How to get from krabi to kao lak. Khao Lak is the perfect resort for a relaxing beach holiday! Description of Khao Lak
From Phuket Airport to Khao Lak can be reached by taxi, by a rented car, and by ordering a transfer from the hotel. Despite the fact that the distance from Phuket airport to Khao Lak is only 80 km, the transfer on this route, like everything else in Phuket, is expensive, from 1200 baht (for the whole car). Drive by public transport from Phuket airport to Khao Lak is also possible, it will cost significantly less, about 150 baht per person, but such a trip will take at least 3 hours in time, which is quite a lot compared to an hour's taxi ride.
Taxis can be ordered directly at the airport building, at the appropriate counter. The cost of the trip along the route has recently increased, and at the beginning of 2015 it reached 1800 baht, which is frankly expensive.
It should be noted that it is not necessary to follow the lead of overly greedy taxi drivers, because there is an alternative, namely, the possibility of ordering a transfer from the hotel. Khao Lak hotels, as a rule, do not break prices, and offer their future guests a transfer from the airport to Khao Lak for more modest money, usually 1200 baht.
Return trip, from Khao Lak to the airport
The return trip from Khao Lak to Phuket airport costs 1200 baht. The indicated price, 1200 baht, has not changed for 10 years, and you can expect that it will not change in the near future.
Note. The main hangout place for taxi drivers in Khao Lak is a tourist town located opposite the beach (Nang Thong), on both sides of highway number 4 (Bangkok - Phuket). There are also more than enough taxi drivers in the area of the nearby beach (Bang Niang).
Phuket Airport to Khao Lak with a rental car
Renting a car for a trip to Khao Lak would be a perfectly reasonable decision. The surrounding area of Khao Lak is very beautiful, easy and pleasant to drive through, and by renting a car, you will not only solve the problem of airport transfers, but also get a lot of pleasure from exploring Khao Lak and its impressive surroundings.
Renting a car at Phuket Airport is cheap, starting from 800 baht per day when renting for 1 to 2 weeks, and it should be especially noted that Phuket Airport is the most the best place for renting a car within a radius of 100 km. from Khao Lak.
Note. It is advisable to take care of renting a car in advance by ordering it via the Internet. More details about renting a car in Thailand are written in the section, it is also written there about what constitutes road traffic, both in Thailand in general and around Phuket in particular.
By public transport from Phuket airport to Khao Lak. Cheap, but not fast.
There is public transport in Phuket, contrary to popular belief, and you can get there, including to Khao Lak. There are regular buses from Phuket airport to cities and buses, which are quite suitable in order to get out of the airport and get on the highway leading to Khao Lak. All that is required of you further is to get off at one of the first stops (Muang Mai or Thalang) and wait there for buses following through Khao Lak (the directions you need are Takua Pa, Ranong, Suratthani and Chumphon).
A trip by regular buses from Phuket airport to Khao Lak will cost about 150 baht (~ 50 baht for travel from the airport to the highway leading to Khao Lak, and ~ 100 baht for a trip to Khao Lak itself). Although local buses are fast, the intervals between flights are quite long, and taking into account the waiting time, a trip by regular buses will take at least 2.5 hours. More details are written separately, and by clicking on the specified link, you can find all the necessary information, including timetables, routes with a list of stops, tariffs and links to the official websites of carriers.
However, there is also another one nearby. nature Park called Khao Lak - Lampu.
Khao Lak is still little known among Russian tourists. For some reason, they don't really like this place with attention, thereby leaving it at the mercy independent travelers... And this is very cool, since there are not many people. In general, only a little, with the exception of beaches and untouched nature... Nevertheless, Khao Lak is not difficult to access, rather the opposite - getting here is easier than ever, even easier and faster than before.
Khao Lak on Thailand map
Who should go to Khao Lak
Khao Lak will help you go back 20 years to, this was the most popular island then. The resort is famous for its small number of tourists and its secluded beaches. As a result, the infrastructure is poorly developed here - there are few cafes, restaurants and shops, but, in principle, enough for comfortable rest.
This place will be of interest primarily to lovers of nature and relaxation. A deserted many kilometers of coastline and forests are just a paradise for such people. In the morning you can meet the dawn, in the afternoon wallow on the beach, swim and enjoy life, watch the setting sun in the evening, and then dine with gusto in one of the restaurants.
The resort has almost no attractions, and, in general, there is very little. Khao Lak should be chosen if you just want to relax in the bosom of nature or lie with a book under a palm tree.
Tours to Khao Lak
To date, the best prices for hotel complexes in Khao Lak 4 * and 5 * are offered (for the Russian Federation - Anex Tour, Tui, Biblio Globus, Pegasus, Tez-tour). That is, if you just want a hotel vacation, then in most cases it is more profitable to buy a package tour.
It is best to go to Khao Lak as a package tour in the following cases:
1. If you plan to stay at the hotel most of the time.
For most of your holiday, you plan to swim, lie on a sun lounger, eat, take part in animation, and visit spa treatments. In this case, you do not need to choose several hotels for your trip, you only need one, but the best one for your money. If you want to live in several places, then this will be already individual tour, and it is more profitable to fly on your own.
2. If you are traveling with children and teenagers.
Variety of food, in good hotels separate children's table. Children's animation and peers, with whom it will be interesting and fun.
3. If you want quality service for your money.
Almost directly dependent on the price. The more prestigious and more expensive the hotel is, the higher the quality and variety of services, more interesting territory and food.
4. If you live in a region from where there are no regular flights.
If you live far from major airports, then the choice of air travel is small. Even if there are some regular flights, they can be with a transfer. In this case, it is easier to buy a package tour, which already includes direct charter flights, which are usually not available on free sale.
5. If you want to save money.
Due to the large volumes of sales during the season, the prices of the tour operator are generally lower than if you buy all parts of the tour separately. Yes, I must admit, these parts are not always the most best quality(charter, insurance, shared transfer), but for most tourists everything is determined by the price.
What the tour to Khao Lak includes
Typically, a tourist voucher includes:
Everything has already been taken care of for you, you do not need to buy anything separately.
Where to buy tours
First of all, vouchers to Khao Lak can be bought in travel agencies Oh. Usually, employees there are well versed in the current market situation. But like all sellers, they are interested in selling certain tours as tour operators may offer higher commissions. Those. you should be alerted by the particularly active imposition of a specific hotel and tour operator.
If you know what exactly you want, know how to use the Internet and find truthful reviews, then you can independently book a tour to Khao Lak on the tour operator's website.
It is even more profitable to do this on the websites Travelata and Level.Travel (Misto.Travel for Ukraine), since there you can compare the prices of all tour operators at once. Very simple and convenient sites, booking is possible in 5 minutes, unlike most tour operator sites. An additional benefit is that there is a system of re-purchase bonuses and also offered at a discount from time to time.
How to get there
Khao Lak is not a very popular Thai resort, therefore transport connection poorly developed with it. The nearest one is located 60 km to the south, where a huge number of flights from all over the world arrive. Many famous airlines fly here: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Thai Airways, Etihad Airways, Aeroflot, S7 Airlines, as well as charter companies.
Cheap flights to Bangkok
You can buy air tickets to Thailand as profitably as possible with the help of special search engines that collect data from all airlines.
Transport
Move around Khao Laku from beach to beach you can take a taxi or songteo. Songteo of blue color and they usually do not have any inscriptions in English, only in Thai. These are small trucks, like Phuket trucks. There are also taxis, which are covered pick-ups, the same as in Pattaya. They usually have Taxi on their windshield.
In and there are offices that rent out motorbikes. The cost is 200 baht per day. Most of these are found at travel agencies and may not even have a Motorbike For Rent sign. There are several gas stations on the main highway, costing 35-37 baht per liter.
Beaches
There is no clear boundary where the resort begins and where it ends. A string of many kilometers stretches for 25 km, almost to the city of Takuapa. Of course, there is officially a town named Khao Lak, but all the main beaches, hotels and other infrastructure are concentrated to the north. And usually Khao Lak means the region to the north of it, in the area of beaches and - these are the main tourist places.
If you want at least some movement with bars, restaurants, massage parlors, motorbike rental, etc., then you are here. There is even a transvestite show and night club to Bang Niang. If you want clean beach holiday without all this, the other 5 beaches are at your service. There are only a few rather expensive hotels on the coast and nothing else. Those. nothing at all - as you leave the hotel, you find yourself in a forest or in an open field.
When we talked about the movement in Nang Tong and Bang Niang, this should not be understood as a stormy nightlife like in Pattaya or Patong Beach in Phuket. Everything here is much more moderate and quieter. In fact, the get-together is concentrated on one street in Bang Niang and consists of a dozen drinking bars and restaurants. In bars you can catch a "night butterfly", so lonely men will definitely not be bored.
On the coast itself, after sunset, there is almost no one, no discos and loud music, even on the busiest beaches.
Well, those who want complete privacy can go to, which is located near Bang Sak beach and the way there from the mainland takes only 5 minutes by boat. There are a dozen hotels on this island, despite the fact that its length is about 20 km. So you can imagine how crowded there are, especially during the low season. That's right - nobody!
Rent a motorbike on the mainland, cruise with it to Koh Kho Khao (20 baht per moped and 20 baht per person) and enjoy unlimited freedom. An asphalt road has recently been laid across the entire island, along which you can drive with the breeze and not meet anyone on your way. For lovers beautiful views and wild beaches this place is just a godsend, be sure to go!
What to do and what to visit
sights
Almost all natural ones are National Parks, waterfalls, and the beaches themselves. Of the man-made ones, you can name only a few temples and the tsunami monument, the one with the police ship. in 2004 led to the largest number of victims in all of Thailand (about 4,000 people).
All sights can be visited on a rented motorbike, and most importantly, excursions are organized at local travel agencies, of which there are a large number at every step.
Shops and shopping
Shopping in Khao Lak is possible only in Nang Thong and Bang Niang, but something special is not expected. No shopping centers there are no large stores either. You can buy local delicacies in the markets. For shopping, you can go to Phuket, since it takes about an hour and a half to get to its best shopping center - Central Festival.
Entertainment
Entertainment in Khao Lak is massage (on average 300 baht per hour), aquatic species sports (only on popular beaches), elephant trekking, bars, restaurants and excursions. You can go to the Zantika Pub nightclub, which is on the main road next to Bang Niang. There is also a transvestite show Moo Moo Cabaret nearby. In the evenings, you can launch a Chinese balloon into the sky.
The beaches and attracts many tourists every year. That's why resort towns are usually crowded with people and it is very difficult to find a secluded spot. But still, there you can find a quiet town where you can relax in a calm atmosphere. One of these places is a quiet Thai town called Khao Lak.
Location and general information
The small island of Khao Lak was previously just a small village. But over time, several small villages located nearby along the coast of the Andaman Sea merged into one large tourist centre... With the development of the tourism industry in Thailand, the level of service developed, and new buildings were built, thus, from an ordinary village of Khao Lak, it turned into a tourist paradise, where developed infrastructure is combined with unique natural landscapes.
Khao Lak Resort is located next to the Andaman Sea. It is fenced off from the ocean high mountains... It is this favorable location that determines the climate of this Thai town. The weather here is warm throughout the year. The tourist season is officially open here from November to May.
The weather at this time is optimal for relaxation, as the tropical heat is diluted by the northeast monsoons and sea breezes. At this time, the temperature in the city is kept at around 25-30 degrees. The rainy seasons are characterized by high temperatures and frequent showers.
The nature of this town is rich and varied. So that tourists can admire it without risk and take a photo against a background of bright colors and tall trees, the beautiful Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park was created. There, wild jungle is combined with neat paths, walking along which, guests of the kingdom can watch squirrels, exotic birds and other small animals of Thailand. There are also waterfalls that fascinate everyone with their pristine beauty.
Attractions and places of rest
Unlike most resorts in Thailand, tourists go to Khao Lak not for noisy fun, but in order to relax and retire.
Map of Khao Lak with landmarks
A lot of spa salons, yoga clubs and all kinds of health centers have been built on the territory of the city. The whole atmosphere of the city encourages the tourist to forget about his problems and, in a few days of rest, rest and improve his health both physically and mentally.
Khao Lak is a quiet and cozy holiday
In addition, there are many natural attractions near the city, against which tourists who come to Thailand like to take photos. For example, Lampi waterfall. It is a 30-minute drive from Khao Lak, next to Highway 4. You can get there by taxi or rented transport. The waterfall itself is just a short walk from the parking lot.
It is best to go there in the early morning to watch the sunrise there. The best photos are obtained against the background of the morning waterfall. In addition, you can swim there at any time. This is legal and completely safe.
Lampi Falls (Khao Lak, Thailand)
Another colorful waterfall near Khao Lak is Chong Fa. Finding it is easy, because there is a blue sign on Route 4 that shows the way to the waterfall. The entrance to the territory of the waterfall is paid, for adults the ticket costs 100 baht, for children - 50 baht. Near the waterfall it is great to relax on hot days and take memorable photos.
Chong Fa is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Khao Lak
One more worthwhile attention Khao Lak's natural heritage is a local national park. You can go there from 8:30 to 16:30. You can walk in the park all day, because there is a restaurant on its territory, where you can have a snack if necessary.
From the park you can go to the beaches of Nang Thong or Khao Lak, or walk to the famous Buddhist temple. The entrance to the temple is free for children under three years old, adults pay 100 baht for the entrance, children under 14 years old are half that.
National park Khao Lak Lamru is one of several popular national parks in Thailand
Also not far from Khao Lak is such an original landmark as the Police Boat 813. At the beginning of the millennium, it was one of two police boats designed to protect the son of the former princess. During the 2004 tsunami, one of the ships sank along with the crew. The second boat was brought to land, and since then it has stood there as a historical monument.
Police boat thrown by a wave 2 km from the coast
In addition, you can go to Old city and Takua Pa. In the old quarter of Takua Pa, there are still quirky examples of old Sino-Portuguese architecture, where tourists stop literally at every step to take photos. There are also many quirky shops and a traditional local market.
Hotels, shops and markets
Despite the absence of large shopping centers and shopping malls in the city, in the resort town you can buy everything you need for a comfortable stay. The prices for groceries in the stores are not very high, and in the markets you can taste all the exotic fruits without spending too much. True, it is better to go to the market earlier, since after lunch the traders go home.
Tourist town opposite Nang Thong beach, Khao Lak
As for souvenirs, it is better to buy them in the town of Baan La On, which is located next to Khao Lak. On main square the city has a large market where you can buy figurines of Thai gods, paintings, jewelry and even musical instruments self made.
Wood and coconut souvenirs
But if you do not want to travel that far, then you can find souvenirs in the “Khao Lak Souvenir” shop near Nang Thong beach.
It is forbidden to take out Buddha statues larger than 15 cm. Thais consider this an insult to religion.
The most popular place among tourists is the Nang Tong supermarket. It presents big variety goods, both household and grocery. And next to each beach you can find small shops where, in addition to household items, you can buy ready-made frozen foods.
Beach vacation
They are distinguished by their well-groomed and cleanliness. In this quiet resort town, you can soak up the white sand and swim in the clear sea water, which is not always possible on other beaches in Thailand. There is enough space for vacationers. Coastline stretched along the sea for ten kilometers. True, the beaches are mostly wild.
Only two of them are mastered by tourists: Nang Tong and Bang Niang. The first is considered the most popular in the entire city. Near it you can find many cozy and inexpensive hotels and restaurants that provide a wide range of food and drinks. From the shore, you can see many sea creatures, which you previously saw only in the photo:
- Crabs;
- Turtles;
- Exotic fish, etc.
The southern part of Nang Thong Beach is also known among tourists as "Sunset Beach". Many tourists, having come to this resort, bring home a photo against the backdrop of sea sunsets.
Nang Thong Beach is also known among tourists as "Sunset Beach"
The beach called Bang Niang is more suitable for family vacation... Lots of water attractions, cozy sun loungers and massage parlors will allow children and parents to find entertainment to their liking. In addition, there is a snake farm and Chong Fa waterfall next to the beach, so there will be plenty to do in addition to your beach holiday.
Less crowded, but therefore even more attractive beaches that are recommended to visit are Pakwip and Khao Lak. The latter attracts with its natural beauty, which one just wants to keep in the photo in memory of the trip. You will not find sun loungers or umbrellas there, but alternatively you will get the opportunity to relax in the shade of tall trees on the white sand.
Pakwip Beach, in turn, is almost deserted, but at the same time attractive. Nearby there are good five-star hotels and the Baan Pakwip Buddhist monastery.
Pakwip Beach is the quietest and least developed tourist beach in the resort.
In general, the boundaries between separate beaches are quite conventional and they are all available for recreation throughout the whole year. They are protected from storms by high reefs, so even during the monsoon period you can go snorkeling, diving, or just conquer the waves and take a photo against the background of the sea.
Transport
Most Popular vehicles to get around Khao Lak it is:
- Knock Knock;
- Motobike;
- Automobile;
- Bike.
Tuk-tuk can be hired on your own route. The price may seem overpriced at first, but you can bargain and agree to travel for almost half the price. You need to agree on the cost before departure, so that upon arrival you do not have conflicts with the driver due to misunderstandings.
Specify the cost of the trip, since payment can be made both per person and for the cost of the trip as a whole.
For independent exploration of the territory, it is better to rent a motorbike or scooter. There are two types of rent: daily and monthly.
A day rental costs about 200 baht, in the case of a rental for long term you will receive a significant discount. Transportation can be found near travel agencies, restaurants and internet cafes. To rent you will need a passport (or at least a copy of it) - it is advisable to leave a security deposit, which will significantly increase the likelihood of not becoming a hostage of circumstances.
You can also rent a car on the island. All offices provide a selection of machines of different models at different prices. Remember that you must have an International Driving Permit to drive a car on the roads of Thailand. The fine for driving without documents is 500 baht.
An International Driving Permit is valid if you have a domestic driving license, be careful not to forget to take it with you.
How to get there
There are no direct flights to Khao Lak, but on the neighboring island of Phuket there is international Airport... Upon arrival in Phuket, you can already get to the tourist town by taxi. The trip will take just under an hour and cost about 1200 baht.
But if you want to save money, you can take the bus. Direct flight, however, does not exist, so you have to go first to the bus station located in Phuket, and then change to another, next to Khao Lak.
In addition, Khao Lak can be reached from Bangkok. Traveling on a comfortable bus will cost about 500 baht. The road from the Southern Bus Station to the resort takes about 10 hours.
You can get to Khao Lak by plane, bus, taxi and even by bike
Resort town Khao Lak - perfect place, both for family holidays and for visiting with a group of friends. Beautiful landscapes pure nature and a huge selection of places for entertainment will make your vacation unforgettable.
Thailand has long enjoyed the well-deserved love of tourists from many countries. Khao Lak Resort is one of those places where you can have a great vacation with the whole family. It is about him that will be discussed in our article.
A little about the resort ...
According to reviews, Khao Lak is a rather secluded resort in the Phang Nga province. It is located on the shores of the Adaman coast. The amazingly beautiful place attracts vacationers with endless white beaches, waterfalls, bays, clear sea water and mango jungle. The resort offers numerous treatments in yoga and spa centers. Despite the remoteness from entertainment centers, the city can offer active leisure.
How to get to Khao Lak?
Khao Lak is often also called Khao Lak. It is located in the south of Thailand, 60 kilometers from Phuket Island, and 750 kilometers from Bangkok. The most convenient way to get to the resort is to take one of the flights that arrive at Aeroflot, which offers direct flights from Moscow. The flight takes about nine hours. Then in about an hour you can reach the city of Khao Lak. Since he's in everyone's way bus routes, then there are no problems with transport.
City `s history
The history of the resort is not as old as that of other regions of Thailand. It takes its origin only from the nineteenth century. In those days, deposits of aluminum were discovered on local lands, after which people rushed here, a small town was founded. Gradually, it grew more and more and took important place in trade. In addition, Khao Lak (Thailand) is located just on the way between Phuket and Bangkok. However, the history of the city has its dark spots. Things were not always good on these lands. At a certain stage, the town was mired in internecine wars over rich deposits. The story could have had a sad end if the warring parties failed to agree and conclude a truce. In honor of this event, the Wat Chalong temple was erected in Phuket. Over time, mining became less profitable, and local wealthy people started trading.
In the twentieth century, the first paved roads appeared in the resort. Then local residents the thought of the need to connect Phuket with the mainland came. In the seventies, the Sarasin Bridge was built across the strait, which still exists today.
The first tourists began to visit Khao Lak (Thailand) in the eighties, which was associated with the opening national park... For urbanized tourists, the resort seemed like a real tropical paradise. Gradually, the city began to grow, numerous hotels and resort infrastructure were built. And in 2004, the region was hit by a tsunami that swept away everything in its path. The victims included many indigenous people and tourists. But the city was quickly rebuilt and soon again became a paradise for guests of the country.
Resort climate
The city is located in a tropical climate zone. Although the resort is located in the south of the country, its climate is different from other regions. The rainy season here begins in June and lasts until the end of October. But from March to May, the resort is sunny and dry. Daytime temperature is within +35 degrees. The warm sea warms up to +29 degrees. It is this period that is the best for rest, since at high temperatures there is a low level of humidity, which means that the heat is tolerated normally. When planning to spend a vacation in this resort, you should pay attention to the weather in Khao Lak. The main thing is that your rest does not fall during the rainy season. By the way, at this time the rains are not too bothersome, since they come at night. But the sea becomes rough and stormy. V summer period even cancel everything excursion programs to the islands. At this time, there are very few tourists here, and therefore bars, hotels, shops and restaurants are temporarily closed.
Beach
The most luxurious beaches of Khao Lak are still practically unknown to our holidaymakers. The town itself is undeservedly deprived of the attention of our travel agencies. Many tourists find out about the resort by accident and first come to it during excursion programs.
The beaches of Khao Lak stretch for more than twenty kilometers from north to south. In fact, they occupy the entire coastline along the Andaman Sea. The most famous and well-equipped beaches are located in the bay of the Khao Lak National Park. Among them are Nang Tong, Bang Niang, Khuk Khak. But the coast of Khao Lak itself is not very much in demand by tourists.
The resort itself consists not only of a town, but also of several nearby villages. As a rule, if they offer rest in this region, then, most likely, we are talking about these villages, since their infrastructure is the most developed. There is a good choice hotels, restaurants, bars and shops.
The beaches listed by us are the most in demand and popular, the rest of the coast is more deserted. In general, the northern regions have only a few expensive hotels, which are built right on the shore, and the wild jungle begins behind them. Restaurants and cafes work only in hotels, and there are no usual shops in the area. If you have a desire to go on a trip, then the excursion should be ordered at the hotel.
But the northern region can offer a very calm and secluded vacation. There are practically no tourists on the local coast. You can always find a place where there is not a single person at a distance of two hundred meters.
In general, all the beaches of Khao Lak cannot be called crowded, since the resort is not yet very well-known and so in demand. But here you can have a good rest, enjoying clean sandy beaches and warm sea.
Bang Niang
Bang Niang can be safely called the most popular beach in Khao Lak (see the article for a description). Tell about the resort without thinking about sea coast, it is simply impossible. The beach is quite uncrowded, but very good for relaxation, and there are also entertainment options. Hotels, bars and restaurants are built along the coast. There are a couple of temples, a museum and a food market nearby. The local coastline has uninhabited and busy areas. During the low season, there are practically no tourists here. Therefore, such a time will appeal to those who do not like noisy resorts.
According to reviews about Khao Lak, it can be concluded that Nang Tong is another popular place... Unlike the previous beach, it is more elongated, but less wide. The first line hotels are good enough. If you need to find an easier option, then you should pay attention to the establishments located along the main road along which transport runs between Phuket and Bangkok.
There are even fewer tourists in this resort than in Bang Niang. Still, there are all kinds of water activities, and the beach area is equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers. There is a lighthouse on the coast, which you can even climb. The southern part of the coast is called Sunset Beach. Expensive hotels have been built on its territory.
Resort hotels
Many hotels here were built after the tsunami in Phuket. Khao Lak is a very young resort in this respect. Modern hotels can offer an excellent level of service and wonderful rooms. Local establishments are built to all modern standards. Some of the best hotels in Khao Lak are: Breeze Beach Resort 5 *, Khao Lak Emerald Beach Resort, Khao Lak Merlin Resort. In general, the choice of accommodation in the resort is pretty good. There are also simpler establishments and even guesthouses.
Local Attractions
What is a resort without attractions? Any decent resort should have amazing interesting places... It is for this reason that existing beauties are exploited or artificially new ones are created. Phanga Nga Province is a beautiful region that boasts natural beauty. The sights of Khao Lak are everything that was once created by nature, namely, rocks, reefs, caves and other objects. The resort also has a Tsunami Museum and several temples.
Tourists can visit the Tsunami Memorial, the main exhibit of which is a police boat. During the tsunami, he was thrown onto the coast, since then he has been standing on a pedestal, recalling the events of 2004. This place is located near Bang Niang Beach.
Padungtampotivas Temple is famous for its huge gilded Buddha statue. Visitors are very rare here, but monks live on the territory.
Not far from Nang Thong beach there is a Chinese temple, which is simply impossible not to notice from the outside. It is especially interesting for the white statue of the goddess, who stands on a lotus flower, and a dragon is reclining at her feet. Inside the stunningly beautiful structure, there are many interesting sculptures.
National park
Holidays on Khao Lak are not only the beach and the sea, but also the opportunity to admire the local beauty. In particular, you can visit the Khao-Sok National Park, which is a natural landmark. The park covers an area of about 125 sq. km. He received national status in 1991. On its territory there is Mountain peaks and waterfalls, as well as interesting representatives of fauna and flora. The easiest way to see the park is during a guided tour, which can be purchased at any local travel agency. There are different travel options. You can ride through the jungle on the back of an elephant, or walk a short route on foot. The choice, as they say, is yours.
Resort waterfalls
In reviews of Khao Lak, tourists recommend visiting the resort's waterfalls. Almost all of them are located in the territory of the national park. The most interesting is Tong Chong Fa, it is located seven kilometers from Bang Niang beach. The waterfall has five levels. And the lowest one forms a fresh lake with cool water. You can swim in the pond after a difficult and difficult climb. Hin Lad and Lam Prao waterfalls are nearby. One of them has two levels, and the second has three.
Similan islands
All tourists vacationing in Khao Lak (Phuket) tend to get to the Similan Islands. This archipelago is located in the Andaman Sea, just 70 kilometers from Khao Lak. In total, it covers an area of about 142 sq. km. Since 1982, it has been awarded the title of National Marine Reserve, controlled by the King himself. Similan means nine in translation. Initially, there were nine islands, and later, in 1998, another one, Tachai, became part of the archipelago. The rest of the islands are named - Bangu, Similan, Huong, Payang, Mayan, Payu, Hock, Miang, Ha. The islands are a real paradise for divers. These are the places most popular for snorkeling. The coastal waters are full of stone labyrinths, coral reefs and caves. Among the underwater inhabitants here you can see many exotic specimens. Sea waters here they are so clean that they can be seen 35 meters. No less beautiful and animal world Similan Islands. Forty species of birds, 25 species of reptiles and more than 30 species of mammals live on them. Some of the most amazing creatures are the fur-covered crab, the blue lizard, the horned heron and the leather turtle.
If you want to spend the night on the islands, then you can do this only on two of them - Miang and Similiang. Small houses are built here, there are also bars and restaurants. To order sightseeing trip can be at one of the local travel agencies. but independent trip from Thap Lamu pier will be much cheaper.
Surin archipelago
The Surin archipelago includes five islands - Surin Nuea, Surin Tai, Klang, Ri, Khai. All of them are located in the Andaman Sea, about 57 kilometers from Khao Lak. The total area of the islands is 140 sq. km. They all have the status national reserve... The islands have lagoons and forests, mountains and beautiful coral reefs, as well as a rich underwater world.
Fauna and flora are diverse on the Surin Islands. It is home to about a hundred species of birds and thirty species of animals. The islands are the habitat of the rarest sea turtles, which are protected by the state. The archipelago will appeal to all lovers of virgin nature, which has not yet been touched by a human hand.
What to do on the island?
While resting at the resort, you can find a lot of interesting things to do. As we have already mentioned, the Surin Islands and the Similan Islands are beautiful place for diving. In addition, there are a number of diving companies in the city that offer diving trips to the reefs. Snorkeling lovers also gather here. Lovers can even go to the islands for a few days.
If we talk about sea activities, then it is worth remembering about surfing. Many agencies offer lessons with coaches, as well as the ability to rent equipment.
The resort can delight all shoppers. Numerous markets offer very interesting products. One of them is located in the center of Bang Niang. The market is open only three days a week. It sells vegetables, food, fruits and fish. Here you can also buy all kinds of goods - clothes, dishes, souvenirs and more. It is customary to bargain on the market, so the initial price can be significantly reduced.
There is another market in the center of Khuk Khak that sells fresh produce. It is usually used to buy everything the owners of cafes and restaurants need. You can also buy imported food here.
»» »Phang Nga Province» »» Khao Lak »» »Beaches, islands and national parks of Khao Lak
Khao Lak
Khao Lak is a section of the Andaman Sea coast, located 80 km. north of Phuket. It got its name from the mountains of the national park of the same name, dominating the surrounding area and creating the unique landscapes of Khao Lak.
The lifestyle of Khao Lak is quite 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 almost deserted, and compare them with the beaches of Phuket, the number of tourists on which exceeds every conceivable limit.
In addition to impressive beaches, Khao Lak's advantages include a convenient location in relation to the islands of the northern part of the Andaman Sea and numerous national parks located within a radius of 100 km. from Khao Lak. Not surprisingly, with such a prime location, many consider Khao Lak not only as a beach destination, but also as a base for trips to Surin, Tachai, Similan Islands and forested national parks such as Khao Sok National Park.
Khao Lak beaches
Of the beaches listed above, southern Nang Thong and Bang Niang are the most heavily developed by the tourism industry and are close to most of Khao Lak's hotels. Unlike the first two, Khuk Khak beach is almost untouched by civilization, little visited and remains in its original state.
The second most important group of beaches in Khao Lak is located in the bay north of the 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 (departure point for ships to the Similan Islands). The length of these beaches is insignificant and is approximately 2 km.
Islands of the northern part of the Andaman Sea
60 km. off the coast of Khao Lak there is a group of islands, which includes the Bon islands and 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 Surin Islands. All three are characterized by crystal white coral beaches, pristine rainforest and shallow coral reefs near the islands, providing excellent snorkeling opportunities. By all accounts, Similan snorkeling 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 can with a high degree of probability meet large sea creatures, 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 of them can be found in these two places.
More about the islands of the northern part of the Andaman Sea
 |
 |
 |
|
The Similan Islands are one of the most beautiful places southern Thailand. Monumental granite cliffs, white coral beaches, dense rainforest and clear blue water - all this leaves an unforgettable and incomparable experience. The underwater world of the archipelago is equally impressive and, by all accounts, diving and snorkeling at Similan is considered one 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 magnificent beach with blue water, white coral sand and dense tropical vegetation. There is a shallow coral reef right in front of the beach, a great snorkeling spot. Deeper sites for diving enthusiasts 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 Similans belong to the same group of North Andaman islands, the Surin archipelago is strikingly different from its more southerly neighbors. Surin's coastline is indented by numerous bays; the surface of the islands is almost entirely occupied by high hills covered with impassable rainforest. 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 hilly nature of the islands themselves. As a result, Surin's landscapes are unusual, distinctive and leave few people indifferent. |
Richelieu Rock underwater world
If you try to list the features of the underwater world of Richelieu Rock, then there are at least three of these features. Firstly, this is a place where you can meet large sharks and rays; secondly - a place of accumulation of huge (up to a thousand individuals) schools of fish; and, thirdly, it is a place where underwater animals are presented in an extraordinary variety.
Huge schools of fish are one of the most impressive spectacles Richelieu Rock has to offer. It should be noted that the fish that make up these schools are quite decent, up to 60 cm in length, in size. Usually such flocks form a variety of snappers, but there are also flocks of fusilier and local horse mackerel (herring or trevally scad).
In addition to traditional reef fish, the Richelieu Rock area is home to quite unexpected creatures. For example, different types of monkfish and scorpions, mimicking rocks and coral debris. Other mimic 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. All sorts of funny mollusks and crustaceans are found in abundance in the area of the rock: variegated harlequin shrimp, multi-colored sea snails and many other interesting creatures, of various shapes and colors.
Forest and coastal national parks in Khao Lak area
There are several national parks in the Khao Lak area, three of which, (Ao Phang-nga), (Khao Sok) and Khao Lak (Lam Ru), are worth highlighting.
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, this 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 the Khao Lak National Park (Khao Lak - Lam Ru) - mountain range conveniently located close to the hotels and beaches of Khao Lak; a place visited by even the laziest tourists.
In addition to the 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 have a rented car close at hand, driving around Khao Lak and looking at these national parks would be a very good idea.
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, the place is extremely unusual and very beautiful. 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 tropical rainforest in Thailand. Through the forest, there are several long and well-equipped hiking trails that allow 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 hills and hills located along the banks of rivers and streams of the national park. Hiking in such an area requires some effort, but the reward will be the opportunity to see the many waterfalls of the national park. |
Khao Lak (n.p.) Khao Lak - closest to the same name resort area national park. 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: located near the coast of the mountains that gave the name to the entire surrounding area, and located in the interior of the Lam Ru mountains. 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. Nature, landscapes and everyone's lifestyle three islands are about 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, is cut 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 turtles and exotic birds such as the hornbill, among others. Of the three islands, the most inhabited is south island, on the territory of which there are several large hotels. The other two islands are less developed, especially north island Ra, practically unaffected by the impact of civilization.
|
