Support

Ranong Airport

About the Airport

Ranong Airport is not just an air gateway, but a cozy starting point for exploring the uncharted treasures of southern Thailand. Located in the province of the same name, it serves as a bridge between bustling Bangkok and the serene coast of the Andaman Sea. Unlike giant international hubs, Ranong Airport (UNN) welcomes travelers with an intimate atmosphere and a lack of hustle, allowing you to immediately immerse yourself in the relaxed rhythm of southern life. Adventures to paradise islands and an introduction to the unique nature of the region begin here.

Ranong Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
IATA Code UNN
ICAO Code VTSR
City Ranong
Distance to centre about 24 km
Status domestic
Passengers per year over 180,000 (pre-pandemic years)
Popular Airlines Nok Air, Thai AirAsia

The main advantage of the airport is its compactness and simplicity. It is impossible to get lost here, and all pre-flight procedures are quick and stress-free. It is an ideal choice for travelers who value their time and comfort. The terminal is small but clean and functional, making the wait for a flight pleasant.

Ranong Airport serves as a key transport hub for accessing such gems of the Andaman Sea as the islands of Koh Phayam and Koh Chang (Ranong), known for their authentic atmosphere and beautiful beaches. Right at the airport, you can rent a car or book a transfer to the pier from where ferries depart to the islands. Despite its modest size, there are small cafes with local food and beverages, as well as souvenir shops where you can buy memorable gifts.

Contact Information

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Ranong Airport (UNN). We recommend checking the relevance of the data on official resources before your trip.

  • Official website: ranong.airports.go.th. Please note that the site is in Thai, and an online translator may be required to use it.
  • Information desk phone: +66 77 865 371-2
  • Address: 4110, Ratchakrut, Mueang Ranong District, Ranong 85000, Thailand
  • Email: ranong@airports.go.th
  • Social media: The airport publishes up-to-date information and news on its official page on Facebook.
  • Lost luggage information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, please contact your airline's representative first. For personal items left in the terminal, contact the general airport information desk.
  • Passenger support contacts: For general questions related to your stay at the airport, you can use the main information desk phone number.

How to Get to the Airport

Ranong Airport (UNN) is located approximately 23 kilometres south of the city centre of Ranong in Thailand. The trip from the centre to the terminal usually takes about 20-30 minutes, but the choice of transport depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences.

Public transport. The most affordable option is local songthaew minibuses — these are covered pickup trucks with benches. They run along the main highway passing the turnoff to the airport. The fare is very low, usually within 30-50 Thai Baht, but please note that songthaews do not have a strict schedule, and you will likely have to walk about a kilometre from the highway to the airport building. There are no direct city buses or trains to the airport.

Taxi and transfer. The most convenient and fastest way to get to the airport is by taxi. A car can be found in the city or ordered through your hotel. The cost of a trip from the city centre is usually fixed and is about 250–400 Thai Baht. It is highly recommended to agree on the price with the driver before starting the trip. Many hotels also offer a private transfer service, which guarantees comfort and timely arrival, especially if you have a lot of luggage.

Car rental and parking. If you plan to explore Ranong province on your own, car rental will be an excellent solution. You can rent a car in the city and return it at the airport before departure. Ranong Airport provides parking for short-term and long-term vehicle storage. Since this is a small regional airport, finding a free space is usually not difficult.

Terminals and Map

Ranong Airport (UNN) is a small regional airport serving primarily domestic flights. Its structure is extremely simple and intuitive, making it very convenient for travelers.

The airport consists of one passenger terminal that serves both arriving and departing flights. Thanks to its compact size, all navigation is reduced to moving within one small building. You will not have to worry about transfers between terminals or using shuttles — they simply do not exist here.

The terminal layout is very logical. Upon entry, you find yourself in the general area where airline check-in counters are located. Departure and arrival zones are in different parts of the building but within walking distance of each other. The departure zone includes several check-in counters, a security checkpoint, and a small waiting hall with a boarding gate. The arrival zone consists of a baggage claim hall and an exit to the city, where passengers are met by hotel representatives and taxis.

Completing all formalities at Ranong Airport usually takes a minimum amount of time. Check-in and security screening rarely take more than 20-30 minutes even during peak hours. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1-1.5 hours before departure to check in luggage and go through all procedures without rushing.

For navigation, simply follow the signs, which are duplicated in English. Airport staff are always ready to help if you have questions. Due to the simplicity and small size of the terminal, it is practically impossible to get lost here, making travel through Ranong Airport as comfortable and fast as possible.

Airport History

Ranong Airport (UNN) is a relatively young air harbour of Thailand, the history of which is closely linked to the development of tourism and the economy of the province. The official opening of the airport took place on October 10, 1995. Its construction was intended to solve an important task — to improve transport accessibility to this secluded region on the Andaman Sea coast, known for its hot springs, mangrove forests, and picturesque islands.

From the very beginning, Ranong Airport functioned as an important regional hub. Key stages of its development included attracting major carriers such as Nok Air and Thai AirAsia, which established regular air connections with Bangkok. This event was a real breakthrough, significantly reducing travel time to the capital and making the province much more attractive to tourists and investors. Over the years, the airport infrastructure has been gradually modernized to serve the growing passenger flow, although it has retained its cozy, compact character.

One of the interesting facts in the airport's history is its strategic location. It serves not only as a gateway to the popular islands of Koh Phayam and Koh Chang but is also the closest Thai airport to the border with Myanmar. This makes it a convenient starting point for travelers planning to visit southern Myanmar islands, for example, through the border crossing in Kawthaung city. Although the airport cannot boast passenger flow records on a national scale, its main merit is the stable and reliable provision of connection for the remote province with the rest of the country, which became a catalyst for its economic growth.

Services and Amenities

Ranong Airport (UNN) is a compact regional airport serving mainly domestic flights. The set of services here is focused on ensuring basic comfort for passengers awaiting their flight. Although the infrastructure is not as extensive as in major international hubs, everything necessary for a short stay is available here.

Inside the terminal building, there are several small cafes and snack bars where you can have coffee, soft drinks, and a light snack. There is also a shop selling souvenirs, snacks, and daily necessities. The selection is not very large, so for full-scale shopping, it is better to go to the city of Ranong.

For passenger convenience, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. The waiting hall has power outlets for charging mobile phones and other gadgets. An ATM is installed at the airport, but there are no specialized currency exchange points, so it is recommended to settle financial matters in advance.

There are no special VIP halls or business lounges at the airport; however, there is a general waiting area for all passengers. The airport is equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility, and for additional assistance, such as a wheelchair, you should contact your airline in advance. Amenities for passengers with small children include standard restrooms, but there are no separate play areas. Service standards at Thailand airports ensure a basic level of comfort for all categories of travelers.

There are no hotels or conference rooms in the airport building. The nearest hotels and business centers are located in Ranong city, which can be easily reached by taxi or transfer. Also, there are no specialized medical centers at the airport, but if necessary, staff will provide first aid and call emergency services.

Dining

Ranong Airport (UNN) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest but sufficient for a snack before departure. Options are mainly concentrated in the main terminal building, in the public area before security control.

At the airport, you will find several small cafes and kiosks offering a standard set for the traveler. Here you can buy coffee, tea, bottled water, and soft drinks. For a quick snack, sandwiches, pastries, chips, and other packaged snacks are available. Sometimes the menu features simple local dishes, such as fried rice or noodles, providing an opportunity to taste the authentic flavors of Thailand before departure.

Options for passengers with strict dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, Halal dishes) are virtually non-existent. If you adhere to a special diet or require strictly Halal food, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you. Some cafes may prepare a simple vegetarian dish upon request, but it is better not to rely on this.

Prices at Ranong Airport, as in most airports in the world, are slightly higher than in the city. Establishments usually operate according to the flight schedule — opening shortly before the first departure and closing after the last one departs. If you want a full meal, the best solution would be to do so at one of the numerous restaurants in the city of Ranong before traveling to the airport.

Travel Tips

To ensure your journey through Ranong Airport goes smoothly, use these helpful tips. It is a small regional airport, so many procedures here are faster than in major aviation hubs of Thailand.

Arrival time: For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before the departure time. This time margin is usually enough to check in luggage, go through security, and reach the boarding gate without rushing.

Check-in and security: If possible, check in for your flight online — this will save you time. Security screening procedures at Ranong airport usually go quickly due to low passenger flow.

Seat selection: On short flights from Ranong, seat selection depends on personal preference. A window seat will offer beautiful views of the Andaman Sea coast, while an aisle seat will allow you to exit the aircraft faster upon arrival.

Hand luggage: Standard security rules apply here as well: liquids are allowed in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in one transparent bag. Do not put sharp objects in your hand luggage. Important local nuance: durian is not allowed in the aircraft cabin due to its pungent smell.

Connecting passengers: Ranong Airport mainly serves direct flights and is rarely used for connections. If you are planning a self-transfer, ensure you have enough time between flights and check if you need to collect and re-check your luggage.

Customs control: Since the airport serves domestic airlines, there is no customs or passport control for flights within Thailand.

Saving time and money: Book a taxi or transfer in advance to avoid inflated prices on the spot. To avoid paying for luggage, travel light with only hand luggage. Prices for food and beverages in the terminal can be high, so bring an empty bottle and fill it with water after the security zone.

In case of flight delay: If your flight is delayed, contact your airline representative for up-to-date information. They will provide details on the new departure time and, depending on the length of the delay, may offer vouchers for food or beverages.

Reached the end of the page?

That means the route is fully explored