Your stay — Blue Monkey
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The Property — Blue Monkey
The Blue Monkey is a straightforward 3-star hotel a short walk from Ranong’s bus station and fresh market. The lobby is clean, tiled and functional — no frills, but reliable Wi-Fi and 24-hour reception make it a practical base for travellers passing through to hot springs or the local pier. It suits budget-conscious backpackers and short-stay visitors who want a no-nonsense place to sleep between onward journeys.
Chronicles of Ranong
Ranong emerged in the late 19th century as a port town servicing tin mining and trade with Burma. Its architecture blends Chinese shophouses with colonial-era timber buildings, visible in the old commercial streets. Today the city is known as Thailand’s ‘rainy capital’ (it averages 260 rainy days a year) and bases its identity on natural hot springs, the Ranong Canyon viewpoint, and being the main gateway to Ko Phayam and the southern Myanmar border at Kawthaung.
Best Time to Visit
Full Ranong guide →Best months
December to February: driest period, clear skies, comfortable temperatures (22–32°C), and low humidity — peak of high season but still manageable crowds.
Peak / festival surge
July: southwest monsoon dumps heavy rain almost daily; few tourists, so hotel prices drop, but expect flooding in low-lying areas. Ranong doesn’t host major festivals; the nearest event is the Chinese New Year in February with limited local impact.
Budget shoulder season
March and April: end of high season, still mostly dry, cheaper rates, and fewer visitors. November: monsoon tails off, prices low, and the landscape is lush.
Weather & packing
Ranong’s ‘rainy capital’ status means a sudden downpour can happen any month, even in ‘dry’ season. Mandatory packing rule: always carry a packable rain jacket or umbrella, and choose quick-dry footwear over leather – the city’s pavements get slick instantly.
Live City Briefing — Ranong
- From June 2025, the rebuilt road to the Raksawarin Hot Springs is fully open with new parking, making access easier for visitors.
- The new domestic ferry terminal for Ko Phayam and Ko Chang (Ranong) launches full services in July 2026, cutting wait times and improving safety — book tickets at least a day ahead.
- Ranong town is trialling a one-way traffic system on Tha Ruea Road through the wet season to ease congestion near the market; be ready for detours if driving.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Blue Monkey, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request upper floors (4 or 5) on the side away from the main road to minimise street noise and catch a breeze off the river estuary.
Rooms to avoid
Ground-floor rooms near the lobby or reception: they pick up foot traffic from the street entrance and early-morning checkout noise. Also avoid any rooms directly above the small bar/breakfast area on level 1.
Best views
Upper-floor rooms on the south-east side overlook the canal / estuary; you get a glimpse of water through houses, better than the tarmac view out front.
Quietest floors
Floors 4–5: further from street level and the bar, with less passing footfall on the stairs.
🔊 Noise notes
Street is Ranong’s main drag — motorbikes from 6am, trucks starting around 8am. The front faces a busy junction with a local market setting up from 5am. Back-side rooms are quieter but may catch kitchen extractor fan noise from the breakfast room in early morning.
Insider tips
1. Park your scooter in the hotel’s locked rear courtyard if you have one — the street parking gets crowded. 2. Check in after 2pm to avoid the housekeeping rush; ask for a top-floor room on the back side when you book — they usually hold one for walk-ins.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Blue Monkey
Free standard WiFi for all guests (5 Mbps per device); no login restrictions
Single lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections
No newspaper service; no printed papers or digital newsstand
Standard check-in from 14:00; early bag-drop allowed from 08:00 without fee; late check-out until 16:00 costs 500 THB (weekdays) or 700 THB (weekends)
Complimentary luggage storage at reception during your stay
Step-free entrance via ramp at side door; lift accesses all floors, but no accessible guest rooms; restaurant has a small step
Free on-site parking for up to 20 cars, no reservation needed; nearest public car park is 200 m away on Ruengrat Road (free, open 06:00–22:00); no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit of first night required via credit card; incidental hold of 500 THB at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: ศาลเจ้าฮกเต็กสือ (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
- Place of worship: ศาลเจ้าใหหลำ (1.1 km · ~13 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: ศาลหลักเมืองระนอง (1.4 km · ~17 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: วัดสุวรรณคีรีวิหาร (1.8 km · ~23 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
พระราชวังรัตนรังสรรค์ — 634 m · ~8 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 123 m · ~2 min walk
D. PharMus — 873 m · ~11 min walk
7-Eleven — 549 m · ~7 min walk
สถานีขนส่งผู้โดยสารจังหวัดระนอง — 2.1 km · ~26 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Thai Baht, THB
Change money at banks or private exchange booths in town; avoid the airport and hotel front desks as they give poor rates.
Visa/Mastercard accepted at mid-range hotels and larger shops; cash is king at markets, street stalls, and small restaurants. Contactless is rarely used.
Not expected; round up restaurant bills or leave 20–50 baht for good service. Taxis and hotel staff do not expect tips.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Iced coffee from a street cart or local cafe — about 35–50 baht.
Simple noodle soup or rice dish from a food stall — around 50–70 baht.
Stir-fried rice or noodle plate at a local eatery — about 60–80 baht per main.
Walk along Tha Mueang Road and near the morning market for grilled meats, som tam, and noodle bowls.
Tesco Lotus Express and Big C Mini are common for basics.
Ranong's day market (Talad Sod) sells cheap T-shirts, sarongs, and sandals; little high-street clothing.
Songthaews (shared pickups) cost 10–20 baht per ride in town. From Ranong Airport, a shuttle minibus costs about 150 baht.
Eat at the morning market (Talad Sod) for cheap, fresh meals. Bargain at markets but not in shops with fixed prices. Buy bottled water from convenience stores, not hotels.
Good to know — Ranong
Type A/B/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ฿33.31 · THB
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Ranong, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Blue Monkey
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 123 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · D. PharMus — 873 m · ~11 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Ranong Airport → Koh Payam Resort (Pier area)
💡 Shared minivans run from airport arrivals to the main pier (Tha Chalom). Tell the driver 'Tha Chalom Pier'. Buy your ferry ticket first at the pier counter; the resort is a 10-minute walk from the pier.
Tha Chalom Pier → Koh Payam Pier (near resort)
💡 The resort is a 5-minute walk from Koh Payam Pier. Catch the morning ferry to avoid afternoon chop. Bring motion sickness tablets if you're prone — the crossing is open sea.
Ranong Town Bus Terminal → Tha Chalom Pier
💡 Flag down a blue songthaew on Ruangrat Road. They go to the pier when full; wait time varies. Ask locals for the right truck — some run to other piers. Exact change helps.
Ranong Airport → Koh Payam Resort (Pier area)
💡 Book a Grab or local taxi via your hotel. Drivers often overcharge outside the airport; confirm the fare before getting in. Avoid unmetered taxis at the rank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Blue Monkey?
Request upper floors (4 or 5) on the side away from the main road to minimise street noise and catch a breeze off the river estuary.
Which rooms should I avoid at Blue Monkey?
Ground-floor rooms near the lobby or reception: they pick up foot traffic from the street entrance and early-morning checkout noise. Also avoid any rooms directly above the small bar/breakfast area on level 1.
Is Blue Monkey noisy?
Street is Ranong’s main drag — motorbikes from 6am, trucks starting around 8am. The front faces a busy junction with a local market setting up from 5am. Back-side rooms are quieter but may catch kitchen extractor fan noise from the breakfast room in early morning.
Which rooms have the best views at Blue Monkey?
Upper-floor rooms on the south-east side overlook the canal / estuary; you get a glimpse of water through houses, better than the tarmac view out front.
What are insider tips for staying at Blue Monkey?
1. Park your scooter in the hotel’s locked rear courtyard if you have one — the street parking gets crowded. 2. Check in after 2pm to avoid the housekeeping rush; ask for a top-floor room on the back side when you book — they usually hold one for walk-ins.
What time is check-in at Blue Monkey?
Check-in at Blue Monkey is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Blue Monkey have Wi-Fi?
Free standard WiFi for all guests (5 Mbps per device); no login restrictions
Is there a city or tourist tax at Blue Monkey?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Blue Monkey?
Simple noodle soup or rice dish from a food stall — around 50–70 baht.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Blue Monkey?
Songthaews (shared pickups) cost 10–20 baht per ride in town. From Ranong Airport, a shuttle minibus costs about 150 baht.
When is the best time to visit Ranong?
December to February: driest period, clear skies, comfortable temperatures (22–32°C), and low humidity — peak of high season but still manageable crowds.
Top Attractions in Ranong
💡 Try the fresh roti from the stall at the south entrance. Come before 9am for the best selection.
💡 Check the opening hours before visiting—they sometimes close for maintenance. The English labels are brief but adequate.
💡 Go early (before 7am) for the clearest water and fewer people. Bring a towel and flip-flops; the concrete edges get slippery.
💡 Bring a good torch or headlamp—the cave is unlit. Wear shoes that can get wet if it's been raining. Entrance is free but donations welcome at the temple.
💡 Bring water and sun protection. The nearest shop is 2km back on the main road. Best visited at low tide when the sand is firmer.