I was wondering if there is anything to do in Ranong or is it pretty much a visa crossing?. The hot springs seem like a nice place. Any advice on the best way to get to Ranong via Chumpon? At Thang Wa Laen beach now and it seems pretty relaxing........time to rent a bike and explore or see about diving Chumphon Pinnacles.

Cheers,

55bulldog

Surprisingly, haven't really traveled around in Ranong. Big fishing hub as well as the border run hub.

There is a bus station in Ranong but I am unsure of any 'express' Coach buses that go from Chumphon < > Ranong. Instead, you'd have to take a minibus, not sure of the cost but it shouldn't be more than 200 baht....probably more like 120-150 one way. Sometimes you can tag along on the visa run van either way if it is not full 150 baht.

Or you could rent a scooter and drive 3-ish hours down Hwy 4. You'll need your passport as you might be checked at one of the roadsidecheckpoints 2/3s of the way there. Usually when the van is filled with western foreigners-only, they will just scan outside and waive the van through. But any Cambo/Laos/Burmese passport will almost always be checked.

Edit: what did you think of Thung Wua Laen Beach?

The Saphan Pla for a naughty night out!