Attractions in Khao Lak

Lovers of the sea and the beautiful beaches will find exactly what they were looking for in Kau Lek. Kao Lek is an area that includes a cluster of several tourist villages, an area near the sea. Its total area is about 30 km, with parts of it belonging to the district of Takua Pa (Takua Pa) and other parts belonging to the district of Mueang (Mueang). From Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park. 

Before jumping into the water, get travel insurance

Attractions in Thailand, and in Khao Lak specifically, are a particularly fun affair, but also contain a certain amount of risk because many times it involves less routine activities such as diving, mountain climbing, water sports and challenges, and more. That is why the importance of taking out travel insurance for Thailand before the trip (cannot be purchased from Thailand) is even more important. You simply don't travel to Thailand without travel insurance - it goes without saying - but in addition to the basic insurance it is important to expand the policy so that it covers any activity you think you would like to take part in. This way you can move around Thailand with peace of mind, and visit the amazing beaches of Khao Lak without fear of getting on a boat or wearing a wetsuit.

To read about travel insurance to Kau Lek and purchase online, click here.

The beaches not to be missed

Most of those who come to this area, focus on the beaches it offers, including local resorts, which offer all the pampering and everything else. Here is a list of some of the most prominent ones that justify a short or long stop:

Khao lak beach

This is the first beach you meet when you drive north, on the road of Phang Nga province, where its name is also the name of the entire area (Khao Lak). Along the beach you will find a number of hotels, so a long and extended stay there is definitely possible and if you have a few hours at your disposal, you should use them for rafting in a bamboo boat and a visit to the sea turtle conservation center (it is recommended to purchase in advance Integrated card for two attractions).

In addition, there are good restaurants on the beach that serve local cuisine and, of course, fresh seafood as well as several bars, which serve the vacationers and those looking for some activity that goes beyond the "belly" can go snorkeling at the northern end of the beach.

Simply Thailand's most recommended hotel in the Khao Lak Beach area:

Bang Niang Beach

This is one of the most prominent beaches of Khao Lek and also one very popular with backpackers. It has a relatively wide selection of restaurants, places to shop, and often parties are held until the wee hours of the night. This beach has developed rapidly in recent years and is now a well-known and particularly popular stopping point. It offers a very relaxed and pleasant atmosphere and also a long stretch of beach that seems never ending. The turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea make staying on the beach an experience like no other, and all this alongside the excellent hospitality offered to vacationers. 

Simply Thailand's most recommended hotel in the Bang Niang Beach area:

Khuk Khak Beach

This beach stretches over an area of ​​5 km between Bang Niang and Cape Pakarang and it offers great resorts, surrounded by the lovely pine trees and palm groves, which bring peace to vacationers and a particularly relaxed atmosphere. The local fishermen walk along the beach no A little, when next to them lie the many tourists who choose this beach as their vacation destination. The beach is also known, among other things, for its excellent restaurants located mainly in the northern part and for the great surfing conditions it offers between the months of May and November. 

Simple Thailand's most recommended hotel in the Khuk Khak Beach area:

Natai Beach

For those who are looking for a place of their own and quiet, Netai Beach is the right address. It is 6 km north to Phuket And it includes a 10 km stretch of beach with protected areas, which guarantee full preservation of the sense of isolation and calmness that you are looking for. The beach is less well-known and touristed compared to other beaches, and you will not see jet skis, speed boats or large hotels full of tourists. On the other hand, you will find Coconut trees and beautiful lagoons, which make visiting it a must. 

Thai Muang Beach

This mostly undeveloped beach is a long beach, located north of Netai Beach and about halfway between Phuket and Khao Lak. Near it are several small villages, a golf course for professionals and amateurs, a turtle farm and also a national park. Tai Maung beach is considered one of the quiet natural beaches in southern Thailand, with white sands and clear water. There are few hotels in the area near it and compared to the other beaches in Khao Lek it is less touristy and less crowded with people. All these make it an ideal beach for a relaxing and pleasant vacation and a perfect place for a break.  

Pakarang Cape

This charming strait offers a great view of the beaches, from the north to the south. Although it will not be the first choice of those who want to lie in front of the water and sunbathe, it will definitely be of those who are looking for an interesting and quiet place that can be easily reached by car or motorcycle. There are a small number of restaurants near it and also some travel agencies, which offer trips to near and far areas. It is hard to miss the fishermen, who come to it to catch small fish and also the sea birds, which land on the coral, which protrudes from the sea. 

Pakweeb Beach

Some of Khao Lak's most luxurious resorts are located on this very beach and for good reason. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, which is also defined as part of the national park, which makes it quieter and calmer, without motor boats and unnecessary noises. The beach is very clean and the water is clear. 

White sand beach

This beautiful beach, also known as the "Golden Beach" in the local language, is a 2.6 km stretch of sand, located between Cape Parakang and Pak Weep Beach, about 15 minutes' drive from La village. The colors of the sea, a perfect blend between Emerald turquoise, together with the powdery soft sand in light yellow tones, give the whole place a unique look. To all this, as a perfect addition that decorates the beach, we will add the abundant tropical vegetation, which also contributes a lot to the atmosphere.

Points of interest and interesting activities on the island

Beyond the backwaters in Kaw Lek, clear water and soft white sand, the area also has several points of interest worth stopping at and not a few activities that can "jump" any vacation. Of course, their choice depends on the nature of the travelers, their age, budget and of course also the type of vacation they are interested in. Some places are likely to be crowded with visitors, while some may be less so. Either way, all these points are an opportunity to get to know this region of Thailand a little more, the nature that characterizes it and also the local culture.

Similan Islands

These islands can be reached by fast boat in about 90 minutes from the shores of Phang Nga or in about eight to nine hours by slow boat from Phuket Island. They were declared a marine national park in 1982, a park that, even today, is largely undeveloped. Their name means "nine" after the nine main islands in this group of islands.

The water, which surrounds the islands, is abundant with dead fish, colorful corals and is very clear, so that you can see everything you have sunk very easily. This is also the reason why diving around them is highly recommended and they are considered one of the best diving sites in the world. Tons of visitors come to the Similan Islands every year, especially between the months of December and March, when the visibility in the water is at its best. You can go to the islands as part of day trips, which include diving and snorkeling. Details about diving tours and booking a place, you can do it easily, HERE.

However, professional divers are highly recommended to arrive for a longer time to take advantage of the many diving opportunities in the area.

Khao Sok National Park

This special national park covers an area of ​​739 square kilometers and is located about 50 kilometers northeast of Khao Lak. It belongs to the province of Surat Thani and is located within a relatively low mountainous area, with its highest point being at an altitude of 950 meters. The park is covered in rain forests, one of the oldest in the world and is known today as one of the most impressive tourist sites in southern Thailand, with a special point of interest that attracts many visitors - the Cheow Lan artificial lake with the Ratchaprapha Dam.

A visit to the artificial lake, as well as other important points of interest in the park, can be done as part of a full-day trip, but since it is a popular attraction, we strongly recommend it. order tickets In advance.

There are about 5 percent of the world's animal species in the national park, including tigers, elephants, wild boars, and more, as well as extremely rare plants. The topography of the park makes it one of the wettest areas in Thailand, due to the arrival of monsoons from the Gulf of Thailand between the months of November and April and monsoons from the Bay of Bengal between the months of May and October. Despite all this, it has quite a few pleasant sunny days and is open to visitors throughout the months of the year.

International Tsunami Museum (International Tsunami Museum)

This museum tells us the story of one tragic day, December 26, 2004, when a devastating tsunami occurred in the area that claimed many victims and caused enormous destruction in the Thai islands. The museum shows its visitors not only the destructive effects of the waves, created by the earthquake that struck the coast of Indonesia (an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1 on the Richter scale) but also the warning signs that, if they had been noticed at that time, would have saved the lives of many who lived in the district at the time Fang Nga. Near this museum you can see the remains of the Thai Navy Ship 813, a large steel ship, illustrating the strength of the waves that hit the beach in Khao Lak. The entrance fees to the museum are donated to the victims of the disaster and help with the consideration of the place. The museum is open daily from 9 am to 21 pm. 

Ton Chong Fa Waterfall

This waterfall, located about 7 km from Bang Niang, is a well-known stopping point in Khao Lek, one that attracts tourists looking for nature. A walk of about twenty minutes, walking through a rainforest, will take you directly to the first level of the waterfall , which also includes a large pool, where you can refresh yourself for long or short minutes. To reach the other four levels of the waterfall, you will have to walk inside a narrow and steep path, and it is only recommended for travelers in good physical condition. Since there is no organized infrastructure on the site, since it is a waterfall in the jungle, It is very useful to take care of food and drink ahead of time, as well as mosquito spray, if you plan to get there in the afternoon. 

Wat Tham

As elsewhere in Thailand, you will also find temples in Khao Lek, with this temple being one of the most important landmarks in the province. It is located in front of the highway that connects Phuket to Phang Nga and it includes a very large golden Buddha statue, lying inside a large limestone cave. You can visit the second cave on site by climbing the staircase at the back of the first cave. The place is open to visitors every day from 8 am to 18 pm.