Khao Lak Hotel Of Thailand - Khao Lak Thailand Travel Guide

Attraction around Khao Lak, Khao Lak - Phang Nga Thailand

The outer islands of Phang Nga are considered to be one of the world’s best scuba diving grounds. Popular trips are liveaboard diving excursions to Similan Islands , home of the most beautiful and colorful soft corals in the world plus a whole range of coral fish, manta rays and other exotic marine animals. Visibility is often more than 100 feet and the warm water temperature doesn't really require a wetsuit, though only accessible during the months of October-May.

The nine Similan Islands became a national marine park in the mid-1980s and the name ‘Similan’ is thought to derive from a Malaysian word meaning ‘nine’. Accordingly, the islands are called Koh 1 to Koh 9 based on their location from south to north, with the southermost one being Koh 1. The park headquarters and tourist facilities are located on Koh 4. At Koh 9, underwater grottoes and swim-through tunnels add to the islands’ appeal for divers.

The remote Surin Islands consist of 5 islands and is also another superb scuba diving sites with a pristine marine ecosystem. The islands are virtually uninhabited, except for a few sea gypsies. The surronding sea offers and outstanding array of soft corals and frequent sightings of rays and the elusive whale sharks. It is also a marine national park.

Aside from the spectacular limestone cliffs and islands of unusual rock formations, the Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park has other interesting attractions. The bay is home to a village of Muslim sea gypsies living on Panyi Island. About 200 families live on this tiny island with their homes built on stilts above the water. Tham Lot is a 50-m long sea tunnel through a limestone mountain with stalactites hanging from the roof and is accessible by a small boat or canoe/ kayak.

The island of Koh Khao Phing Kan (Cliffs Leaning on Each Other Island) and nearby Koh Tapu (Nail Island) in the Phang Nga Bay were made famous in the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) and are the highlights of numerous boat tours. The later island is a isolated, sheer, thin stack that just appears from the water and has some forest scrubs clinging to the cracks.

The holy Wat Tham Suwan Kuha (Cave Temple) houses a reclining Buddha, tiny shrines, and chedis interspersed among the stalactites and stalagmites in the cave

Beach

Hat Khaolak (Khaolak Beach) Described as a sleepy beach, Hat Khaolak is a long stretch of coast located midway between Takua Pa and Thai Muang in Phang- Nga province (about 30 kms either way). The area, though a very well kept secret for many years, is now one of the target holiday destinations for those seeking the ultimate getaway. With a number of resorts now located along the beach, visitors can find quiet peace in modern, luxurious surroundings, and use it as a venture point to some of the wonderful natural attractions of Phang-Nga province.

Hat Thai Muang or "Turtle Beach" is located in Thai Muang National Park at the southern end of Phang-Nga Province. The 20-km stretch of shoreline is clean and swimming is excellent. During the months of November through to February, seaturtles come to lay their eggs. Species include the leatherback turtle amongst others, although in recent years numbers and sightings have reportedly been on the decrease.

Hat Bang Sak North of Hat Khaolak in Tambon Bang Muang, this beach does not match Hat Khaolak , though it features a long strip of fine white sand shaded by casuarina trees. A popular spot for picnics with locals, there are several seafood stalls set up and limited accommodations available. Easy to find, the beach lies 1km off Highway 4, about 14kms out of Takua Pa Town

Khao Sok

To visit the Khao Sok National Park is an easy day tour, even if it would be worth to spend there a few days. Khao Sok is in a mountain area between Takua Pa and Surat Thani and it is famous for its bungalows built on top (more or less) of the trees.
The first to start the 'Tree Tops' bungalows was an American Lady a few years ago and the original Tree Tops has only 5 bungalows full all the time. Now, as always happens in Thailand, the idea has been copied over and over again and you can find tree tops bungalows almost everywhere in the area.

The main attraction of going to Khao Sok is to take a boat ride on a lake created when a dam was built a few years ago. It is a huge lake and the boat ride can be very interesting, passing small islands and huge limestone outcrops.
From the original 'Tree Tops' they offer accommodation on rafts in the lake, and that is much more interesting of staying in the actual tree top bungalows.
The rafts are very very basic, but from there you can go trekking, canoeing and in general have a great time.

Waterfalls

Chongfah
Chong Fah Falls lie about 5 kms north of Khaolak along the main coast highway from Phuket up to Takua Pa. Easily accessed by rental jeep or motorcycle.

Lumpee
Heading 20 km south from Khaolak towards Thai Muang district, lie Lumpee or Lam Phi Falls. The waterfall is medium sized and divided into three levels, each about 100 meters high. It flows year round.

Tohn Prai
A large waterfall situated in Thai Muang National Park. Drive to within 1 km of the falls, then continue on foot. The hike to the falls is most enjoyable during dry season.

Reefs

Coral Reef Off shore from Hat Khaolak are some coral gardens which make for interesting snorkeling and diving. Reached by long tail boat, the trip takes about 45 minutes and can be organized through local operators beachside at Hat Khaolak.

Temple Caves

Wat Tham Suwankhuka (Heaven Grotto Temple) is a cave shrine featuring Buddha images, and lies 5km past the small town of Takua Thung, not too far from Phang-Nga town. The cave is interesting for its reclining Buddha which lies in one of 2 caverns, and inscriptions of the royal seals of King Rama V, VII and IX on one of the walls of the second cavern.