I normally do an arranged "mini-van" visa run from Hua Hin to Ranong with boat, visa etc. all in the package, but there are no more arranged runs before Sat 30th May (when my stamp expires). One option is to get the VIP bus from Hua Hin which gets into Ranong at 4:00am in the morning and then wander around in the dark for a while wondering why the hel_l I thought this DIY thing was a good idea!

Could someone in-the-know advise me re:

• distance of the bus station to the pier, (and town center),

• are motocycle taxis around the bus station at that time,

• of immigration opening times at the pier,

• how to get a crossing booked (on a covered boat) without being scammed,

• + any other useful info you may have please

Apparently the bus back to Hua Hin leaves Ranong at 8:00pm so I'll have some time to kill too!

Much appreciated & thanks in advance.

If you can make your way to Chumphon, Kiat travel do daily runs to the Andaman club. Very good company, have used them loads of times. Call 077 502 127 or 08 1893 4152. The owner speaks very good English. Cost 1,200 Baht.

For the record, I have no business interests in this company whatsoever.

As Baboon said, there are 2 visa run companies in Chumphon:

http://www.chumphon-kohtao.com/ and http://www.geocities.com/chumphonguide/en.htm

Get the bus or train from HH to Chumphon and let the companies do the work. Will keep your blood pressure relatively low, too!!!

PS

Hi Baboon! Was in your neck of the woods (Pak Nam Chumphon) last weekend visiting the in-laws!

Edited May 28, 200917 yr by jamesjdaly

Hi guys,

Thanks for the pointers - very useful. I'll follow up on them pronto.

Cheers, thanks again.

If you go by bus to Rannong, there are taxi inside the bus station,its about 3/4 mile to the customs house, then about a 1/2 mile further up the road to the pier, it stinks of fish. . Andaman club is the best if it is still going , i read on here it has been stopped, there is another thread about the Rannong run.If you go to the customs house don't take any notice of all the touts, they will be around you like flies, You can do it yourself, its 10 Us dollars for your stamp and about 300baht for your crossing.make shore you agree the price first, you will get some Thai boy on your boat trying to be your guide, he will want paying at the end , if you just want your stamp just say you want to get your stamp and come back, it takes about 1hour all in.