Known for being close to the border with Myanmar, Ranong is well worth a visit for explorers looking for a place that isn’t too crowded with Western tourists. Waterfalls, nature reserves, beaches and access to numerous islands, as well as proximity to Myanmar, make Ranong an attractive destination for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.
Transportation options from Bangkok to Ranong
It is approximately 585 kilometers from Bangkok to Ranong, so if you are traveling by car, the journey will take approximately 7.5 hours. But most tourists do not rent cars for such trips in Thailand, but choose options that allow them to relax and enjoy the scenery. Buses are a very popular and inexpensive option to travel long distances, and the route between Bangkok and Ranong is no exception. Regular buses run daily. But if you want to get to Ranong as soon as possible, a plane may be the best option. Read on to find out all about buses, flights and even private taxis.
Flights from Bangkok to Ranong
Nok Air uses a propeller plane to travel between Bangkok and Ranong © Commentary / Shutterstock.com
Although Ranong is a small city, it has its own airport. Ranong Airport is very small and currently only one airline operates. Nok Air offers three daily flights with schedules that vary slightly depending on the season and day of the week. There are usually two flights in the morning and one in the afternoon, taking only 1 hour and 25 minutes from Bangkok. These flights depart from Bangkok Don Mueang Airport and the price of tickets can vary significantly depending on the flight you choose. It’s a good idea to look for less frequent flights to save money on your flight, and it’s always advisable to book as far in advance as possible.
Ranong Airport is located 23 kilometers (14 miles) from Ranong City. The good thing is that there are usually plenty of taxis waiting for passengers arriving from Bangkok, so it’s easy to get into the city. Another notable aspect of flying to Ranong is the views you get as you approach the airport. If you can, book your ticket by the window and you’ll enjoy spectacular views as you fly over mountains and islands.
From Bangkok to Ranong by bus
Bangkok South Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) © Settawat Udom / Shutterstock.com
If you don’t mind spending 10 hours on the bus, taking the bus from Bangkok to Ranong is very cheap. As is often the case with long-distance buses in Thailand, three levels of comfort are available during the journeys: Express, VIP and VIP24. There is not much difference between them, although Express is the cheapest and VIP24 is the most expensive. That said, either option is cheap compared to flying.
All buses going from Bangkok to Ranong are equipped with air conditioning, and in many cases it is even cold inside the bus. They have blankets for passengers, but it’s worth taking a sweatshirt with you so you don’t catch a cold. The VIP and Express buses have toilets and refreshments, while the VIP24 bus offers more space in addition to these services as there are only three seats per row instead of four. It also has TV, hostesses and snacks to make your trip more comfortable.
ChokeAnan Tour and Niomit Tour are the two operators that offer bus tours from Bangkok to Ranong and both depart from the South Bus Terminal, also known as Sai Tai Mai. Most buses leave Bangkok at 9:00 PM and travel at night, arriving in Ranong around 7:00 AM. If you prefer to travel during the day to enjoy the scenery, you can catch the bus in Bangkok at 9am and reach Ranong by dinner time.
Sonthaew in Ranong
Ranong Bus Station is located 2 kilometers (1.25 mi) southeast of downtown Ranong along Route 4, a major expressway. The best way to get to the city from the bus station is Songthaew as they are usually available to take you anywhere.
From Bangkok to Ranong by private taxi
Taxi in Bangkok © ferdyboy / Shutterstock.com
A private taxi is the most expensive way to travel from Bangkok to Ranong. Its price is higher than the flight, but if you are traveling with two or more people and you split the cost between everyone, the final price may be lower than the price of the plane. Bangkok Taxi 24 offers many options depending on the size of the group: from a regular sedan to a four-seater minivan, premium van, seven-seater van or VIP van for 8 or 9 people. As you can imagine, the bigger the vehicle, the higher the price, but if you’re traveling with a group of friends or several family members, you’ll save money compared to airline tickets.
The main advantage of a private taxi is that it offers a door-to-door service as it will pick you up from anywhere in Bangkok and drop you off at your desired location in Ranong. Plus, it’s a fairly quick option: the scheduled travel time is 7 hours and 45 minutes, and you don’t have to worry about getting on the bus or arriving in advance. If you want a hands-on tour, a private taxi may be your best option. In addition, you can travel at any time of the day or night.