da Bangkok a Ranong

About the ride from Bangkok to Ranong

Bangkok's mesmerizing appeal lies in its unique intersection of the old and the new. Start your exploration on a spiritual note with a visit to the beautiful Wat Pho, home to the Reclining Buddha and the breathtaking Wat Arun. Lovers of art and history will find a visit to the Grand Palace and Bangkok National Museum intellectually stimulating and satisfying. Of course, if you have a curious and experimentative palate, Bangkok's electrifying street food scene, bustling Chinatown, and fancy restaurants and bars won't disappoint. Shop til you drop at the weekend Chatuchak Market, a temporary market where vendors set up thousands of stalls peddling everything from antiques to home furnishings and more - the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or two. Take a break from it all (before plunging right back into it again!), and stroll through Lumpini Park or enjoy a ferry ride across the Chao Phraya River. But, no trip to the Thai capital is complete with the quintessential Thai massage - the best way to prepare your body and muscles for the adventures that lie ahead of you!

Travelers visit Ranong for two reasons - it is the gateway to the beautiful islands of Koh Chang and Koh Payam and is the town from where tourists enter Kawthoung in Myanmar via boat to get their Thailand visa renewed. Though not a tourist magnet, Ranong has a charm of its own. The Ranong Hot Springs are perfect for lazing around and recovering from a long journey. Ngao National Park is worth a visit, too, for its impressive waterfall and lookout points.

The distance from Bangkok to Ranong is around 360 miles (580 km). Overnight buses are an inexpensive yet convenient way to travel this route while flights are the fastest. Buses usually take about eight to nine hours. If you choose to travel by air, however, it's just a one and a half hour journey. 

 

What to see when traveling from Bangkok to Ranong

A train journey from Bangkok to Ranong will allow you the chance to not only chat with locals but also experience Thailand’s rural and countryside scenes. If you are taking the overnight bus, you might not get the opportunity to see much. Instead, you will arrive at Ranong well rested and ready for some serious sightseeing.

 

How to get from Bangkok to Ranong

Taking a bus
With ticket prices starting from $20 per person, buses are an extremely cost-effective way of traveling. Depending on the operator, travel times are between eight and a half to nine and a half hours. Most of these are overnight buses making it an excellent choice if you are looking to save up on hotel costs - the perfect pick for budget travelers and backpackers.
Departure from Bangkok is usually in the evening, at around 8:00 pm or 9:00 pm. The buses reach Ranong early in the morning, at around 5:00 am or 6:00 am. The starting point for most buses is the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok, with the last stop of the journey being Ranong Bus Station.
The buses are air-conditioned and have cushioned seating although only some of them have reclining seats. Most of the operators offer travelers snacks, beverages, and bottled water as part of the package. Many of these vehicles are double-decker buses and have an attached restroom. Along the way, stops are provided for passengers to grab a quick bite or simply to stretch their legs.
Even though blankets are provided for the overnight journey, it is advisable to dress warm as the air conditioning is set at the coolest temperature. It can get quite cold as the night progresses. Passengers have a luggage allowance of 25 kgs. 
Choke Anan Tours is a popular bus operator for this route. They offer 3 different travel options - a VIP 24 seat bus, a VIP 32 seat bus, and an Express Bus.    

Taking a private taxi
Given the long eight to nine-hour journey, you might want something that provides more comfort. In that case, booking a private taxi might be an excellent choice. This is an ideal pick for single travelers, couples, and families who don't mind paying a little more for the extra space, flexibility in travel, and convenience of hotel pick up and drop off. 
Of course, booking a private taxi is one of the more expensive ways to travel to Ranong from Bangkok. Rental charges start from $230 per vehicle, depending on the operator and type of vehicle booked. 

Taking a flight 
Taking a flight is the fastest way to get to Ranong from Bangkok. The flying time is only one and half hours, with the option to pick from three departure times. Flights take off from the Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok and arrive at the Ranong Airport. Once you reach Ranong Airport, you can hire a taxi, with ease, to take you to the city center or pier.Flights are operated by Thai Smile, Thai AirAsia, and Nok Air. Airfares can range from $50 to $100 per passenger. 

 

Taking a train 
If you are looking for adventure and a chance to interact with locals, you could consider booking a train ride. There are no direct trains from Bangkok to Ranong. Instead, you will have to take a train from Bangkok to Chumphon or Surat Thani and then catch a bus or minivan to take you to Ranong. 
The train ride from Bangkok to Chumphon is for about eight hours. The bus ride from Chumphon railway station to Ranong is about two and a half hours, making the total travel time around 11 hours. 
It takes 11-12 hours for the train to make its way from Bangkok to Surat Thani. Add to this a three and a half hour bus journey from the station to Ranong and the total travel time is about 15 hours long.