Which side of the world is Khao Lak located on? Where is Khao Lak on the map of Thailand and how to get there. Holidays at the resort

Hi all!

Our trip to Thailand in July 2013 began at the resort Khao Lak or Khao Lak .

This is a "quiet" place west coast Malay Peninsula.

Large Thai resorts are famous for being crowded and lively, especially during the season. Tourists go there for parties and entertainment.

Khao Lak is one of the places where you can enjoy privacy, tranquility and nature. This is a more family-friendly holiday, with clean deserted beaches.

Located approximately 100 km from Phuket.

We flew on vacation with friends, a family with two children, we had our own company, there was no one else needed.

I wanted silence, clear sea, exotic places and a minimum of people.

Khao Lak fit that description exactly.

Flight and road to the hotel

Long flight 9 hours.

We were lucky with our seats; we sat by the window, just the two of us with my husband. We had an overnight flight, we slept almost all of it, sitting more or less comfortably together on three seats.

You can also get there by taxi or public transport, saving significant money.

There were a lot of us, with children and suitcases, so this option was not suitable. In addition, such a journey would take three hours.

Hotel

Checked into a hotel Mukdara Beach Villa & Spa Resort .

In Phuket, hotels practically do not have their own territory. All beaches are public, there are a lot of people on them.

In Khao Lak, our hotel had a huge picturesque area with a bar, a large swimming pool and a restaurant by the sea.

Restaurant

There were practically no people in the hotel. Literally a few middle-aged Europeans. There were no Russian tourists except us in the hotel. Moreover, during our 9 days in Khao Lak, we met only one couple of Russian guys. Of course, we met.

The hotel also had a gym, beauty and massage salon with high prices.

During the season, prices at this hotel are very high, but in the summer they drop significantly.

Weather

The season in Khao Lak is from November to May. In June, most cafes and restaurants are closed due to heavy rains and the lack of tourists.

We went at the beginning of July, when cafes were just starting to open. But the prices are, of course, more favorable.

The first three days of our stay in Khao Lak there were torrential rains.

We managed to become depressed; walking through puddles is not the most interesting activity.

On the fourth day of our stay in Khao Lak, the sun appeared. Of course, it was happiness.

In 9 days we managed to swim and get a good tan. But still, it rained almost every day, there were many cloudy days, it was frustrating.

Khao Lak is more designed for a beach holiday; besides swimming, there is not much to do here.

Where to go in Khao Lak

There are no large shopping centers here. But there are many souvenir shops, clothing stores, many massage parlors and spas.

There is a massage right on the shore of the wild beach.

A market where it is better to go early in the morning. After lunch, sellers begin to leave.

Near Khao Lak there is a picturesque lighthouse.

Everything is designed for a quiet, secluded holiday.

Sea

Khao Lak is located along the coast Andaman Sea .

It is very different from the sea in Phuket. In Phuket, these are bays with little or no waves. Here we hit big waves.

At first it was even a little scary to swim, but then we got used to it, I wanted to swim)

We frolicked in the waves, it was a lot of fun!

Once I even lost my swimsuit panties))). They were simply pulled together by a wave while I was trying to get out of it).

On some days there were no waves, the sea was calm and calm. And there were days with so much huge waves that we didn’t risk going in there, we swam in the pool.

The Andaman Sea captivated me. It's incredibly beautiful. In Khao Lak it is different from the beaches of Phuket. The sea is a magical gray color and the sand is red.

The beaches of Khao Lak are mostly wild and deserted. Our hotel beach was very clean and equipped with sun loungers.

There was no one else on the beach except us all these days. This is amazing, I have never seen anything like this anywhere else!

Very beautiful sunsets!

Nutrition

Only breakfast was included.

There is no point in taking all-inclusive in Thailand; it usually turns out to be expensive. There are a lot of cafes and restaurants where you can eat tasty and inexpensive food.

Khao Lak has many different cafes and restaurants, mostly with seafood.

The locals don’t understand English at all, let alone Russian. Unlike Phuket, where Thais understand and speak Russian well.

Sometimes in restaurants the waiters did not bring what they asked for.

We found a cafe where the owner is Swedish. He moved to Thailand a few years ago, married a Thai woman, opened his own restaurant business and lives happily for his own pleasure. He spoke English well, told and recommended a lot of useful things. We often went to his restaurant, he always came out to us, talked and tried very hard.

In Thailand you have to be careful with cocktails with ice. To be sure of the quality of the ice, it is better to choose more decent restaurants. In very cheap ones, ice can be frozen from tap water, which is not drinkable in Thailand! Only bottled!

But during our month of stay in Thailand, we were lucky enough to never run into poor-quality food or water.

In the last three days in Thailand, we bought sliced ​​fruit at the market and caught some rubbish (((. We sat on the potty all three days. We ate all the supplies of pills that were brought from Russia, and even bought some pills there. My husband was released after three days, and upon arrival I was admitted to the hospital in the infectious diseases department. Fortunately, nothing serious was found in me, but my fever lasted for more than two weeks.

So, be careful. You can and should buy fruits. But it is better to cut and wash them thoroughly yourself, especially if the intestines are weak.

Summer is fruit season in Thailand, and this is the time when you can try almost all the exotic fruits that can be found in these parts.

Huge selection of seafood! Shrimp, lobsters, crabs, scallops, various fish.

My favorite was the tuna.

All this is usually barbecue, very tasty and the price was very reasonable.

Of course, after the jump in the dollar, prices are no longer so pleasant, but still cheaper than in Russia. And most importantly, everything is fresh, just caught.

At low tide, locals catch crabs and immediately cook them in a cafe on the shore.

The famous Thai Tom Yam soup, which is famous far beyond Thailand! We ate it every day.

The waiter should always say “No spice” (no pepper) if you are not a fan of spicy things. Otherwise, they swell the pepper so much that it is often simply impossible to eat.

Thai cuisine is very spicy. The Thais themselves put a lot of chili peppers for themselves, they are used to it and this is how they are disinfected).

I was crazy about Thai rice. It is always served with fish and seafood dishes instead of bread. They cook it in such a way that it turns out very tasty on its own, I couldn’t help but finish it). Similar to the rice they put on rolls in Russia.

Duck is very popular and also very tasty. It is cooked in a special sauce and it turns out completely different from ours.

Thailand has several local beers. Sold in glass bottles for 0.33. The beer is very cool, soft, not bitter at all.

I liked Sinha the most, it is also the most popular.

Delicious and varied cocktails. Pina colada is served in coconut, the pulp of which I later also ate.

In 2013 (before the crisis) prices were 1/1 (1 ruble = 1 baht).

The cocktails, compared to ours, were more than half the price.

Excursions and attractions of Khao Lak

There are not many excursions in Khao Lak. We were only on two, we went to both “at our own pace.” They took here and there You can also rent bikes.

National Khao Park Lak-Lam Ru

The route is not difficult, children aged 5 and 7 managed it well.

We spent several hours climbing in the park.

Huge trees.

Picturesque sea view

Towards the end it became a bit difficult, very hot and humid. The paths are very slippery in places; comfortable sports shoes would be a good idea.

There is access to the beach, we swam.

The bar on the beach was not open, it was not the season, but there were no people except us.

There are a lot of people here during the season.

We ate at a local restaurant, with beautiful view at sea.

The trip took the whole day.

Lampi Waterfall .

Located 30 minutes drive from Khao Lak. The walk to it is not tiring, since it is located not far from the road.

The waterfall has three levels. If you're not too lazy, you can go up and see all the levels.

At the very bottom of the waterfall Lumpy you can swim. It's allowed and safe.

Khao Lak- a resort in Thailand on the shores of the Andaman Sea. This resort is not yet very popular among our tourists; mostly Europeans choose Khao Lak for their holidays (for some reason there are a lot of Scandinavians in Khao Lak). In this article I will tell you everything I know about Khao Lak: description of the resort, features, beaches, Khao Lak hotels, transport, weather. Perhaps after reading this article you will choose not the neighboring noisy Phuket, but the quiet, calm, Europeanized Khao Lak :)

Quiet, uncrowded resort of Khao Lak in Thailand

Khao Lak: general information

The resort of Khao Lak stretches for many kilometers along the coast and highway No. 4, which connects with the south of Thailand and goes to. Figuratively speaking, Khao Lak starts from the pier from which speed boats depart for Similan, and stretches to the town of Takua Pa, and this is not much, but more than 30 km along the highway! But: when talking about Khao Lak, they most often mean the area from Khao Lak National Park to Cape Pakarang and a little further to the north.

The first village you encounter on the way from Phuket is called Ban Khao Lak, but the center of the Khao Lak resort is further north, behind the mountain. There is the village of Bang La On with Nang Thong beach, and further away the villages of Bang Niang and Khuk Khak with beaches of the same name. The most developed tourist infrastructure is on the first two beaches.

As I already said, a highway passes through Khao Lak, on the sides of which there is all the infrastructure: hotels, restaurants, shops. On Nang Thong beach, all the infrastructure is stretched along the road and the beach, and from the highway to the sea it is literally 500 meters. Inexpensive hotels are located either directly on the highway or across the road from the sea, closer to the mountains. But on the neighboring Bang Niang beach, basically all the hotels and restaurants are located on the streets that lead from the road to the sea. The distance from the highway to the sea in this place is about 1 km.

In 2004, Khao Lak was very badly damaged by a tsunami; now there are signs everywhere around the resort telling where to run and what to do in the event of a tsunami; they say that the disaster warning system is working well.

By the way, just a few days before our arrival in Khao Lak, an earthquake occurred somewhere in the sea near Indonesia, panic began in Thai groups on social networks, everyone predicted a tsunami. Luckily nothing happened. During our trip, we met a couple who were vacationing in Khao Lak at the time of the tsunami talk. They said that one evening they were having dinner in a cafe and the tsunami warning system went off, everyone sat on their bikes and went to the mountains. We waited there for a while, realized that nothing was happening, and returned to the hotel.

On Bang Niang beach, near the highway, almost opposite the 7 Eleven store, there is now a monument to the victims of the tsunami and a police boat, which was washed ashore during the tsunami. Nearby there is a stand with information about the 2004 tsunami and a museum where documentaries are shown on English about this terrible event.

NOT budget resort , prices here are on average higher than, for example, or, but comparable to prices in Krabi: and. More details here:

Khao Lak is a fairly well maintained and clean resort. European-style restaurants, cute bars, beautiful evening lighting, trimmed trees, flowers - it seems that you are somewhere in Europe. They say that it is also Thai Hua Hin a sort of Europe in Thailand, but we haven’t been there, so I can’t say anything.

There are sidewalks in Khao Lak! This is such a joy, especially after Samui, where there are no sidewalks at all, well, maybe a little on and off.

Important! NOT youth resort, don’t look for discos and bars here with dancing until the morning, mostly elderly foreign couples or families with small children relax here. Of course there are bars, but not like these and they close quite early.

Khao Lak: weather and seasons

There are two seasons in Khao Lak:

• rainy season from April-May to October
• dry season from November to April

In principle, the rainy season in Khao Lak is unpleasant not so much because of the rain (it mostly falls at night), but because the sea is stormy and becomes dirty, ugly and dangerous for swimming :) The last time we vacationed in Khao Lak was in September and we never swam at sea due to big waves and rip currents. And excursions to the islands are canceled for the summer. Since Khao Lak is not a very crowded resort anyway, and in the summer there are few people here at all, some hotels, bars, restaurants and shops simply close for the summer.

Should you go on holiday to Khao Lak in May-June-July? If you choose a hotel on the seashore with good infrastructure, then you can safely go! If the sea is very stormy, then you can swim in the pool and take pleasant walks along the seashore. Fortunately, the long beaches of Khao Lak allow you to walk for many kilometers in one direction or the other.

But at the beginning of March the weather in Khao Lak was very hot. I really love the heat, but even I didn’t want to leave the air-conditioned room of our hotel during the day :) But the sea in March in Khao Lak was perfectly smooth (completely calm!) and very warm. How I love it :)

Khao Lak where it is and how to get there

Khao Lak is approximately 60 km from the entrance to popular island Phuket. From Phuket Airport to Khao Lak it is about 80 km or an hour and a half by car. Another airport is located in Krabi, and in Surat Thani railway station. The most convenient way to get from Russia to Khao Lak is through Phuket, where there are direct flights during the season. More information about how to get to Khao Lak:

Transport in Khao Lak

Transport in Khao Lak is represented by songthaews, taxis and buses passing along the highway. You can take a songthaew for 100-150 baht between neighboring beaches, and a taxi, for example, will cost from 1000 baht. It is easy to go by bus to Phuket town (100 baht) or to the neighboring town of Takua Pa.

For freedom and ease of movement, it is best to rent a bike (from 200 baht) or a car ().

Khao Lak Hotels

Khao Lak is the territory of expensive comfortable hotels for have a nice holiday on the very shore of the sea. There is no cheap housing (up to 1000 baht) on the first line! If you, like me, prefer to spend your beach holiday in a hotel first coastline , then be prepared to pay an average of +/- 3000 baht per day.

Inexpensive hotels (up to 1,500 baht) are concentrated along the highway and on the street running perpendicular to the sea in Bang Niang. When we stopped in Khao Lak for just a few days and not for a beach holiday, but for an excursion to the Similan Islands, we settled not near the sea, but in the center of the entire infrastructure of Bang Niang beach, in a cool inexpensive hotel Nautical Home 850 m from the sea and 150 m from the highway. Later, we chose Khao Lak for a holiday with a child good hotels on the first line with its own beach: Manathai Khao Lak and.

Special offers on Khao Lak hotels

Khao Lak hotels on the map

Beaches of Khao Lak

We were delighted with the beaches of Khao Lak: long, wide, almost deserted. The sand is yellow, coarse, clean. The entrance to the sea is smooth. True, there are strong low tides and sometimes storms. I won’t tell you much, I already wrote in great detail with photos and videos about the beaches of Khao Lak here:

Khao Lak infrastructure: cafes, shops, markets, etc.

The main infrastructure of Khao Lak is concentrated on two beaches, Nang Thong and Bang Niang. There are numerous cafes, bars, shops, massage parlors, and excursion bureaus. Beach restaurants along the coastline also attract tourists. You can have lunch there, watch the sunset over a bottle of beer, or simply rent a sun lounger and umbrella.

Cafes, restaurants, bars

There are many cozy restaurants serving European food in Khao Lak. We didn’t have time to go into them, but two evenings we had dinner in one of the Thai cafes. For dinner (one dish + one beer) we paid 280-320 baht. We didn’t see any Makashnits. For dinners on the seashore they paid ~700 baht.

It is believed that Bang Niang is a more expensive, but at the same time more developed beach, all the main bars with live music on Khao Lak are located here. Beach bars sometimes host parties with music and dancing on the sand. But you still need to understand that you won’t find much fun in Khao Lak; it’s not even on Samui, not to mention Patong. But there is somewhere to sit in the evening in Khao Lak :)

Shops and markets

Of the chain stores in Khao Lak, there are quite a few 7 elven with normal prices. They are located on the highway at Bang Niang and Nang Thong beaches. As well as small shops with food, water, souvenirs, beachwear, etc. etc. Prices for souvenirs and beach items are NOT low. There are many stores where they can sew you a suit or other clothes in a couple of days :)

On Bang Niang beach behind 7 elven opposite the turn to Tsunami Memorial every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from lunch until 10 pm there is a market where tourists come from all over Khao Lak. Here you can find some souvenirs, some beachwear, food, fruit, etc. at normal prices.

There is a morning fruit market in Khuk Khak next to the small bus station, which is indicated on all Khao maps Varnish. This market is open every day from early morning until 11-12 noon.

But still, it’s better to go to Phuket for shopping. This will not be difficult to do: you need to take a bus to Phuket on the highway, 2-3 hours of travel and 100 baht and you are in the center of Phuket town. Then you can take a tuk-tuk or songthaew and get, for example, to the Festival Center (you can see what the Festival Center is using Samui as an example).

Closest to Khao Laku The Big C supermarket is located in Takua Pa, and Tesco is on the way to Phuket in Khok Kloi.

Attractions Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a convenient departure point for excursions to neighboring islands. Some tourists come to Khao Lak only to visit:

• Surin
• Tachai - on at the moment, unfortunately, closed indefinitely

Important: in summer, during the rainy and stormy season (usually from mid-May to late October) these islands are closed to visitors!

• Deserted beaches
• Kao Lak National Park - Lam Ru
• Sai Rung Waterfall
• Ton Chong Fa Waterfall
• Ton Pling Waterfall
• Lampi Waterfall

You can also ride elephants or go diving in Khao Lak - any travel agency, of which there are a great many, will tell you more about all the tours and excursions in Khao Lak.

Khao Lak review and conclusions

Khao Lak left a pleasant impression. We liked the fact that there are few tourists in Khao Lak, wide deserted beaches, good sea, clean streets, cozy cafes, excellent 5-star hotels on the very seashore, where you can relax quite inexpensively in the low season and off-season. And the village of Bang Niang itself is so cute. From Khao Lak it is convenient to go on excursions around the islands. Khao Lak has magnificent sunsets: the sun sets directly into the sea. Khao Lak is a place where I want to return again and again, unlike, for example, Ao Nang.

If I were going on vacation to Thailand for 2 weeks and wanted to visit the south of the country, I would do this:

• 1 day. Arrival in Bangkok, overnight in Bangkok
• Day 2. By train or plane to Surat Thani
• Day 3. Transfer Surat Thani - Khao Sok
• 4 – 6 days. Khao Sok and Cheow Lan Lake
• Day 7 – transfer to Khao Lak
• 7 – 12 days. Rest in Khao Lak + sail on a 2-3-day excursion to Similan and/or Surin
• 12-14 days. Departure from Phuket Airport to Bangkok, Bangkok

The beaches attract many tourists every year. That's why resort towns, as a rule, are filled with people, and finding a secluded place is very difficult. But still, there you can find a quiet town where you can relax in a calm atmosphere. One such place is a quiet Thai town called Khao Lak.

Location and general information

The small island of Khao Lak was previously just a small village. But over time, several small villages located nearby along the coast of the Andaman Sea united into one large tourist center. With the development of the tourism industry in Thailand, the level of service developed, and new buildings were built, thus, from an ordinary village, Khao Lak turned into a tourist paradise, where developed infrastructure is combined with unique natural landscapes.

Khao Lak resort is located next to the Andaman Sea. It is fenced off from the ocean high mountains. It is this favorable location that determines the climate of this Thai town. The weather here is warm throughout the year. The tourist season is officially open here from November to May.

The weather at this time is optimal for relaxation, since the tropical heat is diluted by the northeastern monsoons and sea breezes. At this time, the temperature in the city remains at 25 - 30 degrees. The rainy seasons are characterized by high temperatures and frequent rainfall.

The nature of this town is rich and varied. So that tourists can admire it without risk and take photos against the backdrop of bright flowers and tall trees, a beautiful national park Khao Lak Lam Ru. There, the wild jungle is combined with neat paths, walking along which guests of the kingdom can watch squirrels, exotic birds and other small animals of Thailand. There are also waterfalls that fascinate everyone with their pristine beauty.

Sights and recreation areas

Unlike most resorts in Thailand, tourists come to Khao Lak not for noisy fun, but to relax and retire.

Map of Khao Lak with attractions

There are a lot of spas, yoga clubs and all kinds of health centers built in the city. The whole atmosphere of the city encourages tourists to forget about their problems and, in a few days of rest, relax and improve their health both physically and mentally.

Khao Lak is a quiet and cozy holiday

In addition, there are many natural attractions near the city, against which tourists who come to Thailand like to take photos. For example, Lampi waterfall. It is located 30 minutes from Khao Lak, just off Route 4. You can get there by taxi or rented transport. The waterfall itself is just a short walk from the parking lot.

It's best to go there early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Against the backdrop of a morning waterfall one gets best photos. In addition, you can swim there at any time. This is allowed and quite safe.

Lampi Waterfall (Khao Lak, Thailand)

Another colorful waterfall near Khao Lak is Chong Fa. It's easy to find because there is a blue sign on Route 4 that shows the way to the waterfall. Entrance to the waterfall territory is paid, for adults a ticket costs 100 baht, for children - 50. Near the waterfall it is great to relax on hot days and take memorable photos.

Chong Fa is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Khao Lak

One more thing worth attention The natural heritage of Khao Lak is the local national park. You can go there from 8:30 to 16:30. You can walk in the park all day long, because there is a restaurant on its territory where you can have a snack if necessary.

From the park you can go to the beaches of Nang Thong or Khao Lak, or walk to the famous Buddhist temple. Entrance to the temple is free for children under three years old, adults pay 100 baht for entry, children under 14 years old pay half that amount.

Khao Lak Lamru National Park is one of several popular national parks in Thailand

Also not far from Khao Lak there is such an original attraction as Police Boat 813. At the beginning of the millennium, it was one of two police boats designed to protect the son of a former princess. During the 2004 tsunami, one of the ships sank along with its crew. The second boat washed ashore, and since then it has stood there as a historical monument.

Police boat washed up 2 km from the shore

In addition, you can go to Old town and Takua Pa. In the old quarter of Takua Pa there are still quaint examples of old Sino-Portuguese architecture, where tourists stop at literally every step to take photos. There are also plenty of quaint shops and a traditional local market.

Hotels, shops and markets

Despite the absence of large shopping centers and shopping malls in the city, in the resort town you can buy everything you need for a comfortable stay. Prices for food in stores are not very high, and in the markets you can try all the exotic fruits without spending much. However, it is better to go to the market early, because after lunch the traders go home.

Tourist town opposite Nang Thong Beach, Khao Lak

As for souvenirs, it is better to buy them in the town of Baan La On, which is located next to Khao Laka. On main square The city has a large market where you can buy figurines of Thai gods, paintings, jewelry and even handmade musical instruments.

Souvenirs made of wood and coconut

But if you don’t want to travel that far, you can also find souvenirs in the Khao Lak Souvenir shop near Nang Thong Beach.

It is prohibited to export Buddha figurines larger than 15 cm. Thais consider this an insult to religion.

The most popular place among tourists is the Nang Tong supermarket. It presents a wide variety of goods, both household and grocery. And near each beach you can find small shops where, in addition to household items, you can also buy ready-made frozen foods.

Beach holiday

They are distinguished by their well-groomed and cleanliness. In this quiet resort town you can soak up the snow-white sand and swim in the clear sea ​​water, which is not always possible on other beaches in Thailand. There is enough space for vacationers here. The coastline stretches along the sea for ten kilometers. True, the beaches are mostly wild.

Only two of them are developed by tourists: Nang Thong and Bang Niang. The first one is considered the most popular in the whole city. Near it you can find many cozy and inexpensive hotels and restaurants that provide a large selection of food and drinks. From the shore you can see many sea creatures that you previously only saw in photographs:

• Crabs;
• Turtles;
• Exotic fish, etc.

The southern part of Nang Thong Beach is also known among tourists as "Sunset Beach". Many tourists, coming to this resort, bring home photos against the backdrop of sea sunsets.

Nang Thong Beach is also known among tourists as "Sunset Beach"

The beach called Bang Niang is more suitable for family vacation. Many water attractions, cozy sun loungers and massage parlors will allow you to find entertainment for both children and parents. In addition, next to the beach there is a snake farm and Chong Fa waterfall, so in addition to beach holiday you will have something to do.

Less crowded, but therefore even more attractive beaches that are recommended for visiting are Pakwip and Khao Lak. The latter attracts with its natural beauty, which you just want to save in a photo as a memory of the trip. You won't find any sun loungers or umbrellas there, but the alternative is to relax in the shade of tall trees on the snow-white sand.

Pakwip beach, in turn, is almost deserted, but at the same time attractive. Nearby there are good five-star hotels and the Buddhist monastery of Baan Pakwip.

Pakwip Beach is the quietest and least developed in tourist destination resort beach

In general, the boundaries between separate beaches are quite conventional and they are all available for recreation throughout the whole year. They are protected from storms by high reefs, so even during the monsoons you can snorkel, dive, or simply ride the waves and take photos against the backdrop of the sea.

Transport

Most Popular vehicles to get around Khao Lak it is:

1. Knock knock;
2. Motorbike;
3. Automobile;
4. Bike.

You can hire a tuk tuk for your own route. At first, the price may seem high, but you can bargain and agree to travel for almost half the price. You need to agree on the cost before departure, so that upon arrival you do not have conflicts with the driver due to misunderstandings.

Check the cost of the trip, since payment can be made both per person and for the cost of the trip as a whole.

To explore the area on your own, it is better to rent a motorbike or scooter. There are two types of rentals: daily and monthly.

A day's rental costs approximately 200 baht, if rented for long term you will receive a significant discount. You can find transport nearby travel agencies, restaurants and internet cafes. To rent, you will need a passport (or at least a copy of it) - it is advisable to leave a cash deposit, which will greatly increase the likelihood of not becoming a hostage to circumstances.

You can also rent a car on the island. All offices provide a selection of cars of different models at different prices. Remember that to drive a car on the roads of Thailand you must have an international driver's license. The fine for driving without documents is 500 baht.

An international driver's license comes into force if you have a domestic driver's license, be careful and don't forget to take it with you.

How to get there

There are no direct flights to Khao Lak, but neighboring island Phuket is located international airport. Upon arrival in Phuket, you can already get to the tourist town by taxi. The trip will take just under an hour and cost approximately 1,200 baht.

But if you want to save money, you can take the bus. Direct flight, however, does not exist, so you have to go first to the bus station located in Phuket, and then change to another one that goes to Khao Lak.

In addition, Khao Lak can be reached from Bangkok. Traveling on a comfortable bus will cost approximately 500 baht. The journey from the Southern Bus Station to the resort takes approximately 10 hours.

Khao Lak can be reached by plane, bus, taxi and even by bicycle

The resort town of Khao Lak - great place, both for a family holiday and for visiting with a group of friends. Beautiful scenery, pure nature and a huge selection of entertainment options will make your holiday unforgettable.

If you leave Phuket on the mainland and take Highway 4 north, you will find yourself in Khao Lak in an hour. Many people think that Khao Lak is one beach, which is not entirely true. Khao Lak is the name given to the coastal area around Lak Mountain in Phang Nga Province. There are a couple of villages located here, and the coastline of more than 25 kilometers is divided into several beaches. First, it’s worth telling a little about the Khao Lak area as a whole, so that you get an impression of it. This place is suitable for lovers of a relaxing holiday with the whole family or romantic couple. There is no hectic scene here, just small bars with live music, where you can have a glass of beer or drink an exotic cocktail to the sounds of a local band. During the November to April season, Khao Lak is busy, but during the monsoon season, when the sea gets rough, the number of tourists decreases and some restaurants and shops close. During the low season the waves vary in height and sometimes it is impossible to get into the water.

Part of Pakwip Beach - White Sand Beach

How to get to Khao Lak

Map of Khao Lak in Russian

South Beach

South Beach (or South Beach) is called the coast south of the mountain Varnish. There are several hotels located in the north of the quiet beach. Near them there is a tourist village with restaurants, cafes, shops and exchange offices. Among the attractions, it is worth highlighting Tong Pling Waterfall and Khao Lak - Lam Ru National Park. If you wish, you can always take a 10-minute taxi ride to the village of La Haun.

Nang Thong Beach

Sunset Beach and Nang Thong Beach - Wikiwand Sunset Beach and Nang Thong Beach

If we talk about Sunset Beach, there are no restaurants or cafes here at all, except in hotels. Hotel guests walk to the village of La Hon. Literally 10-15 minutes - and you are there. You can walk along the beach, Sunset smoothly turns into Nang Thong, or walk along the convenient sidewalk along Highway No. 4. La On Village is located on the main road of Nang Thong Beach. There are many restaurants, cafes, bars, exchange offices, banks, massage parlors, even a couple of 7-Eleven minimarkets, as well as small private supermarkets and even McDonalds fast food.

Bang Niang Beach

Bang Niang Beach - Wikiwand Bang Niang Beach

The next beach is called Bang Niang. This is the most tourist developed place in the Khao Lak area. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, money changers, massage parlors, pharmacies, small private supermarkets and a 7-Eleven minimarket. The center of Bang Niang is considered to be the Tsunami Monument on Highway No. 4. From here towards the beach there is a street with many restaurants, bars, shops and guesthouses. In the Bang Niang area you will find a tsunami museum, drag queen shows, Thai nightclubs and markets - read about them below.

Khuk Khak Beach

The Khuk Khak area with the beach of the same name is suitable for those who are looking for relaxing holiday. Hotels here can be counted on one hand. All of them are located away from Highway 4, so guests visit beach restaurants and massage parlors near the hotels. The infrastructure of the main road is quite scarce, represented by islands local restaurants and private minimarkets. However, before nearby beach drive no more than 10 minutes. Among the attractions you can visit the butterfly park and the morning market, which you can read about below.

Between Bang Niang and Khuk Khak beaches

Pakarang Beach

North of Khuk Khak is Pakarang Beach, named after the cape. At low tide the sea goes far away, I think that is why there are very few hotels here. The beach is perfect for those who like long walks. There are no shops at all in this area, you will only find a couple of beach restaurants.

Pakweep Beach and White Sand Beach - Wikiwand Pakweep Beach and White Sand Beach

On the northern side of Cape Pakarang is Pak Weep Beach - a gorgeous coastline with white sand. Most southern part The coast is also called White Sand because of the color of the sand. On the coast you will find several beach cafes, massages, and from the hotels in the northern part of Pakwip beach you can walk to main road, where there are rare islands of local restaurants and minimarts. Among the attractions, it is worth visiting the Sai Rung Waterfall.

Bang Niang Beach

Bangsak Beach

The northernmost beach of Khao Lak area is called Bang Sak. There are several beach restaurants and massage parlors here, as well as a couple of private minimarkets on the highway. From this area, the closest drive is to the village of Nam Khem, where the Tsunami Memorial is located, and to the old town of Takuapa, where an authentic fair is held, read about it below.

Bang Niang Beach Market

Shops in Khao Lak

There are no large shopping centers in Khao Lak, only plazas and small private supermarkets. There are a large concentration of such shops on the beaches of Nang Thong and Bang Niang: Nang Thong Supermarket, Nangthong Park Plaza, Khao Lak Center Point. Here you can buy everything you need for your holiday: sunscreens, beachwear and shoes, some souvenirs. The nearest shopping centers are a 40-minute drive from the center of Khao Lak - Big C in the new part of Takua Pa and Tesco Lotus in Khok Kloi.

Markets in Khao Lak

On Bang Niang Beach near 7-Eleven, opposite the turn to Tsunami Memorial Park with the warship, there is a large market three times a week where you can buy snacks, Thai food, fruit, beachwear, shoes and accessories. It is called Food Street or Bang Niang Market. It is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 am to 10 pm.
Bang Niang Market coordinates: 8.666744, 98.252431

Old Town of Takua Pa

Another market, Sunday Food Market, on the outskirts of Bang Niang district, is held on Sundays. They sell prepared Thai food, fruits, vegetables and seafood. It's easy to find by the new Build Factory nightclub. The market is open from 16:00 to 22:00.
Food market coordinates in Bang Niang: 8.678094, 98.252521

Near Khuk Khak Beach there is a morning market where they sell fruits, vegetables and other goods. It is easy to find near the bus station, which is marked on all maps. The market is open from dawn until noon.
Coordinates of the morning market in Khuk Khak: 8.686740, 98.253616

One of the most unusual markets is located in the old part of the city of Takua Pa. A little higher I wrote about shopping mall Big C, from there to the Sunday market is another 10 minutes drive. The old town of Takua Pa is known for its history dating back to . It is also called younger brother Phuket Town for its streets in the Chinese-Portuguese style and the special atmosphere that has been preserved local residents. On Sundays, on the streets of the old town of Takua Pa from 15:00 to 22:00, sellers of sweets and other dishes made according to century-old recipes, antique sellers set up their tables, and residents of nearby areas flock to the evening promenade. This market is very similar to, which is a kind of Arbat in Phuket. The Takuapa Fair is only held during the high season from November to April.
Coordinates of the fair in Takua Pa: 8.829556, 98.364643

Transport in Khao Lak

From the village of La On (Nang Thong Beach) during daylight hours, a songthaew - an open bus with two benches - runs north along Highway No. 4. The cost of travel between beaches is only 50 baht per person. In addition, you can always find a local taxi. The cost of travel for a car, see the photos below - these are the official prices from the center of Bang Niang beach (near the tsunami museum and market).

Taxi prices in Khao Lak

Nightlife Khao Lak

There are not as many eating establishments in Khao Lak as in Phuket. If you are going to Thailand to have fun, it is better to choose discos, bars, etc. Nightlife in Khao Lak is concentrated in the areas of Nang Thong and Bang Niang beaches. There are many bars with live music: Happy Snapper Bar, Monkey Bar, Mr Chay's Bar, WonderlanD Bar and others. In the Bang Niang area, on Highway No. 4, there are two Thai nightclubs Zantika and Build Factory. I would like to say right away that they are far from the European concept of nightclubs. They are rather large, cheerful bars with live music and tables around which it is customary to dance. If you come there with a group, it will be interesting in the very center of Bang Niang, where the Moo Moo Cabaret Show is located. colorful performances are held every day at 21:45.

Samet Nangshe observation deck

Attractions Khao Lak

There are quite a lot of attractions in Phang Nga province that are worth visiting. From here it is convenient to get to the island and the Surin Islands, raft down the river on a bamboo raft or go rafting in an inflatable boat, go or to. In Phang Nga you can visit, or explore the famous Elephant Stomach Cave or see its numerous islands. I recommend watching the sunrise at the Samet Nangshe observation deck. In the Khao Lak area itself there are several waterfalls, elephant farms, a Thai boxing school, a national park with jungle paths and observation deck. And a little further south along the coast there are hot springs and other natural attractions. For more information about all the interesting places near Khao Lak and in Phang Nga province, read the links and see them on the map.

Every year the popularity of Thailand among the Russian population increases several times. Paradise Islands, most picturesque nature, snow-white beaches with the turquoise sea turn the country into a resort of world importance. In addition to crowded places, there are still quiet and secluded resorts in Thailand. And one of these places can be called Khao Lak, which is located in the southern part of the Kingdom.

Khao Lak is one of the few Thai resorts that impresses with its tranquility and comfort. Even at the height of the season there are few people here. Maybe it is precisely because of this that the beaches and the sea itself are distinguished by their cleanliness. Initially, Khao Lak was the name given to a small settlement on the coast of the Andaman Sea. But the rapid development of the tourism sector has united several settlements under this name. If you look at the map now, you can see that geographically it covers the area from the sea itself to the mountain strip. Khao Lak is surrounded by three national parks, where even today you can find unique vegetation and rare fauna.

Very close to Khao Lak is the island of Phuket. The distance between the resort and Phuket Town is about 100 kilometers. Unlike the noisy island, peace and quiet reign on Khao Lak. This is a great place for a family holiday, especially with small children. There are numerous health centers, spas, and yoga clubs here. A visit to Khao Lak can combine unforgettable vacation together with medical procedures.

If you look at the pricing policy, it is slightly higher here than at other popular resorts. This feature can be explained by the remoteness of Khao Lak, the low flow of people, as well as the numerous upscale hotels.

When is the best time to go?

Like most resorts in Thailand, Khao Lak has a clear distinction between seasons. weather conditions. The best time to travel to Khao Lak is from late November to April. From approximately May to November, the resort area is subject to west monsoon which brings rainy weather. But even so, the air temperature practically never drops below 22 degrees. Most of the heavy rains occur at night, and in the morning the sun appears again. Trouble can be caused by strong winds that raise waves, and swimming in the sea has to be postponed. In addition, excursions to the world famous ones are closed.

If you still decide to visit Khao Lak in summer time, then it is better to choose a hotel with a well-developed infrastructure. Such hotels have excellent swimming pools, which can be visited on stormy days.

Infrastructure

Despite the fact that Khao Lak is not particularly popular resort Among vacationers, infrastructure development here has high rates. Of course, there are no huge shopping and entertainment centers within the city, but everything you need can be purchased in one of the many shops in Khao Lak. The most popular supermarket among local population and holidaymakers is Nang Thong. You can buy everything you need here, from personal hygiene products to all kinds of food and alcoholic beverages.

If you need something non-essential, you can visit the 7/11 stores, which are located throughout the resort. They sell food, basic household items, as well as hot lunches that will be heated for you right at the checkout.

Along the main street and in the beach area there are many shops where you can find inexpensive clothes and shoes.

In order to purchase any souvenirs, you should visit one of local markets. In the city of Baan La One every day, in the area central square, the market is working. In addition to souvenirs, you can find various paintings, figurines, jewelry, etc. there. Also, while visiting the market, you will have the opportunity to try national Thai cuisine, including all kinds of exotic food.

The fresh fruit and vegetable market is open in the morning within Khuk Khak Beach.

There are many restaurants and bars throughout Khao Lak. Lovers romantic evenings can sit in one of the beach establishments. During dinner you can admire the most beautiful evening sunsets.

More reputable restaurants are located along the central road, and also a little away from the coastline.

It is also worth noting that almost all cafes and restaurants in Khao Lak offer not only Thai cuisine, but also many European ones. The average price for lunch is 200-300 baht.

Attractions and entertainment

There are not many attractions within Khao Lak itself. Many of the resort's beaches are the starting point for the Similan Islands, Bon and, which are among the top ten most beautiful places planets. The islands are open for visiting only from October to May, so if you are planning a trip to them during your vacation, you should choose a convenient time in advance.

One more most interesting place for visiting is .

From Khao Lak it is very convenient to get to Khao Sok National Park, which is known for its rich flora and fauna. Within the resort itself you can visit Lam Ru Park, deserted beaches, as well as numerous waterfalls, including Lampi, Sai Rung, Tong Pling and others. Also in the jungle resort, you can ride elephants. And the azure sea is suitable for diving.

Beaches

You will almost never see very many people on the beaches of Khao Lak. This is not a place where you have to show up at 7am to get a seat. Absolutely all the beaches of the resort stretch in a wide strip along the sea and have a smooth transition between each other. If you look at a map, even there it will not be possible to see a clear boundary between them.

Main feature resort is that it is very rarely exposed to tropical winds. High reefs create an excellent natural barrier to strong waves. This is what makes it available 12 months a year.

The following beaches are the most popular among vacationers:

1)Khao Lak. This beach is located in the southern part of the resort within the Central Administration National Park Similans. There are no umbrellas or sun loungers on the beach, but large trees grow right on the seashore, in the shade of which you can hide. A wide variety of souvenirs made from sea shells are sold on the beaches.

2)Nang Tong is one of the most visited beaches in Khao Lak. Within its borders are concentrated upscale hotels and restaurants with excellent cuisine. This is a great place for snorkeling, as not far from the coast there is a beautiful coral reef, where you can see not only a variety of fish, but also turtles. The southern part of Nang Thong offers the opportunity to take some wonderful photos against the backdrop of the evening sunset.

3)Bang Niang– a beach with well-developed infrastructure. One of the few in Thailand that has sun loungers, umbrellas, and various water activities. Not far from the shore there are many massage parlors and various cafes.

4)Pakwip– five-star hotels are concentrated within the beach. Plus, the flow of vacationers here is minimal, which creates additional peace and quiet. The beach is suitable for families with small children or for those who want to escape from the noisy city streets.

Hotels

When planning a train trip to Khao Lak, you should keep in mind that it is not one of the cheapest resorts in the country. There is no accommodation here that costs several hundred baht per night. Most hotels located along the coast have 4 or 5 star status. Respectively pricing policy per day accommodation will start from 3000 baht. Among these hotels, I can recommend the following excellent options: Briza Beach Resort, Ramada Khao Lak Resort and JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort and Spa.

A cheaper accommodation option can be found along the central road, where prices will start from 1,500 baht. Among budget hotels good options are Nautical Home Khaolak, Ruk Cozy, Khaolak Golden Place and Motive Cottage Resort.

Transport

Public transport Khao Laka is all about buses and songthaews. They run along the central highway and can take you not only to the neighboring beach, but also to any other province. Taxis are a convenient means of transportation, especially when you need to cover short distances. There are stands throughout the resort where you can see the average cost of a trip.

If you are on holiday in Khao Lak long time, then for convenience you can rent a bike or car. Prices for bikes range from 200 to 350 baht per day. Monthly rent can cost 3500-4000 baht. Car rental prices start from 1000 baht per day.

How to get there?

From Phuket Island

There are 5 main options by which you can get to Khao Lak from Phuket. The easiest way to do this is from the airport, but it is also possible to leave from the capital of the island - Phuket Town.

1. The most convenient way is to order. Then you will receive a convenient round trip transfer and planned excursion program around the resort. Price 1300 baht.
2. Another transportation option is a taxi, which is located at Phuket Airport itself. After you leave the terminal, you should go to the taxi stand. They also have a price list for different destinations. A taxi ride to Khao Lak can cost around 1,500 baht. Remember that the initial price of a taxi is often inflated, so do not forget to bargain. This way the price can be reduced by several hundred baht.
3. Use transfer services. It can be pre-ordered on the website. The driver will meet you near the terminal exit, help with your luggage and take you to your designated hotel.
4. Rent a car. This can be done directly at the airport or order a car on the website. When booking a car on the website, you will immediately see all the available options in different rental companies, you will be able to compare prices and choose the best one suitable option.
5. Shuttle bus. All buses leave from the bus station in Phuket Town. Therefore, initially you should take a taxi or tuk-tuk to the station, and only then buy a bus ticket. This is the cheapest travel option, since the cost of one ticket is around 100 baht. The journey takes about 2 hours. Bus tickets can be purchased on the website.

From Bangkok

To get from Bangkok to Khao Lak, you can use one of the following options:

1. An airplane is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel. The flight takes about one hour. The plane takes off from Bangkok airport and lands in Phuket. If tickets are purchased in advance, their cost can be about 1000 baht. A company like Nok Air offers a comprehensive package that includes not only the flight, but also a transfer to Khao Lak from Phuket. You can book a ticket on the Aviasales website.
2. Train - this takes you to Surat Thani province and then to shuttle bus going to Khao Lak.
3. Bus - leaves from the southern bus station in the capital of Thailand, as well as from Mochit station. When purchasing a ticket, do not forget to indicate that you are traveling to Khao Lak. The fare will range from 620 to 1200 baht, everything will depend on the class of the bus. Keep in mind that the trip will be long. You can purchase a ticket at the ticket office at the bus station or on the website.

Khao Lak on the map

On this map you can see the exact location of Khao Lak resort in Thailand.

We got acquainted with another resort in Thailand - Khao Lak. This is a wonderful place to relax, which impresses with its cleanliness and beauty. It is very easy to get to, and the time spent in these heavenly places will not leave any vacationer indifferent.