Khao Lak is a resort town in the Phang Nga province only just emerging as a tourist center, and as such is better suited to those with families or who are not in any kind of rush. It is popular with European tourists currently, perhaps for its easy-to-find location and the calm Phuket does not provide.
Location
Separated by mountains covered in tropical forest, Khao Lak is a 20 km long series of villages along the west coast of the Andaman Sea.
The most convenient way to reach Khao Lak is through Phuket, where the distance between the island's airport and the center of Khao Lak is about 80 km.
Beach Vacations
The pebbled beaches of Khao Lak are clean and hardly crowded, with the boundaries between them not clearly marked.
Located in the main village of Bang La On, the most popular of them is Nang Thong beach, which is most developed in terms of facilities.
Sights
Like many other southern provinces of Thailand, Khao Lak is renowned for its numerous natural beauties. National parks Khao Lak Lam Ru – located in the mountains, and Khao Sok – well-known for its elephant village, waterfall, and Sok River rafting opportunities, are but a couple. If waterfalls are up your alley, then check out Lampi and Chong Fah. Or, if you’re up for a drive, why not take in the Sino-Portuguese architecture in Takuapa Old Town, just 45 minutes by car from Khoa Lak. For those not opposed to going even further, say two hours, then Cheow Lan Lake also known as Ratchaprapha Dam Reservoir, which appeared after the construction of hydroelectric power plants on the Phra Saeng River, is also an option. Take a boat ride and admire the limestone rocks rising above the water, while you zip in and around 200 or so islets on the lake.
Finally, the famous Similan Islands are just 55 km west of Khao Lak, and a visit to the memorial of the victims of the 2004 tsunami is a must.
Entertainment and Activities
Three villages make up the hub of nightlife adventure in Khao Lak: the largest being Bang La On, followed by Bang Niang, and Khuk Khak.
While facilities are still being developed, you can still find cafés and restaurants, massage and yoga centers, as well as diving schools in and around the various villages. While many colorful souvenir shops line the streets by day, in the evenings, traditional forms of entertainment are staged. The beginning of March marks an important annual event – the release of baby turtles into the sea along the beach in Thai Muang National Park. Those looking for a little more activity can go windsurfing, snorkeling, or diving – the nearby Similan archipelago and Surin Island are great options to explore. Golfers should check out the Mountain View Driving Range and Tublamu Navy Golf Course, both great options for getting your clubs out and hitting a few balls.
Prices
In terms of development, Khao Lak is still finding its place as a true resort town, and as such hasn’t found the same popularity as nearby Phuket. This however ensures that prices, as yet, are much lower. Though, do beware, infrastructure tends to reflect this.
Please note:
though the number of tourists in Khao Lak is on the rise, this has not affected its reputation as a more or less peaceful region with a well-preserved natural environment, where the nightlife is minimal.
