Khao Lak – Travel Guide
Khao Lak – Travel Guide
Khao Lak (เขาหลัก) is a resort town in Phang Nga province on the western Andaman Sea coastline of southern Thailand, about 100 km north of Phuket Town. When the disastrous tsunami of 2004 struck South Asia, Khao Lak was the hardest-hit area in Thailand with over 4000 fatalities. It has since made an impressive recovery despite many hardships along the way, and is once again a popular tourist destination. Khao Lak mainly caters to families and those looking for R&R – party people prefer Phuket.
Get in Khao Lak
By plane
The easiest way to get to Khao Lak is to fly into either Phuket (the closest alternative) or Krabi and go to Khao Lak from there. Both airports serve international as well as domestic destinations.
A taxi from Phuket airport to Khao Lak costs between 1300 and 1600 baht. If you think this is too much and prefer to take a bus, you will have to get to the main road, Highway 4, about 5 kilometers from the airport. Hop on a bus headed towards Takua Pa, Ranong or Surat Thani, they all stop in Khao Lak. It’s about 80 kilometers from Phuket airport to Khao Lak.
By train
The nearest train station is at Surat Thani on the east coast, making this an inconvenient option.
By bus
From Bangkok, buses go to Khao Lak from the southern bus terminal (Sai Tai). The trip, which costs less than 500 baht, takes about ten hours and runs overnight. Don’t buy bus tickets from Bangkok travel agents – they will most likely make you go via Surat Thani where you have to change bus.
From the bus station in Phuket, take a bus towards Takua Pa, Ranong or Surat Thani. It will set you back about 50 .
From Krabi there’s a daily minibus to Khao Lak. All travel agents in Krabi sell tickets.
Get around Khao Lak
Intro
Khao Lak is essentially a series of villages along a beautiful coastline, with easy access to both land and sea based National Parks, waterfalls, elephant trekking, orchid farms and local towns. There is also an 18 hole Mini Golf Course! Travelling north, after passing Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park you have Bang La On, a few miles to the north are then Bang Niang and Khuk Khak. Hotel accommodation starts with The Poseidon Bungalows a few miles south of Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park, and ends at The Haadson resort on Bangsak Beach to the north. Most larger hotels will run a shuttle bus service into Bang La On, often described as Khao Lak centre although these may be at limited times and may be chargeable. There are plenty of taxis as an alternative. Bang La On is about 20 minutes by shuttle or taxi from, for example, The Sarojin. Bang La On has the most shops, bars restaurants and banks. There are also many ATM machines. Bang Niang is smaller, but still has a good selection.
You will find the majority of visitors to Bang Niang are couples whereas at Bang La On it’s mainly families. Khuk Khak is still quite small with a handful of restaurants and a few shops. In the High Season all of the restaurants will be open including a wide range of both independent and hotel based beachfront restaurants. In Bang Niang there is a large range of accommodation from the 4.5 star Ramada to bungalow resorts like The Sanuk Bungalows. In Bang La On the accommodation is primarily 3 to 4 star, for example, the Baan Khao Lak on Nang Thong Beach and The Paradise on Sunset Beach, the next beach going south. Just south of Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park there is Khao Lak beach which has the popular Merlin Resort and the relatively new boutique Lukanawadee resort.
See
- Chong Fah Waterfall – about 10 minutes east of Bang Niang – great for hot days, very scenic and accessible to all.
- Police Boat 813 – one of two police boats overseeing the vacation of Khun Phum Jensen, son of former Royal Princess Ubol Ratana (his father was an American, hence the last name) at the time of the 2004 tsunami. Khun Phum was jet-skiing when the wave struck, and he and the entire crew of one of the police boats (which was sunk) died. This is the other boat, which was swept inland and has been left exactly where the tsunami deposited it as a memorial and historical landmark.
- Takuapa & Old Town. At Takuapa Old Town you will find Sino-Portuguese architecture and have the chance to wander around the quaint shops (best in the early morning), about 45 minutes drive from Khao Lak. Takuapa Market and River Plaza are in the new town, slightly closer to Khao Lak (near the bus station). This is a typical local market and the Plaza has some good shops and a few riverside restaurants.
- Lampi Waterfall. About 30 minutes south of Khao Lak just off highway 4. A very nice waterfall, best viewed in the early morning as the sun rises from behind the mountains and the rays shine through the mist. The falls are only a short walk from the car park, making access easy for all.
- Khao Sok National Park. A visit to Khao Sok National Park will allow activities including jungle trekking on foot or elephant, visiting waterfalls & river rafting/canoeing. Around one hour drive north east from Khao Lak. A good day out, although accommodation is available for extended visits.
- Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park. Nice walks and a restaurant (not open in the evening). Between Nang Thong and Khao Lak beaches. Walkeable from the resorts in Bang La On.
- Cheow Lan Lake and Rachaphrapha Dam. Just two hours north of Khao Lak off highway 401. Superb views over the lake to the limestone ridges. Boat trips are available to rafts (for overnight accommodation you will need to pre book at Khao Sok National Park HQ or book the trip via a tour agency).
- Saori Foundation Centre, Bang Muang (Drive north from Khao Lak and Bang Niang to Ban Muang; go through the built up area and a few hundred metres further on you will see on the left an official-looking entrance… turn left into it and find the Saori workshop along on the left.),. A women’s workshop which develops its own textile designs after a Japanese monk showed tsunami survivors how to weave and earn a living. You are welcome at the workshop on any working day – Monday to Saturday – to see how the designs and products are made and to examine them to see if you would like to purchase anything. Really nice products with designs individual to each worker.
Do
Diving
Diving – with the Similan Islands (home to some of the best diving in Asia) just offshore, this is one of the main attractions in the area. There are also several local dive sites to choose from.
- Similan Diving – Wicked, 4/37 Moo 7 Khuk Khak, Takuapa, Phangnga, +66 76 485 868 (pland@wickeddiving.com). Wicked Diving Offers one day trips to the Similan Islands with safe, secure guides. Guides speak English, Swedish, Norwegian, Dutch, Belgian, Thai, Bahasa and German 5000 Baht.
- KrabiDivers.com, Sea of Love Plaza (opposite McDonalds), Aonang, Krabi, 8100, +66 075-695-480 (info@krabidivers.com),. 24hr. Located in the heart of Aonang, the beachside town of Krabi, in the Sea of Love PLaza. KrabiDivers.com provides dive courses, trips, liveaboards, dive equipment sales and also helps customers with hotel bookings and other arrangements.
- The Milestone Travel (Khaolak), 51/16 Moo 7 Khukkhak, Takuapa, Phangnga 82190 (50 m away from Bank of Ayudhaya, Khaolak. Located at side of main street, left hand side from Khaolak to Bangniang), +66 818916988,. Excursion, travel planning and hotel reservation in Khaolak ,Phuket, Krabi. Offers ecotourism in the area nearby Khaolak, such as day tour from Khaolak to Phangnga bay (James bond island), Khaosok national park, Takuapa old town, Phuket etc. with activities as you like. 1500-3000 THB.
- Fantastic Similan Travel, 40/9 Moo 6, T Khuk Khak, A Takuapa Phang Nga 82190, +66(0) 76 485 998,. Make your memories exceptional and unforgettable with a snorkeling trip to The Similan Islands with Fantastic Similan Travel. A day out with unique style. Highly recommended! email – info@fantasticsimilan.com
Surfing
- Pakarang Surf Shop (Cape Pakarang), 27/65 Moo 2, Khuk Khak, Takuapa, Phang Nga 82190 Thailand (10 kilometers north of Khao Lak, follow the signs to Cape Pakarang and Pakarang Surf Shop), +66-76-487-171,. 9-5. Surf Shop at Cape Pakarang in Khao Lak, Thailand. Board rental and good surf spot. 4 breaks on Cape Pakarang plus a good beach break for beginners. 300 Baht/hour.
Eat
- Sweet Peas is located walking distance from Tony Lodge(refer below) and offers Thai and western cuisine.
- Coconut Grove is located on the beach in Bang Niang and features great food and very nice views for sunsets.
- Pizzeria Portofino is located in Bang Niang Beach near police boat and 7-11 shop.
- O’Connor’s Irish Pub is located in Nang Thong Beach vis-à-vis 7-11 shop and Dr. Chusak. They offer good Thai and international food, Guinness and Kilkenny on tap and over 20 different Single Malt Whiskies. And they arrange a Thai cooking course. Try the Korean/Thai BBQ – it can be highly recommended!
- Pinocchio Restaurant, 67/1 moo 7 Petkasem rd. Bang Niang, Kuk Kak, Takuapa, Phang Nga Thailand., +66 (0)899232395,. Pinocchio Italian Restaurant is owned by Ramon and his wife Nit. Before the Tsunami, Pinocchio Italian Restaurant was already a well know place in Bang Niang, Thailand. Then, the december 2004 tsunami struck and Ramon lost his beloved restaurant. October 2007, Ramon is back in Bang Niang with Pinocchio Italian Restaurant even better then before ! In the nice garden with retractable roof, you can make your selection from the imported wines and beers to home made pastas and desserts. Ramon speaks 5 languages: German, English, French, Spanish and of course Italian to give you the best service. Menus in multi languages ! If you are up for some tasty home made italian food, come visit Pinocchio Italian Restaurant in Bang Niang ! Open all year!
- Takieng Restaurant, 26/43 Moo 5, Bang Niang (Next to the poilce boat).. One of the best restaurants in Khao Lak. Decorated with many items brought from the owners home town in Northern Thailand. A great atmosphere and excellent service. Usually closed in low season around July-August.
Drink
Moo Moo Cabaret Show & Bar, 27/76 Moo 5, Bang Niang (near the garden centre) Tel +66(0)76-486156. Daily show in high season, free entrance, show time 21:30. Khao Lak’s best cabaret show, a great night out for all the family. Cocktails, beers and soft drinks served.
Sleep
- Takola Buri Resort, 46 Moo 2,Pakarang Cape,Takhuapa District,Phang-nga 82190, price 2500-20,000 Baht. Just open in 2008.
- Ramada Resort Khao Lak, 59 Moo 5, Tambol Kuk Kak, Amphur Takua Pa, Phone +66 76 427777 (E-mail: rsvn@ramadakhaolak.com),. A hotel fronted by pristine white sand beaches, close to fantastic outlying islands, with lush tropical foliage, comfortable contemporary hotel rooms and villas, sumptuous dining choices, rejuvenating spa treatments. Situated on the idyllic shores of Khao Lak in Phang-Nga, Thailand, the Ramada Resort features 84 deluxe hotel rooms, including 8 exclusive Ocean Front Villas. Only an hour away by car from Phuket International Airport, Khao Lak is renowned for its tranquil surroundings and unspoilt tropical beaches.
- Khaolak Bhandari Resort, 26/25 MOO 7, KHUKKHAK, TAKUAPA price: 2000-6000 Bht.
- Tony Lodge, 6/27 Moo 5, Khuk Khak, Tha Kua Pa, Phang Nga, Thailand 82190 +66(0) 76 443 500.
- Sarojin Resort 60 Moo2, Kukkak, Takuapa, Phang Nga, Room Rate: 6000-25000 Baht.
- Motive Cottage, 26/16 Moo 5, T. Khuk Khak, Ta Kua Pa, Phang-nga,. Motive Cottage Resort is a simple but stylish boutique resort, located in the middle of Khaolak. It’s location allows you to reach the beach within 10 minutes walk, get to town in just a breath-holding, or easily wander around to major tourist attractions.
- Le Meridien Khao Lak, 9/9 Moo 1, Tambol Kuk Kak, Amphur Takua Pa, +66 76 427500.
- La Flora Resort & Spa,. La Flora is a boutique resort featuring 70 rooms and villas. The resort is located on the mainland in Khao Lak about one hour North of Phuket International Airport.
- Poseidon Bungalows, 1/6 Khao Lak, Lam Kaen, +66 76 443258, email: info@similantour.com,. Located a few kilometers away from the town centre, this is a very friendly and environmentally conscious place that has a small beach of its own. A two-person bungalow is 800 baht per night, a four-person bungalow is 1400 baht per night (for 2 pax 1200 baht and for 3 pax 1300 baht). Arranges snorkeling trips to Similan Islands, see the Get out section.
- Jerung Guesthouse, the main road. A modern and friendly place to stay with prices around 1000 baht per guesthouse/night.
- Amsterdam Resort, low budget bungalow resort close to the beach, different types of bungalows and rooms, prices range from 450 to 1000 Baht. The place has a restaurant and rents out motorbikes, and there is an internet room and an inhouse travel agency. View website or mail to keeshuahinth@hotmail.com, telephone +66818575881.
- Tiffy’s Restaurant, next to Sea Dragon Dive Center. 180 Baht for dorms.
- Haadson Resort, 30/1 Moo 7, BangMuang, Takuapa, Phanga Nga, 82190 Thailand, +66 (0)76 593 510,. Haadson is a modern Thai style beach retreat. Family managed and locally staffed, Haadson is simple, stylish & unpretentious with only 39 guest rooms & villas. Haadson is situated on 19 acres of land with tropical casuarinas trees, a natural salt water lagoon, and direct access to Bangsak beach promenade. The resort compliments the natural environment & offers a truly unique setting. The hotel offers a shuttle bus service to Khao Lak, however there are a number of excellent beachfront restaurants a short walk away. A great location for that get away from it all feeling.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Khao_Lak
