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Khao Lak

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Monks on the beach, Khao Lak
Monks on the beach, Khao Lak

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.

[edit] Understand

Khaolak is named after the national park (Khao Lak-Lam Ru). The park was declared a national park in August 1991. It occupies a vast area of 150 sq.km and covers Amphoe Thai Muang, Amphoe Kapong, Amphoe Takua Pa and Amphoe Muang. Khao Lak is becoming increasingly popular, mainly with European visitors. It's easy to reach, quite and, as yet, not overdeveloped. It is something like Phuket's past 20 years. You can walk northward along the sadn for many kilometres, almost as far as Bang Sak beach.

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.

[edit] Get in

[edit] 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 1100 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.

[edit] By train

The nearest train station is at Surat Thani on the east coast, making this an inconvenient option.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Get around

[edit][add listing] See

The beached police boat
The beached police boat
  • 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.  edit
  • 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.  edit
  • 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.  edit
  • 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.  edit
  • 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).  edit
  • 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.), [1]. 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.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

  • Similan Islands, [2]. Great Diving and Snorkeling - Information about the Similan Islands  edit
  • Surin Islands, [3]. When in Khao Lak - the best snorkeling is located on the Surin Islands  edit
  • The Yoga Studio, Petkasem Rd (Main Road) (Bang Niang, near Police Boat), ☎ 0897105770, [4]. Providing both group and private Yoga classes by a certified Yoga Instructor throughout the Khao Lak area. For more information please contact yoginimel1@yahoo.com  edit

[edit] Around Khao Lak Excursions

  • Smile Khaolak Travel and Tours, 6/3 Moo.5 Phetkasem Road T.Khukkhak A.Takuapa Phangnga 82190 (On the main road towards the north of Bang Niang), ☎ 0-7644-3433. Express laundry service. Private Thai cookery lessons. Car rental with full insurance. Tours around Khaolak. Email: smilekhaolak@yahoo.com  edit
  • Beautiful Khaolak Khao Lak office-Krathom Bungalow-Main road - Bang Niang office-way to hotels La Flora&Ramada Tel +66 (0)81 089 0170 www.beautifulkhaolak.com[5] / Email: arianelambrecht@hotmail.com Open: 5 pm till 8.30 pm Exclusive tours with VIP service in Dutch, French, English, German & Spanish. More than 20 different excursions around Khaolak, in the Phang Nga province, Khao Sok National Park: Sok river canoe, jungle trekking, explore Cheow Lan lake. Guided snorkeling daytrips to Similan & Surin Islands National Park, and much more ...

[edit] 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.

  • Khao Lak Diving, 4/17 Moo 7 Khao Lak, Khuk Kak, Takuapa, Phangnga 82190 (Right Next door to Viking Steakhouse), ☎ +66 (0) 76 485 868 (), [6]. Diving in Khao Lak, visiting the Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock and local dive sites. Small groups, safety focused and family friendly  edit
  • Manta Point Dive Center, 91 Moo 6, Khao Lak, Khuk Kak, Takuapa, Phangnga 82190, ☎ +66 (0) 76 485 624 (), [7]. Dive with Khao Lak's finest live-aboards. Departures daily, stay as long as you want. Manta Excursions to Koh Bon, Day trips to Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock. Enjoy personal service in small groups while we show you the beauties and sights of Thailand, esp. under water.  edit
  • Similan Diving - Wicked, 4/37 Moo 7 Khuk Khak, Takuapa, Phangnga, ☎ +66 76 485 868 (), [8]. 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.  edit
  • The (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, [9]. 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.  edit
  • Fantastic Similan Travel, 40/9 Moo 6, T Khuk Khak, A Takuapa Phang Nga 82190, ☎ +66(0) 76 485 998, [10]. 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  edit

[edit] Surfing

  • Pakarang Surf Shop, 28/5 Moo 7, Khuk Khak, Takuapa, Phang Nga 82190 THAILAND (in Khao Lak, 1 hour north of Phuket), ☎ +66-76-485-350, [11]. 9-5. Surf Shop in Khao Lak, Thailand. Board rental and good surf spot. 3 breaks on Cape Pakarang plus good beach breaks around Khao Lak. 300 Baht/hour. (8°43'38.04N,98°13'36.50E) edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

  • Green Pepper, 67/145 moo 5 Bang Niang, T.Kuk Kak A., Takuapa, Phang Nga Thailand. ((direction located near Bang Niang market and Andaman Diving shop.), ☎ +66 (0)856 5576 26. '''4 Pm - until late'''. Offers Thai Seafood and Western Cuisine. The restaurant opens from 4 O'clock until the last customer leaves. Green Pepper also provides Cooking classes where you can follow to the market and select the food that you will cook personally.  edit
  • 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, [12]. 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, but is now back. If you are up for some tasty home made italian food, come visit Pinocchio Italian Restaurant in Bang Niang. Open all year.  edit
  • 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. Open most of the year.  edit
  • Marc's Steakhouse, 67/144 Moo 5 Bang Niang Beach area ((direction hotels Ramada - La Flora), ☎ 087 897 3051. 12 ph m - till late. Exquisite restaurant famous for New Zealand steaks and giant brochettes (satay). Managed by Marc and his Thai wife Jeab; they have been running a steakhouse for many years in Thailand. You savour imported wines from South Africa, Italy and more whilst dining. Apart from these specialties we also offer local Thai dishes, cordon bleu, schnitzel, chicken dishes, etc ... Service in many languages (German, French, Dutch, Swedish, English). Call Marc for free pick up from your hotel. After dinner enjoy a fruity cocktail or German beer in the Tropical Beergarden with live music or sports TV on big screen. Open all year round.  edit

[edit][add listing] 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.
  • Tropical Beergarden,67/144 Moo 5 Bang Niang Beach area Khao Lak (direction hotels Ramada - La Flora), phone 087 897 3051 5 pm - till late The most famous open air tropical garden (behind Marc's Steakhouse)where you enjoy a wide variety of cocktails, a German Weissbeer and an extensive choice of spirits whilst listening to the Live Band, look sports TV on the big screen and a cabaret show every Monday night. For the hunger we serve small snacks: pizzas, bratwurst (german sausage),...

[edit][add listing] Sleep

  • Takola Buri Resort, [13], 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), [14]. 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, [15], 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, [16].
  • Sarojin Resort, [17] 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, [18]. 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, [19].
  • La Flora Resort & Spa, [20]. 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, [21]. 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:[22]]or mail to keeshuahinth@hotmail.com, telephone +66818575881.
  • Tiffy's Restaurant, next to Sea Dragon Dive Center. 180 Baht for dorms  edit
  • Haadson Resort, 30/1 Moo 7, BangMuang, Takuapa, Phanga Nga, 82190 Thailand, ☎ +66 (0)76 593 510, [23]. 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.  edit
  • Chongfah Beach Resort (Chongfah Resort), 54/1 Moo 5 Khukkhak Takuapa Phang Nga Khaolak, ☎ +66076486588, [24]. checkin: 14.00; checkout: 12.00. Chongfah Resort is private boutique beachfront hotel located on beautiful Bang Niang Beach in Khao Lak; one of Thailand's most pristine beach destinations.A haven of peace and tranquillity, this charming Khao Lak resort is surrounded by nature and features a total of only 30 deluxe rooms and quaint bungalows, including beachfront bungalows just a few steps from the enticing crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea.  edit

[edit] Get out

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