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Khao Lak

Khao Lak - part of the coast 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 unique landscapes Khao Laka.

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 a favorable location, many consider Khao Lak not only as a place for 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 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. For everything general opinion, 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 are likely to meet large sea inhabitants, 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


The Similan Islands are one of the most beautiful places in southern Thailand. Monumental granite rocks, snow-white coral beaches, dense tropical forest and transparent 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 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, 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.

Pisces undersea world Richelieu Rock doesn't stop there. In the area of the rock you can find all sorts of funny mollusks and crustaceans in abundance: colorful harlequin shrimp, colorful sea snails and many other interesting creatures of various shapes and colors.

Forest and coastal national parks in the Khao Lak area

In the Khao Lak area there are several national parks, three of which, (Ao Phang-nga), (Khao Sok) and Khao Lak (Khao Lak - Lam Ru), deserve 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

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 wore a modest local name Koh Tapu (literally - "Nail Island").....

On the territory of the national Khao Park Sok is home to one of Thailand's largest tracts of tropical rainforest. 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 is the closest national park to the resort area of the same name. Represents mountain range, dominating the surrounding area and forming the unique landscapes of Khao Lak. National Park has a rather complex shape and consists of two parts: the mountains located near the coast, which gave 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 boars and deer, giant tortoises and exotic birds such as hornbills, among others.

Of the three islands, the most populated is the southern 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.

Koh Kho Khao Island is located 25 km north of Khao Lak National Park. From big land The island is separated by a channel several hundred meters wide. You can get to the island by ferry departing from the Nam Khem pier, located in the village of the same name.

The coast of the Kho Khao island, facing the Andaman Sea, is a long line of clean and deserted beaches more than 20 km long. Visually, the beaches of Koh Kho Khao island resemble the beaches of Khao Lak, and especially Khuk Khak beach. The tourism industry has developed only the southern part of the island’s beaches, where all the hotels,.....

Koh Phra Thong is an island located opposite the city of Kuraburi, approximately 60 km. north of Khao Lak. The island is separated from the mainland by a strait about 1 km wide.

Despite its relatively small size, the nature of Koh Phra Thong Island is quite diverse. Present here mangroves and savannah, tropical rainforest and swamps, shallow sandy beaches and coniferous forests growing along them. The presence of so many ecosystems determines the diversity of birds living on the island, of which, according to the latest data, there are 106 species. Among other birds, the island is home to the hornbill, notable for its size (up to 1 meter) and unusual appearance.

Every year the popularity of Thailand among the Russian population increases several times. Paradise islands, most picturesque nature, snow-white beaches with the turquoise sea turn the country into a resort of world importance. In addition to crowded places, there are still quiet and secluded resorts in Thailand. And one of these places can be called Khao Lak, which is located in the southern part of the Kingdom.

Khao Lak is one of the few Thai resorts that impresses with its tranquility and comfort. Even at the height of the season there are few people here. Maybe it is precisely because of this that the beaches and the sea itself are distinguished by their cleanliness. Initially, Khao Lak was the name given to a small settlement on the coast of the Andaman Sea. But rapid development tourism sector united several settlements under this name. If you look at the map now, you can see that geographically it covers the area from the sea itself to the mountain strip. Khao Lak is surrounded by three national parks, where even today you can find unique vegetation and rare fauna.

Very close to Khao Lak is the island of Phuket. The distance between the resort and Phuket Town is about 100 kilometers. Unlike the noisy island, peace and quiet reign on Khao Lak. This is a great place for family vacation, especially with small children. There are numerous health centers, spa salons, and yoga clubs. A visit to Khao Lak can combine unforgettable vacation together with medical procedures.

If you look at the pricing policy, it is slightly higher here than at other popular resorts. This feature can be explained by the remoteness of Khao Lak, the low flow of people, as well as the numerous upscale hotels.

When is the best time to go?

Like most resorts in Thailand, Khao Lak has a clear distinction between seasons. weather conditions. Best time for a holiday on Khao Lak from late November to April. From approximately May to November, the resort area is subject to the western monsoon, which brings rainy weather. But even so, the air temperature practically never drops below 22 degrees. Most of the heavy rains occur at night, and in the morning the sun appears again. Trouble can be caused by strong winds that raise waves, and swimming in the sea has to be postponed. In addition, excursions to the world famous ones are closed.

If you still decide to visit Khao Lak in the summer, it is better to choose a hotel with a well-developed infrastructure. Such hotels have excellent swimming pools, which can be visited on stormy days.

Infrastructure

Despite the fact that Khao Lak is not a particularly popular resort among vacationers, infrastructure development here is high. Of course, there are no huge shopping and entertainment centers within the city, but everything you need can be purchased in one of the many shops in Khao Lak. The most popular supermarket among local population and holidaymakers is Nang Thong. You can buy everything you need here, from personal hygiene products to all kinds of food and alcoholic beverages.

If you need something non-essential, you can visit the 7/11 stores, which are located throughout the resort. They sell food, basic household items, as well as hot lunches that will be heated for you right at the checkout.

Along the main street and in the beach area there are many shops where you can find inexpensive clothes and shoes.

In order to purchase any souvenirs, it is worth visiting one of the local markets. In the city of Baan La One, there is a market every day, in the area of the central square. In addition to souvenirs, you can find various paintings, figurines, jewelry, etc. there. Also, while visiting the market, you will have the opportunity to try national Thai cuisine, including all kinds of exotic food.

The fresh fruit and vegetable market is open in the morning within Khuk Khak Beach.

There are many restaurants and bars throughout Khao Lak. Lovers of romantic evenings can sit in one of the beach establishments. During dinner you can admire the most beautiful evening sunsets.

More reputable restaurants are located along the central road, and also a little away from coastline.

It is also worth noting that almost all cafes and restaurants in Khao Lak offer not only Thai cuisine, but also many European ones. The average price for lunch is 200-300 baht.

Attractions and entertainment

There are not many attractions within Khao Lak itself. Many of the resort's beaches are Starting point to the Similan Islands, Bon and, which are among the top ten most beautiful places planets. The islands are open for visiting only from October to May, so if you are planning a trip to them during your vacation, you should choose a convenient time in advance.

Another interesting place to visit is.

From Khao Lak it is very convenient to get to Khao Sok National Park, which is known for its rich flora and fauna. Within the resort itself you can visit Lam Ru Park, deserted beaches, as well as numerous waterfalls, including Lampi, Sai Rung, Tong Pling and others. Also in the jungle resort, you can ride elephants. And the azure sea is suitable for diving.

Beaches

You will almost never see very many people on the beaches of Khao Lak. This is not a place where you have to show up at 7am to get a seat. Absolutely all the beaches of the resort stretch in a wide strip along the sea and have a smooth transition between each other. If you look at a map, even there it will not be possible to see a clear boundary between them.

The main feature of the resort is that it is very rarely exposed to tropical winds. High reefs create an excellent natural barrier to strong waves. This is what makes it available 12 months a year.

The following beaches are the most popular among vacationers:

1)Khao Lak. This beach is located in the southern part of the resort within the Central Administration of Similan National Park. There are no umbrellas or sun loungers on the beach, but large trees grow right on the seashore, in the shade of which you can hide. A wide variety of souvenirs made from sea shells.

2)Nang Tong is one of the most visited beaches in Khao Lak. Within its borders are concentrated upscale hotels and restaurants with excellent cuisine. This is a great place for snorkeling, as not far from the coast there is a beautiful coral reef, where you can see not only a variety of fish, but also turtles. The southern part of Nang Thong offers the opportunity to take some wonderful photos against the backdrop of the evening sunset.

3)Bang Niang– a beach with well-developed infrastructure. One of the few in Thailand that has sun loungers, umbrellas, and various water activities. Not far from the shore there are many massage parlors and various cafes.

4)Pakwip– five-star hotels are concentrated within the beach. Plus, the flow of vacationers here is minimal, which creates additional peace and quiet. The beach is suitable for families with small children or for those who want to escape from the noisy city streets.

Hotels

When planning a train trip to Khao Lak, you should keep in mind that it is not one of the cheapest resorts in the country. There is no accommodation here that costs several hundred baht per night. Most hotels located along the coast have 4 or 5 star status. Accordingly, the pricing policy per day of accommodation will start from 3,000 baht. Among these hotels, I can recommend the following excellent options: Briza Beach Resort, Ramada Khao Lak Resort and JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort and Spa.

More cheap option Accommodation can be found along the central road, where prices will start from 1,500 baht. Among budget hotels good options are Nautical Home Khaolak, Ruk Cozy, Khaolak Golden Place and Motive Cottage Resort.

Transport

Public transport Khao Laka is all about buses and songthaews. They run along the central highway and can take you not only to the neighboring beach, but also to any other province. Taxis are a convenient means of transportation, especially when you need to cover short distances. There are stands throughout the resort where you can see the average cost of a trip.

If you are vacationing on Khao Lak for a long time, then for convenience you can rent a bike or car. Prices for bikes range from 200 to 350 baht per day. Monthly rent can cost 3500-4000 baht. Car rental prices start from 1000 baht per day.

How to get there?

From Phuket Island

There are 5 main options by which you can get to Khao Lak from Phuket. The easiest way to do this is from the airport, but it is also possible to leave from the capital of the island - Phuket Town.

The most convenient way is to order. Then you will receive a convenient round trip transfer and a planned excursion program around the resort. Price 1300 baht.
Another transportation option is a taxi, which is located at Phuket Airport itself. After you leave the terminal, you should go to the taxi stand. They also have a price list for different destinations. A taxi ride to Khao Lak can cost around 1,500 baht. Remember that the initial price of a taxi is often inflated, so do not forget to bargain. This way the price can be reduced by several hundred baht.
Use transfer services. It can be pre-ordered on the website. The driver will meet you near the exit of the terminal, help with your luggage and take you to the designated hotel.
Rent a car. This can be done directly at the airport or order a car on the website. When booking a car on the website, you will immediately see all the available options in different rental companies, you will be able to compare prices and choose the most suitable option.
Shuttle bus. All buses leave from the bus station in Phuket Town. Therefore, initially you should take a taxi or tuk-tuk to the station, and only then buy a bus ticket. This is the cheapest travel option, since the cost of one ticket is around 100 baht. The journey takes about 2 hours. Bus tickets can be purchased on the website.

From Bangkok

To get from Bangkok to Khao Lak, you can use one of the following options:

An airplane is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel. The flight takes about one hour. The plane takes off from Bangkok airport and lands in Phuket. If tickets are purchased in advance, their cost can be about 1000 baht. A company like Nok Air offers a comprehensive package that includes not only the flight, but also a transfer to Khao Lak from Phuket. You can book a ticket on the Aviasales website.
Train - this takes you to Surat Thani province, and then takes a shuttle bus to Khao Lak.
Bus - leaves from the southern bus station in the capital of Thailand, as well as from Mochit station. When purchasing a ticket, do not forget to indicate that you are traveling to Khao Lak. The fare will range from 620 to 1200 baht, everything will depend on the class of the bus. Keep in mind that the trip will be long. You can purchase a ticket at the ticket office at the bus station or on the website.

Khao Lak on the map

On this map you can see the exact location of Khao Lak resort in Thailand.

We got acquainted with another resort in Thailand - Khao Lak. This is a wonderful place to relax, which impresses with its cleanliness and beauty. It is very easy to get to, and the time spent in these heavenly places will not leave any vacationer indifferent.

However, there is also another one nearby natural Park, which is called Khao Lak - Lampu.

Khao Lak is still little known among Russian tourists. For some reason, this place is not given much attention, thereby leaving it to the mercy of independent travelers. And this is very cool, since there are not many people. In general, there is not much of anything, with the exception of beaches and untouched nature. Nevertheless, Khao Lak is not inaccessible, rather the opposite - getting here is as easy as shelling pears, even easier and faster than to.

Khao Lak on the map of Thailand

Who should go to Khao Lak

Khao Lak will help you go back 20 years ago to what was the most popular island then. The resort is famous for its small number of tourists and its secluded beaches. As a result, the infrastructure here is poorly developed - there are few cafes, restaurants and shops, but, in principle, it is enough for a comfortable stay.

This place will be of interest primarily to lovers of nature and relaxation. The deserted multi-kilometer coastline and forests are simply a paradise for such people. In the morning you can watch the sunrise, during the day you can lie on the beach, swimming and enjoying life, in the evening you can watch the setting sun, and then enjoy dinner in one of the restaurants.

There are almost no attractions at the resort, and, in general, there is little. Khao Lak should be chosen if you just want to relax in the lap of nature or lie down with a book under a palm tree.

Tours to Khao Lak

To date the best prices for hotel complexes in Khao Lak they offer 4* and 5* (for the Russian Federation - Anex Tour, Tui, Biblio Globus, Pegasus, Tez-tour). That is, if you want a hotel holiday, then in most cases it is more profitable to buy package tour.

It is best to go to Khao Lak as a package tour in the following cases:

1. If you plan to be on the hotel premises most of the time.

For most of your vacation, you plan to swim, lie on a sun lounger, eat, take part in animation, and attend spa treatments. In this case, you do not need to choose several hotels for your trip, you only need one, but the best one for your money. If you want to live in several places, then it will be individual tour, and it’s more profitable to fly on your own.

2. If you are traveling with children and teenagers.

Variety of food in good hotels separate children's table. Children's animation and peers with whom it will be interesting and fun.

3. If you want quality service for your money.

Almost direct dependence on price. The more prestigious and expensive the hotel, the higher the quality and variety of services, the more interesting the territory and food.

4. If you live in a region from where they are not carried out regular flights.

If you live far from major airports, then the choice of air travel is limited. Even if there are any regular flights, they may have transfers. In this case, it is easier to buy a package tour, which already includes air tickets for a direct charter, which are usually not found on free sale.

5. If you want to save money.

Due to large sales volumes during the season, tour operator prices are generally lower than if you buy all parts of the tour separately. Yes, we must admit, these parts are not always of the best quality (charter, insurance, general transfer), but for most tourists everything is determined by the price.

What does a trip to Khao Lak include?

Usually a tourist package includes:

Everything has already been taken care of for you, there is no need to buy anything separately.

Where to buy tickets

First of all, tours to Khao Lak can be purchased at travel agencies. Usually the employees there are well versed in the current market situation. But like all sellers, they are interested in selling certain tours because tour operators can offer higher commissions. Those. You should be wary of particularly active imposition of a specific hotel and tour operator.

If you know what exactly you want, know how to use the Internet and find truthful reviews, then you can book a tour to Khao Lak yourself on the tour operator’s website.

It’s even more profitable to do this on the websites Travelata and Level.Travel (Misto.Travel for Ukraine), since there you can compare the prices of all tour operators at once. Very simple and convenient sites, booking is possible in 5 minutes, unlike most tour operator sites. An additional benefit is that there is a bonus system for repeat purchases, and discounts are also offered from time to time.

How to get there

Khao Lak is not a very popular Thai resort, so transport connection with him is poorly developed. The nearest one is 60 km to the south, where a huge number of flights arrive from all over the world. Many people fly here famous airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Thai Airways, Etihad Airways, Aeroflot, S7 Airlines, as well as charter companies.

Cheap flights to Bangkok

You can buy air tickets to Thailand as profitably as possible using special search engines that collect data from all airlines.

Transport

You can move around Khao Lak from beach to beach by taxi or songthaew. Songthaew of blue color and they usually don't have any writing in English, only Thai. These are small trucks, like the ones from Phuket. There are also taxis, which are covered pickup trucks, similar to those in Pattaya. They usually have Taxi written on the windshield.

There are also offices that rent out motorbikes. Cost - 200 baht per day. Most of them are located at travel agencies and may not even have a Motorbike For Rent sign. There are several gas stations on the main highway, costing 35-37 baht per liter.

Beaches

There is no clear boundary where the resort begins and ends. The string of many kilometers stretches for 25 km, almost to the city of Takuapa. Of course, there is officially a town named Khao Lak, but all the main beaches, hotels and other infrastructure are concentrated to the north. And usually Khao Lak means the area north of it, in the area of the beaches and - these are the main tourist places.

If you want at least some action with bars, restaurants, massage parlors, motorbike rentals, etc., then this is the place for you. There is even a transvestite show and night club in Bang Niang. If you want a purely beach holiday without all this, then the other 5 beaches are at your service. There are only a few pretty expensive hotels on the coast and nothing else. Those. nothing at all - as soon as you leave the hotel territory, you find yourself in a forest or an open field.

When we talked about the movement in Nang Tong and Bang Niang, this should not be understood as stormy nightlife, like in Pattaya or Patong Beach in Phuket. Here everything is much more moderate and quieter. In fact, the crowd is concentrated on one street in Bang Niang and consists of a dozen drinking bars and restaurants. In bars you can catch a “night butterfly”, so lonely men will definitely not be bored.

On the coast itself there is almost no one after sunset, no discos or loud music, even on the busiest beaches.

Well, those who want complete privacy, can go to, which is located near Bang Sak beach and the journey there from the mainland takes only 5 minutes by boat. There are a dozen hotels on this island, despite the fact that its length is approximately 20 km. So you can imagine how crowded it is, especially in low season. That's right - no one!

Rent a motorbike on the mainland, take it to Koh Kho Khao (20 baht per moped and 20 baht per person on it) and enjoy unlimited freedom. A paved road has recently been laid across the entire island, along which you can drive with the breeze and not meet anyone on your way. For lovers beautiful views and wild beaches, this place is just a find, be sure to go!

What to do and what to visit

Attractions

Almost all natural ones are National Parks, waterfalls, and even the beaches themselves. Of the man-made ones, we can name only a few temples and the tsunami monument, the one with the police ship. in 2004 led to the largest number of victims in all of Thailand (about 4,000 people).

All attractions can be visited on a rented motorbike, and excursions to the most important ones are organized at local travel agencies, of which there are a large number at every step.

Stores and shopping

Shopping in Khao Lak is only possible in Nang Thong and Bang Niang, but don’t expect anything special. There are no shopping centers or large stores either. You can buy local delicacies in the markets. For shopping, you can go to Phuket; fortunately, its best shopping center, Central Festival, is about an hour and a half away.

Entertainment

Entertainment in Khao Lak includes massages (average 300 baht per hour), water sports (only on popular beaches), elephant riding, bars, restaurants and excursions. You can go to the Zantika Pub nightclub, which is on the main road near Bang Niang. There is also a transvestite show called Moo Moo Cabaret nearby. In the evenings you can launch a Chinese balloon into the sky.

Lovers of a relaxing holiday are looking for quiet, secluded places where no one will disturb them. Are there still places like this left in Thailand? Undoubtedly, there are still unexplored areas in the popular tourist country.

One such place is a resort called Khao Lak. Thailand is visited annually by millions of visitors from all over the world, resulting in the most popular resorts being filled with tourists during the high season. But on Khao Lak you can spend a holiday amid soul-healing silence.

Khao Lak on the map of Thailand

The name "Khao Lak" used to be a small village, located on the coast of the bay. As tourism began to develop in this place, the name began to cover several settlements.

Convenient location allowed settlements Over time, become a single resort complex.

Climate and weather

High mountains protect Khao Lak from ocean waters, the climate in the settlement is warm. The holiday season begins in November and ends in May. At the height of the holiday, the weather is dry and warm, with temperatures hovering around twenty-eight degrees.

At the same time, there is no feeling of sultry heat, because tourists are constantly blown by a light breeze.

Between May and October the resort is unsuitable for relax. At that time:

are spilled heavy rains;
the sea is raging storms;
the settlement overcomes heatwave , combined with high humidity;
do not carry out popular excursions, which are tied to the season.

Experienced travelers who value tranquility and solitude, on the contrary, choose this time for relaxation. Prices for accommodation in good hotels are lower, and you won’t meet crowds of other vacationers while walking. If the hotel has a comfortable swimming pool, a spa complex, and the room has air conditioning, you can have a great rest on vacation, regardless of the rainy weather.

How to get there?

It's easier to get into the settlement with Phuket. The airport is eighty kilometers away. Direct flights depart from Russian Federation. From the airport to Khao Lak you can take a taxi, bus or transfer.

You can look for plane tickets right now using this form. Specify cities of departure and arrival, date And number of passengers.

How long to fly to Thailand on a direct flight or with transfers, read in.

If you decide to call a taxi, be prepared to shell out a pretty penny. The journey will take one hour. A tourist will spend less money if he goes to the city for on the bus. From the airport, this type of transport is directed to a bus station or other stop. Final routes buses are:

Chumphon;
Bangkok;
Ranong and other points.

On the way, the bus passes Khao Lak. You will have to spend on the road two hours.

People can also get to the city from Bangkok. It is recommended to select bus to Phuket, warning the driver in advance that you need to get to Khao Lak. Most often, buses run at night, so you will already arrive at your hotel in the morning. The second suggestion involves a transfer: take a bus to Surat Thani, and then to Khao Lak.

A cheaper option for traveling to the desired city is a trip by train. At night, take the train to Surat Thani, purchasing a ticket for a third-class carriage (conveniences are not promised). Travel time will be fourteen hours.

Upon arrival at your destination, continue your journey by bus to Phuket, passing Khao Lak.

Holidays at the resort

You can have a great holiday in Khao Lak, benefiting your soul and body. The doors of spa salons, yoga clubs, and fitness centers are always open to visitors. Getting to know nature, excursions, walks and sunbathing on the beach are an integral part of the holiday. The village of La He is famous for its spa, which provides fish peeling.

Infrastructure

Mostly shops, restaurants and hotels are located near Nang Thong and Bang Niang beaches. In the evening, guests visit restaurants where they enjoy local cuisine, listening live music. The youth relaxing at the Monkey bar, dancing to pop, club and reggae music.

Lovers of quality alcoholic drinks visit Irish pub, located in the northern part of the settlement. Visitors enjoy tasting beer with snacks and taking part in master classes on preparing Thai dishes.

Parties take place in local bars, which open at five o'clock and stay open until late. Families with children can visit The Jungle restaurant. For dinner you will be offered a large list of meat dishes, as well as food prepared according to home-cooked recipes. For dessert you can enjoy a delicious cocktail.

Khao Lak is Not best place for shopping, yielding popular resorts. Lovers of shopping visit markets, of which there are about three. The assortment includes memorabilia and fruits. In the Nang Tong supermarket, tourists will find everything they need.

Housing

Most belong to medium and high categories. Basically, rooms cost about three thousand baht (about 5,200 rubles) per night. For this money you will get a comfortable room with a stunning view in a hotel that provides a luxurious pool and restaurant.

You can find a hotel in Khao Lak any category, from one to five stars, also provides accommodation without a rating category, hostels and guest houses.

Among five-star hotels it stands out Jw Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa 5*. It is located on the beach line. Guests are offered rooms of various categories, and there is a free wifi. gourmet food, large swimming pool, well-groomed grounds make your stay at the hotel unforgettable.
From four-star hotels is often chosen Sensimar Khao Lak Beachfront Resort 4*. Reviews from tourists are positive, the friendly staff, delicious breakfasts and the opportunity to exercise are appreciated.

In the city, most hotels have three or two stars. Of these categories, Khaolak Golden Place 3* and Khao Lak Relax Resort 2* stand out.

Beaches

The resort settlement is united under one name seven beaches. All recreation areas are thoroughly cleaned, so litter will not interfere with your enjoyment of the soft sand and clear, warm water.

Two beaches called Nang Thong and Bang Niang are fully equipped for relaxing by the water. The first beach is considered the most visited. Near Nang Tonga There are a sufficient number of affordable hotels and small restaurants where you can satisfy your hunger. Children will be delighted with sea creatures moving along the shore: turtles and crabs.

The Crystal Sea will allow you to see exotic fish swimming like a master in their own waters. The southern side of Nang Tong is famous among travelers as "Sunset Beach". Every tourist who vacations here has a stunning sea sunset in their photo.

Second equipped beach Bang Niang Great for families with children. On its territory there are:

water rides;
comfortable sun loungers for sunbathing;
salons offering amazing massage.

Each family member will find entertainment to suit their taste. There is a snake farm near the beach where you can go on an excursion. Not far - Chong Fa waterfall, fascinating nature lovers.

Beautiful snow-white beaches await you on the islands of Thailand. Read about the island part of this country.

Travelers who prefer a quiet holiday in solitude choose beaches Khao Lak and Pakwip. The first recreation area is not equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers, but tall trees cast a good shadow. The nature of this place does not let go; you can admire it endlessly. Tourists relax right on the snow-white sand.

On the beach Pakwip you won't find company. It is chosen because of its proximity comfortable hotels the highest class and Baan Pakwip Monastery.

The division of beaches is very arbitrary; the entire coastal area is at the disposal of vacationers. You can stretch out on the sand at any time of the year. During the storm season, the beaches are hidden behind large reefs, so even during this time tourists indulge water activities : diving and snorkeling.

Educational tourism with photos

In Khao Lak, you can spend time not only for the benefit of the soul, but also get food for the mind by visiting and getting to know the local nature.

Main attractions

Basically, all the attractions at the resort are created by nature. Interesting places There are few created by man. Those who want to get acquainted with Thai culture visit the famous Buddhist padungtampotiwas temple. You can also visit the Chinese temple, which is noticeably different in appearance from Thai shrines.

Chao Por Khao Lak Shrine- translated as “guardian of Khao Lak.” This is a statue of a seated man, who, according to legend, is the patron saint of the resort and protects it from all evil. A separate small temple was built for him, located not far from National Park Lamp.

Some guests pay tribute to those killed in the tsunami by visiting a police boat that stands as a memorial to those affected by the disaster.

Nature

There are a lot of natural places to visit. Tourists must visit Khao Sok National Park, where they relax by Lake Cheo Lan and go for a walk to the waterfalls. Children will be delighted by the elephant farm, where they can interact with the majestic animals. In March, travelers have the opportunity to take part in the ritual of releasing small turtles into the sea.

The most visited place is of course Khao Sok National Park. The natural treasure consists of lakes, rivers, rock formations, plains and forests. It spreads over an area of seven hundred and thirty square kilometers!

At the entrance to the park there are hotels, so you can stay there overnight to continue exploring the park the next day. You can get to Khao Sok on your own using a bus, taxi or minibus. The ideal option is to rent a car or bike and organize a walk yourself.

Popular excursions

The resort offers a variety of entertainment options. The hotels have excursion bureaus where guests can order various excursions. Guests visit:

Similan Island, considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world;
reserve(one visit can last three days);
lake on which stands an interesting "water" hotel.

Travelers explore the area using mountain bikes, which can be rented from the tour desk. In addition to this, in rent They provide kayaks, canoes, and diving equipment.

See Khao Lak resort review here video:

For some reason, Russian tour operators bypass Khao Lak resort side. Our compatriots get there mostly on their own. In contrast to the Scandinavians, who took a fancy to it and, apparently, determined the general atmosphere there with their restrained Nordic nature. The most interesting thing is that getting to Khao Lak is not much more difficult than getting to the trampled by tourists.

For those looking for peace

Tours to Khao Lak- this is a real find for those who want to relax, and not “have a blast.” A small number of tourists, among whom Scandinavians with reserved emotions predominate, secluded beaches, not particularly developed infrastructure entertainment. Most of all, this town is similar to the beginning of the tourist boom that began 25 years ago.

Main Khao Lak attractions- This is a multi-kilometer beach coastline and dense tropical forests framing it. No one will stop you from meeting the dawn in romantic silence and spending the evening going beyond the horizon Indian Ocean, Sun. You don’t have to worry about getting in line at the nearest restaurant or cafe in advance. It's always free there, and Thai cuisine is the most authentic.

Beaches

Khao Lak is a resort area stretching from the town that gave it its name, a full thirty kilometers north along the Phet Kassem Road. The first place on the way from Phuket will be Ban Khao Lak village and Khao Lak beach. Further to the north are: the village of Ban La On and Nang Thong Beach, the villages of Bang Niang and Khuk Khak, each of which has its own beach of the same name.

Nang Thong Beach and Bang Niang Beach

If a serene beach holiday as such seems too boring to you, then you should stop at Nang Thong Beach and Bang Niang Beach. At the latter, tourists are even offered. In general, everything is familiar tourism infrastructure– bars, restaurants, salons, and bicycles – are present there. It is believed that best beaches Khao Laka are located right there. Of course, compared to Patong, it is extremely quiet there, and it is impossible to get lost on the same Bang Niang street with a dozen drinking establishments. Priestesses of the most ancient profession work there, so the “” point in the recreation program can be left.

Nang Thong Beach

Bang Niang Beach

Khuk Khak Beach

Khuk Khak Beach, in our opinion, is one of the most beautiful in Khao Lak. At the same time, it is the most deserted (people can only be found near hotels) and remote from those described above. For this reason, Khuk Khak is perfect for lovers of secluded relaxation. Also located here is one of the the best hotels of this resort - The Heaven Khao Lak.

Pakarang Beach

Pakarang Beach is mainly popular among professionals because it offers ideal conditions for this sport. Otherwise the beach is quite large and sparsely populated. Not far from the surf spot there is a fairly comfortable hotel Palm Galleria Resort.

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is the most southern part after Khao Beach Lac is located right under the hill, near which, in turn, there are several hotels with magnificent views of the bay. For couples in love, we recommend booking a cozy hotel Sensimar Khaolak Beachfront Resort, located right on the beach.

Pak Weeb Beach

Pak Weeb Beach, which is a continuation of Pakarang Beach, is very popular among tourists, but there is no clear boundary between them. It is distinguished by the presence of vegetation right next to the sea, calmer waves, and sparsely populated areas. Thanks to its snow-white sand, it has a second name - White Sand Beach.

Bang Sak Beach

Bang Sak Beach is located almost in the very north of Khao Lak, near the town of Takua Pa. The place is quite contrasting in terms of population - there are both deserted places and quite populated ones. There are also many in the surrounding area comfortable hotels and small restaurants offering savory dishes. We highly recommend visiting the Haadson Resort.

On the other five beaches, the atmosphere is peaceful and patriarchal. The forest or clean beach sand begins right outside the hotel's doorstep. But if this is not enough for you, then go to the island of Koh Kho Khao. It is located five minutes by sea from Bang Sak Beach. The length of its beach line is almost fifteen kilometers, and there are no more than a dozen hotels. There you can quite feel like Robinson and yearn for Friday.

Cultural program

Attractions. All of them are natural and natural in nature. Khao Lak National Park, waterfalls, cleanest beaches. Only the monument dedicated to the victims is man-made. This is a police boat abandoned on the shore. It is precisely this natural disaster that explains the fact that most man-made objects in Khao Lak are no more than ten years old. Excursions to Khao Lak are offered by local travel agencies, but you can also go around them yourself.

National Khao Park Sok

Shops and shopping. This type of entertainment is only possible in Bang Niang or Nang Thong, but it will not bring much joy to shopaholic fans. There are few large chain stores in the villages, even 7-Eleven, which is widespread throughout Thailand, is a problem. The markets in Khao Lak offer the usual range of traditional Thai souvenirs and local “delicacies” at reasonable prices. If you can’t live without shopping, then go and visit shopping mall Central Festival.

Local market

Entertainment. The most significant places for a “total blast” on Khao Lak there are Moo Moo Cabaret - a transvestite show, and Zantika Pub - a nightclub. They are on main street Bang Niang. The beaches offer jet ski rentals and other beach activities. There are massage parlors, you can go to a bar or restaurant. If you have absolutely nothing else to do, then at night you can launch Chinese lanterns into the sky.

Weather

The best weather in Khao Lak observed during our Russian winter. From November to mid-March it is not particularly hot, just above thirty. Sometimes there are refreshing rains. The heat and great dryness begin in April and continue until June. If you want to spend summer holidays in the bathhouse, then come from May to October. The temperature is above thirty, it rains almost every day (usually at night). Exotics are added by strong winds that disperse high waves. The water temperature in any season is above 27 degrees.

Hotels

Holidays in Khao Lak Can't be called budget. Accommodation and hotels, which can be considered quite comfortable, are somewhat more expensive than, for example, in, although cheaper than in. Top hotels Khao Laka is located in Bang Niang and Nan Tong. There are no rooms cheaper than a thousand baht. There are offers for three thousand. The farther from the water, the cheaper. Along the shore there are, for the most part, hotels that look like bungalows. They are the most expensive. A five-minute walk from them there are three- and five-story guesthouses, which offer rooms for 400-500 baht. You can view hotel options on the widget below or search for others on websites and. The secrets of finding cheap and comfortable hotels are outlined