Khao Lak in Thailand. Khao Lak, a quiet coastal resort. Swimming and snorkeling

Russian tour operators for some reason bypass Khao Lak Resort side. Our compatriots get there mostly on their own. Unlike the Scandinavians, who have taken 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 trampled down by tourists.

For those who seek peace

Tours in Khao Lak- this is a real find for those who want to just relax, and not "break away in full". A small number of tourists, among which Scandinavians restrained by emotions, secluded beaches, and not particularly developed entertainment infrastructure prevail. Most of all, this town is similar to the beginning of the tourist boom that began 25 years ago.

Main Attractions Khao Lak- This is a multi-kilometer beach coast and dense tropical forests framing it. No one will prevent you from meeting the dawn in romantic silence, and in the evening seeing the sun go beyond the horizon of the Indian Ocean. You don't have to worry about queuing up in advance for the nearest restaurant or cafe. There is always free, and Thai cuisine is the most authentic.

Beaches

Khao Lak is a resort area that stretches from the town that gave it its name, as much as thirty kilometers to the north along the Phet Kassem Road. The first on the way from Phuket will be Ban Khao Lak village and Khao Lak beach. Further north is: 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 you find only a serene beach holiday as such too boring, then you should stop at the beaches of Nang Thong Beach and Bang Niang Beach. At the latter, tourists are even offered. In general, all the usual tourist infrastructure - bars, restaurants, salons, and bicycles - is present there. It is believed that The best beaches of Khao Lak are right there. Of course, compared to or 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 fad "" 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 Khuk is the perfect place for lovers of secluded relaxation. Also here is one of the best hotels in this resort - The Heaven Khao Lak.

Pakarang Beach

Pakarang Beach is mainly popular with professional athletes, because ideal conditions for this sport reign here. The rest of the beach is quite large and sparsely populated. Not far from the surf spot is a fairly comfortable hotel Palm Galleria Resort.

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is the southernmost part after Khao Lak beach and 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 by the sea, calmer waves, as well as sparsely populated. Thanks to the 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, not far from the town of Takua Pa. The place is quite contrasting in terms of population - there are both deserted places and quite inhabited ones. There are also many comfortable hotels and small restaurants in the vicinity, where savory dishes are offered. We highly recommend visiting the Haadson Resort.

On the other five beaches, the atmosphere is peaceful and patriarchal. Just beyond the threshold of hotels, a forest or clean beach sand begins. But if this is not enough for you, then go to the island of Koh Kho Khao. It is a five minute sea passage from Bang Sak Beach. The length of its beach line is almost fifteen kilometers, and there are no more than a dozen hotels. It is quite possible to feel like a Robinson there and yearn for Friday.

Cultural program

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

Khao Sok National Park

Shops and shopping. This type of entertainment is possible only 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 with 7-Eleven common throughout Thailand - problems. Markets in Khao Lak offer the usual range of traditional Thai souvenirs, local "goodies" at reasonable prices. If you can’t do without shopping, then go to and visit the Central Festival shopping center.

Local market

Entertainment. The most significant places to "break away" on Khao Lak are Moo Moo Cabaret - a show of transvestites, and Zantika Pub - a nightclub. They are located on the main street of 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 there is absolutely nothing 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. Hell and great dryness begin in April and continue until June. If you want to spend your summer holidays in a sauna, then come from May to October. The temperature is above thirty, it rains almost every day (more often at night). Exotics add strong winds that disperse a high wave. The water temperature in any season is above 27 degrees.

Hotels

Holidays in Khao Lak can't be called budget. Housing and hotels, which can be considered quite comfortable, are somewhat more expensive than, for example, on, although cheaper than in. The best hotels in Khao Lak are located in Bang Niang and Nan Tong. Cheaper than a thousand baht, there are no numbers in them. There are proposals for three thousand. The farther from the water, the cheaper. Along the coast are, for the most part, hotels that look like bungalows. They are the most expensive. A five-minute walk from them 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 sites and. The secrets of finding cheap and comfortable hotels are painted

To the north of Phuket, familiar to many tourists, just 76 kilometers from the main airport of Thailand, on the shores of the Andaman Sea, there is a little-known resort on the map of Thailand - Khao Lak. The coastal strip with a length of two dozen kilometers, accompanied from the east by the picturesque landscape of Khao Sok National Park, is one of the most attractive vacation spots in Thailand.

The beaches of Khao Lak

The abundance of people, characteristic of the capital, is completely uncharacteristic of Khao Lak. Here you will not find skyscrapers of modern megacities - the height of local buildings should not exceed the height of a coconut palm. That is why the surrounding landscape seems to be already near the settlements of the resort - the villages of Bang La On, Bang Niang and Khuk Khak virgin and completely deserted.

Since then, the leisure industry has been fully restored and continues to develop. The resort is most in demand on New Year's Eve, the cost of living in the summer months is half as much.

Natural Attractions Khao Lak

On the coast near the village of Khuk Khak is located the westernmost continental point of Thailand- Cape Laem Pakarang, which is decorated with bizarre corals, tropical birds, panoramic views of the coastline of Khao Lak from the north and south. The cape is a great place for hiking and shallow snorkelling.

In the early morning at sunrise, it is worth visiting the beautiful Lampi waterfall, 30 km south of Khao Lak. Another majestic waterfall - Chong Phan, is located 10 km from Bang Niang Beach, on the territory of the Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park, which is significant in area (125 km2).

Hills up to 1000 m high, sea cliffs, valleys and mangrove forests cut by estuaries - the landscape of this area inhabited by Asian black bears, tapirs, primates, drongos, hornbills. Trees entwined with lianas up to fifty meters high, thickets of twenty-meter bamboo are an impressive local flora that is not found in other regions of Thailand.

Kao Sok National Park

Having been in Khao Sok, you can't help but see rafflesia - the largest flowers on the planet. Their mass is over 10 kg, and their diameter is more than 1 m. The "Rafflesia Trail" is located near the 111 km sign along the 401st highway. Despite its noticeable size, it is unlikely that you will be able to find a flower in the jungle without the help of a guide.

Unusually beautiful man-made lake Cheow Lan, surrounded by limestone cliffs, between which the bays that used to be mountain valleys protrude.

The best way to enjoy beauty Rachaphrapha dams at the foot of Mt. turned into a full-fledged recreation area. It is best to book a trip here in advance through a travel agency.

What transport to prefer on highway 4

The cheapest way to reach the resorts of Khao Lak is by train to Surat Thani station, then by bus. You can take highway 4 by transit public transport from Bangkok and Phuket in the direction of Takua Pa, indicating the exact stop in one of the villages of the resort area.

During daylight hours, at quarter-hour intervals, a songhaev, a pickup truck with several seats in the back, runs along Highway 4.

The destination for the driver is best indicated on the map or written on a piece of paper. Payment is due upon boarding.

Khao Lak hotels: the benefits of vacationers

The most reasonable solution to the problem of movement within the resort area is to contact the registrar of your hotel. Many hotels provide free transport for their guests. Becoming a regular customer of some restaurants, you can expect a bonus as the same service.

What do reviews say about the resort of Thailand Khao Lak

The rainy summer season is no reason to be afraid of visiting the resort. It rains here at night(and in this regard, it is better for lovers of night walks to choose a dry period corresponding to our European winter), but during the day they are short-lived, about a quarter of an hour.

Here you will find out how to get to, as well as about its attractions, beaches and hotels.

From the article you will learn the best places to stay in Thailand.

If you have not yet decided what to bring as a gift from Thailand, then at this link you will immediately make your choice.

Summary

Khao Lak is an ideal "stronghold" for traveling around Thailand. Here are present:

• pacifying non-urban silence, natural peace and exotic
• rare natural complexes of two National parks framing the resort from the south and from the north
• opportunity to choose various types of recreation and tourism, from romantic and family tours to extreme and exotic
• a significant number of comfortable accommodations close to beaches and local attractions
• a relatively large selection of modes of transport, requiring, however, a certain amount of caution

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

One of these places is a resort called Khao Lak. Thailand is visited annually by millions of visitors from all over the world, with the result that during the high season the most popular resorts are filled with tourists. But on Khao Lak you can spend a vacation among the healing silence for the soul.

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 the area, the name began to cover several settlements.

The convenient location allowed the settlements to eventually become a single resort complex.

Climate and weather

High mountains block Khao Lak from ocean waters, the climate in the settlement is warm. The holiday season starts in November and ends in May. At the height of the rest, the weather is dry and warm, the temperature indicators are kept at around twenty-eight degrees.

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

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

• are spilling heavy rains;
• raging on the sea storms;
• settlement overcomes heatwave combined with high humidity;
• do not carry out popular excursions that are tied to the season.

Experienced travelers who value peace and solitude, on the contrary, choose this time to relax. Prices for accommodation in good hotels are lower; you don’t meet crowds of other vacationers on a walk. 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. There are direct flights from the Russian Federation. From the airport to Khao Lak get by taxi, bus or use a transfer.

Airplane tickets can be looked after right now using this form. Specify departure and arrival cities, date And number of passengers.

How much to fly to Thailand on a direct flight or with transfers, read at.

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

1. Chumphon;
2. Bangkok;
3. Ranong and other items.

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

They also get to the city from Bangkok. It is recommended to choose bus to Phuket, warning the driver in advance that you need to get to Khao Lak. Most often, buses run at night, so in the morning you will arrive at the hotel. The second suggestion implies 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 a train to Surat Thani, purchasing a ticket for a third-class carriage (conveniences 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

In Khao Lak, you can have a great vacation, benefiting your body and soul. The doors of spas, yoga clubs, fitness centers are always open to visitors. Acquaintance with nature, excursions, walks and sunbathing on the beach are an integral part of the holiday. The village of La On is famous for its spa, which provides a service fish peeling.

Infrastructure

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

Lovers of quality alcoholic drinks visit Irish pub located in the northern part of the settlement. Visitors are happy to try beer with snacks and take part in master classes in cooking Thai dishes.

parties take place in local bars that open at five o'clock and work until late. Families with children can visit The Jungle Restaurant. For dinner, you will be offered a wide range of meat dishes, as well as food prepared according to home cooking recipes. For dessert, you can enjoy a delicious cocktail.

Khao Lak is not the best place for shopping, yielding to popular resorts. Shopping lovers visit the markets, of which there are about three pieces. The assortment includes commemorative and fruits. In the Nang Thong supermarket, a tourist will find everything they need.

Housing

Most belong to medium and high categories. Basically, rooms cost about three thousand baht (about 5200 rubles) for one night. For this money you will get a comfortable room with a stunning view in a hotel that provides a luxurious swimming pool and a restaurant.

Find a hotel in Khao Lak any category, from one to five stars, housing without an evaluation category, hostels and guest houses are also provided.

• Among the five-star hotels stands out Jw Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa 5*. It is located on the beach line. It offers a variety of room types and free Wi-Fi is available on site. Exquisite food, a large swimming pool, well-groomed territory make the stay at the hotel unforgettable.
• Often chosen from four-star hotels Sensimar Khao Lak Beachfront Resort 4*. Reviews of tourists are positive, friendly staff, delicious breakfasts and the opportunity to play sports are appreciated.

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

Beaches

The resort settlement unites under one name seven beaches. All recreation areas are carefully cleaned, so the garbage will not prevent you from enjoying the soft sand and clear warm water.

Two beaches called Nang Thong and Bang Niang are fully equipped for relaxing near the water. The most visited is the first beach. 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 the marine life moving along the coast: turtles and crabs.

The Crystal Sea will allow you to see exotic fish swimming in their own waters in a businesslike way. The south side of Nang Tong is famous among travelers as "Sunset Beach". A stunning sea sunset is in the photo of every tourist who has rested here.

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

1. attractions on the water;
2. comfortable sun loungers for sunbathing;
3. salons offering amazing massage.

Each member of the family will find entertainment to their liking. Near the beach there is a snake farm where you can go on an excursion. Near - chong fa waterfall bewitching nature lovers.

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

Travelers who prefer a relaxing 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 have a rest right on the white sand.

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

The separation of the beaches is very conditional, 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 stormy season, the beaches are hidden behind large reefs, so even at this time tourists indulge water activities: diving and snorkeling.

Cognitive 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 in the resort are created by nature. There are few interesting places created by man. Those wishing to get acquainted with the culture of the Thais visit the famous Buddhist Padungtampotivas temple. And 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 is believed to be the patron saint of the resort and protects it from all evil. A separate small temple was built for him, located near the Lampu National Park.

Some guests pay tribute to those killed in the tsunami by visiting the police boat, which stands as a memorial to the victims of the disaster.

Nature

There are many natural places to visit. Tourists must visit Khao Sok National Park, where they relax by Cheow Lan Lake, and go for a walk to the waterfalls. Kids will love the Elephant Farm where they can interact with the majestic animals. In March, travelers have the opportunity to participate in the ritual of releasing little turtles into the sea.

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

At the entrance to the park 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 a bike and organize a walk yourself.

Popular excursions

The resort has a variety of entertainment options. The hotels have tour desks 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 for three days);
• lake on which stands an interesting "water" hotel.

Travelers explore the area with mountain bikes, which are rented from the tour desk. In addition to this, in rent issue kayaks, canoes, diving equipment.

See an overview of Khao Lak resort in this video:

Thailand has long enjoyed the well-deserved love of tourists from many countries. Khao Lak resort is one of those places where you can have a great vacation with the whole family. It is about him that will be discussed in our article.

A little about the resort...

According to reviews, Khao Lak is a rather secluded resort in Phang Nga province. It is located on the coast of the Adaman coast. An amazingly beautiful place attracts vacationers with endless white beaches, waterfalls, bays, clear sea water and mango jungle. The resort offers numerous treatments at yoga and spa centers. Despite the remoteness from entertainment centers, the city can offer active leisure.

How to get to Khao Lak?

Khao Lak is also often referred to as Khao Lak. It is located in the south of Thailand, 60 kilometers from Phuket and 750 kilometers from Bangkok. The most convenient way to get to the resort is to use one of the flights that arrive at Aeroflot, which offers direct flights from Moscow. The flight takes about nine hours. Then in about an hour you can reach the city of Khao Lak. Since it is on the way of all bus routes, there are no problems with transport.

City `s history

The history of the resort is not as old as that of other regions of Thailand. It originates only from the nineteenth century. In those days, aluminum deposits were discovered on local lands, after which people rushed here, a small town was founded. Gradually, it grew more and more and took an important place in trade. In addition, Khao Lak (Thailand) is located just on the way between Phuket and Bangkok. However, the history of the city has its dark spots. Things were not always good in these lands. At a certain stage, the town was mired in internecine wars over rich deposits. The story could have had a sad end if the warring parties failed to agree and conclude a truce. In honor of this event, Wat Chalong temple was erected in Phuket. Over time, mining became less profitable, and local wealthy people took up trade.

In the twentieth century, the first paved roads appeared in the resort. Then the idea came to the locals about the need to connect Phuket with the mainland. In the seventies, the Sarasin Bridge was built across the strait, which still exists today.

The first tourists began to visit Khao Lak (Thailand) in the eighties, which was associated with the opening of the national park. To urbanized tourists, the resort seemed like a real tropical paradise. Gradually, the city began to grow, numerous hotels and resort infrastructure were built. And in 2004, the region was hit by a tsunami that swept away everything in its path. Among the victims were many indigenous people and tourists. But the city was quickly restored and soon again became a paradise for guests of the country.

Resort climate

The city is located in the tropical climate zone. Although the resort is located in the south of the country, its climate differs from other regions. The rainy season here starts in June and lasts until the end of October. But from March to May the resort is sunny and dry. The daily temperature is within +35 degrees. The warm sea warms up to +29 degrees. It is this period that is best for rest, since at high temperatures there is a low level of humidity, which means that the heat is tolerated normally. When planning a vacation at this resort, you should pay attention to the weather in Khao Lak. The main thing is that your vacation does not fall during the rainy season. By the way, at this time the rains are not too annoying, because they go at night. But the sea becomes stormy and stormy. In the summer, they even cancel all excursion programs to the islands. At this time, there are very few tourists here, and therefore bars, hotels, shops and restaurants are temporarily closed.

Beach

The most luxurious beaches of Khao Lak are still practically unknown to our holidaymakers. The town itself is undeservedly deprived of the attention of our travel agencies. Many tourists learn about the resort quite by accident and get to it for the first time during excursion programs.

The beaches of Khao Lak stretch for more than twenty kilometers from north to south. In fact, they occupy the entire coast along the Andaman Sea. The most famous and equipped beaches are located in the bay of the Khao Lak National Park. Among them are Nang Thong, Bang Niang, Khuk Khak. But the coast of Khao Lak itself is just not very popular with tourists.

The resort itself consists not only of the town, but also of several nearby villages. As a rule, if they offer holidays in this region, then, most likely, we are talking about these villages, since their infrastructure is the most developed. There is a good selection of hotels, restaurants, bars and shops.

The beaches listed by us are the most in demand and popular, the rest of the coast is more deserted. The northern regions generally have only a few expensive hotels that are built right on the shore, and behind them the wild jungle begins. Restaurants and cafes work only in hotels, and there are not even the usual shops in the area. If you have a desire to go on a trip, then the tour must be booked at the hotel.

But the northern region can offer a very calm and secluded holiday. There are practically no tourists on the local coast. You can always find a place where there is not a single person at a distance of two hundred meters.

In general, all the beaches of Khao Lak cannot be called crowded, since the resort is not yet very famous and is so in demand. But here you can have a good rest, enjoying clean sandy beaches and warm sea.

Bang Niang

Bang Niang can be safely called the most popular Khao Lak beach (description is given in the article). It is simply impossible to talk about the resort without remembering the sea coast. The beach is not crowded enough, but very good for relaxing, and there are entertainment here. Hotels, bars and restaurants are built along the coast. Nearby there are a couple of temples, a museum and a food market. The local coast has deserted and busy areas. During the low season, there are practically no tourists here. Therefore, this time will appeal to those who do not like noisy resorts.

According to reviews of Khao Lak, we can conclude that Nang Thong is another popular place. Unlike the previous beach, it is more elongated, but less wide. First line hotels are quite good. If you need to find an easier option, then you should pay attention to the establishments located along the main road that transports between Phuket and Bangkok.

There are even fewer tourists at this resort than in Bang Niang. But still, there are all kinds of water activities, and the beach area is equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers. On the coast there is a lighthouse, which you can even climb. The southern part of the coast is called Sunset Beach. Luxury hotels have been built on its territory.

Resort hotels

Many hotels here were built after the tsunami in Phuket. Khao Lak is a very young resort in this respect. Modern hotels can offer an excellent level of service and excellent rooms. Local establishments are built according to all modern standards. Some of the best hotels in Khao Lak are: "Breeze Beach Resort 5 *", "Khao Lak Emerald Beach Resort", "Khao Lak Merlin Resort". In general, the choice of accommodation in the resort is quite good. There are also simpler establishments and even guesthouses.

Local Attractions

What is a resort without attractions? Any decent resort should have its amazingly interesting places. It is for this reason that existing beauties are exploited or artificially new ones are created. Phanga Nga Province is a beautiful region boasting natural beauty. The sights of Khao Lak are everything that was once created by nature, namely, rocks, reefs, caves and other objects. The resort also has a tsunami museum and several temples.

Tourists can visit the tsunami memorial, the main exhibit of which is a police boat. During the tsunami, it was thrown onto the coast, since then it has been standing on a pedestal, reminiscent of the events of 2004. This place is located near Bang Niang Beach.

Padungtampotivas Temple is famous for its huge gilded Buddha statue. There are very few visitors here, but monks live on the territory.

Not far from Nang Thong beach is a Chinese temple, which is simply impossible not to notice from the outside. It is especially interesting for the white statue of the goddess, which stands on a lotus flower, and a dragon lies at her feet. Inside the stunningly beautiful structure, there are many interesting sculptures.

national park

Rest on Khao Lak is not only a beach and the sea, but also an opportunity to admire the local beauties. In particular, you can visit the Khao Sok National Park, which is a natural attraction. The park covers an area of ​​about 125 sq. km. It received national status in 1991. On its territory there are mountain peaks and waterfalls, as well as interesting representatives of fauna and flora. The easiest way to see the park is during a tour, which can be purchased at any local travel agency. There are different travel options. You can ride through the jungle on the back of an elephant or walk along a small route on foot. The choice, as they say, is yours.

Resort Waterfalls

In reviews of Khao Lak, tourists recommend visiting the waterfalls of the resort. Almost all of them are located on the territory of the national park. The most interesting is Thong Chong Fa, it is located seven kilometers from Bang Niang Beach. The waterfall has five levels. And the lowest one forms a fresh lake with cool water. You can swim in the pond after a difficult and difficult climb. Nearby are the Hin Lad and Lam Prao waterfalls. One of them has two levels, and the second - three.

Similan Islands

All tourists vacationing in Khao Lak (Phuket) tend to get to the Similan Islands. This archipelago is located in the Andaman Sea, just 70 kilometers from Khao Lak. In total, it occupies an area of ​​about 142 square meters. km. Since 1982, it has been awarded the title of National Marine Reserve, and the King himself controls it. Similan means nine. Initially, there were nine islands, and later, in 1998, another one, Tachai, became part of the archipelago. The rest of the islands are named - Bangu, Similan, Huong, Payang, Mayan, Payu, Khok, Miang, Ha. The islands are a real paradise for divers. These places are the most popular for scuba diving. In coastal waters there are many stone labyrinths, coral reefs and caves. Among the underwater inhabitants here you can see many exotic specimens. The sea waters here are so clear that they can be seen at 35 meters. No less beautiful is the animal world of the Similan Islands. They are inhabited by forty species of birds, 25 species of reptiles and more than 30 species of mammals. Among the most amazing creatures here you can see a crab, which is covered with wool, a blue lizard, a horned heron and a leather turtle.

If you want to spend the night on the islands, then you can do this only on two of them - Miang and Similang. Small houses are built here, there are also bars and restaurants. You can book a sightseeing trip at one of the local travel agencies. However, an independent trip from Thap Lamu Pier will be much cheaper.

Surin archipelago

The Surin archipelago includes five islands - Surin-Nuea, Surin-Thai, Klang, Ri, Khai. All of them are located in the Andaman Sea, about 57 kilometers from Khao Lak. The total area of ​​the islands is 140 sq. km. All of them have the status of a national reserve. The islands have lagoons and forests, mountains and beautiful coral reefs, as well as a rich underwater world.

The Surin Islands have a diverse fauna and flora. About a hundred species of birds and thirty species of animals live here. The islands are the habitat of the rarest sea turtles, which are protected by the state. The archipelago will appeal to all connoisseurs of virgin nature, which has not yet been touched by the human hand.

What to do on the island?

Resting at the resort, you can find a lot of interesting activities. As we mentioned, the Surin Islands and the Similan Islands are great places to dive. In addition, there are a number of diving companies in the city that offer dive trips to the reefs. Snorkelers also gather here. Fans can even go to the islands for a few days.

If we talk about marine entertainment, then it is worth remembering about surfing. Many agencies offer lessons with trainers, as well as the ability to rent equipment.

The resort can please all lovers of shopping. Numerous markets offer very interesting products. One of them is located in the center of Bang Niang. The market is open only three days a week. It sells vegetables, groceries, fruits and fish. Also here you can buy all kinds of goods - clothes, dishes, souvenirs and more. It is customary to bargain in the market, so the initial price can be significantly reduced.

In the center of Khuk Khak, there is another market that sells fresh products. It usually buys everything necessary for the owners of cafes and restaurants. You can also buy imported food here.

Updated: 2019-3-3

Oleg Lazhechnikov

Khao Lak was the discovery of the year for me, despite the fact that I have already been to Thailand in many places. It sounds a little loud, but I did not expect that I would like it so much. Usually I don’t go on vacation, but if the question arose where I would go for a week for a relaxing holiday, then I would go there, although there are no “bounty” beaches and some special architecture ...

But it’s soulful and less crowded compared to Phuket and even Koh Samui, which are more like cities than lost tropical resorts. In Khao Lak, there is the balance of the tourist infrastructure of the resort that I need and at the same time a small number of people.

I have been planning to visit Khao Lak for a long time, I was wondering why it is not so popular, although it is located very close to the international airport. It was necessary to fill in the gap on the blog and write your review and mini-guide. And since I also wanted to go on an excursion to and in, it turned out to combine business with pleasure.

Now there is already information about Khao Lak on the net, including sites in Russian, not like 5 years ago, but bloggers still don’t really like it. It is understandable, Khao Lak is more of a resort where you can have a good vacation, and not a place for wintering. There are no hospitals, no supermarkets, and housing for long-term rent can be counted on the fingers.

On the other hand, not winterers, but ordinary tourists also usually go on vacation to the nearest Phuket, and not to Khao Lak, although it is not much longer to get from Phuket airport than to the same Nai Harn. Why? Apparently too quiet and calm, the place is not for those who love entertainment and nightlife.

As an option, visit Khao Lak from excursions from Phuket, it is quite inexpensive. True, in excursions the goal is not to see the beaches and the city, but to see the temples and the jungle in the area. Plus traditional elephant riding and rafting. Just keep in mind if you want something like this.

And I will list briefly what attracted me to the resort itself.

• Quiet and relaxing holiday
• Minimum parties, as the contingent is mainly European-pensioner
• There are few people on the beaches, since the town is small, and the beaches are long
• The resort looks quite nice, many cafes are nicely decorated, and the buildings have cheerful colors.
  Transport accessibility: mainland, so no need for a ferry and not far from Phuket ()

Pretty nice alley - Bang Niang Road exit to the sea

In general, it is very important for me that there are few people on the beach, so as not to feel like a herring in a jar, but at the same time I don’t want to relax completely on a desert island.

I know that not everyone will understand me, and perhaps such a desire for solitude is generally inherent only to residents of megacities. Although it may be my own pure understanding of relaxation, in which it is impossible to enjoy the natural beauties from the crowd.

And I will emphasize again. Perhaps it just seemed so to me, but Khao Lak in some places (mainly Bang Niang) really looks a little different, somehow more civilized and European than many other resorts. And this despite the fact that he is not very popular. For example, the beaches of Kata and Kata Noi in Phuket also look European, but there are many more people there.

Areas and beaches of Khao Lak

About the beaches of Khao Lak

It must be understood that there is no separate city called Khao Lak, this is the name of several villages / beaches combined into one resort. Moreover, most of the resort's territory is fields with palm trees, and the main attraction is Khao Lak National Park, that is, nature, waterfalls and the beaches themselves. Civilization is concentrated in just a few places.

In total, there are 7 districts / beaches in Khao Lak, of which, in my opinion, only 3 will be of interest to most, just where there is enough infrastructure necessary for vacationers. And another beach (Khuk Khak) is interesting from the point of view of sometimes coming to swim, as it is not far from the main areas, but not to live there. Therefore, we will only talk about 4 beaches and areas:

- Bang Niang Beach
— Khuk Khuk Beach

The remaining 3 beaches (Pakarang Beach, Pak Weep Beach, Bang Sak Beach) are completely for everyone, there is little civilization there, and the beaches are worse, the dominance of Thais on weekends (they come for picking). I was also on, which is located on the territory of the national park between Khao Lak beach and Bang Niang beach, but it is not particularly interesting.

My favorite areas were Bang Nian and Nang Thong. And given that they flow one into another without a clear boundary, it is possible to live both there and there. Looking ahead, I will say that these two beaches themselves are very similar, but I would personally choose Bang Niang. Moreover, it is believed by many that Nang Thong is the first in terms of development in the resort, but it seemed to me that Bang Niang is such.

If we talk about the main areas of Khao Lak (where there is civilization), then I liked Khao Lak beach the least, despite its name of the same name with the entire resort.

Firstly, it somehow looks less neat because of the asphalt and gravel roads. Secondly, visually there is less beautiful than on the same Bang Niang. Thirdly, there is not even a 7-11 there and in fact there is only one small street and a couple of lanes, the area is very small. That is, the choice of cafes, hotels, shops is minimal, there is nowhere to go.

In fact, there is no choice, only one normal minimarket, and even then it’s not 7-11 after all. That is, for me it’s neither here nor there, and it’s not completely wilderness to be alone and civilization is not enough, if not alone. But maybe someone will like just such a combination.

But the beaches here are great. That part of the beach, which is opposite civilization, is fenced off from this line of casuarina, creating a shadow in the morning. First-line hotels overlook their pools with sun loungers right on the shore, for example, the chic The Anda Mani Khao Lak By Epikurean Hotels & lifestyle with a very high rating.

If you drive from Phuket, then, quickly passing the Khao Lak beach and passing the pass, you will go down the mountain to the village of Bang La On. To be honest, I don't know if it's necessary to know this name, because the beach is called Nang Thong. And the bus driver or taxi driver, if you tell them that you need to Khao Lak, they will bring you here. This place is considered the center of the Khao Lak resort and the most developed, there is even a McDonald's.

The main civilization is located right on the highway, there are plenty of hotels, and there are 7-11, and a bank, and in general, when you drive in the dark in the evening, everything around glows, it seems that the whole city is around. This entire area is strongly elongated along the highway, and, accordingly, along the coast. The distance from the highway to the beach is less than, for example, on Bang Niang. Along the entire coast there are first-line hotels, La Flora Resort & Spa Khao Lak is very praised , although this resort is far from the epicenter of infrastructure and almost borders on Bang Niang.

The southernmost part of the area is sometimes called Sunset Beach, either because it is good to see off sunsets there, or because there is Khaolak Sunset Resort located. But you will not find such a beach on the maps, and there is no border between the beaches at all.

Be sure (and I insist) to check for discounts or special offers on an excellent service. It will quickly and easily show you discounts in all existing booking systems. In the same Asia, for example, there are a lot of offers on Agoda.com, which are much more interesting than exactly the same hotels on Booking.com.

Nang Thong beach is good all over, I liked it. There are a lot of walking pensioners, two lighthouses, one on the shore, the second in the sea, quite often there are large stones in the water. .

Bang Niang beach

It is believed by many that the most infrastructurally developed beach is Nang Thong. But it seems to me that this information is outdated, Bang Niang is in no way inferior to him, except that there is no McDonald's. But there is a whole, even 2.

At the same time, Bang Niang is more compact, since it is much less stretched along the coast compared to Nang Thong. That is, approximately the same number of cafes and hotels are located on a smaller area, and you do not need to wind kilometers to get somewhere. And in the same way, Bang Niang is not crowded even in peak season. All photos were taken by me at the end of January, and there are more on the beaches.

In general, if I chose where to stay in Khao Lak, then the hotel would be booked on this beach. Actually, I did just that when I came to Khao Lak. In any case, it is not a problem to get to Nang Tong, the beach line is not interrupted at all, you can walk and walk, which is what many pensioners here do in the morning and late afternoon.

The whole civilization is concentrated on the highway and near the Bang Niang Road. It goes to the beach and conditionally divides it into northern and southern parts. Southern part near Ramada Khao Lak Resort beautiful and flows smoothly into Nang Thong. The northern one is partially filled with concrete, but there are strips of the beach, you can swim. Further north, it is completely wilderness and desolation. .