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Khao Lak lies in the Takua-Pa district of Phang-Nga province, in the south of Thailand. Phang-Nga is situated on the West Coast facing the Andaman Sea, and lies within one to two hours driving distance of popular tourist destinations such as Krabi in the east, and Phuket in the south.

A primarily agricultural province, Phang-Nga produces rubber and food crops such as rice, vegetables and fruit. A large proportion of the province is still comprised of forest, much of which is designated national park area.

Khao Lak itself is a national park area, resplendent with rich natural attractions, and a convenient departure point to other of Phang-Nga's many points of interest, including the famous Similan Islands, and Surin Islands in neighbouring Ranong Province.

Khao Lak's strong attraction is the beauty of its natural surroundings -bordering the Andaman Sea on one side, and surrounded by natural forest on other sides. Offering peace and tranquility, the area is reminiscent of Phuket in bygone days, and is the perfect spot to get away from the razzle and dazzle of more populated areas nearby.

Khao Lak Beaches

Woods and waves come together at the southernmost beach in Khao Lak. Quite possibly the area’s most shaded stretch of sand, stately trees line the edge of the beach, their branches reaching for the sea. A headland, impassable on foot, blocks this beach from it’s neighbours to the north, resulting in periods of absolute vacancy.

Nang Thong Beach - La On Village

The most peopled beach is by no means crowded; that adjective is laughable in Khao Lak. The half-dozen resorts that front the beach explain the presence of people, and the sea view pools at those resorts explain why most guests don’t quite make it all the way to the sand. Check out the Nang Thong’s hotel restaurants for late afternoon drinks under the massive canopy of orange sky.

Bang Niang Beach

The second most populous beach, Bang Niang, like Nang Thong, is still nowhere near crowded. A few longtails putter about in the sea, a small assembly of resorts overlook the beach, and basic-but-cheap Thai restaurants and massage huts – with paradise-perfect views – perch on the small sand hill that slopes down to meet the incoming surf. (Read more about Bang Niang Beach...)

Khuk Khak Beach

Khuk Khak Beach, with only a couple resorts tucked among the pine trees and palm groves, marks the end of civilization and the beginning of endless stretches of near-nothingness.

Following the signs from Khuk Khak Village to the beach of the same name, jump off the main road on any trail that leads to toward the water and enjoy the tranquility of isolation. Here, you’re more likely to encounter local fisherman going about their business than other travelers.

Pakarang Cape

While nobody actually calls Pakarang Cape the Horn of Khao Lak, they could. Jutting into the sea, it provides a great vantage point to view the beaches to both the north and south.

Sparsely treed and littered with shells and broken coral, it’s not the most sun-bather-friendly, but it’s definitely interesting, easily accessed by car or motorbike, and amazingly unpopulated.

Pakweeb Beach

Some of Khao Laks most sumptuous resorts are spread out on Pakweeb (pronounce Pakweep) Beach’s several kilometers worth of prime coastline, and for good reason.

The beach is lovely, though it may take a moment to realize what sets this beach apart. National park status means no motorboats; a fact so refreshing you’ll be hard pressed to find a more peaceful location. As an added bonus, resorts here know how important a clean beach is, and go to great lengths to keep the sand in tip-top shape.

Similan Islands

This group of rocks and islands lies 90 minutes by speedboat off the coast of Phang-Nga, or eight or more hours by slow boat from Phuket. The area was declared a marine national park in 1982 and consequently remains largely undeveloped. Derived from the Malay term sembilan, meaning 'nine', Similan refers to the nine main islands in the group.

The waters surrounding the Similans are teeming with tropical fish, colourful coral, and offer exceptional underwater visibility. As a result, the diving is generally considered to be the best in the region, and compares favourably with some of the best in the world. (see more about diving here).

Part of the reason for this is the very interesting submarine topography, due in part to the huge granite boulders which not only litter the shorelines, but also lie in jumbled heaps beneath the waves to depths of 35 metres and beyond.

On surface the boulders, together with the lush rainforest and white sand beaches, provide a peaceful refuge.

The islands attract an increasing number of visitors annually, particularly during the high season months between December to March, when the visibility of waters surrounding the islands is at its best.

Day trips to the islands for diving and snorkelling are popular, however serious divers are recommended to come on liveaboard trips to take full advantage of all the islands' have to offer in terms of diving opportunities.

Dive companies operating from Phuket and Phang-Nga offer a number of tour itineraries with diving instruction for beginners.

For budget travellers, the Similan Islands can be reached via national park service boat from the pier at Thap Lamu or by boat from anywhere along Hat Khao Lak. Boat charters can also be organised, costs depending on the quality and speed of the vessel and the number of persons to travel.

Limited accommodation – in the form of tents and bungalows – is available on Koh Miang (Island 4), where the National Park headquarters are based. There’s also a small gift shop and restaurant, but it is advised to come prepared with a flashlight and bug spray if intending to overnight there. Contact the Similan Island National Park Offices at Moo 1, Tambon Lam Kaen, Thai Muang District, Phang-Nga. Tel. (076) 411913-4 for information and reservations.

Getting There

By Air

From Bangkok, the easiest option for travel to Khao Lak is by air to either of Phuket or Krabi International Airports, then continue the trip overland (see below).

Daily flights from Bangkok to Krabi and Bangkok to Phuket (and return) are conducted by Thai Airways in both high and low seasons.

Flight schedules can be found on the Thai Airways web page or by Tel: (02) 232 8000 (Bangkok office).

By Road

From Bangkok, travel via Highway 4 down through Prachuap Khirikhan, Chumphon, Ranong to Phang-Nga province. Khao Lak lies 30 kms past the town of Takua Pa on the main highway. Travel time from Bangkok is about 12 hours. Daily bus services running from Bangkok to Phang-Nga leave from the southern bus terminal in Thonburi, and there are many private services available from almost any travel agent and hotel tour desk in the city.

From Phuket, take route 402, over the bridge to Phang-Nga province. Turn onto Highway 4 and head towards Thai Muang and Thap Lamu – Khao Lak lies just beyond at La On Village. Travel time is about 90 minutes. Bus services from Phuket to Phang-Nga town are also available hourly from the Phuket bus terminal. The trip takes about 2 hours. From Phang-Nga Town catch a local bus to Takua Pa and asked to be set down at Khao Lak, or Ban La-on.

From Krabi , take Route 4 up to Phang-Nga, through the town and continue on Route 4 through Takua Thung, Thai Muang, up to Khao Lak. The trip can take up to 2 hours depending on weather and road conditions. If going by bus from Krabi, take one heading towards Phuket, and change at Kochloi to a bus heading for Takua Pa and Ranong. Ask to be dropped at Khao Lak or Ban La-on.

Getting Around

There are two basic categories of transportation in Khao Lak: those that you steer, and those that someone else steers.

In the first category are cars, motorbikes, and bicycles. Rental cars are available at the airports; sticking with a known international company is suggested. Many hotels can arrange for motorbike rentals, and some also have mountain bikes available for those that prefer peddle power.

Choosing to let someone else do the driving is also popular. Resorts away from the action will have shuttles running at designated times – usually for a nominal fee. Local taxi trucks are also an option. If you take the hotel’s bus to town, this is often the most convenient way to return – though you might have to negotiate front door service for out of the way destinations.

Trips out to small islands off the main land are easily made by longtail boat - arranged through agents at any of the hotels and guesthouses in the area.

For ventures futher afield, local bus services will take you to any district you want to go. The most convenient method of travel around however is by songtaew or taxi truck, easily hired from any town by the trip or for the entire day. Jeep and motorbike rentals are also widely available.

Weather

If really hot weather is not your style, the cool NE monsoon season, from November though March, is the least humid, and the cool breezes keep things comfortable. The average temperature is around 75°F to 89°F (24°C to 32°C) at this time.

For sun lovers, the hottest time is from April through May, with temperatures ranging from 80°F to 95°F (27°C to 36°C). There are frequent short heavy thundery showers, offering welcome relief from the temperature and humidity. June, July and August is less hot, and though the weather is generally fine, there can be brief but heavy showers, with plenty of sunshine between downpours. Temperatures range between 70°F and 90°F (20°C to 33°C).

During September and early October the monsoon sets in, but even then there are long intervals of sunshine between the heavy showers.

Khao Lak is enjoyable at any time of year however due to the range of excursions and activities, both water- and land-based, that offer themselves during most times of the year.