Ranong is the first southern province on the western coast, located
568 kilometres from Bangkok. It is known for the long rainy period,
which lasts for 8 months each year. Ranong occupies an area of
3,298 square kilometres and is bordered by Myanmar and the Indian
Ocean to the west. Within its compact area, Ranong contains various
natural attractions and is blessed with hot springs and unspoiled
mangrove forests.



A mountainous and heavily forested province, Ranong is best known as
a fishing and trading port. It was settled by the Hokkian Chinese,
and their strong influence is evident in the town. Ranong town is a
gateway to Myanmar, with colourful longboats ferrying produce and
people across the narrow divide that separates the two countries.

The traffic is even heavier these days since a casino opened at
Victoria Point. The famous hot springs are just outside of town,
where an arboretum and various first-class hotels cater to visitors
eager to benefit from the medicinal properties of the mineral waters.

source :: http://www.tourismthailand.org/destination-guide/ranong-97-1-1.html. Thailand-sawasdee.blogspot.com