Hi Everyone,

I need to do a border run and I was thinking of driving to Ranong myself.

I was after some advice as this is my first trip that way and I will be doing it alone.

I have my own truck so fancied doing the drive rather than being stuck on a mini-bus.

I've bought a map (which is a start!)

Can anyone advise me how long it takes from Donsak to Ranong?..

Any nice places to stop on the way?...

How straight forward is it?

Any advice appreciated!

Thanks,

John

Hi Everyone,

I need to do a border run and I was thinking of driving to Ranong myself.

I was after some advice as this is my first trip that way and I will be doing it alone.

I have my own truck so fancied doing the drive rather than being stuck on a mini-bus.

I've bought a map (which is a start!)

Can anyone advise me how long it takes from Donsak to Ranong?..

Any nice places to stop on the way?...

How straight forward is it?

Any advice appreciated!

Thanks,

John

One of the most picturesque drives you will take.Take your time,you can spend the night in Surat before heading home.

Beautiful drive West from Lang Suan over the jungles and plantations. I usually drive straight thru, so cannot give any other recommendations than to drive carefully, some corners come up quite quickly and sharply, and some 18 wheelers like to pass where ever they think they can. you can make it back to Samui in one day if you must, but better take your time as there are a variety of decent places to stay in Ranong. For the border run I do recommend going the Andaman Club route, easy and no hassle.

Beautiful drive West from Lang Suan over the jungles and plantations. I usually drive straight thru, so cannot give any other recommendations than to drive carefully, some corners come up quite quickly and sharply, and some 18 wheelers like to pass where ever they think they can. you can make it back to Samui in one day if you must, but better take your time as there are a variety of decent places to stay in Ranong. For the border run I do recommend going the Andaman Club route, easy and no hassle.

What is the 'Andaman Club route' ??

Can anyone advise me on the route to take?... I'm just looking at the map...

I was going to come of the ferry at Donsak on to the 4143 then turn right at the crossroads on to the 401

then head along that until I turn right on to the big highway - the 41

then head along that until i get near ranong and cut across to the highway no.4 using the 4006

once I got to rangong err... not sure what I do there?!.. cross the border, I guess?!...

in donsak follow the main highway (direction chumpon) then in LangSuan turn left - there are signs, its quite straightforward.

once in Ranong area (still on the main road) ask for the Andaman Club pier, there is a ferry that will bring you to the casino-hotel island (10mins), immigration services are there as well. i think its 500 bht for the immigration + ferry - probably 100 baht if you bring a thai spouse.

otherwise, get an out-stamp at ranong immigration (in town) and there follow somebody to the long-tail boats. its cheaper but if its rainy you might get wet on the boat

enjoy the road, its beautiful!! and so is the Andaman Club

Excellent - thanks for the advise. I'm looking forward to getting off the island for a couple of days. Going to take it easy and come back Sunday instead of rushing.