Frequently Asked Questions
How to get to Ranong?
There are many ways to come to Ranong:
Pick yours...
Pick yours...
Come to Ranong by Plane
Travel to Ranong by plane in about 1h30 minutes
NEW!!!
- NOK AIR Announced new flights to Ranong twice daily!!! with prices starting at 1600thb!!!
They plan two flights a day, operated by a 34-seat Saab 340B, leaving Don Muang Airport at 6:25am and 1:20pm
- with Happy air, direct flights from Bangkok to Ranong, about an hour and a half flight 5 times a week. from Bangkok to Ranong: Depart from SUVARNAPHUMI airport at 13h20 arrives in RANONG airport at 14h50 on MONDAY WEDNESDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
From Ranong to Bangkok: depart 15:10 arrives 16:40 on MONDAY WEDNESDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
Plan to arrive at least a day before departure as landing at 14h50 is too late for boarding.
NEW!!!
- NOK AIR Announced new flights to Ranong twice daily!!! with prices starting at 1600thb!!!
They plan two flights a day, operated by a 34-seat Saab 340B, leaving Don Muang Airport at 6:25am and 1:20pm
- with Happy air, direct flights from Bangkok to Ranong, about an hour and a half flight 5 times a week. from Bangkok to Ranong: Depart from SUVARNAPHUMI airport at 13h20 arrives in RANONG airport at 14h50 on MONDAY WEDNESDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
From Ranong to Bangkok: depart 15:10 arrives 16:40 on MONDAY WEDNESDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
Plan to arrive at least a day before departure as landing at 14h50 is too late for boarding.
Go to Ranong by train
Travel by train, from Bangkok to Chumpon followed by a 3 hours bus ride to Ranong.
Train fare from Bangkok to chumpon around 1,234thb (£24, $34).
Some find traveling by train more comfortable than by bus because you have a real bed to lie into for the night and the bus is then quite fast to reach Ranong.
Train fare from Bangkok to chumpon around 1,234thb (£24, $34).
Some find traveling by train more comfortable than by bus because you have a real bed to lie into for the night and the bus is then quite fast to reach Ranong.
| Bangkok (Hualamphong) | 08:05 | 09:20 | 13:00 | 14:45 | 15:10 | 15:35 | 17:05 | 17:35 | 18:30 | 19:30 | 22:50 |
| Nakhon Pathom | 09:22 | 10:48 | 14:37 | 16:11 | 16:38 | 17:15 | 18:33 | 19:12 | 19:58 | 20:59 | 00:09 |
| Hua Hin | 11:29 | 13:35 | 17:17 | 18:45 | 19:13 | 20:10 | 21:10 | 21:54 | 22:34 | 23:36 | 02:24 |
| Chumphon | 14:41 | - | 21:21 | 22:45 | 23:24 | 00:52 | 01:27 | 02:58 | 03:28 | 04:23 | 05:59 |
Go to Ranong by Bus
Travel by Bus:
Bangkok - Ranong:
Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal to Ranong every day for the approximately 9-hour trip. Air-conditioned buses, varying in 3 types, depart from Bangkok at the following times:
VIP Bus: 9 p.m. very comfortable and fast.
First Class Bus 8:20 pm. comfortable and fast as well.
Standard 1 Bus: 9:00 am, 9:10 am, 8:20 pm, 8:30 pm and 9:00 pm. Comfortable and fast.
Standard 2 Bus: 8:50 am, 1:50 pm, 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm. No toilet in the bus so it stops more often.
For a current schedule call Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal at tel.: 0 24351199, 0 24351200 or the Ranong Bus Station at tel.: 0 7781 1548.
Suratthani - Ranong:
Air-conditioned bus from Suratthani: 8:00 am / 2:00 pm.
From Ranong: 8:00 am / 2:00 pm.
Minibus from Suratthani: every hour from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
From Ranong: every hour from 6:00 am to 11:00 am and 12:30 pm / 2:30 pm / 3:30 pm. The trip takes about 3 hours.
Chumphon - Ranong:
Air-conditioned bus from Chumphon: 5:50 am, 8:30 am, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm.
From Ranong: 1:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 21:15 pm.
Minibus from Chumphon: every hour from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
From Ranong: every hour from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The trip takes about 3 hours.
Phuket - Khao Lak - Ranong:
Air-conditioned buses run every day from Phuket to Ranong, passing through Khao Lak:
From Phuket: 8:10 am, 10:00 am, 11:50 am, 2:00 pm, 3:50 pm, 6:10 pm.
From Khao Lak: 9:50 am, 11:50 am, 1:50 pm, 3:50 pm, 5:40 pm, 8:00 pm.
From Ranong: 8:10 am, 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm.
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Bangkok - Ranong:
Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal to Ranong every day for the approximately 9-hour trip. Air-conditioned buses, varying in 3 types, depart from Bangkok at the following times:
VIP Bus: 9 p.m. very comfortable and fast.
First Class Bus 8:20 pm. comfortable and fast as well.
Standard 1 Bus: 9:00 am, 9:10 am, 8:20 pm, 8:30 pm and 9:00 pm. Comfortable and fast.
Standard 2 Bus: 8:50 am, 1:50 pm, 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm. No toilet in the bus so it stops more often.
For a current schedule call Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal at tel.: 0 24351199, 0 24351200 or the Ranong Bus Station at tel.: 0 7781 1548.
Suratthani - Ranong:
Air-conditioned bus from Suratthani: 8:00 am / 2:00 pm.
From Ranong: 8:00 am / 2:00 pm.
Minibus from Suratthani: every hour from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
From Ranong: every hour from 6:00 am to 11:00 am and 12:30 pm / 2:30 pm / 3:30 pm. The trip takes about 3 hours.
Chumphon - Ranong:
Air-conditioned bus from Chumphon: 5:50 am, 8:30 am, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm.
From Ranong: 1:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 21:15 pm.
Minibus from Chumphon: every hour from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
From Ranong: every hour from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The trip takes about 3 hours.
Phuket - Khao Lak - Ranong:
Air-conditioned buses run every day from Phuket to Ranong, passing through Khao Lak:
From Phuket: 8:10 am, 10:00 am, 11:50 am, 2:00 pm, 3:50 pm, 6:10 pm.
From Khao Lak: 9:50 am, 11:50 am, 1:50 pm, 3:50 pm, 5:40 pm, 8:00 pm.
From Ranong: 8:10 am, 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm.
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Can I get picked up on Koh Phayam?
We can pick you up on Koh Phayam for our trips to Thailand's best dive sites as koh Phayam is on the way between Ranong and Surin Islands.
However for trips to Burma, you will have to take a boat back to Ranong as MV Thai Sea will be leaving from there after immigration clearance.
Koh Phayam Boats's timetable:
Ranong to Koh Phayam:
- Ferry at 9.30 AM and 2.00 PM (about 2 houres- 150 THB per person)
- Speed boat at 10 , 12, 2.30pm, 4.30pm (about 40 minutes - 350 THB per person)
From Phayam to Ranong :
-Ferry 8.30 AM and 2PM
- speed boat 9h, 10h, 12h. 14h30
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However for trips to Burma, you will have to take a boat back to Ranong as MV Thai Sea will be leaving from there after immigration clearance.
Koh Phayam Boats's timetable:
Ranong to Koh Phayam:
- Ferry at 9.30 AM and 2.00 PM (about 2 houres- 150 THB per person)
- Speed boat at 10 , 12, 2.30pm, 4.30pm (about 40 minutes - 350 THB per person)
From Phayam to Ranong :
-Ferry 8.30 AM and 2PM
- speed boat 9h, 10h, 12h. 14h30
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Can you book an hotel for me?
Yes. We can arrange for a hotel in Ranong or on Koh Phayam, we work with a selection on hotels and resorts and can book rooms from 490thb to 5000thb depending on what level of luxury you want.
Check out our selection of favorite hotels in Ranong.
Just send us an email with your budget and requirements, we'll do our best to find the best place.
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Check out our selection of favorite hotels in Ranong.
Just send us an email with your budget and requirements, we'll do our best to find the best place.
>>>Back to the questions
Do I need to apply for a visa to visit Burma?
No. We will take care of this. You will only need to send us in advance a copy of your passport and bring along with you:
· Your passport
· 2 passport size pictures
· Entry fees in new US dollar bills
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· Your passport
· 2 passport size pictures
· Entry fees in new US dollar bills
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Is there a fee to pay to dive in Thailand National Parks and the Mergui Archipelago?
Yes, there are fees to pay both in Thailand and Myanmar.
For a Thailand: during a Trip 1, you will spend 2 days in Surin National Park (Surin islands and Richelieu Rock) and one day in Similan National Park (Koh Bon, Koh Tachai). The total fee to pay is 1400thb per diver and 800thb per snorkeler.
For Burma, you will have to pay a combination of visa, border fee and diving fee that must be paid in clean US Dollar Bills at the border. Please come with "looking like new", unfolded Dollars bills, it is not possible to change money at the border and while the authorities will accept Thai Bahts, it will be a lot more expensive than paying with USD.
At time of writing this FAQ, fees for a trip 2 are 150USD, for trip3 170USD and for trip 4 270USD.
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For a Thailand: during a Trip 1, you will spend 2 days in Surin National Park (Surin islands and Richelieu Rock) and one day in Similan National Park (Koh Bon, Koh Tachai). The total fee to pay is 1400thb per diver and 800thb per snorkeler.
For Burma, you will have to pay a combination of visa, border fee and diving fee that must be paid in clean US Dollar Bills at the border. Please come with "looking like new", unfolded Dollars bills, it is not possible to change money at the border and while the authorities will accept Thai Bahts, it will be a lot more expensive than paying with USD.
At time of writing this FAQ, fees for a trip 2 are 150USD, for trip3 170USD and for trip 4 270USD.
>>>Back to the questions
What about my visa in Thailand?
Most tourists can get a visa on arrival in Thailand. You will get 30 days if you arrive with an international flight and 14 days if you cross a land border.
If you join one of our trips to Burma, your passport will be stamped on exit and re-entry to Thailand. If you are from a country that is granted a visa on arrival then this is no problem, you will get a new tourist VISA of 14 days when getting back to Ranong. Make sure this is enough for the rest of your trip or you will need to make a visa-run.
If you are citizen of a country that isn't allowed a visa on arrival in Thailand then please make sure you have a visa that permits multiple entries into Thailand. We recommend you contact the Thai Embassy in your country to ensure you are in compliance with all necessary visa requirements. If you are in this category and have entered Thailand with a single entry visa or a standard tourist visa, you must apply for a re-entry permit. We can assist you to get this but you need to inform us in advance.
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If you join one of our trips to Burma, your passport will be stamped on exit and re-entry to Thailand. If you are from a country that is granted a visa on arrival then this is no problem, you will get a new tourist VISA of 14 days when getting back to Ranong. Make sure this is enough for the rest of your trip or you will need to make a visa-run.
If you are citizen of a country that isn't allowed a visa on arrival in Thailand then please make sure you have a visa that permits multiple entries into Thailand. We recommend you contact the Thai Embassy in your country to ensure you are in compliance with all necessary visa requirements. If you are in this category and have entered Thailand with a single entry visa or a standard tourist visa, you must apply for a re-entry permit. We can assist you to get this but you need to inform us in advance.
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Can I travel in Burma before or after a cruise in Mergui Archipelago?
You cannot travel in Burma under the entry permit granted for the Diving cruise. If you board MV Thai Sea in Ranong, Thailand, at the end of the trip you will return to Thailand. If you wish to visit Burma you must apply for a visa at the Burmese Embassy in your country or in Bangkok. There are also specialist travel agencies for Myanmar.
However, you can join our trip in Kawthong if you are traveling in Myanmar previous to the diving trip. Your Visa in Myanmar has to be valid for the lenght of your diving trip. Its quite complicated to reach Kawthong, though...
You will need a special permit to leave Burma from a different border than the one you entered so if you Arrived in Burma through Yangoon, you will not be authorized to go back to Ranong with us, we will leave you in Kawthong. Or you need to arrange for a special permit previous to your travels.
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However, you can join our trip in Kawthong if you are traveling in Myanmar previous to the diving trip. Your Visa in Myanmar has to be valid for the lenght of your diving trip. Its quite complicated to reach Kawthong, though...
You will need a special permit to leave Burma from a different border than the one you entered so if you Arrived in Burma through Yangoon, you will not be authorized to go back to Ranong with us, we will leave you in Kawthong. Or you need to arrange for a special permit previous to your travels.
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What is the weather like?
Thailand and Burma are tropical countries with 2 seasons. The dry and cooler season is from November to March, then hot from March to May. Rain is common between June and October, sea can be rough so we are giving the boat (and ourselves) a rest.
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>>>Back to the questions
What is the best way to dive in this area?
Because dive sites are quite far from the land and from eachother both in the Thai Andaman Islands and Mergui archipelago, the best way is without doubt to spend your diving holidays on a liveaboard.
The best diving in Burma is found in the Mergui Archipelago which includes more than 800 islands spread on a 36000 square km of pristine water. Most of the best diving involves distances well beyond the scope of regular resort daytrips.
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The best diving in Burma is found in the Mergui Archipelago which includes more than 800 islands spread on a 36000 square km of pristine water. Most of the best diving involves distances well beyond the scope of regular resort daytrips.
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Is the diving in Burma similar to the Similan Islands?
In some areas there are indeed similarities. You will see more or less the same species but with more frequency.
The more exposed and remote sites in Burma tend to be subject to stronger currents than the Similans, making it more common to see pelagic fish and sharks.
One distinct difference is that in Burma it is not common to see too many other liveaboards in the water, since it is a much larger area, a lot further from touristic areas such as Phuket, there is less boat competition than in the Similans. We can actually guarantee you to be the only ones on any divesites in Burma.
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The more exposed and remote sites in Burma tend to be subject to stronger currents than the Similans, making it more common to see pelagic fish and sharks.
One distinct difference is that in Burma it is not common to see too many other liveaboards in the water, since it is a much larger area, a lot further from touristic areas such as Phuket, there is less boat competition than in the Similans. We can actually guarantee you to be the only ones on any divesites in Burma.
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Are the cruises suitable for non divers?
Of course, we welcome non-divers on all cruises and offer them a 20% discount. Cruising the Thai Islands and in the Mergui Archipelago is a magical experience that anyone can appreciate. There are untouched islands with wild sandy beaches, clear water with great marine life and plenty of good snorkeling opportunities, you can relax with a good book, go swimming or use our Kayak to explore the islands around the boat. However our cruises are usually designed for divers, so do not expect too many island visits or activities.
Non divers cruises can be arranged for groups chartering the boat, we can then organize kayak expedition in the mangrove forest, visits of a waterfall on a deserted island, animal and bird watching and much more...
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Non divers cruises can be arranged for groups chartering the boat, we can then organize kayak expedition in the mangrove forest, visits of a waterfall on a deserted island, animal and bird watching and much more...
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Is it difficult to dive in Myanmar?
Burma usually has more current than the Similan and Surin islands. We recommend you take your advanced and deep diver specialty courses before going on the trip in order to feel more confortable and take advantage of the deeper dive sites but all certified divers can enjoy Burma.
PADI courses are also available on the boat upon reservation. Use of a dive computer and surface marker buoy are also strongly recommended (we provide the SMB and rent computers).
Also keep in mind that Burma is remote and evacuation can take up to 1 day, so please dive well within your limits and always within no decompression limits. Please also arrange your own diving and travel insurance.
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PADI courses are also available on the boat upon reservation. Use of a dive computer and surface marker buoy are also strongly recommended (we provide the SMB and rent computers).
Also keep in mind that Burma is remote and evacuation can take up to 1 day, so please dive well within your limits and always within no decompression limits. Please also arrange your own diving and travel insurance.
>>>Back to the questions
What are the diving conditions like in Myanmar?
The diving season is limited from November to the end of April, the tropical dry season, so it is likely that you will enjoy sunny skies, especially from mid-January to mid-April. Between November and mid-January visibility ranges from 15-20 metres, due to the high concentration of plankton, hence this is a great time to sight mantas and whale sharks. Around this time the water temperature drops and is normally between 24-28°C.
Visibility improves again reaching its optimum in February with visibility over 25-30 metres and water temperatures between 27-30°C. Plankton comes back in higher concentration at the end of the season, again a good time for pelagic fishes
Currents can be strong during Full and New Moon.
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Visibility improves again reaching its optimum in February with visibility over 25-30 metres and water temperatures between 27-30°C. Plankton comes back in higher concentration at the end of the season, again a good time for pelagic fishes
Currents can be strong during Full and New Moon.
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When is the peak season for tourism?
The tourist season follows the diving season from November to the end of April.
You will most probably not see another dive boat on the Merghui Archipelago but the west coast of Thailand will be more busy. Keep it in mind when booking accommodation and the rest of your trip.
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You will most probably not see another dive boat on the Merghui Archipelago but the west coast of Thailand will be more busy. Keep it in mind when booking accommodation and the rest of your trip.
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How can I pay for my cruise?
You can make a bank transfer to our bank account in Thailand.Our bank account:
• Krung Thai Bank
• Ranong Branch
• A/C 8060330675
• The Smiling Seahorse
• Swift code: KRTHTHBK
Or pay via Paypal to info@thesmilingseahorse.com. We accept VISA and Mastercard through Paypal, hence incurring a 4% charge.
For last minute guests, you can pay in cash upon arrival, there are many banks and ATM in Ranong to get cash. but your booking cannot be confirmed without payment of a 30% deposit.
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• Krung Thai Bank
• Ranong Branch
• A/C 8060330675
• The Smiling Seahorse
• Swift code: KRTHTHBK
Or pay via Paypal to info@thesmilingseahorse.com. We accept VISA and Mastercard through Paypal, hence incurring a 4% charge.
For last minute guests, you can pay in cash upon arrival, there are many banks and ATM in Ranong to get cash. but your booking cannot be confirmed without payment of a 30% deposit.
>>>Back to the questions
Do I need to bring money with me on-board?
For Thailand cruises, the park fees and any extra purchases on the boat must be paid in Thai Bahts. For cruises to Myanmar, the border/diving/entry fee must be paid in new US dollars notes. During the brief time on Kawthaung, US dollars and Thai Baht can be used for shopping. We suggest to take sufficient cash with you since it will be very difficult change money and find an ATM once you have left Thailand.
Our cruises include many things such as snack, soft drinks or the use of the kayak but if you want to drink a beer, rent a computer or an underwater camera, you will have to pay for it in cash upon return.
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Our cruises include many things such as snack, soft drinks or the use of the kayak but if you want to drink a beer, rent a computer or an underwater camera, you will have to pay for it in cash upon return.
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Do I need any vaccinations?
No, it is not generally necessary to take any vaccinations to visit Thailand of Burma, but you should always consult your own doctor before any such trip. The boats have a complete medic first aid kits on board to deal with emmergencies. Wearing long sleeves and trousers at dawn and sunset can help to avoid mosquito bites if you go walking on the beach, you rarely see any mosquito on board. Keep in mind that Burma doesn't have a real medical system or hospitals. Serious cases need to be evacuated to Thailand and the journey could be long and expensive. Please come on board with your own medical, diving and travel insurance and be sure that they cover accidents that happen in Burma/Myanmar.
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>>>Back to the questions
What are the implications of visiting Myanmar?
Myanmar has been completely under military control for over 50 year. You won't see much of the land during our cruise and have only very limited contact with people (only in Kawthong and with the Burmese guide who will come with us during the trip.
We do not consider that paying a fee to the Burmese government to visit the Mergui Archipelago contribute in any meaningful way to supporting the military junta.
It is advisable not to ask political questions when on Burmese soil since this can be dangerous for them, not you.
Burma political situation is changing little by little with a lot of improvement witnessed in the last year alone. We do hope that the country will open up borders in the near future and that going to Burma will be as simple as visiting Thailand.
We do not consider that paying a fee to the Burmese government to visit the Mergui Archipelago contribute in any meaningful way to supporting the military junta.
It is advisable not to ask political questions when on Burmese soil since this can be dangerous for them, not you.
Burma political situation is changing little by little with a lot of improvement witnessed in the last year alone. We do hope that the country will open up borders in the near future and that going to Burma will be as simple as visiting Thailand.
back to the top of page: all the frequently asked questions >>>
Where do we dive? When do we go? What are the next departures? How much are the cruises and what is included?
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Where do we dive? When do we go? What are the next departures? How much are the cruises and what is included?
Go to schedule and prices >>>
