PHUKET has another potential rival on the Andaman coast. It's a yet-to-be-discovered diving and health destination, with plenty to see and do.
Earlier this year, the national government switched Ranong from a southern group of provinces to join the Andaman tourism group that includes Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.
Since then, some interesting developments have taken place. The local airport, long unused, reopened on June 1 to cater for Air Asia services three days a week from Bangkok.
At first, Air Asia asked for a guarantee of seat bookings. But so many people are already using the service both ways that the request for a guarantee has been forgotten.
The Governor of Ranong, Kanchana Pakeemun, told Phuketwan that she thought it would not take long for visitors to discover the pleasures of the local hot springs.
''We do not have long beaches but the hot springs have a lot of appeal,'' she said. ''There are many places here where people can relax and improve their health.''
New resources will be ready for an increased number of visitors in September, with a bicycle and walking track leading directly to the springs from the city.
Offshore, there are a couple of prize diving destinations in Ko Chang and Ko Payam. Both islands, like Phi Phi and Raya closer to Phuket, are most appealing in the high season.
In southern Ranong, the town of Kapoe has a popular pier that would be an alternative spot for trips to the Similan islands and diving destinations in Burmese waters.
''We already have about 250,000 tourists a year who come to visit Ranong,'' Governor Kanchana said.
Most of those are Thai because the destination is not being marketed to overseas visitors yet. Local tourism officials are studying what is being done in Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi first.
Ranong also has plenty of national parks and spectacular waterfalls, especially in the wet season. The charm of the province lies in being largely undiscovered by overseas visitors.
Many residents of Phuket know Ranong, the capital of the province, simply as a destination for visa runs on the way to the Andaman Club casino or to Victoria Point, Ranong's sister township in Burma, on the other side of the Andaman River.
The more relaxed pleasures of Ranong are worth setting aside an extra day or two, before the tourist crush.
Earlier this year, the national government switched Ranong from a southern group of provinces to join the Andaman tourism group that includes Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.
Since then, some interesting developments have taken place. The local airport, long unused, reopened on June 1 to cater for Air Asia services three days a week from Bangkok.
At first, Air Asia asked for a guarantee of seat bookings. But so many people are already using the service both ways that the request for a guarantee has been forgotten.
The Governor of Ranong, Kanchana Pakeemun, told Phuketwan that she thought it would not take long for visitors to discover the pleasures of the local hot springs.
''We do not have long beaches but the hot springs have a lot of appeal,'' she said. ''There are many places here where people can relax and improve their health.''
New resources will be ready for an increased number of visitors in September, with a bicycle and walking track leading directly to the springs from the city.
Offshore, there are a couple of prize diving destinations in Ko Chang and Ko Payam. Both islands, like Phi Phi and Raya closer to Phuket, are most appealing in the high season.
In southern Ranong, the town of Kapoe has a popular pier that would be an alternative spot for trips to the Similan islands and diving destinations in Burmese waters.
''We already have about 250,000 tourists a year who come to visit Ranong,'' Governor Kanchana said.
Most of those are Thai because the destination is not being marketed to overseas visitors yet. Local tourism officials are studying what is being done in Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi first.
Ranong also has plenty of national parks and spectacular waterfalls, especially in the wet season. The charm of the province lies in being largely undiscovered by overseas visitors.
Many residents of Phuket know Ranong, the capital of the province, simply as a destination for visa runs on the way to the Andaman Club casino or to Victoria Point, Ranong's sister township in Burma, on the other side of the Andaman River.
The more relaxed pleasures of Ranong are worth setting aside an extra day or two, before the tourist crush.
