Khao lak in thailand. How to get to Khao Lak from Russia, Phuket, Bangkok, Krabi, Samui and other places in Thailand and in the opposite direction Distance from Phuket airport to Khao Lak

Khao Lak- a resort in Thailand on the shores of the Andaman Sea. This resort is not yet very popular with our tourists, mainly Europeans choose Khao Lak for recreation (for some reason, there are a lot of Scandinavians in Khao Lak). In this article I will tell you everything I know about Khao Lak: description of the resort, features, beaches, hotels in Khao Lak, transport, weather. Perhaps after reading this article, you will choose not adjacent noisy phuket, and a quiet calm Europeanized Khao Lak 🙂

Quiet uncrowded resort Khao Lak in Thailand

Khao Lak: general information

Khao Lak Resort is stretched for many kilometers along the coastline and Route 4, which connects with the south of Thailand and goes to. Figuratively speaking, Khao Lak starts from the pier from which high-speed boats leave for Similan, and stretches to the town of Takua Pa, and this is not much, not a little, but more than 30 km along the route! But: still speaking about Khao Lak, most often they mean the area from Khao Lak National Park to Pakarang Cape and a little further to the north.

The first village that meets on the way from Phuket is called Ban Khao Lak, but the center of Khao Lak resort is further north, behind the mountain. There is the Bang La On village with the Nang Thong beach, and even further away are the Bang Niang and Khuk Khak villages with the beaches of the same name. The most developed tourist infrastructure on the first two beaches.

As I said, a highway passes through Khao Lak, on the sides of which there is all the infrastructure: hotels, restaurants, shops. On the Nang Thong beach, the entire infrastructure is stretched along the road and the beach, and literally 500 meters from the highway to the sea. Inexpensive hotels are located either directly on the highway or across the road from the sea, closer to the mountains. But on the nearby Bang Niang beach, basically all hotels and restaurants are located on the streets that lead from the road to the sea. The distance from the road to the sea in this place is about 1 km.

In 2004, Khao Lak was very badly damaged by the tsunami, now there are signs throughout the resort where to run and what to do in the event of a tsunami, they say that the disaster warning system is working well.

By the way, literally a few days before our arrival in Khao Lak, an earthquake occurred somewhere in the sea near Indonesia, panic began in Thai groups in social networks, everyone predicted a tsunami. Luckily nothing happened. During our time, we met a couple who, while talking about the tsunami, was vacationing in Khao Lak. They said that one evening they had dinner in a cafe and the tsunami warning system went off, everyone sat down on their bikes and drove to the mountains. We waited there a bit, realized that nothing was happening, and returned to the hotel.

On Bang Niang beach, near the highway, almost opposite the 7 Eleven store, there is now a monument to the victims of the tsunami and a police boat that was washed ashore during the tsunami. Nearby is a booth with information about the 2004 tsunami and a museum showing documentaries in English about this terrible event.

NOT budget resort , prices here are on average higher than, for example, on or, but comparable to prices in Krabi: and. More details here:

Khao Lak is a pretty well maintained and clean resort. European-style restaurants, cute bars, beautiful evening lights, trimmed trees, flowers - it seems that you are somewhere in Europe. They say that Thai Hua Hin is a kind of Europe in Thailand, but we were not there, so I can not say anything.

There are sidewalks in Khao Lak! It's such a joy, especially after Koh Samui, where you can say there are no sidewalks at all, well, maybe a little on and.

Important! NOT youth resort, do not look for discos and bars with dancing here until the morning, mainly elderly foreign couples or families with small children rest here. Of course there are bars, but they are not the same as on and they close quite early.

Khao Lak: weather and seasons

Khao Lak is divided into two seasons:

• rainy season from April-May to October
• dry season from November to April

In principle, the rainy season in Khao Lak is unpleasant not so much because of the rains (they usually come at night), but because the sea is stormy and becomes dirty, ugly and dangerous for swimming 🙁 The last time we rested in Khao Lak was in September and we never bathed at sea because of big waves and rip currents. And excursions to the islands for the summer are canceled. Since Khao Lak is not a very crowded resort, and in summer there are few people here at all, some hotels, bars, restaurants and shops are simply closed for the summer.

Should I go on vacation to Khao Lak in May-June-July? If you choose a hotel by the sea with good infrastructure, then you can safely go! If the sea is very stormy, then you can swim in the pool, and take pleasant walks along the seashore. Fortunately, the long beaches of Khao Lak allow you to walk for many kilometers both in one direction and in the other direction.

But in early March, the weather in Khao Lak was sooo hot. Why, I love the heat, but even I didn’t want to leave the air-conditioned room of our hotel during the day 🙂 But the sea in March in Khao Lak was perfectly smooth (complete calm!) And very warm. How I love 🙂

Khao Lak where is it and how to get there

Khao Lak is located about 60 km from the entrance to popular island Phuket. From Phuket airport to Khao Lak about 80 km or an hour and a half by car. Another of the airports is located in Krabi, and in Surat Thani railroad station... The most convenient way to get from Russia to Khao Lak is via Phuket, where direct flights fly during the season. More details on how to get to Khao Lak:

Transportation in Khao Lak

Transportation in Khao Lak is represented by songthaew, taxis and buses passing along the highway. A songteo for 100-150 baht can be reached between neighboring beaches, and a taxi, for example, will cost from 1000 baht. It is easy to go by bus to Phuket town (100 baht) or to the neighboring town of Takua Pa.

For freedom and convenience of movement, it is best to rent a bike (from 200 baht) or a car ().

Khao Lak Accommodation

Khao Lak - the territory of the dear comfortable hotels for have a nice stay on the very seashore. There is no cheap housing (up to 1000 baht) on the first line! If you, like me, prefer to spend your beach holiday in a hotel first coastline then be prepared to pay an average of +/- 3000 baht per day.

Inexpensive hotels (up to 1,500 baht) are concentrated along the highway and on the street that runs perpendicular to the sea to Bang Niang. When we stopped in Khao Lak for just a few days and not for a beach vacation, but for an excursion to the Similan Islands, we settled not near the sea, but in the center of the entire infrastructure of Bang Niang beach, in the classy inexpensive Nautical Home hotel 850 m from the sea and 150 m from the road. Later, for a vacation with a child in Khao Lak, they already chose good hotels on the first line with its own beach: Manathai Khao Lak and.

Special Offers for Khao Lak Hotels

Hotels in Khao Lak on the map

Khao Lak beaches

We were delighted with the beaches of Khao Lak: long, wide, almost deserted. The sand is yellow, coarse, clean. The entrance to the sea is smooth. True, there are strong ebb tides, and sometimes storms. I will not tell you a lot, I have already written here in great detail with photos and videos about the beaches of Khao Lak:

Infrastructure of Khao Lak: cafes, shops, markets, etc.

The main infrastructure of Khao Lak is concentrated on the two beaches of Nang Thong and Bang Niang. There are numerous cafes, bars, shops, massage parlors, and excursion bureaus. Beach restaurants also attract tourists along the coastline. There you can have lunch, and meet the sunset with a bottle of beer, or simply rent a sunbed and an umbrella.

Cafes, restaurants, bars

There are many cozy restaurants with European food in Khao Lak. We did not have time to go to them, and for two evenings we had dinner in one of the Thai cafes. For dinner (one dish + one beer) they paid 280-320 baht. Makashnits were not seen. For dinners on the seashore, they paid ~ 700 baht.

It is believed that Bang Niang is more expensive, but at the same time a more developed beach, there are all the main bars with live music on Khao Lak. Beach bars sometimes host parties with music and dancing in the sand. But you still need to understand that you will not find much fun in Khao Lak, this is not even on Samui, not to mention Patong on. But to sit in the evening and in Khao Lak there is where 🙂

Shops and Markets

Of the chain stores in Khao Lak, there are quite a few 7 elevens with normal prices. They are located on the track at Bang Niang and Nang Thong Beach. As well as small shops with food, water, souvenirs, beachwear, etc. etc. Prices for souvenirs and beach items are NOT low. There are many shops where a suit or other clothes will be made for you in a couple of days 🙂

On Bang Niang Beach, just 7 th a.m. opposite the turn to Tsunami Memorial, every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from lunchtime until 10 pm there is a market, where tourists from all over Khao Lak come. Here you can find some souvenirs, some beachwear, food, fruits, etc. at normal prices.

There is a morning fruit market in Khuk Khak next to the small bus station, which is indicated on all maps of Khao Lak. This market is open every day from early morning until 11-12 in the afternoon.

But still, it's better to go to Phuket for shopping. It is not difficult to do this: you need to take a bus to Phuket on the highway, 2-3 hours and 100 baht and you are in the center of Phuket town. Then you can use a tuk-tuk or songteo and get, for example, to the Festival Center (you can see what the Festival Center is on the example of Samui).

The closest Big S supermarket to Khao Lak is in Takua Pa, while Tesco is on the way to Phuket in Khok Kloi.

Attractions Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a convenient starting point for excursions to the neighboring islands. Some tourists come to Khao Lak only to visit:

• Surin
• Tachai - on this moment unfortunately closed indefinitely

Important: in the summer, during the rainy and stormy season (usually from mid-May to the end of October), these islands are closed to the public!

• Deserted beaches
• Kao Lak National Park - Lam Ru
• Sai Rung Waterfall
• Ton Chong Fa Waterfall
• Ton Pling Waterfall
• Lampi Waterfall

You can also ride elephants or go diving in Khao Lak - you can learn more about all the tours and excursions of their Khao Lak in any tour agency, of which there are a great many.

Khao Lak review and conclusions

Khao Lak left a pleasant impression. We liked the fact that there are few tourists in Khao Lak, wide deserted beaches, good sea, clean streets, cozy cafes, great hotels 5 stars on the very seashore, in which you can relax at a very low cost in the low season and off-season. And the Bang Niang village itself is so cute. From Khao Lak it is convenient to go on excursions to the islands. Khao Lak has magnificent sunsets: the sun sets right into the sea. Khao Lak is the place where I want to return again and again, unlike, for example, from or Ao Nang.

If I were going on vacation to Thailand for 2 weeks and would like to visit the south of the country, I would do this:

• 1 day. Arrival in Bangkok, overnight in Bangkok
• 2nd day. By train or plane to Surat Thani
• 3rd day. Moving Surat Thani - Khao Sok
• 4-6 days. Khao Sok and Lake Cheo Lan
• Day 7 - Transfer to Khao Lak
• 7 - 12 days. Rest in Khao Lak + swim for a 2-3-day excursion to Similan and / or Surin
• 12-14 days. Departure from Phuket Airport to Bangkok, Bangkok

Khao Lak is considered to be one of the quietest, most picturesque and peaceful places in the world for relaxation. And not in vain, because the resort is located between the mountain range and the Andaman Sea. Tourists are attracted by the wild tropical jungle and its inhabitants, and the picturesque waterfalls are mesmerizing to look at.

The Thai resort of Khao Lak stretches for more than 30 km. It is located between the south of the country and Bangkok. It is here that the piers are located, from which boats leave for the most interesting tourist corners of Thailand.

How to get to Khao Lak, distance to Phuket

To fly to Khao Lak by airlines, you need to get to Phuket island (the nearest international airport in relation to Khao Lak). Residents of Russia can get to the island by direct flight from Moscow.

Arriving in Phuket, it is better to take a taxi to the resort, which will cost 1200 baht. The trip itself will take less than an hour. There is also an ideal bus service between these resorts, but tourists need to take into account that buses do not leave from Phuket airport, but from the bus station. The bus ride is much more affordable, but the journey takes about 2 hours.

From Bangkok (from the South Station) to Khao Lak can be reached by a comfortable bus. The cost of the trip is about 500 baht, the duration of the trip is about 10 hours.

Weather in Khao Lak: when is the best time to go

In terms of weather conditions that will affect the rest of tourists, 2 seasons can be distinguished:

• April-May, October-November - rainy season.
• November-April is a dry and hot season. The average temperature rises to + 35 ° С.

The rains at the resort are not that bad as they are mostly at night. And here sea ​​water after the storm it becomes dirty and unattractive. And the number of excursions, cafes, restaurants and hotels during this period is significantly reduced.

Is it possible to rest here in summer period? Many do this by choosing a hotel right by the sea. If it is not possible to swim in the sea, such vacationers should have a spare "airfield" - a swimming pool in the hotel, and sea ​​coast can be used for pleasant walks.

Beaches

Khao Lak is not a separate city, but the name of a resort, which includes several villages with their beaches and infrastructure. The main attention of tourists is focused on palm fields, Khao Lak National Park and its amazing nature and clean beaches... There are 7 beaches on the territory of the resort that are really worth seeing.

The best beaches of the resort include:

• Khao Lak. Located in the southern part of the resort. There will be no umbrellas and sun loungers for tourists, but it is possible to hide in the shade of trees with dense crowns. Khao Lak is famous for its large number of unusual seashells and trees with unusual branches.
• Nang Tong. One of the most visited beaches in these places. The beach is full of comfortable hotels and cafes of various levels. The area is very picturesque and attracts photography lovers (especially at sunset). For those who like scuba diving, there are rocky reefs that hide unusual sea inhabitants, turtles, crabs and dozens of fish species.
• Bang Niang. One of the most comfortable beaches for tourists. On the beach you can always use sun loungers, umbrellas, there are water attractions. You can also visit inexpensive cafes, massage and beauty salons, visit local forest huts. Don't miss the scenic Chong Fa Waterfall and the snake farm.
• Packweep. An ideal place for a secluded getaway in luxury hotels (although it is possible to rent middle-class accommodation). Mostly people come here for a relaxing holiday with friends or family. The main local attraction is the Buddhist monastery.

Entertainment and attractions of the island

Khao Lak Resort can offer many excursions, both on its territory and in the surrounding area.

Must-sees:

• Similan Islands.
• Tachai.
• Surin.

Excursions can be booked from Khao Lak:

• Lake Cheo Lan - a visit to floating villages, a trip through the jungle and an ancient forest that people did not have time to change much. Here in the wild it is possible to meet elephants, tigers, monkeys. Elephants can be ridden for a fee. The excursion program also includes a visit to the most unusual caves.
• Khao Sok National Park. The excursion will help you understand the real life of Thai people, plunge into the depths of their history, enjoy the nature of untouched wild forests.

Attractions that can be visited in Khao Lak:

• Waterfalls: Sai Rung, Ton Chong Fa, Tong Pling, Lampi.
• Khao Lak National Park.
• Deserted beaches.

In addition, this area is considered the most optimal for eco-tourism lovers. The Thai government is doing everything possible to preserve the uniqueness of nature and its pristine appearance.

As active rest you can go diving, book tours on jeeps, canoeing, rafting on a rough mountain river, ride bicycles in the mountains, take hiking tours, ride elephants.

Diving in Khao Lak

Khao Lak is ideal for diving and other water sports. Coral gardens of extraordinary beauty can be observed just 40 meters from the coast. Among them are soft corals that look like a peacock's tail.

The coast in the east is best used for snorkeling. Khao Lak and the nearby islands and their coastal waters are protected, since their territories are classified as national parks. To stop the impact of tourists on marine life, there are times when diving is prohibited.

Already not far from the coast, you can see a tiger shark, giant rays and rare fish species.

Prices in Khao Lak

Prices for recreation, entertainment and housing in Khao Lak are not the lowest in Thailand.

Housing cost

A double room in a small hotel will cost at least 650 baht.

Double room in a good hotel - at least 1000 - 1500 baht (but not near the sea).

Double room in a hotel on the coast - from 2800 baht.

Fare and rental of transport

From Khao Lak to Phuket - taxi - 1300-1700 baht.

Travel on public transport from beach to beach - up to 160 baht.

Taxis to the waterfalls - up to 650 baht.

Rent a bike - 120 baht.

Bike rental - 200 baht.

Rent a car - at least 800 baht. It is advisable to book it in advance.

Food and grocery prices

There are many Europeanized cafes and restaurants here. Prices are different, but some of them have a "happy time" when alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks can be purchased for a symbolic price.

There are shops where you can buy ready-made meals. This can also be done in the markets that open only on the beach on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. You can also buy vegetables, fruits, souvenirs on them.

On average, food in Khao Lake establishments can be purchased at the following prices:

• Dinner at a cafe with Thai cuisine - up to 320 baht.
• Fruit juices - from 55 baht.
• Beer - 60 to 90 baht.
• Lunch at a European cafe - from 270 baht.
• Lunch at a cafe with Indian cuisine - 300 baht.
• Rice with meat - from 100 baht.
• Soups - from 85 baht.
• Sandwich - up to 150 baht.

The cost of excursions and trips to the islands

Trip to about. Similan - 2200 - 5600 baht (depending on how many days to go - 1-3 days).

A trip to Tachai - 2400 baht.

A trip to Surin - a day - 2500 baht.

Visit about. J. Bond - 2,300 baht.

If you wish, you can bargain over the cost of the tours.

Khao Lak is located about 106 km north of Phuket city on the Andaman Sea coast and it is, without exaggeration, one of the most beautiful tourist areas in Thailand. Located in Phang Nga province, the resort stretches along the Andaman Sea in a continuous strip of 20 km. On one side, the forested hills and mountains of the national park, on the other, 20 km of beautiful beaches. It is popular for its serene surroundings and serves as a base for trips to the nearby islands. Phuket International Airport is the starting point of the visit.

general description

There are 7 national parks within 90 km of the area around Khao Lak. The coastal strip of deserted golden beaches is one of the longest and most scenic in Thailand. From Khao Lak you can experience the diverse nature of the national parks, from mangrove forests to karst landscapes with their unusual landscapes of limestone rocks. From here you can visit the world famous Similan and Surin Islands, enjoy the colorful coral reefs and the richness of the underwater world. Khao Lak is also the starting point for hiking trails in one of the oldest rainforests on earth. A great way to see nature is on an elephant trek through the jungle. All of this is possible on a day trip from Khao Lak.

Khao Lak is significantly different from the neighboring tourist regions, in particular Phuket. Its attractions include small, secluded coastal resorts, deserted beaches, a family atmosphere and a ban on buildings taller than a coconut tree.

Compared to places like Patong, Khao Lak can seem boring, especially in dead Season(April-November). If exotic nightlife and related attractions are the main reason your visit to Thailand, Khao Lak is not the place for you. It is designed, first of all, for a relaxing family vacation, nature lovers, as well as those who seek to find something unusual for themselves.

When the disastrous 2004 tsunami struck South Asia, Khao Lak was the hardest hit area in Thailand (over 4,000 dead and over 3,000 missing). Since then, it has made an impressive recovery in its economy and is hosting tourists again.

Tsunami 2004

Khao Lak became one of the coastal areas of Thailand most affected by the tsunami at the end of 2004. The earthquake that triggered the deadly Indian Ocean tsunami on December 26, 2004 was estimated by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to be the equivalent of 23,000 atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Tsunami is one of the deadliest natural phenomena. A few hours after the earthquake, the killer waves spread in all directions from the earthquake zone at the speed of a jet airliner and hit the coastline of 11 countries of the Indian Ocean. Giant waves, the height of which reached 15 m in places, irrevocably carried people with them into the sea, killed them in houses, beaches, streets, causing tremendous damage to real estate along the coast. During the day, more than 150,000 people died or went missing (according to some estimates 300,000), and millions were left homeless, making it perhaps the most destructive tsunami in history.

Within two hours or less, on the morning of December 26, 2004, Khao Lak, with a population of about 5,000, was virtually a ghost town as a result of the disaster, becoming the worst tsunami-hit area in Thailand. About 4,000 people died, about half of them tourists. The victims were, vacationing in Khao Lak, Bhumi Jensen, the grandson of the King of Thailand Rama IX, as well as the famous Finnish musician and TV presenter Aki Sirkesalo with his family.

Orientation

The entire Khao Lak area runs on both sides of the Phetkasem Road (or Highway 4). At 1,274 km long, it is the country's longest highway, from Bangkok to the Malaysian border, and one of the four main highways in Thailand. The center of the Khao Lak region is 106 km from Phuket Town and 76 km north of international airport Phuket.

During off-hours songthaw drivers work part-time as taxi drivers. They are waiting for their clients in central regions settlements of Khao Lak. Their fares are much cheaper than in a regular taxi.

Many hotels offer free transportation to their customers throughout the day. Please contact your hotel's front desk for information. In addition, some restaurants will offer free travel within a reasonable distance if you are a regular customer.

Beaches

Khao Lak Map

The main attraction of Khao Lak is the kilometers of beautiful, clean, long and almost deserted beaches. One beach imperceptibly passes into the next and so stretches for about 20 kilometers. The boundaries between them are usually marked by streams flowing from the mainland to the sea. All of them are small, but at high tide the water level rises, and it is not so easy to wade on foot. Unlike west coast Phuket island, some of Khao Lak's beaches are accessible for swimming all year round thanks to the coastal reefs. The most popular beaches are Nang Thong and Bang Niang. The main tourist-oriented infrastructure is concentrated here.

Nang Thong Beach... Nang Thong Beach is the second Khao Lak beach when traveling north from Phuket. It is the busiest beach, in fact local tourism was born on this beach with the construction of the first small bungalows. The most beautiful and often photographed southern part of the beach is often called Sunset Beach, but this name is not generally accepted and is not indicated on many maps with this name. The beach is located opposite the village of Ban La On - the most popular tourist centre Khao Lak with the largest number of shops, restaurants and tour operators.

Bang Niang Beach... Bang Niang follows after Nang Thong beach. Both beaches are separated by a small, but rather deep stream. It is unlikely that you will be able to wade it, but for a small fee, the locals will transport you on their boat. After the disastrous tsunami in 2004, Bang Niang Beach has become the most fashionable beach in Khao Lak. Simple bamboo huts have been replaced by stylish resorts and exclusive private villas. These two beaches (Nang Thong and Bang Niang) are the most popular in Khao Lak, with the most hotels, resorts and other tourist infrastructure.

Khuk Khak Beach... Further north is the Khuk Khak beach itself. If you look at the map, you will notice that there are no signs indicating the availability of hotels and resorts. The lack of a large number of tourists even in the season of influx of tourists is due to the lack of hotels and resorts. Bang Niang and Khuk Khak beaches are separated by a small stream, at low tide you can wade, otherwise you need to rent a bike, motorcycle or use a taxi.

Cape Laem Pakarang... Cape Pakarang is the westernmost point of the Thai mainland. Pakarang in Thai means coral. Due to the presence of corals and geographically interesting shape, Cape Pakarang is ideal place for hiking and snorkelling. When the sea recedes at low tide, small stones, fragments of coral and shells are revealed. For this reason, only a small part of the cape adjacent to the Khuk Khak beach is suitable for beach holiday... But the place itself is very beautiful, a beautiful panorama of the beaches of the south and north of Khao Lak opens from the cape, dozens of species of beautiful tropical birds live in the adjacent green zone.

Pak Weep and Bang Sak beaches... Pakarang is followed by Pak Weep and Bang Sak. These are the northernmost, quietest and least developed of all Khao Lak beaches, with more clean water and calm waves allowing swimming all year round. The beaches are separated from each other by small, but quite deep streams for wading. There are many typical Thai cafes and restaurants along the promenade of Bang Sak Beach, which are packed with locals on weekends.

Khao Lak beach... The above group of beaches is located north of Khao Lak National Park. The beach south of the national park (separated by a promontory jutting out into the sea) is sometimes called the south beach, but more often Khao Lak beach. But this name should not confuse you. When talking about the beaches of Khao Lak, we mean the above northern beaches... About 2 km long, this granite boulders beach is the smallest of all.

Interesting places

Lampi waterfall(Lampi). Lampi Falls is located about 30 km drive south from Khao Lak towards Phuket along Highway 4. When you see the blue waterfall sign, turn off the road, after 2 km the road ends and a short path continues to the waterfall. The waterfall is located in a beautiful green area; you will see much more locals here than foreign tourists. You can swim at the foot of the waterfall. This beautiful waterfall is best seen in the early morning, when the sun rises over the mountains in its first rays.

Police Boat 813... In an open field almost 2 km from the coast lies the police boat 813 - a mute witness to the catastrophic force of the 2004 tsunami. Nearly 10 years later, it remains the most famous disaster reminder of the day. Boat 813, along with a police crew, was in the harbor when the surging tsunami wave threw it almost 2 km from the coast. The entire crew of the boat was killed. The boat was left in the place where the tsunami wave threw it and now serves as a reminder of that tragic event. Boat 813 is very close to main street in the area of ​​Bang Niang village. Nearby is an information stand about the 2004 tsunami in Thai and English, work is underway to transform this place into a Museum.

Takua Pa Town(Takua Pa or Takuapa) north on Highway 4. Takua is Thai for lead. But oddly enough, in the 1920s and 1930s, the city was a hub for tin mining - not lead. In the old quarter of Takua Pa you will find buildings of Sino-Portuguese architecture from that period, you can wander around the shops (preferably in the early morning). It is located about 30 minutes drive north of the center of Khao Lak. Takua Pa Traditional Market and river area located in the new part of the city, not far from bus station... The area has some good shops and restaurants along the river.

Thai boxing... Fights are held every Friday night at the Thai Boxing Stadium in Bang Niang. Competitions start at around 21:00, try to arrive 20 minutes early. Tickets can be purchased right at the stadium's front doors. http://www.khaolak-muaythai.com/eng.html

Khao Sok National Park... Khao Sok National Park (www.khaosok.com) is one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in Thailand. It is an hour's drive north of Khao Lak on Highway 4. Walking is the main mode of transportation, as the park has only 2 km of paved roads and hiking trails are several tens of kilometers long. Tours include jungle trekking, elephant trekking, tuba (large car tube) downstream, kayaking, zipline, caves and waterfalls. Options include: hiking in the night forest, night sailing on the lake and night rafting down the river in a canoe or rubber raft. Many tours include drinks, meals, and lodging. The length of the nine hiking trails varies from 2 km to 7 km each. The Park Information Center showcases small displays of local flora and fauna.

When visiting Khao Sok National Park, try to see rafflesia first. These plants are notable for their huge unusual flowers, some of which reach a diameter of over one meter and a mass of over ten kilograms. This is the largest flower on Earth. The Rafflesia trail is close to Information Center national park on highway 401 in the area of ​​the sign 111 km. But it is not always possible to find a flower on your own. Take local guide or, if you spot a group of guided tourists, follow them until they get to the flower. You don't really need a guide, but if you go without it, the chances of finding the flower are small, despite all its enormous size.

Along the only paved road in the national park, there are all guest houses... They all offer similar living conditions (mostly bungalows). Prices range from very cheap to luxurious options. Most of them have restaurants, bars, internet and travel agencies... It is not difficult to find accommodation for yourself even during the peak season. Below are links to sites offering accommodation in Khao Sok National Park:

It is advisable to stay in the park and book a tour of 3-4 days. Choose a tour that includes at least one night on the lake in a floating lodge, it will leave unforgettable experience... Below are links to sites offering tours in Khao Sok National Park:

Another famous attraction of Khao Sok National Park is Cheow Lan Lake. Of extraordinary beauty The lake was formed as a result of the construction of the Rachaphrapha Dam on the Phra Saeng River in 1982. Despite the artificial origin, the lake was formed very beautiful thanks to the many bays, which were mountain valleys before the flooding, and now the whole lake is surrounded by limestone rocks.

Access to the Rachaphrapha Dam is open to all comers. A mountain with a recreation area, cafes and restaurants is adjacent to the dam. The panorama of the lake from this mountain is amazingly beautiful. Bungalows are built on the shore of the lake. All of them belong to Khao Sok National Park. You can stay overnight in these bungalows (for an overnight stay, you must pre-book a room in Khao Sok National Park or book a trip through a travel agency) and book trips on this beautiful lake on rafts. Combined jungle trekking and cave tours are available. Cheow Lan Lake and Rachaphrapha Dam are located 2 hours north of Khao Lak off Highway 401.

Khao Lak National Park - Lam Ru... The area immediately south of Hat Khao Lak is included in the huge (125 km2) Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park. The name of the park gave a generalized name to the entire resort region - Khao Lak. The landscape of the park consists of a combination of sea cliffs, hills with a height of 1000 m, beaches, estuaries, valleys and mangrove forests. wild nature includes hornbills, drongos, tapirs, gibbons, monkeys, and Asiatic black bears.

The park information center is located just off Highway 4. It has a good restaurant under open air on a shady slope with beautiful view to the sea and the surrounding mountains. From the restaurant, you can follow a fairly easy 3 km round-trip trail that runs along the headland and ends at a deserted beach.

A popular attraction in the park is the Chong Fah waterfall. It is 10 km from the coast opposite Bang Niang Beach. It is easy to get to the waterfall - there is a sign for the waterfall on Highway 4, at this point you need to turn off and drive to the parking lot. A path leads further to the waterfall.

The park's activities, in addition to visiting the falls, include trekking through the rainforest, which is sure to make a strong impression on visiting vacationers. The forests of Khao Lak are not at all like the jungles of other Thai regions. Giant trees 50 m high, bamboo 20 m high, vines stretching tens of meters upwards grow here. Relaxing on the beaches of Khao Lak and not visiting the forest of the national park of the same name would be a big mistake.

What to do, what to do, tours of local tour operators

The highlight of your stay in Khao Lak will be an elephant ride. Asia Safari Camp serves as the starting point for a combined elephant trekking and bamboo raft tour. After the elephant ride, a short rest, lunch and then rafting down the river on a bamboo raft. The construction of the raft is quite simple: a row of long bamboo poles are tied together with two transverse seating sections and the raft is complete. The boatman is pushed off with a long pole and the raft slowly floats downstream. The journey by water takes about 20 minutes. In addition to www.khaolaklanddiscovery.com, this tour can be booked on the Khao Lak Travel Center website www.khaolaktravelcenter.com

Diving

Khao Lak is the most convenient starting point for trips to the Similan Islands, home to days of Thailand's finest coral underwater world... This archipelago of nine islands is a Thai national park and is considered one of the best diving spots in Asia. The park is open from December to May, closed to visitors the rest of the year. The trip to the island usually takes 1-2 hours by speedboat. Several companies offer tours for 1, 2, 3 and even 5 days. There are also some good places near the coast, local companies offering a wide selection of the following tours.

Sea Dragon Dive Center. This is one of the few companies offering tours all year round. The company specializes in multi-day tours with an overnight stay on board the boat, trips to the Similan Islands, Ko Bon, Richelieu Rock, local reefs and wrecks, training and obtaining a PADI certificate. Since the popular Similan Islands are located 60 km from the mainland (about three hours by boat), the company offers accommodation and overnight stays on board the boat. In this case, you will be able to stay on the islands when there is not a large influx of tourists. More geared towards divers, this company offers interesting trips for snorkelling enthusiasts who may choose specialized tour with accommodation on board with a discount of about 40%. Website www.seadragondivecenter.com

Similan dive center... Offers tours all year round. Day trips and multi-day trips with accommodation on board around the Similan Islands, Ko Bon, Ko Tachai and Richelieu Rock. The company is run by local Khao Laka with 20 years of experience in the scuba diving industry. Website www.similandivecenter.com

Wicked diving... Diving and snorkeling tours of 3 and 5 days to the Similan and Surin Islands with accommodation options on board, swimming with whale sharks, manta rays, turtles and reef sharks. The company also offers training and PADI certification. Website www.wickeddiving.com

Similan diving safaris... A special feature of this company is a four-day stay on board with high level comfort. The company has many years of experience in specialized trips to the Similan and Surin Islands, Bon and Tachai Islands and the world famous Rock Richelieu. If you don't have time to make multi-day trips, there is the option of day diving or snorkeling tours in the Similan Islands and Ko Bon. Website www.similan-diving-safaris.com

Iq diving... The company offers scuba diving, snorkelling tours on the coast of Khao Lak, visits to the Similan Islands, diving in wrecks. Small and large groups, some tours are aimed at the rest of the whole family. Website www.iq-dive.com

Kon-Tiki Khao Lak Diving & Snorkeling Center... Established in 1996, the company offers PADI training and certification, overnight tours on board the boat. In addition to the coast of Khao Lak, it offers scuba diving tours in Krabi, Ko Lanta, Phuket. Website www.kontiki-thailand.com.

Manta point dive center... Works in Khao Lak in 1999. Day trips and multi-day trips (with overnight on board) to the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock. Snorkeling in the Similan Islands, training and PADI certification. Website www.mantapoint.com

Oktavia dive center... This company offers divers and snorkelers a range of trips to the Similan Islands. Website www.oktaviadivecenter.com

Swimming with a mask and a snorkel

Similan dive center... It is one of the best companies to offer diving and snorkelling in Khao Lak. Snorkeling tours operate daily to the Similan Islands and Ko Tachai. Trips to the Similan Islands with an overnight stay for two or three days. Website www.similandivecenter.com

Similan tour offers well-organized snorkelling on board boat only for 3 days and 2 nights, departing on Tuesdays and Fridays. The company is run by Swedish management. The Swedes have built their own bungalows (Poseidon Bungalows) and offer them for rent to their clients. They are located on the southernmost beach of Khao Lak. This company has been offering tours to the Similan Islands for over 20 years. Website www.similantour.com

Khao Lak Land Discovery... Snorkeling tours (day and overnight) in the Similan and Surin islands. The guides are Germans, Swedes and British. Website www.khaolaklanddiscovery.com

Andaman Snorkel Discovery... The company offers snorkelling tours for 3 days and 3 nights in the Similan Islands, Ko Bon, Tachai and Surin Islands. The combination of trips to these islands can be considered unique for diving enthusiasts. Website www.andamansnorkeldiscovery.com

Fantastic Similan Travel... A popular company offers snorkelling tours in the Similan Islands. Tours of this company received good feedback on the forums. www.fantasticsimilan.com

Surfing

OneTwoSurf(located on Bang Niang beach). Equipment rental and surf lessons with a certified instructor. Tour packages include best places in Khao Lak area, provides accommodation, meets its clients at Phuket airport from May to November. Website www.onetwosurf.com

Pakarang Surf Shop gives surf lessons, surfboards, kayak rentals, bungalow rentals. Website www.pakarangsurfshop.com

Climate and the best time visits

The climate of the Khao Lak region is influenced by the southwest and northeast monsoons. Southwest monsoons start blowing in April. Streams of warm humid air from the Indian Ocean move into the interior regions of the mainland, bringing with them significant precipitation. Peak in October, the wettest month in Khao Lak. The following months, under the influence of the prevailing northeast winds from China, make the weather much drier, March is the hottest month.

In simple terms, Khao Lak has two seasons of the year:

Rainy season (April to October).
dry season (November to March).

Khao Lak receives a lot of rainfall a year (3558 mm). Even in the dry season, it sometimes rains, especially at the beginning and at the end, sometimes it is heavy, but mostly short-lived. On the other hand, the area is quite sunny and always warm during the rainy season with high humidity.

From a tourist's point of view, the dry season is the ideal time to visit Khao Lak. Christmas and New Year especially popular and the most expensive in terms of accommodation prices. December, January and February are perhaps the most peak months of visits. During the rainy season, the cost of accommodation drops by 50%, many restaurants, bars and shops close, but some of them remain open, as Khao Lak tries to attract tourists throughout the year. Tours to the neighboring Similan and Surin Islands are also canceled between May and October inclusive due to weather conditions.

Airplane. The nearest airport from Khao Lak is in Phuket (distance is about 80 km). Alternatively, you can choose Krabi. Both airports receive international and domestic flights.

The cost of a taxi from Phuket airport to Khao Lak depends on the pick-up time: the later you arrive, the more expensive the taxi will cost. Local taxi drivers offer exorbitant prices, so we strongly recommend that you make a reservation on the official website of Khao Lak Taxi (www.khaolaktaxi.com) or arrange in advance with the administration of the hotel in which you are going to rent accommodation to meet you at the airport. Otherwise, you will have to pay the indecently high cost of the trip, the duration of which is only 1 hour.

To save money, you first need to get from the airport to Highway 4 (about five kilometers from the airport), which regularly runs buses towards the cities of Takua Pa, Ranong or Surat Thani. Buses run only during the day, they all pass Khao Lak and stop anywhere along the road where you ask.

Train. This is a less convenient travel option compared to the bus. The nearest train station is in Surat Thani. From there you can take a bus to Khao Lak. By the way, the train is by far the cheapest way to get to Khao Lak. There are three classes of cars - 1st, 2nd and 3rd. The first class is the most comfortable, it has two beds and a sink, the second class is made up of bunk beds like our reserved seat. Class 3 cars have slightly soft seats. There is no need to worry about food, at the stations the hawkers offer many options for cheap food and drinks. The total trip (train and bus) will take about 12-14. For more information on trains, visit the official Thailand Railways website (www.railway.co.th)

Bus. Khao Lak is located on the main road between Phuket and Bangkok. Distance to Bangkok is about 750 km along Highway 4. All buses go through Khao Lak in transit, that is, there are no buses, Ending station which would be in this resort region. There are many buses running through Khao Lak on Highway 4 from Bangkok, Phuket, Ranong, Surat Thani and Takua Pa. Most of them will stop anywhere at your request, VIP buses only stop at BKS bus terminals. BKS is a state-owned bus company. Its small terminal is located near the market in the center settlement Khuk Khak.

Sensimar Khaolak Beachfront Resort, description in English at booking.com, follow this link

Khaolak Laguna Resort, description in Russian on booking.com at this link

Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort, description in Russian on booking.com at this link

Mukdara Beach Villa and Spa Resort, description in English at booking.com by

From this article you will learn how to get to Khao Lak from Russia, from Phuket, Krabi, Bangkok, Koh Samui and other places in Thailand, as well as how to get out of it.

How to get to Khao Lak from Russia

How to get to Khao Lak from Phuket airport and back

1. The easiest way to get to Khao Lak from Phuket Airport is by taxi or transfer. Taxi from Phuket airport to Khao Lak will cost 1,500 - 2,000 baht per car, depending on your bargaining skills and the location of the selected hotel. Or you can order a transfer from the hotel in advance, using this link or on the Russian-language website kiwitaxi.ru

2. By rented transport.

3. By public transport. Take a bus for 100 baht from Phuket airport to Phuket bus station, and then buy a bus ticket to Khao Lak (100 baht per person, travel time about 2 hours). Or take a tuk-tuk from the airport to the highway (approximate coordinates: 8.111941, 98.335145) and there you can catch a bus to Khao Lak. We need buses to Surat Thani, Ranong, Chumphon, Takua Pa.

Khao Lak - Phuket

In the opposite direction, getting from Khao Lak to Phuket is also not difficult: you need to go to the highway and catch a bus in the direction of Phuket. If you need to get to Phuket airport from Khao Lak, then ask the driver to stop on the highway at the turn to the airport. There are usually tuk-tukers on duty, which for 50-100 baht per person will be thrown to the airport entrance.

If you need to get to one of the beaches of Phuket, then get off at the bus station and look for a tuk-tuk (songteo) to the desired beach.

A taxi or transfer from Khao Lak, for example, to Patong Beach, will cost 1800 - 2200 baht. By public transport ~ 150 baht per person.

Buses run every 20-30 minutes during daylight hours (~ 7:00 to 18:00).

How to get to Khao Lak from Bangkok

By plane

The best way to get to Khao Lak from Bangkok is by plane. The flight time is a little over an hour, if you buy tickets in advance, you can find tickets for 800 - 1200 baht per person. Next, from Phuket airport, get to Khao Lak using one of the above methods. Buy airline tickets Bangkok - Phuket >>

In the opposite direction from Khao Lak to Bangkok, bus tickets can be bought at any tour office in Khao Lak or at the hotel. VIP bus at 17:30 and 18:00, regular buses at 12:00, 15:30 and 16:30. Stop on the track.

How to get to Khao Lak from Phi Phi

1. Buy an organized transfer Phi Phi - Khao Lak (boat + minivan). Departure at 9 am, arrival at Khao Lak at 2 pm - 3 pm. The cost is 750 baht per person. Can be bought online.

2. Independently get from Phi Phi to Phuket by ferry to Rassada Pier. Departure from Phi Phi at 9:00, 11:00, 14:00, 15:30. Travel time is one and a half to two hours, the cost is 250-300 baht. From the pier, get to the nearest bus station in Phuket (it's close there, just go for 5-10 minutes) for 80-100 baht per tuk-tuk, and then by bus to Khao Lak for 100 baht per person. In total, the journey from Phi Phi to Khao Lak will cost 400-450 baht.

From Khao Lak to Phi Phi

After Khao Lak we went to Phi Phi. First, we wanted to buy an organized transfer (minivan + boat) to Phi Phi for 790 baht at our hotel, but then we found out that this trip would take too long, from 7:45 to 15:00, since tourists are taken through Krabi, and not through Phuket, and they decided to get there on their own by public bus.

At 7:50 am we left our hotel in Khao Lak (an excellent inexpensive hotel, I recommend it to everyone! Details about the hotel in Khao Lak), in a couple of minutes we reached the highway, where at 8 am we already got on a passing bus to Phuket. We drove for a long time, more than two hours. I was already beginning to worry that we would miss the eleven hour ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi. At 10:40 we arrived at the old Phuket bus station, very quickly jumped on a tuk-tuk (80 baht for two) and after 10 minutes we were at the Rassada pier. We managed to get on the ferry, but we had to buy tickets "dearly" - 600 baht per person 🙁 Moreover, if you buy tickets not at the pier, but in tour offices, they will cost 300-350 baht. But we did not have time to look for a tour agency at all ... The ferry departed 20 minutes later, we were at Phi Phi at 13:20.

In total, the journey from Khao Lak Hotel to Phi Phi took 5.5 hours and cost 740 baht per person.

Phuket - Phi Phi Ferry Schedule from Rassada Pier: 8:30 am, 11:00 am, 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm.

From Krabi (Ao Nang) to Khao Lak

A direct tourist minibus departs from Ao Nang (Krabi province) to Khao Lak once a day at 11:30. Travel time is 2-3 hours, ticket prices vary from 350 to 500 baht. Buy tickets online >>

As far as I know direct public bus in Khao Lak from the bus station in Krabi town no. We'll have to go with transfers. The journey is long, the travel time is unpredictable, so it is easier to buy a ticket for a tourist minibus.

How to get to Khao Lak from Khao Sok

1. Buy tickets for the tourist minibus Khao Sok - Khao Lak for 200 baht per person, which will pick you up directly from your hotel in Khao Sok. Schedule Khao Sok - Khao Lak: 6:30, 8:30, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00. We bought tickets the day before check-out. 750 baht

From Surat Thani to Khao Lak can be reached by bus to Phuket. Or with a change: by bus to Takua Pa, and there by bus in the direction of Phuket.

That's all I wanted to tell you about how to get to Khao Lak. I would also like to point out that in Khao Lak itself (at least on Bang Niang beach), group transfers (tourist minibuses) are not very common. There are few tour offices selling transfers, prices are high, flights are few, it's not like on Phi Phi, that a transfer to any point in Thailand (and not even Thailand 🙂) can be bought at every step, and because of the high competition prices are not high. The impression was that from Khao Lak basically everyone leaves by taxi or a passing bus 🙂 Here is the schedule of transfers from Khao Lak:

Khao Lak National Park National park) is the highlight of Thailand, primarily attracting attention with its gorgeous virgin nature, harmoniously combining tropical forests, steep cliffs, waterfalls, lakes and rivers.

The national park is located on the mainland of Thailand, near the coast of the Andaman Sea in the province of Phang Nga. Khao Lak Park is huge in size, its area is more than 150 square meters and it consists of two parks. Besides the beautiful pristine nature, tourist and entertainment activities are also organized in the park. Here you can just relax, walk along the paths in the jungle, go rafting or bamboo rafts down the rivers, try jeep or elephant safari, and also feel like a Tarzan and fly through the jungle on roller mechanisms along cables stretched between trees.

You can visit Khao Lak National Park, both independently and with an excursion. We visited this beautiful nature reserve with a Khao Lak Safari excursion while staying in Phuket.

The excursion is designed for the whole day. One day, naturally, is not enough for such a park, in such a short time it will not be possible to see even part of all the embellishments, but it is quite enough for acquaintance. In addition, this excursion is very rich, partly educational, partly entertaining, and partly even relaxing. In one day you will see a lot of interesting things: mountains, jungle, turtles, the Temple-cave of the Reclining Buddha, meet funny monkeys who eat straight from their hands, learn how pineapples grow, ride bamboo rafts on a mountain river and try entertainment so widespread in Thailand. - riding on elephants. We can fully recommend this excursion to the park to everyone, young and old. Believe me, it will be interesting!

Excursion to Khao Lak Safari includes:

Meeting (picked up from the hotel and brought to the hotel) in a comfortable minibus;

Visit to a turtle farm;

Rafting down the river on bamboo rafts;

Lunch at a local cafe;

Stop at a pineapple plantation;

Elephant trekking and baby elephant show. Upon request and for an additional fee - swimming with a baby elephant;

Visit to the temple-cave of the reclining Buddha (Wat Suwan Kuha) and the mountain of monkeys;

Visit to the waterfall, if you wish, swimming in the waterfall. In the dry season, the waterfall dries up, and we visited the excursion in March, so we did not get to the waterfall.

The tour price also includes: insurance, drinking water, Russian speaking guide.

Since this excursion is visited by a large number of tourists every day, in order to disperse the flow, the route of the excursion may change. Someone first visits the turtle farm, and then rides on elephants and goes to the temple, while others first visit the temple, and after that they go on rafting and a turtle farm. But the essence of the excursion does not change from this.

We recommend taking with you: sunscreen and hats; telephone, camera; money for additional costs. Wear swimwear and comfortable shoes. Optional: sunglasses, towel, changeable shorts and T-shirt.

Excursion cost from Phuket

From 2 800 - 3 000 baht - adult ticket, from 1 800 baht - child ticket.

Excursion - Safari in the national park Khao Lak (Khao Lak Safari)

At 07:30 in the morning we were picked up from our hotel and drove from Phuket to mainland Thailand. The road, with the collection of all the participants of the excursion, took about an hour and a half.

First stop was visiting turtle farm

The Turtle Farm is a mini-zoo, where, in addition to turtles, you can see crocodiles and fish, as well as walk along the picturesque territory.

The conditions in which the animals are kept leave much to be desired, small concrete pens in which these cute creatures lie. According to the guide's assurances, turtles are raised here until a certain age, and then released into the wild, this is done by decree former King Thailand, to preserve the endangered population.

On the way out we bought coconut ice cream. This is the most delicious ice cream we have ever tasted in Thailand. We found it, at the moment, in only two places: at a merchant near this farm and at.

Our second stop was river rafting on bamboo rafts

It was this part of the excursion that we remembered the most. This is not rafting, there is no extreme, the Kaolak River was very calm and quiet. Our group, two people each, got seated on the rafts and the Thai boys, deftly handling the raft, floated you down the river. All river walk takes 30-40 minutes.

At first we were even a little upset because of the slow rafting, but after a few minutes, such calmness and serenity appeared in our souls. We completely renounced reality, swam, enjoying the views of the jungle and the silence, broken only by the sound of the water and the rare cries of birds. It was truly wonderful and comfortable, in a sense we even managed to catch nirvana.

During the rafting, from the shore, we were photographed, after that, they offered to buy a photo in an ecological frame made of elephant poop)). Interesting photo, we bought ourselves this. Cost 200 baht per photo.

At the end of the rafting we were met on a small truck

and we went to lunch in a cafe... For lunch, there was soup, vegetables, fish, rice, meat and potatoes, french fries, Thai rolls, fruits and drinks with cookies. Quite good and quite tasty, especially after a busy first half of the day spent outdoors.

The next stop was at pineapple plantation... Here the guide showed us and told us how pineapples grow and how they are harvested. It turns out that harvesting pineapples is a very dangerous job. The bushes themselves are sharp and it is easy to get hurt about them, moreover, there are snakes in the fields, including poisonous ones. Snakes often bite pickers and can be fatal.

Fifth stop - elephant safari

First of all, a 15-minute show with a baby elephant unfolded in front of us. The little elephant twisted the hoop, played the harmonica, while briskly waving his leg, and then did several tricks. The spectators, especially children, were delighted, and the baby elephant walked among people, holding a hat in its trunk, where everyone threw money.

After the show, they offered to swim with a baby elephant. The cost is 300 baht per person. We didn't go swimming with the baby elephant, but just looked and took some photos, for history and you, of course.

Bathing with a baby elephant was as follows: a small pond, natural, in the river, where the baby elephant was brought, then all those who paid 300 baht were offered to join him. Participants in this action poured water on the baby elephant, rubbed its back, and finally took pictures with it. The whole process took 10-15 minutes. It looked, to put it mildly, not very, the children were delighted.

Little elephants take part in the show and bathing; they, until a certain age, are not allowed for tourists to ride. Due to its small size and low training. The first few years of training, the elephant must get used to its driver, his voice and gestures, so they are trained at shows and swimming, and after that, when they mature, their bones get stronger and gain experience, they send tourists to ride.

After swimming, we all went to the most anticipated part of the excursion - elephant trekking.

We rode the elephants for two people. Landing on elephants took place in a special house, from where it was convenient to climb into the basket on the animal's back. If you are wearing flip flops, you will have to leave your shoes here, but if your shoes fit snugly on your feet, then you can ride in shoes.

The ride itself lasted 40 minutes. We were looking forward to it, had heard a lot and read a lot about such a memorable and amazing "attraction". But, personally, riding on elephants did not make any impression on us, but on the contrary, we did not like it. We will not go again, and we feel sorry for the animal and we did not feel courage with emotions.

The skiing route passed through the jungle, up and down the hills, and also partially across the river, so in addition to the skiing itself, there was an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful views of the Thai jungle.

When you sit on the back of an elephant, the ground is far enough away, and the basket also sways; if the animal rises or descends from the hills, you are shaken and chattered from side to side. It's not scary, it hurts my back a little, it makes some laugh.

During the ride, the drivers offered, for a small fee of 100 baht, to take several photographs of us riding on an elephant, while the elephants poured water on everyone, typing it into their trunk, and arranged, so to speak, a refreshing shower.

On the farm, you could feed the elephants with bananas, while taking some memorable colorful photos. It is better to bring bananas for feeding with you, here the price tag is decent, a few bananas - from 100 baht.

Next stop Cave temple the reclining Buddha (Wat Suwan Kuha) and the monkey cave (Monkey Cave)

On the territory of the Wat SuwanKuha Temple complex there are: a functioning monastery, a cave with a reclining Buddha who entered nirvana and located between heaven and earth, as well as a cave-mountain of monkeys.

The entrance to the cave temple is paid. The cost is 20 baht per person.

After going inside, you find yourself in the first hall, here we see the legendary reclining Buddha and other attributes of Buddhism.

This hall once served as the main temple. At present, the temple has been moved to the structures near the cave, and the cave itself has become a place for tourists to visit.

Proceeding further and climbing the steps, you find yourself in a completely different world, here semi-darkness and mystery reigns. This is the cave of the holy monkeys. The monkeys here are very cute and friendly, they surround tourists and snatch treats right from their hands. But nevertheless, it is better not to take risks and not try to grab the monkeys or not climb to their muzzle, they may bite, then you will not end up with a hassle, unnecessary injections and expenses. Treats can be brought with you or you can buy bananas from local vendors for 50 baht for a few.

There is a toilet and a small market near the cave.

This concludes our excursion. We got on the bus and went home to the hotels. On the way, for about 15 minutes we stopped at a tea shop, where, if you wish, you can buy teas, herbal preparations and other preparations from medicinal herbs. Well, if you don't want to buy something, you can just taste four types of tea, which we did.