Where: Ranong, Ranong Province, Thailand
- Raksa Warin Hot Spring, Khao Niwet, Mueang Ranong District, Ranong 8500
- Ranong City Pillar Shrine, Tambon Khao Niwet, Amphoe Mueang Ranong, Chang Wat Ranong 85000
- fhudh
- Sunny Side Up, 32/19 Kamlangsap Road, Ranong 85000
When: 16th March 2018
After freshening up at Kiwi Orchid and PL Guesthouse, I felt like exploring Ranong and stretching my legs. I walked to the Raksa Warin Hot Springs, just 1.7km away, or a 25 minute walk.
The hot springs are natural springs and a tourist destination for farang and Thai alike, so I read somewhere. They are completely free of charge with basins forming pleasant areas where you can dip your feet in. You can also pay 40 bhat to enter a small private hot spring, and there are masseuses on hand if you want a thai massage too. The water is approximately 65°C but pools have different temperatures so you can work your way up. The water is said to be healing and has been popular since King Rama V visited in 1890. Personally, I have some issues with my feet and I saw a positive difference with just sitting with my feet in the lovely hot water for about half an hour. There are a few stalls with food around here including fresh fruits.
I wandered back along the Kamlong Sap Road lined with greenery and into Ranong town itself, following a footpath that underpasses the main road and follows the river towards the beautiful city pillar shrine.
By this time the sun was firmly set but the lit gardens of Rattanarangsan Palace were still populated and pleasant to walk around on a balmy evening before checking out Sunny Side Up for some food.
I had read Sunny Side Up was vegan friendly, on tripadvisor. There wasn’t really much on the dinner menu that was vegan, but they were happy to make me some rice and stir fry vegetables for me. The friendly owners did mention that if you let them know in advance they are able to prepare vegan dishes such as ‘vegan fish’, though I cannot find a website for them or a Facebook page, their is a telephone number on there tripadvisor entry. Their home-made bread and breakfasts are highly rated.
Ranong has a relaxed feel about it, especially coming from the business of Koh Samui, I’m glad I got a little time to explore somewhere that is a little off the beaten track.
The Greedy Herbivore 