Things to do and to go and see
Here there is so many things to do and see you can start by meeting the locals down the markets, having a nice meal in the many restaurants or even at one of the many thai traditional food stall's rodken There is also the local wat which are thai temples, there are many wats in thailand one of which is less than two km from our place. We are also lucky to have at least three well known waterfalls in ranong, and two natural mineral hot spring, one of which is used all the time by the local community. The islands are a ! must see !, you can get to them two ways the slow boat which takes two hours or the speed boat which takes about 40 min, prices from 150 baht up to 400 baht.
festivals
There are many festivals at different times of the year. And the date's move around. For Movable festivals, check the TAT's website
Chinese New Year
Officially 7 February 2008 - 8 February 2008 (although various activities start from 1 February 2008) - The Year of the Rat! This time of year you will see just what an important role ethnic Chinese play in the Thai economy although there are plenty of festivals and celebrations throughout the year, Chinese New Year is the only time when almost everything is shut! Certainly a nationwide celebration, obviously Bangkok’s Chinatown is a ‘must see’. Parades, exhibitions, floats, Chinese Opera and one of the world’s longest Chines Dragon’s – it’s all there to see! Celebrations wind their way down Yaowarat Road from the Thai-Chinese Gate to Ratchawong Road. If you can handle the noise of the fireworks, Chinese New Year in China town is a must.
This Festival is in March Fullmoon so it's movable. It's is to celebrate the occasion when the disiples of Buddha gathered to hear him preach. Culminates in a candle-lit procession around the temple bot (or ordination hall). The Faithful make offerings and gain merit.
The festival is in march there are many stalls and entertainment is put on. Students of culture play a big part in this festival and the traditional shows they portray is quite beautiful to watch. There's a Miss Ranong Beauty Competition aswell. The air is filled with the aroma from the food stalls (Rodken). If you need supplies then this is the time to get them. There is so many stalls here that it take's about 40 to 50 mins to walk down one side! The festival is a 3 day event just aswell with all the stall's. It's main job is to welcome tourists to ranong.
On April 6 Commemorates the founding of the present Chakri Dynasty
Which is the water festival, It the start's of the thai new year. Songkran Festival Nationwide (Usually one day before 13 April and perhaps two days after) The celebration of the Thai New Year turns Thailand's streets into no-go zones for anyone who doesn't want to get wet! What was originally a time for Thai's to pay homage to Buddha images and to sprinkle water on their elder’s hands as a sign of respect, Songkran has become a nationwide party where everyone throws bucketfuls of water over each other. Chiang Mai is probably the most popular destination for Songkran – the city looks more like it is at war than having a good time! Outside Chiang Mai, the capital’s leading venue for Songkran is Khao San Road – Southeast Asia’s leading backpacker and budget travel centre. Although over the last few years there have been attempts to calm things down, the authorities have only made a little impact – Songkran on Khao San Road is as wild as ever with foreigners and locals alike engaging in full on water combat with each other! Great fun, and despite the time of year, more and more people are coming to Thailand for Songkran, and especially for Songkran on Khao San Road. Be careful though: With the roads wet this is the time of year accidents can happen – be alert and keep one eye on the road!
5th Of May Commemorates the present King Bhumibol's crowning in 1945. His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej, Is the longest-reigning king in Thai history, as well as the longest-reigning current monarch worldwide. For more then 60 year's now, (May he reign for 60 more years). King Bhumibol Adulyadej name means Strength of the land, Incomparable Power,
Falling on the 15th day of the waxing moon is the sixth lunar month, Visakha Puja (Wisaakha Buuchaa in Thai) is considered the date of the Buddha's Birth, Enlightenment and Parinibbana (passing away). Activities are centred on the local wat, with candle-lit processions, chanting & sermonising. No alcohol may be Sold on this day.
Which is on the 16 november, A genuine spectacle, Loy Krathong occurs on the night of the full moon in November. People go to rivers and canals to float Kratongs – small floats made of cork and banana leaves – to thank the rivers for their bounty and support throughout the year, and as a means of making merit and gaining good luck. Each Kratong has a flower, a candle and three incense sticks – the candles and incense sticks are lit before placing the Krathong in the water and making a wish. The sight of hundreds of candles floating down the river is quite something !Pure Thailand! There is also the sunday walking street market which starts in high season on this day there are loads of stalls selling goods in the main streets of ranong ,you can get just about anything you want or need there.
Hope this was of interest to you ,and I hope to see you soon .