Khao Lak / Phang Nga – Overview

Khao Lak is located just an hour’s drive north of Phuket Island on the beautiful Andaman coast and is one of Thailand’s most peaceful destinations. No less than three national parks are surrounded by mountains that sweep down to the beautiful coastline with beaches that continue for miles.

Only 80 km from Phuket Khao Lak offers a rare oasis for relaxation, with a superb combination of cool tropical forest, lovely beach accommodation and expansive white sand beaches. And those beaches are more beautiful than ever. If you are on your Thailand trip and want to stay in Khao Lak, there are many newly constructed and renovated resorts that offer several types of accommodation with high quality, never before seen in this area.

Khao Lak, Takua-Pa district of Phang-Nga province in southern Thailand. Phang-Nga is located on the west coast of the Andaman Sea and is within 1-2 hours drive from the popular tourist destinations. Krabi to the east and Phuket in the south.

Phang-Nga is primarily an agricultural province which produces rubber, crops, rice, vegetables and fruit. Much of the landscape still consists of forest, much of which is national park.

Khao Lak itself is a National Park. Glowing with a rich natural attractions and a convenient starting points for many other attractions in Phang-Nga, including the famous Similan Islands and Surin islands that you can visit on your Thailand trip in neighboring Ranong province.

Khao Lak’s greatest strength is the beauty of its natural environment bordering the Andaman Sea on one side and is surrounded by natural forest on the other side. It offers peace and quiet, the area is similar to Phuket in the old days and is the perfect place for your Thailand trip if you want to get away from areas nearby where there are many people.

Khao Lak / Phang Nga – Getting there

Just a few years ago, Khao Lak is located quiet stretch of beaches.

Today it is still pretty quiet – mainly because of the length of its beaches, but Khao Lak’s reputation has definitely become scattered and Khao Lak is now “connected” to those in more ways than one.

By Air

From Bangkok the easiest way to travel to Khao Lak by air to either Phuket or Krabi’s international airports, then continue the journey along the road (see below). Daily flights from Bangkok to Krabi and Phuket (turn & Return) are offered by Thai Airways in both high and low season.

Highway

From Bangkok, can you travel on Highway 4 down through Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon to Ranong, Phang Nga province. Khao Lak is located 30 km town of Takua Pa on the main road. Travel time from Bangkok is around 12 hours. Daily bus service runs from Bangkok to Phang-Nga and departs from the southern bus terminal in Thonburi. There are also many private services available from almost all travel agencies in the city that you can use on your Thailand trip.

From Phuket, take road 402 across the bridge to Phang-Nga province. Turn onto Highway 4 and the Thai Muang and Thap Lamu – Khao Lak, just after La On Village. Travel time is approximately 90 minutes. Bus from Phuket to Phang-Nga town is also available every hour from Phuket Bus Terminal and the journey takes about 2 hours. From Phang-Nga Town, you can take a local bus to Takua Pa and ask to be released in Khao Lak and Ban La-on.

From Krabi, take Route 4 to Phang-Nga through town and continue along Route 4 to Takua Thung, Thai Muang and up to Khao Lak. The journey can take up to 2 hours depending on weather and road conditions. If you take the bus from Krabi on your Thailand trip so take the one that goes to Phuket and then switch on Kochloi a bus to Takua Pa and Ranong. Pray to be released in Khao Lak and Ban La-on.

Khao Lak / Phang Nga – Weather

Visitors to Khao Lak on the Thailand trip, expect that the weather is warm all year round.

If hot weather is not your style then the cool NE monsoon season from November to March is the least humid and cool breezes keep everything comfortable. The average temperature is about 24 ° C to 32 ° C at this time.

For sun worshipers is the warmest time from April to May, with temperatures ranging from 27 ° C to 36 ° C. It is often short downpour with thunder it is necessary for temperature and humidity. June, July and August are less warm, although the weather is generally good, there may be short but heavy showers, with plenty of sunshine between the rains. The temperature ranges from 20 ° C to 33 ° C.

During September and early October, the monsoon comes in, but even then there is long intervals of sunshine between the heavy showers.

Khao Lak you can enjoy any time of the year for Thailand trip because of the different tours and activities, both water and land offered at most times of the year.

Khao Lak / Phang Nga – Beaches

It is perhaps not an island, but with miles of pristine beaches in front of you so the Khao Lak all the best parts of a desert-island flight – without the high cost that you would otherwise find on your Thailand trip.

The chance to pack a picnic basket and find your own paradise – just rolling waves, a few crabs that slide along the beach and be the only one on the spot – is really a reality. While each beach has ample supplies of “the big three” – sun, sand and surf – they also have less experience.

Bang Niang Beach

The second most popular beach is Bang Niang and like Nang Thong is still far from narrow. Some long-tail fishing boats goes around in the ocean, a small collection of resorts overlooking the beach and the mundane but cheap Thai restaurants and massage cabins – the perfect paradise views – You can sit on the small sandy hill that slopes down towards the incoming surfers.

Khao Lak Beach

Forest and waves meets at the southernmost beach in Khao Lak. Probably the area’s most shadiest stretch of sand with tall trees along the edge of the beach with branches extending to the sea. Note that there are no sun beds for hire, no traveling salesmen and not very nearby, just a few resorts.

Khuk Khak Beach

Khuk Khak Beach, only a few resorts tucked among the pines and palms that mark the end of civilization and the beginning of endless stretches of almost emptiness.

Follow signs from Khuk Khak village to the beach of the same name, year of the highway and the road leading to the water, and then enjoy the silence of solitude on your Thailand trip. Here is more likely to encounter local fishermen than other travelers.

Nang Thong Beach – La On Village

The most populated beach in Khao Lak is not really tight. The half dozen of resorts located to the beach gives people enough satisfaction and pool with sea view on trips States explains why most do not go right down to the sand.

Pakarang Cape

Although no one actually calls Pakarang Cape Khao Lak horns, they could very well be it. It is projecting into the sea and offers a great vantage point to beaches both north and south. Filled with shells and broken coral, it is not the most friendly beach to sunbathe on your Thailand trip. It’s definitely interesting, it’s easy to get here by car or motorcycle, and it is incredibly uninhabited.

Pakweeb Beach

Some of Khao Lak’s most attractive resorts are scattered on Pakweeb Beach is several kilometers long coastline, and with good reason. The beach is nice although it may take a while to realize what separates this beach from others. National park status, which means no motorboats a fact that makes you likely, will not find a more peaceful place on their Thailand trip. As an added bonus, here is the surrounding trip States recognize the importance of what a clean beach is and will go to great lengths to constantly keep the sand in top form.

Khao Lak / Phang Nga – Attractions

Khao Lak area is simply a brilliant natural wonders: deserted beaches, lush national parks, exotic tropical islands and refreshing waterfalls, all of which are within reasonable driving distance from many accommodation options. All with unique opportunities to explore the wonders of this area of your Thailand trip.

There are many tours to choose from if you have Bang Niang as basis. From taking day trips to the Similan Islands to explore the nearby national parks for an hour long trip on an elephant, there’s plenty to keep you busy.

For those who choose a more relaxing holiday with the family on their Thailand trip, many hotels offer excellent facilities for children and on the beach, one can find a giant playground with Hobie Cats, windsurfing boards and kayaks. But for those who are looking for more out-of-the-box activities on their Thailand trip, here are some suggestions.

Trekking

It abounds with hiking opportunities in Khao Lak / Laem Ru National Park and close to Sri Phang Nga National Park and Thai Muang National Park.

Khao Lak / Lamru is one of the many national parks in the province of Phang-Nga covering a total area of 125 km2 along the west coast. It contains parts of Thai Muang, Kapong, Takua Pa, Phang-Nga district, about 33 km south of Takua Pa Town on the way the fourth

The park offers a variety of sightseeing opportunities for nature lovers and there are lots of exotic plants and animals in the middle of the landscape which includes beaches, hills, mountains, forested valleys, mangroves and estuaries. One of the park’s many attractions is Kao Lak Mountain by the sea with a Chinese temple dedicated to the wizard of the mountain. On your Thailand trip, you can find temple near Thai Muang district.

Day and overnight accommodation Canoe tours in Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay is where you are on your Thailand trip if you want to find some of the most spectacular locations for rowing.

A day trip is brilliant, but for the ultimate experience you should try sea canoe under the stars at night.

The strange and beautiful limestone scenery around the area contains a secret world of karsts, caves, tunnels and lagoons – known locally as ‘Hongs’. These collapsed caves have been eroded by natural forces over millions of years and can only be occupied by a sea canoe or kayak when the tide is just right, this reveals a hidden and unique nature. Sea kayaking is an ideal eco-tourism and is the perfect way to explore this fascinating world. The silent method does not disturb the local wildlife and provide plenty of time to appreciate the stunning scenery and natural wonders on your Thailand trip.

You do not have to paddle by yourself. You can sit in a safe inflatable kayak with an instructor who has a good local knowledge of the natural history and geography in the area and paddle for you. Local traders have so far had access to dozens Hongs between Phang Nga and Krabi in the south. Hong Each has its own distinct character, so it’s easy to spend several days visiting island after island on your Thailand trip.

Khao Lak waterfalls

Then Khao Lak is bounded on the east by the mountains of Khao Sok National Park, there are many waterfalls to explore in the vicinity of each other. Most are best to see from August to November when the rainy season.

Many of the waterfalls located in national parks, which means you pay 100 baht for a ticket at the gate – but this ticket gives access to area parks throughout the day that the ticket was issued.

In most cases, includes a hike so make sure you have insect repellent and good shoes for you, otherwise you will in some cases not be able to reach your destination. Most waterfalls in Forest rangers are open 8:00 to 16:30.

Lampi Waterfall

Lamp is 30 minutes south of Khao Lak just off highway 4 at the 33 km mark. A very nice waterfall in three levels, are best seen in the early morning hours or late afternoon. It is just a short walk from the parking lot, which makes access easy for everyone who wants to experience the waterfall on their Thailand trip.

In the parking lot you will find a café, a restaurant and a souvenir shop. The water at the falls is deep and you can swim to a shady spot, expect that there are enough people.

Ton Prai waterfall

This is a three-tier waterfall is reached by a challenging 650-meter walk through the jungle on a path to good and informative signs along the way. Visitors may walk on a path of roots, bamboo bridges, stone and concrete roads. It is something of a challenge to get up the mountain from Highway 4, but definitely worth it. The journey is best to take in the dry season.

Pakweep (Sai Rung) Waterfall

This is the most accessible waterfall of Khao Lak is located just north of Bang Niang. Locally it is called Sai Rung (Rainbow) and it is a charming and refreshing place to spend time, and not so surprising offers nearby Sarojin Resort guests have the choice to bring a picnic meal. The waterfall is located near the parking lot, so access is easy for the visually impaired or elderly in their Thailand trip.Free admission.

Ton Chong Fa waterfall

This waterfall is located seven kilometers from the main road in Bang Niang and one should be aware that there is a steep and difficult to walk along a bumpy road from the parking lot to the waterfall. Fortunately, the surrounding forests plenty of shade. This five-level waterfall has a good swimming pool and swimming is possible, but you should be careful.

Khao Lak / Phang Nga – Shopping

Bang Niang Shopping

Shopping in Bang Niang is largely focused on the market and the area Soi Bang Niang # 1 is next. You can cover the entire area for an hour. The market is fascinating and will certainly keep your attention for a long time. Choose one of the many tailors – they will all take about the same price and do not forget that if you cannot find a particular item on your Thailand trip here, so there is Khao Lak Centre – also known as La On Village – just on the road south .

Bang Niang Market Day

Always a colorful and lively approach, Thai markets are a must on any visitor’s Thailand trip. Bang Niang market is particularly interesting because it is large and varied, and a large part of the local shopping.

Here you will find the four rows of temporary shops / stalls with two wide streets through them. The products you can buy here are shirts, t-shirts, sarongs, swimwear, jeans, shoes, accessories, fruits and vegetables (especially popular with visitors), grilled food, snacks, watches, sunglasses, fake perfumes, Thai silk, souvenirs and almost everything you can imagine.

Because of the major streets, the atmosphere is relaxed and happy and never becomes too crowded – there are also a couple of bars to sit on – and both sellers and traders seem to enjoy the many foreigners who participate in this. It is best to visit the market in the afternoon.

Opening hours: every day, but the most important days are Monday through Wednesday and Saturday 15:00 to 19:30.

Daeng Leather

If you are looking for handmade leather goods on your Thailand trip, there is only one place you need to go to – a neon-lit corrugated-iron roof hut halfway down to Soi Bang Niang # 1.

Daeng leather does not even have a sign, but it is filled with bags, jackets, boots, shoes and slippers. Prices are not cheap, but the quality is high. The owner Khun Daeng, can make your goods on order, but you have to give him time to get the best results, find him early in your stay.

Opening hours: 12:00 to 22:00
Location: Soi Bang Niang # 1

La On Village Shopping

Kanyarak Crafts

A stylish shop selling good quality of cutlery, plates, vases, tea kettle, lights and other attractive household items and accessories. Kanyarak has made great efforts to make him one of the most elegant shops in the area. On your Thailand trip, you will experience Kanyarak as a treasure trove of Asian quality goods.

Khao Lak Centre Point Bazar

This is the oldest site and it has seen better days. There are standard things like swimwear, toy store that sells all kinds of water sports related stuff, jeans, t-shirts, pirated DVDs and lots of things that you probably do not need, but are so cheap so you have to buy it – just in case. If you are on your Thailand trip and planning to go on a day trip to the nearby islands or take a kayak trip, they are small plastic protective bags for storing your electronic goods a good buy. Center Point is also home to a clock repair service, in case you’re Rolex Oyster starts to fuss.

Opening hours: 12:00 to 23:00
Location: Central La On

Jaoying

Another “girl” boutique, but this time it’s with a bit of class. Jaoying offers branded apparel and accessories “100% Thai silk” and tapestries together with tasteful novelty things like pearls and most tree elephants. Jaoying also Thai silver is a versatile All Rounder, which is definitely worth a visit on your Thailand trip.

Opening hours: 10:30 to 23:00
Location: Central La On

Khao Lak / Phang Nga – Restaurants

Bang Niang Beach restaurants
Chong Fah Seafood

If you cannot resist eating with the sand between your toes, it is Chong Fah Seafood definitely something for you on your Thailand trip. With heavy wooden furniture, well-spaced tables, several pavilions and a large open kitchen is the place where you can enjoy the delicious sea breeze while you eat the catch, but you must do it early because Chong Fah closes at 22:00.

Hours: 8:00 to 22:00
Location: Bang Niang Beach
Cuisines: Thai Seafood

Dao Thong

Serves Thai food and sometimes steaks and western cuisine. Dao Thong lives up to its name “Golden Star” when their light set inside is very attractive and unusual. You can choose your seafood from the icy “boat” booth outside.

Opening hours: 18:00 to 23:00
Location: opposite the Bang Niang market
Cuisines: Thai / International

La Roma

A simple but efficient restaurant. La Roma is Italian owned and specializes in pizza and mixes Thai cuisine with Italian cuisine. It is the personal attention that counts here because La Roma is a small and intimate venue with views of the market on the opposite side of the road.

Opening hours: 18:00 to 23:00
Location: opposite the Bang Niang market
Cuisines: Italian / Thai

La On Village restaurants

9 Restaurant & Bar

With modern look and well decorated is 9 Restaurant & Bar a bit of a chameleon, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s quiet, nice and big enough to enjoy a little snack before dinner.

Opening hours: 12:00 to 23:00
Location: Central La On
Cuisines: Thai / European

Discovery Cafe

Discovery is a restaurant or a bar? It’s up to you to find out. It is definitely a restaurant in the early evening, but later turned it into something of a night spot – and certainly more relaxed than others of Khao Lak standards.
Opening hours: 08:00 – 24:00
Location: Central La On

Jao Khao Lak Seafood and Seafood

Two side-by-side seafood companies that are as long as they are wide – in other words, there is not much difference between them in terms of price, service and food quality. They say that competition is good for business and in this case it is very true, as both restaurants’ standards are kept high.

Opening hours: 12:00 to 23:00
Location: Next to The Happy Snapper, Highway 4
Cuisines: Thai Seafood

Khao Lak / Phang Nga – Nearby

Similan Islands – Mu Ko Similan National Park

This group of rocks and islands located 90 minutes by speedboat off Phang-Nga or eight hours or more with the slow boat from Phuket. The area was declared a national marine park in 1982 and is thus largely undeveloped. Similan comes from a Malay term meaning “nine”, therefore Similan to the nine largest islands in this group that you can visit on your Thailand trip.

The waters around the Similan are hard to beat with its tropical fish, colorful coral and offers great visibility underwater. Diving is generally considered to be the best in this whole area and compared with some of the best in the world.

Part of the reason for this is the very interesting terrain, partly because of the large stone blocks that are not only located in coastal areas, but also in tangled piles below the waves to a depth of 35 meters or more.

Surin Islands – Mu Koh Surin National Park

Surin Islands are located about 60 km off the west coast of Phang-Nga province, famous for scuba diving, snorkeling and hiking near what is called a National Park. Of the five islands that make up the group are Koh Surin Neua (North Island) and Koh Surin Tai (south island), the largest islands – located just across a small bay from each other and find the usual bungalows and campsites, if you feel like staying here during your Thailand trip.

On your Thailand trip, Surin Islands and Similan Islands best visited during the months from December to March, when the seas are calmest and for divers and snorkelers visibility is good. Local nature enthusiasts benefit primarily those islands for the many hiking opportunities available here. Especially on the northern island where you will find a number of avenues.

To reach the Surin Islands, take a boat from one of the major bridges in Phang-Nga, Phuket and Ranong province. From Khao Lak’s sailboat from the beach or you can go up to the village of Ban Hin Lat for the simplest (and cheapest!) Access from the mainland.

Khao Lak / Phang Nga – Article

Experience the adventure in Khao Lak
By John Nathaniel

Looking for a vacation at the beach with crystal clear water? Looking for a holiday to fresh up your mind and your soul? Then you should visit Khao Lak, a resort town in Pang Nga and about 100 kilometers from Phuket. It is easily accessible to tourists and to be a quiet and peaceful place to live.

Khao Lak is a popular tourist destination that attracts tourists from as far as Europe. Excitehotels.com gives tourists the best accommodation in hotels in Khao Lak at very low prices.

There are many famous places to visit in Khao Lak, as Chong Fah waterfall that is beautiful and good for cooling. Takuapa Old Town is filled with quaint shops and the typical local markets selling traditional items and there are also a few restaurants on the river bank there too. Lampi Waterfall is the famous waterfall, best seen in the early morning hours, when the sun is at a moment shines through the fog and creates a beautiful view. Cheow Lan Lake is a beautiful place where the view of the lake with limestone is perfect.

Feel the magic of nature

Khao Lak offers many adventurous activities like jungle trekking on foot or elephant, canoeing and rafting. It is a great place for diving safaris. There is also scuba diving classes offered on the open water. Sea kayaking is environmentally friendly and provides an accurate and natural feel of nature. It is also very good for physical health as it provides as much as an aerobics workout. Rafting is the most preferred among all sports and gives tourists a unique experience compared to other activities.

There is a wide range of festivals and events that are celebrated example. Chao Ley or Boat Floating Festival of Morgan people or gypsies of the Andaman Sea. It occurs in gypsies’ village where they celebrate their spiritual ancestors. The festival is followed by musical performances and dancing. The Turtle Releasing arrangement at Thai Muang Beach is an annual seven-day long event in March, when the newly hatched turtles into the sea at Thai Muang National Park. Leatherback and Olive Ridley turtles are the species commonly hatched.
Loy Kratong is a national festival that is celebrated with pomp and splendor. It is called the “Festival of Lights” and is the most enchanting festival in Thailand. Khao Lak offers tourists a wide variety of entertainment and festivities that keep them busy and give them an amazing and unforgettable experience.