influences. This being Southern Thailand, look out for traditional southern dishes such as moo hong (slow-cooked pork belly) and pad sataw kung (stir-fried shrimp with stink beans).

Start your sightseeing of Ranong Town with a stroll through Talad Kao, the town’s lively daily market. If you’re visiting on a weekend during the dry season (December to April), you can also visit the Saturday Walking Street Market on Rueangrat Road.

Just a short walk away from the markets is Rattanarangsan Palace. While the building is a modern reconstruction of the original palace created for King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) during his visit in 1890, it remains one of Ranong’s most recognisable landmarks.

Ranong is best known among Thai travellers for its natural hot springs, a long-standing draw for visitors seeking relaxation. Several options are available, with the scenic Raksawarin Hot Springs and public park located closest to town and easily reached on foot or by songthaew from the centre. For a quieter experience, you can also venture a little further afield to soak at Pornrang Hot Springs.

Head to the viewpoint at Khao Fa Chi for sweeping views over the Kra Buri waterway, which marks the natural border with Myanmar. Another worthwhile stop is Phu Khao Ya (‘Bald Hill’), where gentle walking trails and open vistas make for an easy and rewarding outing. To round off the day, coffee enthusiasts can visit Gong Valley Eco Friendly in Kra Buri district to discover how locally grown Ranong coffee is cultivated and processed.

For a more immersive look at everyday life in the province, consider travelling south to the village of Baan Talae Nok. This small community is widely recognised for its commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism, offering visitors a meaningful opportunity to connect with local traditions and experience life in one of Ranong’s most scenic rural areas.

Suggested accommodation in Ranong Town:
The Farmhouse Hotel
The Galla Hotel
Namsai Khaosuay

Ko Phayam

The island of Ko Phayam appeals to a mix of discerning travellers who prefer the lack of commercialisation on the island compared to more famous destinations such as Phuket. With only modest development and a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere, Ko Phayam is the definition of a sabai sabai Thai island.

Cars are absent from Phayam, but a network of paved lanes links inland areas and is mainly used by motorcycles. For those happy to stay active, walking or cycling is an excellent way to explore, following a mix of quiet tracks and narrow paths that wind through cashew groves and rubber plantations.

Wildlife lovers should watch for hornbills, which are frequently seen around the island. One of the best places to spot them is Wat Ko Phayam, the eye-catching temple that comes into view as you approach the pier.

The island is known for its laid-back, slightly bohemian atmosphere, but you don’t need to be a free spirit to appreciate sunset views and a cold refreshment at the Hippie Bar on Ao Khao Kwai. Built from driftwood and shaped like a boat, it’s one of the most characterful beach bars you’re likely to come across anywhere in Asia.

While you are staying on Ko Phayam, take a day trip to the nearby Laem Son National Park to enjoy the beaches and snorkelling at locations like Ko Kam Tok.

Ko Phayam is well regarded as a responsible travel destination, offering visitors the chance to enjoy both unspoilt nature and everyday island life. The island has built a strong reputation for eco-conscious tourism, with many resorts and local businesses relying on solar energy and operating recycling and waste-reduction initiatives. For a different perspective, rent a kayak and paddle through the surrounding mangroves, an essential part of Ko Phayam’s coastal ecosystem.

Suggested accommodation on Ko Phayam:
The Blue Sky Resort
PP Land Beach Resort

Ko Chang Noi

For this itinerary, we’ve allowed three days on Ko Chang. However, this is an island that won’t appeal to everyone. Even for travellers seeking the quiet life, Ko Chang may be just too quiet.

Accommodation options are limited and mostly basic, but that is part of the charm for the repeat visitors who come here to escape commercialism and enjoy the simple life on an island that remains almost untouched by tourism. If you genuinely want to get away from it all, Ko Chang can be a wonderful place to chill out.

When to go

The best weather for beachgoers is from November to March. This coincides with the high season, and while the Ranong islands still aren’t busy compared to better-known Thai islands, it does mean it’s advisable to book accommodation in advance.

How to get there

There is a small regional airport in Ranong with a flight time from Bangkok Don Mueang of around 75 minutes. There is no rail service to Ranong, but you can travel from Bangkok to Chumphon by train (approximately 8 hours) and then take the bus across to Ranong (around 2.5 hours).

During the high season (November to April), a frequent boat service connects Ranong Town and Ko Phayam. When you arrive in Ko Phayam, motorbike taxis with sidecars are available to take you to your accommodation.

Boat services to Ko Chang are less frequent but can be booked from the pier in Ranong Town or on Ko Phayam. Travel light to Ko Chang because you may have to wade through water after the longtail boat transfer reaches the island.

Itinerary Ideas
This article is part of our Itinerary Ideas series. These particular itineraries are for anybody, but may appeal more to repeat visitors to Thailand looking to explore different destinations on their next trip or anyone seeking meaningful travel experiences. If you’re a first-time visitor to Thailand or looking for more ideas of where to go and what to do, check out these articles too:
2-week Thailand itinerary
3-week Thailand itinerary
4-week Thailand itinerary

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