da Ranong a Phuket

About the ride from Ranong to Phuket

There's just something so wonderful about spending time in more remote regions of Thailand, and Ranong – which is 301 kilometers (187 miles) north of Phuket – certainly ticks all the right rural boxes. Ranong is one of southern Thailand's trekking centers with numerous waterfalls and hot spring resorts offering all manner of rest and rejuvenation after just a few days' vacation. 

Heading south to Phuket from Ranong provides plenty of alternative experiences for travelers in Thailand and not all of them require walking boots and a hiking hat. Phuket is commonly regarded as one of southern Thailand's premier beach locations, as well as being the country's largest island. Situated overlooking the Andaman Sea, Phuket is an absolute paradise for anyone looking to soak up the sunshine, sand and sensational seaside ambience that epitomises Southeast Asian idylls.

This is a place where you're just as likely to find full moon parties and beach bars as Big Buddha statues and yoga retreats. What's more, getting to Phuket from Ranong couldn't be easier. Basically, there are usually five buses leaving from Ranong to Phuket every day. High season – from December to March – can get busy but outside of these months it's very easy to book your place on an Express Bus and head down south in approximately six hours.

Buses are always well equipped with air conditioning, onboard bathrooms, reclining seats and internet access, where available. There will usually be a small selection of Thai snacks and bottled water on board too, although it's still a good idea to grab some refreshments from Ranong before you leave. You can board the first bus at around 8.00am and the last leaves at 4.00pm. Getting to Ranong bus station at least 30 minutes before a designated departure is definitely a good idea, just so you don't have to stress about being late or missing the last ride out of Ranong. 

 

What to see when traveling from Ranong to Phuket

After a few days of thermal hot springs and trekking to waterfalls in Ranong, many travelers will board the bus south for the six hour journey to Phuket. 

Saying goodbye to the tropical forests and mountains surrounding Ranong can be a real wrench although you'll still get to see some hillside scenery as you depart. Leaving the outer limits of Ranong doesn't take long and pretty soon your bus will have joined the throng of traffic heading south on Thailand's Highway 4. This is as good a time as any to catch some sleep as the majority of the sights from the bus window will be on four wheels. 

Once you get closer to Phuket you can expect to see the Andaman Sea shimmering in the distance. Although the route won't exactly take you alongside the coast the whole journey you'll still get a sense of that laid back beach vibe as you begin to get further down south. Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and swapping the trekking trails of Ranong for beach resorts and top notch restaurants is the kind of culture shock that many homesick travelers dream of. 

How to get from Ranong to Phuket

Taking a bus 

Traveling overland by bus in Thailand is something of a ritual experience, especially for the uninitiated. The 277 kilometer (172 mile) ride from Ranong to Phuket is absolutely no different. The journey itself usually takes about six hours to complete. There's actually only one style of bus that regularly runs this trip and that's an Express Bus. It's pretty modern with all contemporary safety features and amenities on board.

You can expect air conditioning, reclining seats and WiFi, where available. Buses leave around five times a day and single seats will set you back no more than US $12. Buses also have an onboard bathroom as well as phone and iPad chargers, in addition to a small choice of food and drink to purchase.

Most travelers will either be returning to Phuket to continue their vacation or to fly home. Many will have experienced the forested hillsides of Ranong and might actually be looking forward to a rest rather than chatting for the entire journey. However, it's a six hour ride so you can do a little bit of resting and a little bit of getting to know fellow passengers. A top tip is to be prepared by packing for every eventuality in your day sack. Cards – check; iPad -check; ear plugs – check; snuggle sweater to combat air conditioning – double check. You know the drill!

No matter what time you arrive in Phuket from Ranong you'll want to head to your next destination, as soon as possible. It's always a good idea to have somewhere to stay in advance of your arrival. Who knows, you might even be met at Phuket bus terminal by a hotel representative holding your name on a little board. All that will be left for you to do is smile, wave goodbye to your bus buddies and head off for a holiday of swimming pools and cocktails – now, where is that sun block?