Kao lacquer in thailand. Holidays in the resort of Khao Lak in Thailand Map of Khao Lak in Russian

Fans of a relaxing holiday are looking for quiet secluded places where no one will bother them. Are there still such corners in Thailand? Undoubtedly, in the country popular for tourists, there are still uncharted areas.

One such place is a resort called Khao Lak. Thailand is visited annually by millions of guests from all over the world, as a result of which, at the height of the season, the most popular resorts are filled with tourists. But on Khao Lak you can spend your vacation amid the soul-healing silence.

Khao Lak on the map of Thailand

The name "Kao Lak" used to be a small villagelocated on the coast of the bay. As tourism began to develop in this place, the name began to encompass several settlements.

Convenient location allowed settlements to eventually become a single resort complex.

Climate and weather

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

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

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

• spill heavy rains;
• raging at sea storms;
• settlement prevails heatwavecombined with high humidity;
• do not spend popular excursionsthat are tied to the season.

Seasoned travelers who value peace and solitude, on the contrary, choose this time for relaxation. The prices for accommodation in good hotels are lower; you will not meet crowds of other vacationers on a walk. If the hotel has a comfortable pool, spa complex, and the room has air conditioning, you can have a good rest   on vacation, not paying attention to rainy weather.

How to get there

It’s easier to get into the settlement with Phuket. The airport is eighty kilometers away. Direct flights depart from the Russian Federation. From the airport to Khao Lak get a taxi, bus or use the shuttle.

Airplane tickets can be watched right now using this form. Indicate departure and arrival cities, date   and number of passengers.

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

If you decide to call a taxi, be prepared to pay a tidy sum. It will take one hour on the road. A tourist will spend a smaller amount if he travels to the city on the bus. From the airport, this mode 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. Have to spend on the road two hours.

The city is also reached 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 offer involves a change: take the bus to Surat Thani, and then to Khao Lak.

A cheaper option to travel to the city you need is a trip to by train. Take a train to Surat Thani at night by purchasing a ticket to a third-class carriage (amenities are not promised). Travel time is fourteen hours.

Upon arrival at your destination, continue by bus to Phuket passing Khao Lak.

Holiday at the resort

In Khao Lak, you can have a great vacation, having benefited for body and soul. 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 relaxation. La On Village is famous for its spa facilities. fish peeling.

Infrastructure

Mostly shops, restaurants and hotels are located near the beaches of Nang Tong and Bang Niang. In the evening, guests visit restaurants where they enjoy local cuisine while listening to live music. Young people   relaxes in the Monkey bar, dancing to pop music, club and reggae.

Fans of quality alcoholic beverages visit irish publocated in the northern part of the settlement. Visitors enjoy tasting beer with appetizers and participate in Thai cooking workshops.

Parties   held in local bars, which open at five o’clock and work until late. Families with children can visit The Jungle Restaurant. For dinner, you will be offered a large list of meat dishes, as well as food prepared according to homemade recipes. For dessert you can enjoy a delicious cocktail.

Khao Lak is not the best place for shopping, inferior to popular resorts. Fans of shopping visit the markets, which number about three. The assortment of commemorative and fruit. In the supermarket Nang Tong, a tourist will find everything you need.

Housing

Most relate to medium and high   categories. Basically, the rooms cost about three thousand baht (about 5200 rubles) for one night. For the money, you will get a comfortable room with stunning views at the hotel, which provides for use a luxurious pool and restaurant.

You can find a hotel in Khao Lak any category, from one to five stars, non-rated accommodation, hostels and guesthouses 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 rooms of various categories, and free Wi-Fi is available on site. Gourmet food, a large swimming pool, well-groomed area make the rest of the hotel unforgettable.
• Of the four star hotels often choose Sensimar Khao Lak Beachfront Resort 4 *. The tourists' reviews are positive, the friendly staff is appreciated, delicious breakfasts and the opportunity to work out.

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

Beaches

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

Two beaches called Nang Tong and Bang Niang are fully equipped for relaxing by 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 marine life moving along the shore: turtles and crabs.

The crystal sea will allow you to see exotic fish, swimming economically in their own waters. 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 rested here.

Second equipped beach Bang niang   Great for families with children. On its territory are:

1. water rides;
2. comfortable sun loungers   for sunbathing;
3. salons offering amazing massage.

Each family member will find entertainment to their liking. Near the beach there is a snake farm where you can go on an excursion. Not far - chong Fa Waterfallbewitching nature lovers.

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

Travelers who prefer a relaxing holiday in solitude, choose the beaches Khao Lak   and Pakvip. The first recreation area is not equipped with umbrellas and deck chairs, but tall trees cast a good shadow. The nature of this place does not let go, it can be admired endlessly. Tourists rest right on the white sand.

On the beach Pakwip   You will not find a company. It is chosen due to the proximity of comfortable hotels of the highest class and the Baan Pakvip Monastery.

The separation of beaches is very arbitrary, the entire coastal territory is at the disposal of vacationers. You can stretch out in the sand at any time of the year. In the storm season, beaches are hidden behind large reefs, so even at this time, tourists indulge water fun: diving and snorkeling.

Cognitive tourism with a photo

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.

The 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 Thais visit the famous Buddhist padungtampotivas Temple. You can also visit the Chinese temple, which is noticeably different in appearance from Thai shrines.

Chao Por Khao Lak Shrine   - in the translation "guardian of Kao Lak." This is a statue of a seated man who is believed to be the patron saint of the resort and protects him from all evil. A separate small temple was built for him, located near the Lampu National Park.

Some guests pay tribute to the victims of the tsunami by visiting a police boat, standing as a monument to the victims of the disaster.

Nature

There are a lot of natural places to visit. Tourists must visit Khao Sok National Park, where they rest by the lake Cheo Lan, and go for a walk to the waterfalls. Children will be delighted with the farm with elephants, where you can chat with majestic animals. In March, travelers have the opportunity to participate in the ritual of releasing small turtles into the sea.

The most visited place, of course, is Khao Sok National Park. A natural treasure consists of lakes, rivers, rocky rocks, plains and forests. It spreads over an area of \u200b\u200bseven hundred thirty square kilometers!

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

Popular excursions

The resort has various entertainment options. The hotels have tour desks, where guests can book various excursions. Guests visit:

• similan islandconsidered one of the most beautiful islands in the world;
• nature reserve   (one visit can last for three days);
• an interesting lake Water hotel.

Travelers explore the surroundings with mountain bikes, which can be rented at the tour desk. Other than that in rent   give out kayaks, canoes, diving equipment.

See an overview of Khao Lak Resort at this video:

Khao Lak   - a resort in Thailand on the shores of the Andaman Sea. This resort is still not very popular with our tourists, mainly Kao Lak is chosen by Europeans for relaxation (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: resort description, features, beaches, Khao Lak hotels, transport, weather. Perhaps after reading this article you will choose not neighboring noisy Phuket, but quiet calm Europeanized Khao Lak 🙂

The quiet, uninhabited resort of Khao Lak in Thailand

Khao Lak: general information

The resort of Khao Lak is stretched for many kilometers along the coast and highway number 4, which connects with the south of Thailand and goes to. Figuratively speaking, Khao Lak starts from the pier, from which speedboats leave for Similan, and stretches to the town of Takua Pa, and this is not a little, but more than 30 km along the highway! But: still speaking 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 on the way from Phuket is called Ban Khao Lak, but the center of Khao Lak is further north, beyond the mountain. There is the village of Bang La On with the beach of Nang Tong, and even further the villages of Bang Niang and Khuk Khak with the beaches of the same name. The most developed tourist infrastructure on the first two beaches.

As I said, a route runs through Khao Lak, on the sides of which there is all the infrastructure: hotels, restaurants, shops. On the Nang Tong beach, all infrastructure is stretched along the road and the beach, and from the highway to the sea literally 500 meters. Inexpensive hotels are 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. Distances from the highway to the sea in this place are about 1 km.

In 2004, Khao Lak was very much affected by the tsunami, now everywhere in the resort there are signs where to run and what to do in the event of a tsunami, they say that the warning system about disasters works well.

By the way, just a few days before our arrival in Khao Lak, an earthquake occurred somewhere in the sea near Indonesia, panic started in Thai groups in social networks, everyone predicted the tsunami. Fortunately, nothing happened. During our meeting, we met a couple who, just during the tsunami talks, had a rest in Khao Lak. They said that one evening they had dinner in a cafe and the tsunami warning system worked, everyone sat down on their bikes and went to the mountains. They waited a little there, realized that nothing was happening, and returned to the hotel.

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

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

Khao Lak is a very well maintained and clean resort. European-style restaurants, lovely bars, beautiful evening lights, trimmed trees, flowers - it seems that you are somewhere in Europe. They say that the Thai Hua Hin is a kind of Europe in Thailand, but we were not there, so I can not say anything.

There are sidewalks in Khao Lak! This is such a joy, especially after Samui, where there can be no sidewalks, except perhaps a little on and.

Important! NOT youth   resort, do not look for discotheques and bars here, mostly older foreign couples or families with small children rest here.

Khao Lak: weather and seasons

Khao Lak shares two seasons:

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

In principle, the rainy season in Khao Lak is unpleasant not so much with rains (they mostly go at night), but with the fact that the sea storms and becomes dirty and ugly 🙁 Yes, summer trips to the islands are canceled. Since Khao Lak is not a very populous resort, and in summer there are few people at all, some hotels, bars, restaurants and shops just close for the summer.

Should I travel to Khao Lak in May-June-July? If you choose a hotel on the beach with good infrastructure, you can safely go! If the sea will be very stormy, then you can swim in the pool, and along the seashore to make pleasant walks. Fortunately, the long beaches of Khao Lak allow you to walk for many kilometers both one way and the other.

We were in Khao Lak in early March. The weather in Khao Lak at this time was sooo hot. But, they say that this year is generally atypically hot for Thailand. That's what I like the heat for, 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 🙂

Khao Lak where is it and how to get there

Khao Lak is about 60 km from the entrance to the popular island of Phuket. From Phuket Airport to Khao Lak about 80 km or an hour and a half way by car. Another airport is located in Krabi, and in Surat Thani there is a train station. It is most convenient to travel from Russia to Khao Lak via Phuket, where direct flights fly in the season. More on how to get to Khao Lak:

Transport in Khao Lak

Transport in Khao Lak is represented by songteo, taxis and buses passing along the highway. A songteo for 100-150 baht can be reached between neighboring beaches, and a taxi, for example, will cost from 1000 baht. By bus, it is easy to leave for Phuket Town (100 baht) or in 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 - the territory of expensive comfortable hotels for a pleasant holiday on the beach. There is no cheap housing (up to 1000 baht) on the first line! If you, like me, prefer to spend a beach holiday at the hotel first coastlinethen be prepared to pay an average of 3,000 baht per day.

Inexpensive hotels (up to 1,500 baht) are concentrated along the highway and on a street that runs perpendicular to the sea in Bang Niang. We stopped in Khao Lak just for a few days and not for a beach holiday, but for an excursion to the Similan Islands, so we settled not at the sea, but in the center of all Bang Niang beach infrastructure, in a cool hotel 850 m from the sea and 150 m from tracks.

Beaches of Khao Lak

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

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

The main infrastructure of Khao Lak is concentrated on the two beaches of Nang Tong and Bang Niang. There are numerous cafes, bars, shops, massage parlors, and excursion bureaus. Also, beach restaurants attract tourists along the coastline. There you can have lunch and meet the sunset with a bottle of beer, or just rent a sunbed and umbrella.

Cafes, restaurants, bars

There are many cozy restaurants with European food in Khao Lak. We did not have time to go into them, and had dinner in one of the Thai cafes for two evenings. For dinner (for a dish + one beer) paid 280-320 baht. Makashnits not seen.

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

Shops and Markets

From chain stores in Khao Lak there are several 7 elevens with normal prices. They are on the highway at Bang Niang and Nang Tong Beach. As well as small shops with food, water, souvenirs, beachwear, etc. etc. Prices for souvenirs and beach items are NOT low. Many shops where you sew a suit or other clothes in a couple of days 🙂

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

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

But still for shopping it is better to go to Phuket. This is not difficult to do: you need to take a bus to Phuket on the highway, 2-3 hours and 100 baht and you are in the center of Phuket Town. Then you can use a tuk-tuk or a songteo and get, for example, to the Festival Center (what Festival Center can be seen on the example of Samui).

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

Attractions Khao Lak

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

• Surin
• Download - at the moment, unfortunately, is closed for an indefinite period

Important:   in the summer, during the rainy and storm season (usually from mid-May to the end of 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

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

Kao Lak review and conclusions

Khao Lak left a good impression. We liked the fact that there are few tourists in Khao Lak, wide desert beaches, a good sea, clean streets, cozy cafes. And the Bang Niang village itself is so cute. It’s convenient to go on excursions from Khao Lak, we visited Similan, next time I want to Surin. There are magnificent sunsets in Khao Lak, here the sun sets right in the sea. Khao Lak is the place where I want to return, unlike, for example, from or Krabi (Ao Nang).

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

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

The small island of Khao Lak was previously just a small village. But over time, several small villages located along the coast of the Andaman Sea merged 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 the usual village of Khao Lak, it turned into a tourist paradise, where developed infrastructure is combined with unique natural landscapes.

Khao Lak Resort is located next to the Andaman Sea. High mountains block it from the ocean. It is such a good location that determines the climate of this Thai town. The weather here is warm throughout the year. From November to May, the tourist season is officially open here.

The weather at this time is optimal for relaxation, since the northeast monsoons and sea breezes dilute the tropical heat. At this time, the temperature in the city is at around 25-30 degrees. Rainy seasons are characterized by high temperature, and frequent rainfall.

The nature of this town is rich and diverse. In order to allow tourists to admire it without risk and take a photo against a background of bright flowers and tall trees, the beautiful Khao Lak-Lam Rou National Park was created. There wild jungle combines 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.

Attractions and recreation

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

Khao Lak map with landmarks

A lot of spas, yoga clubs and all kinds of health centers have been built on the territory of the city. The whole atmosphere of the city makes it so that the tourist forgets about his problems and, in a few days of rest, rests and improves himself both physically and mentally.

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

It is best to go there in the early morning to watch the dawn there. Against the background of a morning waterfall, the best photos are obtained. In addition, at any time you can swim there. This is allowed and completely safe.

Another colorful waterfall near Khao Lak is Chong Fa. It is easy to find it, because there is a blue pointer on track No. 4, which shows the road to the waterfall. Entrance to the falls is paid, for adults a ticket costs 100 baht, for children - 50. Near the falls it’s great to relax on hot days and take memorable photos.

Another worthwhile attention to 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, because there is a restaurant on its territory, where you can have a meal if necessary.

From the park you can go to the beaches of Nang Tong or Khao Lak, or walk to the famous Buddhist temple. Entrance to the temple is free for children under three years of age, adults pay 100 baht for entrance, children under 14 are half as much.

Also nearby Khao Lak is such an original attraction as the Police Boat 813. At the beginning of the millennium, he was one of two police boats designed to protect the son of the former princess. During the 2004 tsunami, one of the ships sank with the crew. The second boat was carried on land, and since then it has been standing there as a historical memo.

You can also take a trip to the Old Town and Takua Pa. In the old quarter of Takua Pa there are still bizarre examples of old Sino-Portuguese architecture, where tourists stop literally at every step to take a photo. There are also many original shops and a traditional local market.

Hotels, shops and markets

Despite the lack of large shopping centers in the city and shopping malls, in the resort town you can buy everything you need for a comfortable stay. Food prices in stores are not very high, and in the markets you can try all the exotic fruits without spending too much. True, it’s better to go to the market early, because after lunch the merchants go home.

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

But if you don’t want to go so far, you can find souvenirs in the Kao Lak Souvenir shop near Nang Tong Beach.

It is forbidden 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 next to each beach you can find small shops in which, in addition to small things, you can buy ready-made frozen products.

Beach vacation

They are distinguished by grooming and cleanliness. In this quiet resort town you can soak up on the 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. The coastline stretches along the sea for ten kilometers. True, the beaches are mostly wild.

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

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

The southern part of Nang Tong beach is also known among tourists as “Sunset Beach”. Many tourists, having arrived at this resort, bring home a photo against the backdrop of sea sunsets.

A beach called Bang Niang is more suitable for families. Many water attractions, comfortable sun loungers and massage parlors will allow you to find entertainment for everyone and children and parents. In addition, next to the beach there is a snake farm and Choeng Fa waterfall, so in addition to a beach holiday you will have something to do.

Less crowded, but therefore even more attractive beaches that are recommended for visiting are Pakvip and Khao Lak. The latter attracts with its natural beauty, which one wants to keep in the photo in memory of the trip. You will not find either sun loungers or umbrellas there, but as an alternative you will get the opportunity to relax in the shade of tall trees on the white sand.

Pakwip Beach, in turn, is almost deserted, but at the same time attractive. Next to it are good five-star hotels and the Buddhist monastery Baan Pakvip.

In general, the boundaries between the individual beaches are rather arbitrary and they are all available for recreation throughout the whole year. High reefs protect them from storms, so even during the monsoon period you can snorkel, dive, or just conquer the waves and take photos against the sea.

Transport

The most popular Khao Lak vehicles are:

1. Knock Knock;
2. Motobike;
3. Car;
4. Bike.

Knock knock can be hired on its own route. At first, the price may seem overpriced, but you can bargain and arrange to drive 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 a misunderstanding.

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

For independent exploration of the territory it is better to rent a motobike or scooter. There are two types of rent: daily and monthly.

A rental day costs about 200 baht, in the case of a long-term rental you will receive a significant discount. You can find transport near travel agencies, restaurants and Internet cafes. To rent you need a passport (or at least a copy of it) - it is advisable to leave a cash deposit, which will significantly increase the likelihood of not becoming a hostage to circumstances.

You can also rent a car on the island. All offices provide a choice of machines of different models for 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 an internal driver’s license, be careful and do not forget to bring along.

How to get there

There are no direct flights to Khao Lak, but there is an international airport on the neighboring island of Phuket. Upon arrival in Phuket, a tourist town can already be reached by taxi. The trip will take a little less than an hour and will cost about 1200 baht.

But if you want to save, you can go by bus. True, there is no direct flight, so you have to go first to the bus station located in Phuket, and then transfer to another, next to Khao Lak.

Khao Lak is also accessible from Bangkok. Traveling on a comfortable bus will cost about 500 baht. The road from the South Bus Station to the resort takes about 10 hours.

The resort town of Khao Lak is a great place both for family vacations and for visiting with a group of friends. Beautiful landscapes, pure nature and a huge selection of places for entertainment will make your stay unforgettable.

Updated: 2018-8-25

  Oleg Lazhechnikov

Not so long ago I visited the resort of Khao Lak, which for some reason is still not popular with our compatriots. I’m sure many still don’t even know where Khao Lak is located on the map of Thailand, not to go there. In order to eliminate this injustice, wrote this post, the town is something nice and great for a relaxing holiday.

Short description

Khao Lak is a quiet and sparsely populated resort even during peak season. Since there is not much entertainment in it, the contingent is mainly pensioner. Therefore, if you need nightlife and constant activity, then Khao Lak is most likely not suitable for you. There is only nature, waterfalls, national park and all. But for those who are looking for relaxation or come with children, I think they should like it here.

First of all, the resort has gorgeous beaches, and most importantly, they are not crowded. You can find smaller places (where it is good with a small child), you can go deeper. And along the entire length of the beach you can walk, which many vacationers and do, here there are kilometers for walks. I already wrote mine, I won’t repeat myself.

There are 7 beaches / areas in total, but it makes sense to stay only in 4: Bang Niang, Nang Tong, Khao Lak, Khuk Khak. Sorted in descending order of infrastructure, and in the latter it is not at all, only the one that will be in your hotel. But in Bang Niang there is 7/11, and it is full of cafes, and hotels for every taste, and in Nang Tong there are even McDonald's :) Here is a selection.

Where is Khao Lak

Khao Lak is located on the mainland (not on the island) north of Phuket on the Adaman coast. And it’s easier to get to it from Phuket. That is, you can fly to Phuket Airport and from there drive to the resort. Moreover, going to Khao Lak from Phuket Airport is about the same as going to the southernmost point of Phuket, because there are often traffic jams in Phuket.

Look at the very bottom of the post on the map to make it clearer.

How to get to Khao Lak

There are several ways to get there. The easiest and quickest way to talk about a flight from Russia. If you arrive in Bangkok, it will take much longer.

By car

The easiest way to get the car. Drive Khao Lak into the navigator (Google Maps or another program) and follow its instructions. If you get from Phuket, then immediately after leaving the bridge over the bay, you need to keep to the left at 402 and then continue along the Adamansky coast along highway 4. Then continue along the main road without turning until you reach Khao Lak. The distance from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak (Bang Niang) is about 80 km, and travel no more than 1 hour 30 minutes, and you can get there in 1 hour if you don’t stop anywhere and go fast.

From Bangkok it takes us longer to get there, as if you were driving. After passing Chumphon, you will need to turn right onto highway 4006, and follow it to the Adaman coast to highway 4. Either drive Chumphon and Surat Thani, and immediately go right to Surat Thani onto highway 401, and go along it until Adaman coast and highway 4.

In my opinion, the easiest way to book is through. Immediately on one site you will see offers from all major distributors. And the price will be lower than if taken directly.

By taxi

A taxi is also easy to get to, but it costs more than a bus. Taxis can be taken either immediately at the airport or just on the island by contacting any street travel agency and ordering it. The price will be about 1800-2500 baht, depending on the car (minibus more expensive) and the arrogance of taxi drivers. In this regard, it is best to order in travel agencies, they have more or less fixed prices, they will not be called from the ceiling. Well, and if from the airport, then there at the counter all prices hang. You can probably bargain and find someone who will take you cheaper, but I don’t know how realistic this is. I would rather order in advance via the Internet, but more on that below.

Online Transfer

Alternatively, book a transfer online through or. For the price, everything is the same as an ordinary taxi, but in general a minimum of movements, you will be met with a sign and taken away by the hand. And it’s convenient that you can book in advance via the Internet while sitting at home. Recommend!

I already went by transfer from this company and was completely satisfied with it. We met with a sign, got into a car and drove to the hotel. Here.

By bus

From Phuket airport you need to get to the bus station by minibus (cost 100 baht), there you can already buy a bus ticket from Phuket to Khao Lak (cost 100 baht). You need buses to Surat Thani, Ranong, Chumphon, Takua Pa. Alternatively, from the airport in a tuk-tuk drive to the highway where buses go, and catch them there (this is faster than to the bus station). But personally, I don’t like this method because from afar it’s completely unclear what bus is going, you may not have time to brake it. Yes, and when he passes by, the sign is not always clear, maybe in Thai.

In the opposite direction, to get from Khao Lak to Phuket - get on the highway and catch a bus in the direction of Phuket. Everything is much easier here, because all the buses will just go there. If you need an airport, then tell the bus driver and he will stop near the turn, from where they will reach the airport by tuk-tuk.

Khao Lak on the map of Thailand

I specially placed a map with beaches here, and not just one point indicating the city, because all these beaches belong to Khao Lak. You can immediately estimate the geographical location and approximate size of the resort. But! I remind you that it consists of several small villages and it is best to live in Bang Niang or Nang Tong. Moreover, the area called Khao Lak is not the most successful, but in principle the beach is good there, so you can stop there.

Lifehack 1 - how to buy good insurance

It’s unrealistic to choose insurance now, so I’ll make a rating to help all travelers. To do this, I constantly monitor forums, study insurance contracts and use insurance myself.

Life hack 2 - how to find a hotel 20% cheaper

Thanks for reading

Every year, the popularity of Thailand among the Russian population increases several times. Paradise islands, picturesque nature, white beaches with a turquoise sea turn the country into a resort of world significance. In addition to crowded places, Thailand still has quiet and secluded resorts. 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 in the midst of the season there are few people here. Maybe because of this, the beaches and the sea itself are distinguished by their cleanliness. Initially, Kao Lak was called a small settlement on the coast of the Andaman Sea. But the rapid development of the tourism industry united several settlements under this name. If you look at the map now, you can see that geographically it occupies an area from the sea itself to the mountain strip. Three national parks are surrounded by Khao Lak, where even today you can meet unique vegetation and rare fauna representatives.

Very close to Khao Lak is the island of Phuket. The distance between the resort and Phuket Town is about 100 kilometers. Unlike the bustling island, peace and silence reign on Khao Lak. This is a great place for families, especially with young children. Numerous wellness centers, spas, and yoga clubs are located here. A visit to Khao Lak can combine an unforgettable vacation together with therapeutic procedures.

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

When is the best time to go?

Like most resorts in Thailand, Khao Lak has a clear segregation of the seasons according to weather conditions. The best time to relax on Khao Lak is from the end of November to April. From about May to November, the resort falls under the influence of the western monsoon, which brings rainy weather. But even with this, the air temperature practically does not drop below 22 degrees. Mostly heavy rains occur at night, and in the morning the sun again appears. Trouble can bring strong winds that make waves, and swimming in the sea has to be postponed. In addition, excursions to the world famous are closed.

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

Infrastructure

Despite the fact that Khao Lak is not a particularly popular resort among vacationers, the development of infrastructure here is high. Of course, there are no huge shopping and entertainment centers within the city, but all the essentials can be purchased at one of Khao Lak's many stores. The most popular supermarket among local people and holidaymakers is Nang Tong. In it you can buy everything you need, starting from personal hygiene products, and ending with all kinds of food and alcoholic beverages.

If you need something not essential, then you can visit the shops 7/11, which are located throughout the resort. They sell food, the most necessary things for everyday life, as well as hot lunches, which you will heat right at the checkout.

Along the main street and in the area of \u200b\u200bthe beaches, there are many shops selling cheap clothes and shoes.

In order to purchase any souvenir products, it is worth visiting one of the local markets. In the city of Baan La One, every day, in the central square, there is a market. In addition to souvenirs, you can find various paintings, figurines, jewelry and more. Also, during a visit to the market, you will have the opportunity to try the national Thai cuisine, including all kinds of exotic food.

A market with fresh fruits and vegetables is open in the morning at Khuk Khak Beach.

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

More reputable restaurants are located along the main road, as well as a little off the coastline.

It is also worth noting that in almost all cafes and restaurants of Khao Lak there are not only Thai dishes, but also many European ones. The average price of a meal is 200-300 baht.

Attractions and entertainment

Within Khao Lak itself there are not many attractions. Many beaches of the resort are the starting point for the Similan Islands, and Bon, which are among the ten most beautiful places on the planet. To visit the islands are open only from October to May, so if you plan to travel to them during your vacation, then you should choose a convenient time in advance.

Another interesting place to visit is.

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

Beaches

On the beaches of Khao Lak you will almost never see a lot of people. This is not the place to be at 7 o’clock in the morning to take a seat. Absolutely all the beaches of the resort stretch a wide strip along the sea and have a smooth transition between themselves. If you look at the map, then even there will be no opportunity to see a clear border between them.

The main feature of the resort is that it is very rarely influenced by tropical winds. High reefs create a wonderful natural barrier to strong waves. That is what makes it available 12 months a year.

The following beaches are most popular among vacationers:

1)   Khao Lak. This beach is located in the southern part of the resort within the Central Office of Similana National Park. Umbrellas and sun loungers are completely absent on the beach, but large trees grow right on the seashore in the shade of which you can hide. A variety of souvenirs made from sea shells are sold on the beaches.

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

3)   Bang niang   - A beach with a well-developed infrastructure. One of the few in Thailand, where there are sun loungers, umbrellas, as well as various water activities. Near the coast there are many massage parlors and various cafes.

4)   Pakwip   - Five-star hotels are concentrated within the beach. Plus, the flow of tourists here is minimal, which creates additional calm and silence. The beach is suitable for relaxing with young children or for those who want to hide from the bustling city streets.

Hotels

When planning a trip to Khao Lak, it should be borne in mind that it does not belong to the cheapest resorts in the country. There is no housing worth several hundred baht in one night. Most hotels that are located along the coast have the status of 4 or 5 stars. Accordingly, the pricing policy for a day of placement will start at 3,000 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 the budget hotels, good options are Nautical Home Khaolak, Ruk Cozy, Khaolak Golden Place and Motive Cottage Resort.

Transport

Public transport Khao Laka is buses and songteo. They pass along the central highway and can deliver you not only to the neighboring beach, but also to any other province. Taxis are a convenient means of transportation, especially in those cases when you need to overcome short distances. Throughout the resort there are stands where you can see the average cost of the trip.

If you relax on Khao Lak for a long time, then for convenience you can rent a bike or car. Prices for bikes range from 200 to 350 baht per day. A monthly rental can cost 3500-4000 baht. Car rental prices start at 1,000 baht per day.

How to get there

From Phuket

There are 5 main options thanks to which you can get to Khao Lak from Phuket. It is easiest to do this from the airport, but it is also possible to leave the island's capital - Phuket Town.

1. The most convenient way is to order. Then you will receive a convenient round-trip transfer and a planned excursion program in the resort. Price 1300 baht.
2. Another option is a taxi, which is located in Phuket Airport itself. After you exit the terminal, you should go to the taxi drivers ’counter. Also, they have a price list for different directions. A taxi ride to Khao Lak can cost about 1,500 baht. Remember that the initial price of a taxi is often overstated, so do not forget to bargain. Thus, the price can be reduced by several hundred baht.
3. Take advantage of the transfer services. It can be pre-ordered on the site. The driver will meet you at the exit of the terminal, help with luggage and take you to the designated hotel.
4. Rent a car. This can be done directly at the airport or book a car on the site. When booking a car on the site, you will immediately see all the available options at different rental companies, you can compare prices and choose the most suitable option.
5. Shuttle bus. All buses leave the bus station in Phuket Town. Therefore, initially, by taxi or tuk-tuk, you should get to the station, and only then buy a bus ticket. This is the cheapest travel option, as the cost of one ticket is within 100 baht. It takes about 2 hours. You can buy a bus ticket online.

From bangkok

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

1. Aircraft is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to move. In time, the flight takes about one hour. The plane takes off from Bangkok airport and lands in Phuket. If you purchase tickets in advance, then their cost can be about 1000 baht. A company such as Nok Air offers a comprehensive package that includes not only a flight, but also a transfer to Khao Lak from Phuket. You can book a ticket on the Aviasales website.
2. Train - on it you get to the province of Surat Thani, and then on the shuttle bus go 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 be from 620 to 1200 baht, everything will depend on the class of the bus. Keep in mind that the trip will take a long time. You can buy a ticket at the box office at the bus station or on the website.

Khao Lak on the map

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

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