Reader question: Monthly trip to Ranong, which route?
Dear readers,
From January 2017 we will spend the winter in Pattaya again for 3 months. Around February, like every year, we want to make a trip that we want to take about 1 month for, and in which everything is allowed and nothing is required.
We have not yet been to the Andaman Sea near Ranong. For example Ranong, Kho Phayam and Khao lak, Tab Malu. A day trip to the Similan Islands and seeing everything that comes our way that is interesting or fun to do (I've read about "a rafting trip"). We want to relax and relax via via to Krabi or return via via to Pattaya.
Now my question is, which route should we take? Fly directly to Krabi/Phuket and travel up from there on the way back to Pattaya, with a stopover of 1 or more days? Or vice versa slowly descend through beautiful places and sights on the way there and fly from Krabi via Bangkok to Pattaya?
Rather travel no longer than a few hours in a minivan to get to a nice destination.
Maybe the train to Chumpon and then a minivan?
We did the islands of Koh Samui and Phangan and Tao last year, so that is not the right stopover for us.
We have been to Phuket, Krabi, Ao nang, Koh Lanta and the Phi Phi Islands before. We want to visit most destinations again in February and perhaps another beautiful place in that area.
I'm sure we will get good tips through Thailandblog.
All tips are welcome.
MVG
jacqueline
Rayong does not seem the right place to me, as it is located 50 km from Pattaya on the Gulf of Thailand. I think you mean Ranong.
You can fly directly to Phuket and make your trips from there. Take, for example, a rental car. Bring an international driver's license (available from the ANWB). Then you return to Phuket and take a flight with Bangkok airways to U-Tapao = Pattaya. From the airport with a van to Pattaya. etc. Do you already have accommodation in Pattaya, otherwise I can help you: bob116@h…mail.com
Dear Bob, read carefully: Rayong and Ranong are two different cities and are almost 1000km apart.
Dear Jacqueline,
first a little advice: read here on the blog the various trip reports “on the raod” by Lung addie. You can easily find them with the "search" option here in the top left of the Thailandblog header.
Ranong and the surrounding area are not what you would call touristy. The real tourist facilities are more tailored to Phuket, the islands around Koh Samui, Krabi.... You will mainly have to rely on your own transport if you want to explore the region in a pleasant way. There are plenty of options, but you will hardly find such tourist excursions here.
A proposal: you fly to Chumphon and, if you like a really quiet beach holiday, say a week with daily trips of your own, then this is possible, plenty of beautiful things to see. After a week you go to Ranong, also for a maximum of a week... from there you cross to the Gulf of Thailand with a stay at Lang Suan where you can again make the necessary excursions... from there along the coast to Sawi and then, after a final stop in Chumphon, returning to Pattaya. "I must say that a month is a long time for a tourist to spend time in this region alone, unless you really like the peace, nature and good food (seafood).
You may contact me personally for help with choosing accommodation, transport and more. I live just a few km from the airport and can help you on the right track if you wish. ( 080 144 90 84 )
If you decide to go by train, a stop at Bang Saphane might be something. Beautiful unspoilt beaches, staying in the jungle in nice houses (see lonely planet), hardly any tourists. I would either fly there or back (with Nok air or air asea). Have fun!