Khao Lak Thailand description. Where is Khao Lak on the map of Thailand and how to get there. Map of Khao Lak in Russian
Khao Lak is located just 100 km north of popular Phuket and, unlike its neighbor, is famous for its calm and relaxed atmosphere. This resort is one of the pearls of Thailand: 20 km of beautiful sandy beaches, clear sea, palm trees with swings, and nearby there are hills and mountains covered with jungle and a national park. Khao Lak is also chosen as a convenient base point for traveling to neighboring islands - Similan, Surin, Khao Sok and Khao Lak national parks, Phang Nga Bay and many other places.
Today we will tell you in detail about this resort and what you can do here: beaches, excursions, hotels, activities and other useful information.
By the way, all our articles about the country can be read in the section.
Description of Khao Lak
Khao Lak is perfect for those who want some privacy and tranquility, families with children and couples in love. But lovers of clubbing and nightlife will not find anything to do here. And in the low season (from April to November) the resort is completely empty.
First of all, I would like to note that Khao Lak is the name given to the entire area with a length of 20 km from south to north, although the area near Mount Lak has this name. The rest is a few resort villages along the coast. Here are their names from south to north:
Bang La On
This village is considered the center of Khao Lak with a developed infrastructure: hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, massage parlors and everything a tourist might need. If you are coming here by bus, then by default this place will be considered the final stop where you will be taken, and if you need to get off in another village, say so. When booking a hotel, check its exact location.
The bus stop is located next to the supermarket, and from there there is a road to the beach.
Road to Bang Niang beach
Bang Niang
Literally 2 km to the north is the village of Bang Niang, less touristy and more quiet place, the only active place which has a market on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The center of the village is the 7-11 store, from which there is a road to the beach.
Sunset at Bang Niang
Khuk Khak
Khuk Khak is a very quiet “Thai” place. There is a small bus station and a market here. and there are very few people on the beach.
Khao Lak suffered more than any other place in Thailand from the devastating 2004 tsunami, when giant waves hit the coast, killing thousands of people. After this incident, there is a modern warning system here, tested in Indonesia and showing excellent results.
Climate in Khao Lak
There are 2 seasons here: dry (from November to March) and rainy (from April to October). As elsewhere, during the rainy season the price of everything falls, you can bargain for a significant discount, but on New Year and Christmas, on the contrary, is the peak season and prices are higher for everything.
The dry season is best for traveling, especially if you are going to the Similan Islands, because during the rainy season trips there are canceled. In general, the region is quite humid and has a lot of precipitation.
How to get there?
The most convenient way to get to Khao Lak is from Phuket, but it is also possible from Bangkok, because the majority of flights from Russia arrive in the capital.
Khao Lak - Phuket
Nearest airport to Khao Laku is located in Phuket 80 km. Direct flights to Phuket charter flights from Russia, you can also get there with a transfer in Bangkok.
A taxi from the airport to Khao Lak will cost from 1,700 to 2,000 baht, and the journey takes one hour.
Alternatively, contact your hotel in advance and arrange to be met.
It will be much cheaper to take the bus. From Phuket Airport, you first need to get to any bus station or just to a stop on Highway 4. From the bus station there are buses to Bangkok, Ranong, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Takua Pa and along the way they pass Khao Lak. The bus fare is 100 baht, the journey takes 2 hours.
Heavenly places!
Khao Lak - Bangkok
From Bangkok, it is best to take a bus to Phuket at the southern bus station and say that you need to go to Khao Lak. Usually the journeys take place at night, and if you sit in Bangkok late in the evening, you will be there by morning. The second option is to take a bus to Surat Thani and then transfer to a bus to Khao Lak.
You can also get to Surat Thani by train, choosing an overnight transfer, and from there take a bus to Phuket, which passes Khao Lak. In total, this journey will take 14 hours and can cost quite cheap if you take a ticket in a 3rd class carriage, but don’t expect comfort. Or take a ticket for a recumbent car, but the cost will be comparable to the bus, which in my opinion is preferable.
Read also:
Khao Lak beaches
People come to the resort primarily for the beaches, and Khao Lak certainly boasts of them! More than 20 km of beautiful sandy beaches, many of which have very few people. Conventionally, all of them can be divided into southern, central and northern part. The central part is the most active with good infrastructure, but in the northern and southern parts the beaches are completely wild, you rarely see a cafe or sun loungers - perfect for lovers of peace.
South Beach ( South Beach) also called Khao Lak beach, as the village of the same name is nearby. It is located south of the cape and Mount Lac, and the entrance to the national park is located just near here. The length of the beach is about 2 km, there are several cafes, exchange offices, it is very quiet and peaceful.
Nang Thong Beach and Sunset Beach located opposite the village of Bang La On - the most popular and active beaches of Khao Lak. In the village you will find many guesthouses and hotels, restaurants and cafes, massage parlors, money exchangers and even McDonalds. The beach produces good impression: there is shade from palm trees and trees, the sand is medium, the water is clear, and the entrance to the sea is not sharp, but not very flat either. And there are not many people, considering that this is the busiest place in Khao Lak. There are also swings suspended from trees, so it’s a great photo shoot against the backdrop azure sea guaranteed!
At Nang Thong Beach
Bang Niang Beach is located opposite the village of the same name, a couple of kilometers north of Nang Thong. There are fewer people here, but the tourist infrastructure is quite well developed: there are excursion agencies, massages, bars, restaurants, and at the turn from the main highway to the beach there is a 7-11 store. There are many fashionable hotels and restaurants on Bang Niang beach - we even took a special stroll through the territory of one of the villas, it was gorgeous!
Bang Niang Beach
Khuk Khak Beach located even further north and is one of the quietest and calmest. There are only a few hotels and resorts here, and there are palm plantations all around - it’s nice to ride a bike or bike. Tourist infrastructure poorly developed, everything is limited to specific hotels.
Pakarang Beach located just north, near Cape Pakarang, the westernmost point of Thailand. A good place for walking and snorkeling, there are a lot of corals in the sea, but for classic beach holiday better choose another place.
Beach Pak Weeb adjacent to Cape Pakarang. Excellent uncrowded beach with light sand and swings in the trees. There are several luxury hotels and villas around.
White Sand Beach
Beach swing Pak Weeb
A real bounty!
Bang Sak Beach The northernmost of the beaches of Khao Lak and one of the quietest and longest. There are several local cafes and several expensive hotels here.
Khao Lak attractions, tours, excursions and activities
Khao Lak is very conveniently located in relation to the nearest interesting places, and good trips can be organized from here.
Police boat 813. At a distance of 2 km from the shore there is a boat that was washed up here by the 2004 tsunami. They decided not to remove it anywhere and leave it in place. All the people in it died, like many others on the shore. Now work is underway to create a museum here, but for now there are just a few stands with photographs of those events.
Police boat 813
Waterfalls, elephant riding, Thai boxing can also be found in Khao area Varnish.
Khao Sok National Park considered one of the most beautiful parks in Thailand and located just an hour's drive from Khao Lak. There you can spend the night in houses on the water on Lake Cheo Lan, or swim there in a boat or kayak. In general, the park offers a lot of active entertainment: rafting, trekking through the jungle, elephant riding, visiting waterfalls, caves and much more. The “highlight” of the park is the Rafflesia flower - the largest on earth with a diameter of one meter and a weight of 10 kg.
Kao Lak National Park - Lam Ru. In the park you can see a real jungle with huge trees and wild nature: marvelous birds, monkeys, gibbons and Asian bears also live here. The park office is located on the cape, south of the village of Bang La On.
Hermit crab on the shore
Similan and Surin Islands ideal place for diving, very rich and varied undersea world! Transparent sea, perfect beaches and jungle - paradise. The territory of the islands is a national park, and Khao Lak is the most convenient point for traveling to these islands.
You can also go to Phang Nga Bay with its many islands and the most famous James Bond Island.
Among the activities, of course, diving, snorkeling and surfing are popular.
All excursions in Khao Lak can be booked at any travel agency, where you will be offered a large selection of trips.
Khao Lak hotels
Good hotels can be found along the entire coast of Khao Lak. Typically, accommodation prices in central Bang La On are slightly more expensive than in Bang Niang. The most luxurious hotels, such as the Mariott and Pullman, are located in the northern part.
Khao Lak on the map of Thailand
Marked beaches and some important points on the map
Updated 11/07/2019 Views 45276 95 comments
Khao Lak became the discovery of the year for me, despite the fact that I have already been to Thailand many places. It's a little loud, but I didn't expect to like it so much. I usually don’t go on vacation, but if the question arose about where I could go for a week for a relaxing holiday, then I would go there, although there are no “bounty” beaches or any special architecture there...
But it’s soulful and sparsely populated compared to Phuket and even Koh Samui, which are more like cities than lost tropical resorts. Khao Lak has the balance I need between the tourist infrastructure of the resort and at the same time a small number of people.
About Khao Lak
I have been planning to visit Khao Lak for a long time, I was wondering why it is not so popular, although it is very close to international airport. I had to fill the gap on the blog and write my review and mini-guide. And since I also wanted to go on an excursion to and from, I managed to combine business with pleasure.
Now there is already information about Khao Lak on the Internet, including sites in Russian, not like 5 years ago, but bloggers still don’t really like it. This is understandable, Khao Lak is more of a resort where you can have a good vacation, and not a place for wintering. There are no hospitals, no supermarkets, and housing for long-term rentals can be counted on one hand.
On the other hand, not winterers, but ordinary tourists also usually go on vacation to nearby Phuket, and not to Khao Lak, although getting from Phuket airport is not much longer than to Nai Harn. Why? Apparently too quiet and calm, the place is not for those who love entertainment and nightlife.
Alternatively, visit Khao Lak with excursions from Phuket, which is quite inexpensive. True, on excursions the goal is not to see the beaches and the city, but the temples and jungle in the area. Plus traditional elephant riding and rafting. Just keep in mind if you want something like this.
And I’ll list briefly what attracted me to the resort itself.
- Quiet and relaxing holiday
- Minimum of parties, since the contingent is mainly European-retired
- There are few people on the beaches, since the town is small and the beaches are long
- The resort looks pretty nice, many of the cafes are nicely decorated and the buildings have cheerful colors
Transport accessibility: mainland, so no need for ferry and not far from Phuket ()
Quite a nice alley - Bang Niang Road exit to the sea 
In general, it is very important for me that there are few people on the beach, so as not to feel like a herring in a jar, but at the same time I don’t want to relax at all. desert island.
I know that not everyone will understand me, and perhaps such a desire for solitude is generally characteristic only of residents of megacities. Although this may be purely my own understanding of relaxation, in which it is impossible to enjoy natural beauties from the crowd.
And I will emphasize again. Perhaps it was just me who thought so, but in some places Khao Lak (mainly Bang Niang) really looks a little different, somehow more civilized and European than many other resorts. And this despite the fact that he is not very popular. For example, the beaches of Kata and Kata Noi in Phuket also look European, but there are many more people there.
Areas and beaches of Khao Lak
About the beaches of Khao Lak
You must understand that there is no separate city called Khao Lak, this is the name of several villages/beaches united into one resort. Moreover, most of the resort’s territory is fields with palm trees, and the main attraction is Khao Lak National Park, that is, nature, waterfalls and the beaches themselves. Civilization is concentrated in literally several places.
In total, there are 7 districts/beaches in Khao Lak, of which, in my opinion, most will be interested in only 3, just where there is enough infrastructure necessary for vacationers. And another beach (Khuk Khak) is interesting from the point of view of sometimes coming for a swim, since it is not far from the main areas, but not living there. Therefore, we will only talk about 4 beaches and areas:
— Khuk Khak Beach
The remaining 3 beaches (Pakarang Beach, Pak Weep Beach, Bang Sak Beach) are completely amateurish, there is little civilization there, and the beaches are worse, the dominance of Thais on weekends (they come for picnics). I was also on the site, which is located on the territory national park between Khao Lak Beach and Bang Niang Beach, but it is not particularly interesting.
My favorite areas were Bang Nian and Nang Thong. And given that they flow into one another without a clear boundary, you can live in both. Looking ahead, I will say that these two beaches themselves are very similar, but I personally would choose Bang Niang. Moreover, many believe that Nang Tong is the first most developed resort, but it seemed to me that Bang Niang is such.
If we talk about the main areas of Khao Lak (where there is civilization), then I liked Khao Lak beach the least, despite its name of the same name as the entire resort.
Firstly, it somehow looks less neat due to the asphalt and crushed stone roads. Secondly, visually it is less beautiful there than in Bang Niang. Thirdly, there is not even a 7-11 there and, in fact, there is only one small street and a couple of alleys, the area is very small. That is, the choice of cafes, hotels, shops is minimal, there is nowhere to go.
In fact, there is no choice, only one normal minimarket, and even then it’s not a 7-11 after all. That is, for me it’s neither here nor there, and it’s not really in the wilderness, so to be alone and civilization is not enough, if not just once. But perhaps someone will like this particular combination.
But the beaches here are excellent. That part of the beach opposite civilization is fenced off from it by a line of casuarinas that create shade in the first half of the day. First-line hotels have their pools and sun loungers right on the shore, for example, the chic The Anda Mani Khao Lak By Epikurean Hotels & lifestyle 
with a very high rating.
If you come from Phuket, then after quickly passing Khao Lak beach and passing the pass, you will go down the mountain to the village of Bang La On. To be honest, I don’t know if you need to know this name because the beach is called Nang Thong. And the bus driver or taxi driver, if you tell them that you need to go to Khao Lak, will bring you right here. This place is considered the center Khao resort Varnish and the most developed, there is even McDonald's.
The main civilization is located right on the highway, there are plenty of hotels, a 7-11, a bank, and in general, when you drive in the evening in the dark, everything around glows, it seems that the whole city around. This entire area stretches strongly along the highway, and, accordingly, along the coast. The distance from the highway to the beach is less than, for example, in Bang Niang. There are first-line hotels along the entire coastline; La Flora Resort & Spa Khao Lak is highly praised 
, Although this resort remote from the epicenter of infrastructure and almost bordering Bang Niang.
The southernmost part of the area is sometimes called Sunset Beach, either because it’s good for watching sunsets, or because it’s Khaolak Sunset Resort located. But you won’t find such a beach on maps, and there is no border between the beaches at all.
Be sure (and I insist) to check for discounts or special offers on a great service. It will quickly and easily show you discounts in all existing booking systems. In Asia, for example, there are a lot of offers on Agoda.com, which are much more interesting than for exactly the same hotels on Booking.com.
Nang Thong beach is good all the way, I liked it. There are a lot of walking pensioners, two lighthouses, one on the shore, the other at sea, are quite common big stones in water. .
Many people believe that the most infrastructurally developed beach is Nang Thong. But it seems to me that this information is outdated, Bang Niang is in no way inferior to it, except that there is no McDonald's. But there is a whole one, even 2.
At the same time, Bang Niang is more compact, since it extends much less along the coast compared to Nang Tong. That is, approximately the same number of cafes and hotels are located in a smaller area, and you don’t need to travel kilometers to get somewhere. And likewise, Bang Niang is not crowded even during peak season. All the photos were taken by me at the end of January, and photos are taken on the beaches.
In general, if I were choosing where to stay in Khao Lak, the hotel would be booked on this beach. Actually, that’s what I did when I came to Khao Lak. In any case, getting to Nang Tong is not a problem, beach line so there is no interruption at all, you can go and go, which is what many pensioners here do in the morning and late in the evening.
The entire civilization is concentrated on the highway and near the Bang Niang Road. It overlooks the beach and conditionally divides it into northern and southern parts. Southern part part about 
Khuk Khak Beach
Khuk Khak is the very beach where it would make sense to come sometimes when living in Bang Niang or Nang Thong for the sake of almost complete solitude and relaxation. You begin to notice the absence of civilization immediately when you turn from the main road into the fields. You drive and drive, and there are only palm trees, jungles and rare houses around. local residents. Nothing else.
And only when you go to the coastline, you come across several hotels and at least some infrastructure, which, in fact, is represented by these hotels themselves. Moreover, there are literally several hotels on several kilometers of the beach, you can count them on your fingers.
The beaches attract many tourists every year. That's why resort towns, as a rule, are filled with people, and finding a secluded place is very difficult. But still, there you can find a quiet town where you can relax in a calm atmosphere. One such place is a quiet Thai town called Khao Lak.
Location and general information
The small island of Khao Lak was previously just a small village. But over time, several small villages located nearby along the coast Andaman Sea merged into one big tourist centre. With the development of the tourism industry in Thailand, the level of service developed, and new buildings were built, thus, from an ordinary village, Khao Lak turned into a tourist paradise, where developed infrastructure combined with unique natural landscapes.
Khao Lak resort is located next to the Andaman Sea. It is fenced off from the ocean high mountains. It is this favorable location that determines the climate of this Thai town. The weather here is warm throughout the year. The tourist season is officially open here from November to May.
The weather at this time is optimal for relaxation, since the tropical heat is diluted by the northeastern monsoons and sea breezes. At this time, the temperature in the city remains at 25 - 30 degrees. The rainy seasons are characterized by high temperatures and frequent rainfall.
The nature of this town is rich and varied. So that tourists can admire it without risk and take photos against the backdrop of bright flowers and tall trees, the beautiful Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park was created. There, the wild jungle is combined with neat paths, walking along which guests of the kingdom can observe squirrels, exotic birds and other small animals of Thailand. There are also waterfalls that fascinate everyone with their pristine beauty.
Sights and recreation areas
Unlike most resorts in Thailand, tourists come to Khao Lak not for noisy fun, but to relax and retire.
Map of Khao Lak with attractions
There are a lot of spas, yoga clubs and all kinds of health centers built in the city. The whole atmosphere of the city encourages tourists to forget about their problems and, in a few days of rest, relax and improve their health both physically and mentally.
Khao Lak is a quiet and cozy holiday
In addition, near the city there are many natural attractions, against which tourists who come to Thailand like to take photos. For example, Lampi waterfall. It is located 30 minutes from Khao Lak, just off Route 4. You can get there by taxi or rented transport. The waterfall itself is just a short walk from the parking lot.
It's best to go there early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Against the backdrop of a morning waterfall one gets best photos. In addition, you can swim there at any time. This is allowed and quite safe.
Lampi Waterfall (Khao Lak, Thailand)
Another colorful waterfall near Khao Lak is Chong Fa. It's easy to find because there is a blue sign on Route 4 that shows the way to the waterfall. Entrance to the waterfall territory is paid, for adults a ticket costs 100 baht, for children - 50. Near the waterfall it is great to relax on hot days and take memorable photos.
Chong Fa is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Khao Lak
Another worth attention The natural heritage of Khao Lak is the local national park. You can go there from 8:30 to 16:30. You can walk in the park all day long, because there is a restaurant on its territory where you can have a snack if necessary.
From the park you can go to the beaches of Nang Thong or Khao Lak, or walk to the famous Buddhist temple. Entrance to the temple is free for children under three years old, adults pay 100 baht for entry, children under 14 years old pay half that amount.
Khao Lak Lamru National Park is one of several popular national parks Thailand
Also not far from Khao Lak there is such an original attraction as Police Boat 813. At the beginning of the millennium, it was one of two police boats designed to protect the son of a former princess. During the 2004 tsunami, one of the ships sank along with its crew. The second boat washed ashore, and since then it has stood there as a historical monument.
Police boat washed up 2 km from the shore
In addition, you can go to Old city and Takua Pa. In the old quarter of Takua Pa there are still quaint examples of old Sino-Portuguese architecture, where tourists stop at literally every step to take photos. There are also plenty of quaint shops and a traditional local market.
Hotels, shops and markets
Despite the absence of large shopping centers and shopping malls in the city, resort town you can buy everything you need for comfortable rest. Prices for food in stores are not very high, and in the markets you can try everything Exotic fruits, without spending much. However, it is better to go to the market early, because after lunch the traders go home.
Tourist town opposite Nang Thong Beach, Khao Lak
As for souvenirs, it is better to buy them in the town of Baan La On, which is located next to Khao Laka. In the main square of the city there is a large market where you can buy figurines of Thai gods, paintings, jewelry and even handmade musical instruments.
Souvenirs made of wood and coconut
But if you don’t want to travel that far, you can also find souvenirs in the Khao Lak Souvenir shop near Nang Thong Beach.
It is prohibited to export Buddha figurines larger than 15 cm. Thais consider this an insult to religion.
The most popular place among tourists is the Nang Tong supermarket. It presents a wide variety of goods, both household and grocery. And near each beach you can find small shops where, in addition to household items, you can also buy ready-made frozen foods.
Beach holiday
They are distinguished by their well-groomed and cleanliness. In this quiet resort town you can soak up the white sand and swim in clear sea water, which is not always possible on other beaches in Thailand. There is enough space for vacationers here. Coastline stretches along the sea for ten kilometers. True, the beaches are mostly wild.
Only two of them are developed by tourists: Nang Thong and Bang Niang. The first one is considered the most popular in the whole city. Near it you can find many cozy and inexpensive hotels and restaurants that provide a large selection of food and drinks. From the shore you can see many sea creatures that you previously only saw in photographs:
- Crabs;
- Turtles;
- Exotic fish, etc.
The southern part of Nang Thong Beach is also known among tourists as "Sunset Beach". Many tourists, coming to this resort, bring home photos against the backdrop of sea sunsets.
Nang Thong Beach is also known among tourists as "Sunset Beach"
The beach called Bang Niang is more suitable for family vacation. A bunch of water attractions, cozy sun loungers and massage parlors will allow you to find entertainment to suit both children and parents. In addition, next to the beach there is a snake farm and Chong Fa waterfall, so in addition to a beach holiday, you will have something to do.
Less crowded, but therefore even more attractive beaches that are recommended for visiting are Pakwip and Khao Lak. The latter attracts with its natural beauty, which you just want to save in a photo as a memory of the trip. You won't find any sun loungers or umbrellas there, but the alternative is to relax in the shade of tall trees on the snow-white sand.
Pakwip beach, in turn, is almost deserted, but at the same time attractive. Nearby there are good five-star hotels and the Buddhist monastery of Baan Pakwip.
Pakwip Beach is the quietest and least developed in tourist destination resort beach
In general, the boundaries between separate beaches are quite conventional and they are all available for recreation throughout the whole year. They are protected from storms by high reefs, so even during the monsoon period you can snorkel, dive, or simply conquer the waves and take photos against the backdrop of the sea.
Transport
Most Popular vehicles to get around Khao Lak it is:
- Knock Knock;
- Motorbike;
- Automobile;
- Bike.
You can hire a tuk tuk for your own route. At first, the price may seem high, but you can bargain and agree to travel for almost half the price. You need to agree on the cost before departure, so that upon arrival you do not have conflicts with the driver due to misunderstandings.
Check the cost of the trip, since payment can be made both per person and for the cost of the trip as a whole.
To explore the area on your own, it is better to rent a motorbike or scooter. There are two types of rentals: daily and monthly.
A day's rental costs approximately 200 baht, if rented for long term you will receive a significant discount. You can find transport near travel agencies, restaurants and internet cafes. To rent, you will need a passport (or at least a copy of it) - it is advisable to leave a cash deposit, which will greatly increase the likelihood of not becoming a hostage to circumstances.
You can also rent a car on the island. All offices provide a selection of cars of different models for different prices. Remember that to drive a car on the roads of Thailand you must have an international driver's license. The fine for driving without documents is 500 baht.
An international driver's license comes into force if you have a domestic driver's license, be careful and don't forget to take it with you.
How to get there
There are no direct flights to Khao Lak, but neighboring island Phuket has an international airport. Upon arrival in Phuket, you can already get to the tourist town by taxi. The trip will take just under an hour and cost approximately 1,200 baht.
But if you want to save money, you can take the bus. Direct flight, however, does not exist, so you have to go first to the bus station located in Phuket, and then change to another one that goes to Khao Lak.
In addition, Khao Lak can be reached from Bangkok. Traveling on a comfortable bus will cost about 500 baht. Road from Southern bus station and it takes approximately 10 hours to reach the resort.
Khao Lak can be reached by plane, bus, taxi and even by bicycle
The resort town of Khao Lak - perfect place, both for a family holiday and for visiting with a group of friends. Beautiful landscapes, pure nature and a huge selection of entertainment options will make your holiday unforgettable.
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Khao Lak
Khao Lak is a section of the coast of the Andaman Sea, located 80 km. north of Phuket. It got its name from the mountains of the national park of the same name, which dominate the surrounding area and create the unique landscapes of Khao Lak.
Khao Lak's lifestyle is very different from nearby Phuket. Unlike the latter, Khao Lak is not crowded, not fussy and much more moderate in prices. The difference with Phuket is especially striking when you see the beaches of Khao Lak, clean, long and practically deserted, and compare them with the beaches of Phuket, the number of tourists on which exceeds all imaginable limits.
In addition to its impressive beaches, Khao Lak's advantages include its convenient location in relation to the islands of the northern Andaman Sea and numerous national parks located within a radius of 100 km. from Khao Lak. It is not surprising that with such an advantageous location, many consider Khao Lak not only as a destination for a beach holiday, but also as a base for trips to the islands of Surin, Tachai, the Similan Islands and forested national parks such as Khao Sok National Park.
Beaches of Khao Lak
Of the beaches listed above, the southern ones Nang Thong and Bang Niang are the most heavily developed by the tourism industry and most of the hotels in Khao Lak are located next to them. Unlike the first two, Khuk Khak beach is almost untouched by civilization, is rarely visited and remains in its pristine state.
The second most important group of Khao Lak beaches is located in the bay north of the cape Pakarang and includes beaches and. The length of these beaches is approximately 8 km. and in their vicinity there are, for the most part, very expensive hotels.
In addition to the beaches located north of the national park, there is another group of beaches located in the south, between the mountains of the national park and the Tap Lamu pier (the departure point for ships to the Similan Islands). The length of these beaches is insignificant and is approximately 2 km.
Islands of the northern Andaman Sea
60 km. off the coast of Khao Lak there is a group of islands that includes the Bon Islands, the Richelieu Rock and the islands.
The islands listed above, with some degree of convention, can be divided into two groups: those that are of interest to the widest range of vacationers and islands that are interesting exclusively for divers.
The first group includes the Similan Islands, Tachai Island and the Surin Islands. All three feature crystal white coral beaches, pristine rainforest and shallow coral reefs adjacent to the islands, providing excellent snorkeling opportunities. By all accounts, snorkeling in Similan is one of the best, if not the best, in all of Thailand. However, this statement is no less true for diving than for snorkeling.
The second group of islands, accessible only to divers, includes Bon Island and Richelieu Rock (). These two places are famous, first of all, for the fact that in their vicinity you can most likely meet large inhabitants seas, such as a whale shark or a giant stingray. The list of attractions in Beaune and Richelieu is not limited to these giants. Suffice it to say that of the 400 species of fish and 200 species of coral in the Andaman Sea, most can be found in these two places.
Read more about the islands of the northern Andaman Sea
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The Similan Islands are one of the most beautiful places southern Thailand. Monumental granite cliffs, snow-white coral beaches, dense tropical forest and clear blue water- all this leaves an unforgettable and incomparable impression. The underwater world of the archipelago is no less impressive and, by all accounts, the diving and snorkeling in Similan is considered to be some of the best, if not the best, in all of Thailand. |
In general, Tachai and Similans are quite similar to each other. Like the Similan Islands, Tachai has a stunning beach with blue water, white coral sand and lush tropical vegetation. Directly opposite the beach there is a shallow coral reef, an excellent place for snorkeling. More deep places for diving enthusiasts are also present. In addition, the island has a trail through the jungle that allows you not only to see the local flora and fauna in detail, but also to enjoy the sounds and smells of the rainforest. |
Despite the fact that Surin, Tachai and the Similan Islands belong to the same group of North Andaman Islands, the Surin archipelago is strikingly different from its more southern neighbors. The coastline of Surin is indented by numerous bays; the surface of the islands is almost completely occupied by high hills covered with impassable tropical forest. There are almost no flat areas on the islands, but at the same time, the sea around the archipelago is shallow, which is unexpected given the hilliness of the islands themselves. As a result, the landscapes of Surin are unusual, unique and leave few people indifferent. |
Underwater world of Richelieu Rock
If you try to list the features of the underwater world of Richelieu Rock, there will be at least three of these features. Firstly, this is a place where you can meet large sharks and rays; secondly, it is a place where huge (up to a thousand individuals) schools of fish gather; and thirdly, this is a place where underwater life is represented in extraordinary diversity.
Huge schools of fish are one of the most impressive sights, which Richelieu Rock has to offer. It should be noted that the fish that make up these schools are quite decent in size, up to 60 cm in length. Usually such flocks are formed by a variety of snapper, but there are also flocks consisting of fusiliers and local horse mackerel (herring or trevally scad).
In addition to traditional reef fish, the Richelieu Rock area is home to some rather unexpected creatures. For example, different types sea devils and scorpionfish, mimicking stones and fragments of coral. Other mimetic fish are also present, such as the Ornate Ghost Pipefish, almost invisible against the backdrop of soft coral branches.
The underwater world of Richelieu Rock is not limited to fish. In the area of the rock you can find all sorts of funny mollusks and crustaceans in abundance: colorful harlequin shrimps, colorful sea snails and many other interesting creatures, of various shapes and colors.
Forest and coastal national parks in the Khao Lak area
There are several national parks in the Khao Lak area, three of which, (Ao Phang-nga), (Khao Sok) and Khao Lak (Khao Lak - Lam Ru), are worth special mention.
First of all, this is the Ao National Park located in Phang Nga Bay, famous for its unique views, as well as rocky islands with numerous grottoes, caves and inland lakes.
Secondly, there is Khao Sok National Park () - without a doubt, the most impressive forested national park in southern Thailand; a place of rare beauty and very diverse nature.
And finally, this is Khao Lak National Park (Khao Lak - Lam Ru) - mountain range, conveniently located close to the hotels and beaches of Khao Lak; a place visited by even the laziest tourists.
In addition to those mentioned above, in the Khao Lak area there are several more national parks, not as impressive as Phang Nga and Khao Sok, but nevertheless interesting in their own way. If you have enough time and a rental car at hand, driving around Khao Lak and seeing these national parks would be a very good idea.
Read more about the most visited national parks
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Phang Nga Bay Phang Nga Bay (Ao Phang-nga) is one of the main attractions of southern Thailand, a highly unusual and very beautiful place. Famous for its breathtaking views and rocky islands, indented by numerous grottoes, caves and lagoons. In total, there are 42 islands on the territory of Phang Nga, of different sizes and varying degrees of color. The most colorful and recognizable of them is James Bond Island, which before the filming of the famous film bore the modest local name Koh Tapu (literally “Nail Island”)..... |
Khao Sok National Park is home to one of the largest tracts of tropical rain forest in Thailand. There are several long and well-maintained walking trails through the forest, allowing you to get acquainted with the local flora and fauna, as well as enjoy the sounds and smells of the endless virgin forest. Most of these trails go through the hills and slides located along the banks of rivers and streams of the national park. Hiking through this terrain requires some effort, but the reward is the opportunity to see the many waterfalls of the national park. |
Khao Lak (n.p.) Khao Lak - closest to the one with the same name resort area national park. It is a mountain range that dominates the surrounding area and forms the unique landscapes of Khao Lak. The national park has a rather complex shape and consists of two parts: the mountains located near the coast, which give the name to the entire surrounding area, and the Lam Ru mountains located inland. Despite the fact that the mountains of the national park are visible from anywhere in Khao Lak, tourists see only a small part of the national park, the size of which is quite impressive. Nature, landscapes and lifestyle of all three islands approximately the same. The coastline of the islands, facing the Andaman Sea, is an almost continuous strip wild beaches. The eastern side of the islands, in contrast to the western side, is indented by numerous bays and covered with thickets of mangrove forests. The fauna of the islands is rich and varied; The islands are home to wild boar and deer, giant tortoises and exotic birds such as the hornbill, among others. Of the three islands, the most populated is south island, on whose territory there are several large hotels. The remaining two islands are less developed, especially northern island Ra, practically untouched by the influence of civilization.
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A secluded resort in Thailand's Phang Nga province, Khao Lak is the perfect destination for a family holiday. Located on the Adaman coast, the resort attracts tourists with its endless white beaches, rocky bays and waterfalls, dense mango jungle and the azure purity of the sea. Noisy clubs and night life here it gives way to relaxation in spa centers and yoga, heavenly beaches and the unique natural beauty of this place. Despite the fact that the resort is located away from the main entertainment centers, Khao Lak offers tourists a variety of views active rest and a full range of services: hotels, shops, restaurants.
How to get to Khao Lak
Khao Lak is located approximately 80 kilometers from Phuket International Airport. Such Russian airlines both S7 and Aeroflot offer direct flights from Moscow to Phuket, travel time is approximately 9 hours. You can fly from Bangkok to Phuket using the services local airlines in just 1.5 hours.
Alternatively, Khao Lak town can be reached by bus from Phuket and Krabi province. The city is also located on all bus routes from Bangkok in a southerly direction. You can get from Phuket by bus in 2 hours, paying approximately 100 THB. From Bangkok, the bus departs from the south terminal and takes approximately 11 hours. Prices on the page are as of March 2019.
Search for flights to Phuket (the nearest airport to Khao Lak)
Maps of Khao Lak
Khao Lak Hotels
The resort's hotels are varied. All of them fit harmoniously into the natural beauty of the place, without disturbing the eco-structure of these places. Most of the resort's hotels were completely rebuilt after the tsunami and offer tourists a high and modern level of service.
Comfortable hotel Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach Resort& Spa 5* is located on Baan Sak beach in the national park, an hour’s drive from Phuket International Airport. All hotel rooms are designed in traditional Thai style and include essential amenities. In addition, the hotel offers luxurious swimming pools, its own sand beach, three kilometers long, there are restaurants and cafes where you can taste Thai cuisine.
Beaches
The main attraction of this delightful place is its beaches. Pebble and sandy, they will amaze with their virgin beauty. For those who value solitude, not crowded, clean beaches will be to your liking.
The city's infrastructure is quite developed. Here you can find pleasant cafes and luxurious restaurants, massage and yoga centers, and diving schools. The streets are lined with colorful souvenir shops and traditional entertainment events for tourists take place almost every evening.
Diving in Khao Lak
Khao Lak is, above all, an ideal place for diving and aquatic species sports U west coast at a depth of 30-40 meters you will find fabulous underwater gardens with bouquets of underwater corals and soft corals, rare in nature, similar to a peacock’s tail. East Coast, where the terrain is more mountainous, is suitable for snorkeling. You don't have to swim far to see rare fish and, if you're lucky, a leopard shark.
Entertainment and attractions in Khao Lak
Khao Lak is popular place for eco tourism. The main goal of the Thai government is to protect this unique territory and preserve its pristine beauty. On the territory of the young resort there are three national reserves, which are open from 8:00 to 16:30. Khao Sok NP is especially popular. To enter the national park you need to buy a ticket, the cost of which is 300 THB.
Among the attractions of Khao Lak are the Similan Islands, whose wild and untouched nature is one of the ten most beautiful in the world.
In addition to diving, Khao Lak offers tourists other types of active recreation: jeep tours, canoe trips, rental mountain bikes, kayaking, hiking tours and, of course, elephant riding.
Holidays in Khao Lak
Weather
Khao Lak town is in zone two climatic zones. In the hot, dry season (March - May), the temperature rises to 35 degrees, and there is practically no precipitation.
When planning a vacation, you should remember that the rainy season in this region begins in June and ends in October. The temperature is high and is approximately 33 degrees.
From November to March weather The most optimal temperatures during the day are 28 degrees. Despite the fact that it is still cool on the coast thanks to the sea breeze, the water warms up to +25...28 degrees.
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