Laem Son National Park Declared a national park in 1983, Laem Son is a coastal park that extends out to include a number of islands.
Covering an area of 315 square kilometres, the park offers white sandy beaches, pine trees forests, a seascape of nearby islands and great bird watching. The park office is on Highway No. 4 (Ranong-Phang-nga), 45 kilometres from the provincial capital, six kilometres from Kapoe. Turn right at the 657-km marker and continue for ten kilometres until reaching the office on Bang Ben Beach.
It's easy to see why Bang Ben Beach was chosen to be the location of the Park's headquarter. A coastal breeze and shady pine trees help to keep temperatures pleasant nearly all year round. The long white sandy beach looks out onto a multitude of islands scattered offshore, making every position on the beach a wonderful view. Just four kilometres from Bang Ben is Laem Son Beach where visitors can camp and enjoy bird watching. A number of the islands in the park are worth visiting. From Bang Ben Beach, local fishermen will take visitors out in their long-tailed boats to visit the boulder formations on Ko Khang Khao, a trip that takes about 40 minutes. Slightly 20 minutes further is "Buffalo's Horn" Island, or Ko Ao Khao Khwai, aptly named for its shape. Park's rangers are also stationed here to assist visitors. From Bang Ben Beach, arrangements can also be made to further destinations, such as the fabulous beaches on Ko Kam Yai. Travel to this island takes about 1 hour and a half. Accommodation and restaurants are available in Laem Son National Park. Further information can be obtained from either National Parks Division, Forestry Department in Bangkok, tel. 0 -2579-7223, 0-2579-5734 or to the Chief of Laem Son National Park, Bang Ben Beach, Tambon Muang Klang, Amphoe Kapoe, Ranong 85120.
Khao Fa Chi So named because of its resemblance to a traditional cover for Thai food, Fa Chi hill is located off of Highway No. 4 in Tambon Bang Kaeo. The hill provides an excellent vantage point from which to see the convergence of two rivers, the Kra Buri and the La-un. The many river islands formed where these two rivers meet makes the scenery fascinating to behold. Sunsets are often breathtaking. To reach Fa Chi hill, turn left at Km. 580 onto the paved road, and continue for three kilometres. Two kilometres further, near the bridge which crosses the La-un River, history buffs will find the remains of a Japanese military base complete with warship wrecks, underground tunnels and the remains of a railway line. Japanese soldiers used this area as a port for sending support to Burma during World War II.
:: Activities
Hiking in Mangrove Forests The mangrove forests along the shore, at the mouths of the rivers, and on islands are essential to the region's integrity and continued prosperity. The people of Ranong take pride in having some of the best preserved and protected mangrove forests in the country. Twenty-five of the world's sixty-eight species of mangrove trees can be found in the province. Those who are interested in exploring these fascinating ecosystems can contact the Mangrove Forest Management Unit.
Cruising along the Kra Buri River Visitors can independently hire boats at Ranong Pier or take organized tours arranged by the Jansom Travel. As the Kra Buri forms a natural boundary between Thailand and Myanmar, visitors can witness river life in two countries at the same time. The best time for exploring the river is during the dry season (January - April). Visitors are advised to leave early in the morning so that they can arrive at Kra Buri in time for lunch. The restaurant here features succulent jumbo prawns.
Elephant Riding Near the hot springs in Raksa Warin Arboretum, there is a forest management unit responsible for protecting and maintaining the adjacent forest. From here, visitors can ride on elephants and tour the jungle, viewing many different species of trees, giant ferns, giant vines and other flora. The trip, organized by the Ranong Chamber of Commerce, will take visitors to waterfalls and out towards the Thai Burmese border. Further information and reservations can be made at the office near the hot springs in Raksa Warin Park, tel: 0-7782-3901-2.
Andaman Peach Resort :: 11/2 Mu 1 Tambon Mungklang, Amphoe Kaper [0 1211 0895] :: :: 600-1,200 baht
Ao Yai Bungalow :: Ko Phayam [0 7782 1753] :: :: 150 baht
Asia :: 39/9 Ruangrat Road, Amphoe Muang [0 7781 1113, 0 7781 1177] :: :: 240-620 baht
Bamboo Bungalow :: 56/1 Tambon Ko Phayam Amphoe Muang [0 1273 3437] :: :: 100-200 baht
Hall Bill Hut :: Ko Phayam [0 7782 5543] :: :: 150 baht
Ifel Inn :: 160/1-14 Mu 3 Phetkasem Road, Amphoe Muang [0 7784 8368-9, 0 7782 3272] :: :: 650 baht
J P R Bungalow :: 45 Mu 1 Tambon Ko Phayam, Amphoe Muang [0 7782 4077] :: :: 150 baht
Jansom Beach Resort :: 135 Moo 5 Charndamri Beach T.Paknam, A.Muang [(66 77) 811-774-6]
