If you leave Phuket island on the mainland and take highway No. 4 north, in an hour you will find yourself in Khao Lak. Many people think that Khao Lak is one beach, which is not entirely true. Khao Lak is the name given to the coastal area around Lak Mountain in Phang Nga Province. There are a couple of villages located here, and the coastline of more than 25 kilometers is divided into several beaches. First, it’s worth telling a little about the Khao Lak area as a whole, so that you get an impression of it. This place is suitable for lovers of a relaxing holiday with the whole family or a romantic couple. There is no hectic scene here, just small bars with live music, where you can have a glass of beer or drink an exotic cocktail to the sounds of a local band. During the November to April season, Khao Lak is busy, but during the monsoon season, when the sea gets rough, the number of tourists decreases and some restaurants and shops close. During the low season the waves vary in height and sometimes it is impossible to get into the water.

Part of Pakwip Beach - White Sand Beach

How to get to Khao Lak

Map of Khao Lak in Russian

South Beach

South Beach (or South Beach) is the coast south of Mount Lac. There are several hotels located in the north of the quiet beach. Near them there is a tourist village with restaurants, cafes, shops and exchange offices. Among the attractions, it is worth highlighting Tong Pling Waterfall and Khao Lak - Lam Ru National Park. If you wish, you can always take a 10-minute taxi ride to the village of La Haun.

Nang Thong Beach

Sunset Beach and Nang Thong Beach - Wikiwand Sunset Beach and Nang Thong Beach

If we talk about Sunset Beach, there are no restaurants or cafes here at all, except in hotels. Hotel guests walk to the village of La Hon. Literally 10-15 minutes - and you are there. You can walk along the beach, Sunset smoothly turns into Nang Thong, or walk along the convenient sidewalk along Highway No. 4. La On Village is located on the main road of Nang Thong Beach. There are many restaurants, cafes, bars, exchange offices, banks, massage parlors, even a couple of 7-Eleven minimarkets, as well as small private supermarkets and even McDonalds fast food.

Bang Niang Beach

Bang Niang Beach - Wikiwand Bang Niang Beach

The next beach is called Bang Niang. This is the most tourist developed place in the Khao Lak area. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, money changers, massage parlors, pharmacies, small private supermarkets and a 7-Eleven minimarket. The center of Bang Niang is considered to be the Tsunami Monument on Highway No. 4. From here towards the beach there is a street with many restaurants, bars, shops and guesthouses. In the Bang Niang area you will find a tsunami museum, drag queen shows, Thai nightclubs and markets - read about them below.

Khuk Khak Beach

The Khuk Khak area with the beach of the same name is suitable for those looking for a relaxing holiday. Hotels here can be counted on one hand. All of them are located away from Highway 4, so guests visit beach restaurants and massage parlors near the hotels. The infrastructure of the main road is quite sparse, consisting of islands of local restaurants and private minimarkets. However, the drive to the neighboring beach is no more than 10 minutes. Among the attractions you can visit the butterfly park and the morning market, which you can read about below.

Between Bang Niang and Khuk Khak beaches

Pakarang Beach

North of Khuk Khak is Pakarang Beach, named after the cape. At low tide the sea goes far away, I think that is why there are very few hotels here. The beach is perfect for those who like long walks. There are no shops at all in this area, you will only find a couple of beach restaurants.

Pakweep Beach and White Sand Beach - Wikiwand Pakweep Beach and White Sand Beach

On the northern side of Cape Pakarang is Pak Weep Beach - a gorgeous coastline with white sand. The southernmost part of the coast is also called White Sand because of the color of the sand. On the coast you will find several beach cafes, massages, and from the hotels in the northern part of Pakwip Beach you can walk to the main highway, where there are rare islands of local restaurants and minimarts. Among the attractions, it is worth visiting the Sai Rung Waterfall.

Bang Niang Beach

Bangsak Beach

The northernmost beach of Khao Lak area is called Bang Sak. There are several beach restaurants and massage parlors here, as well as a couple of private minimarkets on the highway. From this area, the closest drive is to the village of Nam Khem, where the Tsunami Memorial is located, and to the old town of Takuapa, where an authentic fair is held, read about it below.

Bang Niang Beach Market

Shops in Khao Lak

There are no large shopping centers in Khao Lak, only plazas and small private supermarkets. There are a large concentration of such shops on the beaches of Nang Thong and Bang Niang: Nang Thong Supermarket, Nangthong Park Plaza, Khao Lak Center Point. Here you can buy everything you need for your vacation: sunscreen, beachwear and shoes, some souvenirs. The nearest shopping centers are a 40-minute drive from the center of Khao Lak - Big C in the new part of Takua Pa and Tesco Lotus in Khok Kloi.

Markets in Khao Lak

On Bang Niang Beach near 7-Eleven, opposite the turn to Tsunami Memorial Park with the warship, there is a large market three times a week where you can buy snacks, Thai food, fruits, beachwear, shoes and accessories. It is called Food Street or Bang Niang Market. It is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 am to 10 pm.
Bang Niang Market coordinates: 8.666744, 98.252431

Old Town of Takua Pa

Another market, Sunday Food Market, on the outskirts of Bang Niang district, is held on Sundays. They sell prepared Thai food, fruits, vegetables and seafood. It's easy to find at the new Build Factory nightclub. The market is open from 16:00 to 22:00.
Food market coordinates in Bang Niang: 8.678094, 98.252521

Near Khuk Khak Beach there is a morning market where they sell fruits, vegetables and other goods. It is easy to find near the bus station, which is marked on all maps. The market is open from dawn until noon.
Coordinates of the morning market in Khuk Khak: 8.686740, 98.253616

One of the most unusual markets is located in the old part of the city of Takua Pa. A little higher I wrote about the Big C shopping center, from there it’s another 10 minutes’ drive to the Sunday market. The old town of Takua Pa is known for its history dating back to . It is also called the little brother of Phuket Town for its streets in the Chinese-Portuguese style and the special atmosphere that the locals have preserved. On Sundays, on the streets of the old town of Takua Pa from 15:00 to 22:00, sellers of sweets and other dishes made according to century-old recipes, antique sellers set up their tables, and residents of nearby areas flock to the evening promenade. This market is very similar to, which is a kind of Arbat in Phuket. The Takuapa Fair is only held during the high season from November to April.
Coordinates of the fair in Takua Pa: 8.829556, 98.364643

Transport in Khao Lak

From the village of La On (Nang Thong Beach) during daylight hours, a songthaew - an open bus with two benches - runs north along Highway No. 4. The cost of travel between beaches is only 50 baht per person. In addition, you can always find a local taxi. The cost of travel for a car, see the photos below - these are the official prices from the center of Bang Niang beach (near the tsunami museum and market).

Taxi prices in Khao Lak

Nightlife Khao Lak

There are not as many eating establishments in Khao Lak as in Phuket. If you are going to Thailand to have fun, it is better to choose discos, bars, etc. Nightlife in Khao Lak is concentrated in the areas of Nang Thong and Bang Niang beaches. There are many bars with live music: Happy Snapper Bar, Monkey Bar, Mr Chay's Bar, WonderlanD Bar and others. In the Bang Niang area, on Highway No. 4, there are two Thai nightclubs Zantika and Build Factory. I would like to say right away that they are far from the European concept of nightclubs. They are rather large, cheerful bars with live music and tables throughout the hall, around which it is customary to dance. If you come there with a group, it will be interesting. In the very center of Bang Niang there is a transvestite show Moo Moo Cabaret Show, where colorful performances are held every day at 21:45.

Samet Nangshe observation deck

Attractions Khao Lak

There are quite a lot of attractions in Phang Nga province that are worth visiting. From here it is convenient to get to the island and the Surin Islands, raft down the river on a bamboo raft or go rafting in an inflatable boat, go or to. In Phang Nga you can visit, or explore the famous Elephant Stomach Cave or see its numerous islands. I recommend watching the sunrise at the Samet Nangshe observation deck. In the Khao Lak area itself there are several waterfalls, elephant farms, a Thai boxing school, a national park with jungle paths and an observation deck. And a little further south along the coast there are hot springs and other natural attractions. For more information about all the interesting places near Khao Lak and in Phang Nga province, read the links and see them on the map.

Khao Lak is located just 100 km north of popular Phuket and, unlike its neighbor, is famous for its calm and relaxed atmosphere. This resort is one of the pearls of Thailand: 20 km of beautiful sandy beaches, clear sea, palm trees with swings, and nearby there are hills and mountains covered with jungle and a national park. Khao Lak is also chosen as a convenient base point for traveling to neighboring islands - Similan, Surin, Khao Sok and Khao Lak national parks, Phang Nga Bay and many other places.

Today we will tell you in detail about this resort and what you can do here: beaches, excursions, hotels, activities and other useful information.

By the way, all our articles about the country can be read in the section.

Description of Khao Lak

Khao Lak is perfect for those who want some privacy and tranquility, families with children and couples in love. But lovers of clubbing and nightlife will not find anything to do here. And in the low season (from April to November) the resort is completely empty.

First of all, I would like to note that Khao Lak is the name given to the entire region, extending 20 km from south to north, although the area near Mount Lak has this name. The rest is a few resort villages along the coast. Here are their names from south to north:

Bang La On

This village is considered the center of Khao Lak with developed infrastructure: hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, massage parlors and everything a tourist might need. If you are coming here by bus, then by default this place will be considered the final stop where you will be taken, and if you need to get off in another village, say so. When booking a hotel, please check its exact location.

The bus stop is located next to the supermarket, and from there there is a road to the beach.

Road to Bang Niang beach

Bang Niang

Literally 2 km to the north is the village of Bang Niang, a less touristic and quieter place, the only active place of which is the market on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The center of the village is the 7-11 store, from which there is a road to the beach.

Sunset at Bang Niang

Khuk Khak

Khuk Khak is a very quiet “Thai” place. There is a small bus station and a market here. and there are very few people on the beach.

Khao Lak suffered more than any other place in Thailand from the devastating 2004 tsunami, when giant waves hit the coast, killing thousands of people. After this incident, there is a modern warning system here, tested in Indonesia and showing excellent results.

Climate in Khao Lak

There are 2 seasons here: dry (from November to March) and rainy (from April to October). As elsewhere, during the rainy season the price of everything drops, you can bargain for a significant discount, but on New Year and Christmas, on the contrary, it is the peak season and prices are higher for everything.

The dry season is best for traveling, especially if you are going to the Similan Islands, because during the rainy season trips there are canceled. In general, the region is quite humid and has a lot of rainfall.

How to get there?

The most convenient way to get to Khao Lak is from Phuket, but it is also possible from Bangkok, because the majority of flights from Russia arrive in the capital.

Khao Lak - Phuket

The nearest airport to Khao Lak is in Phuket, 80 km away. Direct charter flights arrive to Phuket from Russia; you can also get there with a transfer in Bangkok.

A taxi from the airport to Khao Lak will cost from 1,700 to 2,000 baht, and the journey takes one hour.

Alternatively, contact your hotel in advance and arrange to be met.

It will be much cheaper to take the bus. From Phuket Airport, you first need to get to any bus station or just to a stop on Highway 4. From the bus station there are buses to Bangkok, Ranong, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Takua Pa and along the way they pass Khao Lak. The bus fare is 100 baht, the journey takes 2 hours.

Heavenly places!

Khao Lak - Bangkok

From Bangkok, it is best to take a bus to Phuket at the southern bus station and say that you need to go to Khao Lak. Usually the journeys take place at night, and if you sit in Bangkok late in the evening, you will be there by morning. The second option is to take a bus to Surat Thani and then transfer to a bus to Khao Lak.

You can also get to Surat Thani by train, choosing an overnight transfer, and from there take a bus to Phuket, which passes Khao Lak. In total, this journey will take 14 hours and can cost quite cheap if you take a ticket in a 3rd class carriage, but don’t expect comfort. Or take a ticket for a recumbent car, but the cost will be comparable to the bus, which in my opinion is preferable.

Read also:

Khao Lak beaches

People come to the resort primarily for the beaches, and Khao Lak certainly boasts of them! More than 20 km of beautiful sandy beaches, many of which have very few people. Conventionally, all of them can be divided into southern, central and northern parts. The central part is the most active with good infrastructure, but in the northern and southern parts the beaches are completely wild, you rarely see cafes or sun loungers - perfect for those who love peace.

South Beach also called Khao Lak beach, as the village of the same name is nearby. It is located south of the cape and Mount Lac, and the entrance to the national park is located just near here. The length of the beach is about 2 km, there are several cafes, exchange offices, it is very quiet and peaceful.

Nang Thong Beach and Sunset Beach located opposite the village of Bang La On - the most popular and active beaches of Khao Lak. In the village you will find many guesthouses and hotels, restaurants and cafes, massage parlors, money exchangers and even McDonalds. The beach makes a good impression: there is shade from palm trees and trees, the sand is medium, the water is clear, and the entrance to the sea is not sharp, but not very flat either. And there are not many people, considering that this is the busiest place in Khao Lak. There are also swings suspended from trees, so a great photo session against the backdrop of the azure sea is guaranteed!

At Nang Thong Beach

Bang Niang Beach is located opposite the village of the same name, a couple of kilometers north of Nang Thong. There are fewer people here, but the tourist infrastructure is quite well developed: there are tour agencies, massages, bars, restaurants, and at the turn from the main highway to the beach there is a 7-11 store. There are many fashionable hotels and restaurants on Bang Niang beach - we even took a special stroll through the territory of one of the villas, it was gorgeous!

Bang Niang Beach

Khuk Khak Beach located even further north and is one of the quietest and calmest. There are only a few hotels and resorts here, and there are palm plantations all around - it’s nice to ride a bike or bicycle. The tourist infrastructure is poorly developed, everything is limited to specific hotels.

Pakarang Beach located just north, near Cape Pakarang, the westernmost point of Thailand. A good place for walking and snorkeling, there are a lot of corals in the sea, but for a classic beach holiday it is better to choose another place.

Beach Pak Weeb adjacent to Cape Pakarang. Excellent uncrowded beach with light sand and swings in the trees. There are several luxury hotels and villas around.

White Sand Beach

Beach swing Pak Weeb

A real bounty!

Bang Sak Beach The northernmost of the beaches of Khao Lak and one of the quietest and longest. There are several local cafes and several expensive hotels here.

Khao Lak attractions, tours, excursions and activities

Khao Lak is very convenient to nearby places of interest and good trips can be arranged from here.

Police boat 813. At a distance of 2 km from the shore there is a boat that was washed up here by the 2004 tsunami. They decided not to remove it anywhere and leave it in place. All the people in it died, like many others on the shore. Now work is underway to create a museum here, but for now there are just a few stands with photographs of those events.

Police boat 813

Waterfalls, elephant riding, Thai boxing can also be found in the Khao Lak area.

Khao Sok National Park considered one of the most beautiful parks in Thailand and located just an hour's drive from Khao Lak. There you can spend the night in houses on the water on Lake Cheo Lan, or swim there in a boat or kayak. In general, the park offers a lot of active entertainment: rafting, trekking through the jungle, elephant riding, visiting waterfalls, caves and much more. The “highlight” of the park is the Rafflesia flower - the largest on earth with a diameter of one meter and a weight of 10 kg.

Kao Lak National Park - Lam Ru. In the park you can see a real jungle with huge trees and wild nature: marvelous birds, monkeys, gibbons and Asian bears also live here. The park office is located on the cape, south of the village of Bang La On.

Hermit crab on the shore

Similan and Surin Islands an ideal place for diving, a very rich and diverse underwater world! Transparent sea, perfect beaches and jungle - paradise. The territory of the islands is a national park, and Khao Lak is the most convenient point for traveling to these islands.

You can also go to Phang Nga Bay with its many islands and the most famous James Bond Island.

Among the activities, of course, diving, snorkeling and surfing are popular.

All excursions in Khao Lak can be booked at any travel agency, where you will be offered a large selection of trips.

Khao Lak hotels

Good hotels can be found along the entire coast of Khao Lak. Typically, accommodation prices in central Bang La On are slightly more expensive than in Bang Niang. The most luxurious hotels, such as the Mariott and Pullman, are located in the northern part.

Khao Lak on the map of Thailand

Marked beaches and some important points on the map

A secluded resort in Thailand's Phang Nga province, Khao Lak is the perfect destination for a family holiday. Located on the Adaman coast, the resort attracts tourists with its endless white beaches, rocky bays and waterfalls, dense mango jungle and the azure purity of the sea. Noisy clubs and nightlife here give way to relaxation in spa and yoga centers, heavenly beaches and the unique natural beauty of this place. Despite the fact that the resort is located away from the main entertainment centers, Khao Lak offers tourists a variety of outdoor activities and a full range of services: hotels, shops, restaurants.

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How to get to Khao Lak

Khao Lak is located approximately 80 kilometers from Phuket International Airport. Russian airlines such as S7 and Aeroflot offer direct flights from Moscow to Phuket, travel time is approximately 9 hours. You can fly from Bangkok to Phuket using local airlines in just 1.5 hours.

Alternatively, Khao Lak town can be reached by bus from Phuket and Krabi province. The city is also on all bus routes from Bangkok heading south. You can get from Phuket by bus in 2 hours, paying approximately 100 THB. From Bangkok, the bus departs from the south terminal and takes approximately 11 hours. Prices on the page are as of March 2019.

Search for flights to Phuket (the nearest airport to Khao Lak)

Maps of Khao Lak

Khao Lak Hotels

The resort's hotels are varied. All of them fit harmoniously into the natural beauty of the place, without disturbing the eco-structure of these places. Most of the resort's hotels were completely rebuilt after the tsunami and offer tourists a high and modern level of service.

The comfortable hotel Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach Resort & Spa 5* is located on Baan Sak beach in the national park, an hour's drive from Phuket International Airport. All hotel rooms are designed in traditional Thai style and include essential amenities. In addition, the hotel offers luxurious swimming pools, its own sandy beach, three kilometers long, restaurants and cafes where you can taste Thai cuisine.

Beaches

The main attraction of this delightful place is its beaches. Pebble and sandy, they will amaze with their virgin beauty. Those who value solitude will appreciate the uncrowded, clean beaches.

The city's infrastructure is quite developed. Here you can find pleasant cafes and luxurious restaurants, massage and yoga centers, and diving schools. The streets are lined with colorful souvenir shops and traditional entertainment events for tourists take place almost every evening.

Diving in Khao Lak

Khao Lak is, above all, an ideal place for diving and water sports. Off the west coast, at a depth of 30-40 meters, you will find fabulous underwater gardens with bouquets of underwater corals and rare soft corals, similar to a peacock's tail. The east coast, where the terrain is more mountainous, is suitable for snorkeling. You don't have to swim far to see rare fish and, if you're lucky, a leopard shark.

Entertainment and attractions in Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a popular eco-tourism destination. The main goal of the Thai government is to protect this unique territory and preserve its pristine beauty. On the territory of the young resort there are three national reserves, which are open from 8:00 to 16:30. Khao Sok NP is especially popular. To enter the national park you need to buy a ticket, the cost of which is 300 THB.

Among the attractions of Khao Lak are the Similan Islands, whose wild and untouched nature is one of the ten most beautiful in the world.

In addition to diving, Khao Lak offers tourists other types of active recreation: jeep tours, canoe trips, mountain bike rentals, kayaking, hiking tours and, of course, elephant riding.

Holidays in Khao Lak

Weather

The city of Khao Lak is located in a zone of two climatic zones. In the hot, dry season (March - May), the temperature rises to 35 degrees, and there is practically no precipitation.

When planning a vacation, you should remember that the rainy season in this region begins in June and ends in October. The temperature is high and is approximately 33 degrees.

From November to March, weather conditions are most optimal, with daytime temperatures reaching 28 degrees. Despite the fact that it is still cool on the coast thanks to the sea breeze, the water warms up to +25...28 degrees.

»»» Phang Nga Province »»» Khao Lak »»» Beaches, islands and national parks of Khao Lak

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a section of the coast of the Andaman Sea, located 80 km. north of Phuket. It got its name from the mountains of the national park of the same name, which dominate the surrounding area and create the unique landscapes of Khao Lak.

Khao Lak's lifestyle is very different from nearby Phuket. Unlike the latter, Khao Lak is not crowded, not fussy and much more moderate in prices. The difference with Phuket is especially striking when you see the beaches of Khao Lak, clean, long and practically deserted, and compare them with the beaches of Phuket, the number of tourists on which exceeds all imaginable limits.

In addition to its impressive beaches, Khao Lak's advantages include its convenient location in relation to the islands of the northern Andaman Sea and numerous national parks located within a radius of 100 km. from Khao Lak. It is not surprising that with such an advantageous location, many consider Khao Lak not only as a place for a beach holiday, but also as a base for trips to the islands of Surin, Tachai, the Similan Islands and forested national parks such as Khao Sok National Park.

Beaches of Khao Lak

Of the beaches listed above, the southern ones Nang Thong and Bang Niang are the most heavily developed by the tourism industry and most of the hotels in Khao Lak are located next to them. Unlike the first two, Khuk Khak beach is almost untouched by civilization, is rarely visited and remains in its pristine state.

The second most important group of Khao Lak beaches is located in the bay north of Cape Pakarang and includes beaches and. The length of these beaches is approximately 8 km. and in their vicinity there are, for the most part, very expensive hotels.

In addition to the beaches located north of the national park, there is another group of beaches located in the south, between the mountains of the national park and the Tap Lamu pier (the departure point for ships to the Similan Islands). The length of these beaches is insignificant and is approximately 2 km.

Islands of the northern Andaman Sea

60 km. off the coast of Khao Lak there is a group of islands that includes the Bon Islands, the Richelieu Rock and the islands.

The islands listed above, with some degree of convention, can be divided into two groups: those that are of interest to the widest range of vacationers and islands that are interesting exclusively for divers.

The first group includes the Similan Islands, Tachai Island and the Surin Islands. All three feature crystal white coral beaches, pristine rainforest and shallow coral reefs adjacent to the islands, providing excellent snorkeling opportunities. By all accounts, snorkeling in Similan is one of the best, if not the best, in all of Thailand. However, this statement is no less true for diving than for snorkeling.

The second group of islands, accessible only to divers, includes Bon Island and Richelieu Rock (). These two places are famous, first of all, for the fact that in their vicinity you are likely to encounter large sea inhabitants, such as a whale shark or a giant stingray. The list of attractions in Beaune and Richelieu is not limited to these giants. Suffice it to say that of the 400 species of fish and 200 species of coral in the Andaman Sea, most can be found in these two places.

Read more about the islands of the northern Andaman Sea

The Similan Islands are one of the most beautiful places in southern Thailand. Monumental granite cliffs, snow-white coral beaches, dense tropical forest and clear blue water - all this leaves an unforgettable and incomparable experience. The underwater world of the archipelago is no less impressive and, by all accounts, the diving and snorkeling in Similan is considered to be some of the best, if not the best, in all of Thailand.	In general, Tachai and Similans are quite similar to each other. Like the Similan Islands, Tachai has a stunning beach with blue water, white coral sand and lush tropical vegetation. Directly opposite the beach there is a shallow coral reef, an excellent place for snorkeling. Deeper diving spots are also present. In addition, the island has a trail through the jungle that allows you not only to see the local flora and fauna in detail, but also to enjoy the sounds and smells of the rainforest.	Despite the fact that Surin, Tachai and the Similan Islands belong to the same group of North Andaman Islands, the Surin archipelago is strikingly different from its more southern neighbors. The coastline of Surin is indented by numerous bays; the surface of the islands is almost completely occupied by high hills covered with impassable tropical forest. There are almost no flat areas on the islands, but at the same time, the sea around the archipelago is shallow, which is unexpected given the hilliness of the islands themselves. As a result, the landscapes of Surin are unusual, unique and leave few people indifferent.

Underwater world of Richelieu Rock

If you try to list the features of the underwater world of Richelieu Rock, there will be at least three of these features. Firstly, this is a place where you can meet large sharks and rays; secondly, a place where huge (up to a thousand individuals) schools of fish gather; and thirdly, this is a place where underwater life is represented in extraordinary diversity.

Huge schools of fish are one of the most impressive sights Richelieu Rock has to offer. It should be noted that the fish that make up these schools are quite decent in size, up to 60 cm in length. Usually such flocks are formed by a variety of snapper, but there are also flocks consisting of fusiliers and local horse mackerel (herring or trevally scad).

In addition to traditional reef fish, the Richelieu Rock area is home to some rather unexpected creatures. For example, different types of monkfish and scorpion fish that mimic stones and fragments of coral. Other mimetic fish are also present, such as the Ornate Ghost Pipefish, almost invisible against the backdrop of soft coral branches.

The underwater world of Richelieu Rock is not limited to fish. In the area of ​​the rock you can find all sorts of funny mollusks and crustaceans in abundance: colorful harlequin shrimp, colorful sea snails and many other interesting creatures of various shapes and colors.

Forest and coastal national parks in the Khao Lak area

There are several national parks in the Khao Lak area, three of which, (Ao Phang-nga), (Khao Sok) and Khao Lak (Khao Lak - Lam Ru), are worth special mention.

First of all, this is the Ao National Park located in Phang Nga Bay, famous for its unique views, as well as rocky islands with numerous grottoes, caves and inland lakes.

Secondly, there is Khao Sok National Park () - without a doubt, the most impressive forested national park in southern Thailand; a place of rare beauty and very diverse nature.

And finally, this is Khao Lak National Park (Khao Lak - Lam Ru) - a mountain range conveniently located close to the hotels and beaches of Khao Lak; a place visited by even the laziest tourists.

In addition to those mentioned above, in the Khao Lak area there are several more national parks, not as impressive as Phang Nga and Khao Sok, but nevertheless interesting in their own way. If you have enough time and a rental car at hand, driving around Khao Lak and seeing these national parks would be a very good idea.

Read more about the most visited national parks

Phang Nga Bay Phang Nga Bay (Ao Phang-nga) is one of the main attractions of southern Thailand, a highly unusual and very beautiful place. Famous for its breathtaking views and rocky islands, indented by numerous grottoes, caves and lagoons. In total, there are 42 islands on the territory of Phang Nga, of different sizes and varying degrees of color. The most colorful and recognizable of them is James Bond Island, which before the filming of the famous film bore the modest local name Koh Tapu (literally “Nail Island”).....	Khao Sok National Park is home to one of the largest tracts of tropical rain forest in Thailand. There are several long and well-maintained walking trails through the forest, allowing you to get acquainted with the local flora and fauna, as well as enjoy the sounds and smells of the endless virgin forest. Most of these trails go through the hills and slides located along the banks of rivers and streams of the national park. Hiking through this terrain requires some effort, but the reward is the opportunity to see the many waterfalls of the national park.	Khao Lak (n.p.) Khao Lak is the closest national park to the resort area of ​​the same name. It is a mountain range that dominates the surrounding area and forms the unique landscapes of Khao Lak. The national park has a rather complex shape and consists of two parts: the mountains located near the coast, which give the name to the entire surrounding area, and the Lam Ru mountains located inland. Despite the fact that the mountains of the national park are visible from anywhere in Khao Lak, tourists see only a small part of the national park, the size of which is quite impressive. The nature, landscapes and lifestyle of all three islands are approximately the same. The coastline of the islands, facing the Andaman Sea, is an almost continuous strip of wild beaches. The eastern side of the islands, in contrast to the western side, is indented by numerous bays and covered with thickets of mangrove forests. The fauna of the islands is rich and varied; The islands are home to wild boars and deer, giant tortoises and exotic birds such as hornbills, among others. Of the three islands, the most populated is the southern island, on whose territory there are several large hotels. The remaining two islands are less developed, especially the northern island of Ra, which is practically untouched by civilization. Koh Kho Khao Island is located 25 km north of Khao Lak National Park. The island is separated from the mainland by a channel several hundred meters wide. You can get to the island by ferry departing from the Nam Khem pier, located in the village of the same name. The coast of the Kho Khao island, facing the Andaman Sea, is a long line of clean and deserted beaches more than 20 km long. Visually, the beaches of Koh Kho Khao island resemble the beaches of Khao Lak, and especially Khuk Khak beach. The tourism industry has developed only the southern part of the island’s beaches, where all the hotels,..... Koh Phra Thong is an island located opposite the city of Kuraburi, approximately 60 km. north of Khao Lak. The island is separated from the mainland by a strait about 1 km wide. Despite its relatively small size, the nature of Koh Phra Thong Island is quite diverse. There are mangroves and savanna, tropical rainforest and swamps, shallow sandy beaches and coniferous forests growing along them. The presence of so many ecosystems determines the diversity of birds living on the island, of which, according to the latest data, there are 106 species. Among other birds, the island is home to the hornbill, notable for its size (up to 1 meter) and unusual appearance.

Excursions in Khao Lak from private guides and travel agencies.
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Khao Lak is a fairly young Thai resort, which, however, has already gained popularity among tourists who prefer peace and quiet. Khao Lak is located in the Phang Nga region, on the western coast of the Adaman Sea. The area includes many islands. It is quite far from civilization here - the nearest city, Phuket, is located 80 km north of Khao Lak. This is an ideal place for a secluded, relaxing holiday. Residents of megacities will find a real paradise here. There are no nightclubs or noisy discos here.

Kingdom of nature. This is not just a resort, it is the largest national park in Thailand, with an area of ​​150 km2. Wild mysterious jungle, magnificent waterfalls, bizarre curves of mountain ranges, mangroves. And of course, snow-white the beaches, stretching for many kilometers, are clean and practically deserted. Only in Khao Lak can you see the rarest species of plants and animals in their natural habitat. But with all this, the resort is ready to offer its guests a lot of interesting entertainment. Here you can practice not only traditional sports, but also ride elephants or climb inaccessible mountain peaks.

Video from Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a unique nature reserve. There are three national parks around the resort, which are the main attractions of Khao Lak. The largest Khao Lampi National Park is Hat Thai Muang. Its area is 72 km2, and in this area tourists...

Khao Lak Tours and Activities

The Similan Islands are one of the attractions of Khao Lak, but it is located quite far from it. Therefore, tourists can book an excursion trip there. To get to the islands you will have to take a boat; the journey will take 2 hours. The archipelago includes a lot of islands; for convenience, they are called by numbers. Between the 4th and 8th islands, divers can admire amazing marine life while diving in the Andaman Sea. On the 8th island, those who prefer sunbathing will definitely want to soak up the sun. Here is the famous “Sailboat” rock, which really resembles a sail in shape, and nature lovers will appreciate this beauty. And true romantics will probably want to stay on the island until the morning to spend and meet the sun in a bungalow and have dinner on the seashore. This excursion costs $84 per person.

Phuket is located 80 km from Khao Lak, so it takes a long time to get there. But many tourists go to the city on a sightseeing tour. The cost and duration of the excursion depends on the program. The classic program is a visit to the most famous Buddhist temple, Wat Chalong, where great monarchs are buried; then a visit to the sea gypsy village on Rawai beach; At the end, tourists can wander through the local markets and admire the southern coast of Phuket. But you can go on a shopping trip, then the program will include more markets and other places of trade than cultural attractions.

History of Khao Lak

The history of Khao Lak is not as ancient as that of many resort towns in Thailand. It dates back to the 19th century. Then large deposits of aluminum were discovered in this territory. Wealthy Chinese rushed to natural resources and founded a small...

Khao Lak is located in a tropical climate zone. But, despite the fact that it is located in the south of Thailand, the climate here is not quite the same as in other southern resorts. The rainy season in Khao Lak starts in June and ends in October.

But from March to May, clear, sunny weather reigns here - the air temperature during the day stays at +35°C, and the water temperature reaches +29°C. This is the best time to holiday in Khao Lak. Despite the heat, air humidity is very low, so tourists will not feel much discomfort. It will be useful for tourists to familiarize themselves with when planning a vacation.

Khao Lak: entertainment and active recreation

One of the most popular entertainments in Khao Lak is, of course, elephant riding (see). On the territory of the resort there is a park called Asia Safari Camp, where tourists can ride these exotic animals. The program also includes river rafting on a bamboo raft (see). After riding the elephants, there is a short break and lunch, and then you can start rafting. A bamboo raft is a very simple but durable structure made of bamboo poles and divided into two sections for seating. The rafting takes about 20 minutes.

Another interesting type of outdoor activity in Khao Lak is mini golf, designed in the style of a “jungle adventure” game. The site is open to all fans of the game around the clock, and is illuminated at night. The essence of mini-golf is that, after missing several holes, the player is forced to start all over again.

From Khao Lak it is very convenient to get to the Similan Islands. On the territory of the archipelago there is a national park, which is open from October to May. It is considered to be the best diving site in the region. The famous coral reefs of Khao Lak can be seen here in all their glory. Unique flora and fauna, amazing marine animals, stunning views - this is what awaits divers who dive into this part of the Andaman Sea.

Tour operators organize trips for divers for 2, 3 and 5 days. You can get to the Similan Islands by speedboat, it will take 1-2 hours.

Transport features of Khao Lak

Public transport is not Khao Lak's strong point. The only road is Highway 4, there are cars rushing along it at high speeds and it is very dangerous to travel on the road. There are also no regular buses that operate exclusively in the Khao Lak area.

Therefore, tourists can choose one of the following options for moving around the resort.

1. On foot. This is not the safest way, because the roads are not in the best condition, there are no sidewalks, and pedestrians can be hit by a scooter on the roadway. When walking along the highway at night, it is better to take a flashlight with you so that drivers can see the pedestrian.
2. On a scooter. Probably the cheapest travel option. Scooters can be rented at any hotel. The only negative is that in the event of an accident involving a Thai, the law will take his side, regardless of the circumstances.
3. By bike. This is a more expensive option. Bicycles can also be rented from hotels, but the rental cost is twice as much as a scooter.
4. By taxi. It is better to agree on the price right away; local taxis do not have meters.
5. Songthaew is the only mode of transport available in Khao Lak and is used by local residents. It is a pickup truck with four wheels and two rows of seats in the rear. Sometimes (rarely) there is a sign with a list of stops, but in Thai. To stop a songthaew, a tourist just needs to vote and then ask the driver where it is best to get off. To exit the songthaew, you must press the button or knock on the roof if there is none. The trip must be paid in advance.

Many hotels offer their guests free transport, you can ask the administrator about this. Some restaurants can provide this service to their regular customers.