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 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.
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