:: Overview
Known as one of Thailand’s last undeveloped eco-hotspots, Khao Lak presents the perfect holiday solution for those seeking peace and solitude. Picturesque, with endless stretches of white sandy beach and turquoise water, back dropped by rugged forest covered hillside, sunset walks along these deserted beaches can’t fail to get you in the mood. Access to local reefs situated just off shore make it a great destination for diving and snorkeling, and, for those wishing to experience the most majestic of diving adventures, the world class island dive sites of the Similan islands and Surin islands are easily accessible for short trips and live aboards. For those non-divers amongst you, why not snorkel the pristine Similan and Surin waters or trek the multiple trekking trails. And, if its national parks you’re after, on the mainland a visit to the Khao Lak/ Lam Ru national marine park to witness the abundant wildlife and the spectacular limestone cliff scenery is a must.
Encompassed within the Phang Nga province are our featured destinations, khao Lak and Koh Prathong in the northerly area of the province and to the east of Koh Phuket in the south of the province, Koh Yao Yai. Phang Nga covers an area of 4,170 Square meters, to the north bordering Ranong and Chumpon, to the east, Surathani and Krabi and to the south, Phuket. On land Phang Nga consists of forest, mangroves and rugged hillside leading down to pristine white sandy beaches. Seaward, the geography is stunning, typified by pristine waters with a scattering of undeveloped islands surrounded by a combination of soft and hard coral reefs. Well protected, much of Phang Nga is classified as national park, both land and marine. Khao Lak is not an island, and we say this because many people get confused by the terms ‘Khao’ and the ‘Koh’. For your reference, Khao means hill and Koh means island. Khao Lak is characterized by long stretches of white sandy beach back-dropped by spectacular lush forested hillside hence the name ‘Khao’ Lak. East of the coastline is the Khao Lak national park, featuring enormous cliffs and hills, mangroves, estuaries and an abundance of wildlife including, crab eating macaques, gibbons, tapirs and Asiatic black bears.
Khao Lak experiences two distinct seasons, dry and rainy. Between the beginning of November and the end of April, it is classified as high or ‘dry’ season where there is little rain (although still a little in November) with temperatures ranging from 24 c in the nighttime to a scorching 36 c in the day, but with the effects often reduced by soothing sea breeze.
Between May and November, the region is in low or ‘rainy’ season. During this time the weather is difficult to predict. It may rain one day and then be beautiful and clear the next. It may rain for a week and then be beautiful for two. It really is pot luck! One thing that is fairly consistent though is the temperature, which doesn’t change too significantly, with lows of 25 c and highs of 30 c. Also a good thing to point out is that during the low season the beaches tend to be deserted and beautiful rooms are offered at equally beautiful prices. The consequence is the possibility of changeable weather. But, if this doesn’t bother you this could be the time to go.
There’s a steadily growing number of activities to partake in, and most if not all things are regarded as eco-friendly. Firstly it must be noted that Khao Lak is definitely not a suitable destination for the restless or those seeking something upbeat, as it is has always been regarded as a place for peace and relaxation. The soft adventure available includes taking a trip to the Khao Lak/ Lam Ru National Park. Occupying over 150 square kilometers, the park boasts spectacular cliffs, rolling hills, beaches and mangroves and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including Asiatic bears, Gibbons, various types of monkeys, tapirs and a incredible mix of resident and migratory birds. Another area of interest if you love walking is the Khao Lak to Bang Sak route which is made up of sandy trails and deserted beaches. Just of the shore at Hat Khao Lak at the western tip of the bay is some pretty good snorkeling. However, the most impressive activity to partake in whilst in Khao Lak is undoubtedly a trip to the Similan Islands or the Surin Islands for some snorkeling, diving and island trekking.
Some pics in the ride...
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