What Draws Tourists to Khao Lak? – Your Checklist Essentials for the Perfect Holiday

Khao Lak, Thailand is widely known as an escape from the bustling streets of Phuket to palm-fringed beaches and vast landscapes covered in mighty greenery. Khao Lak is not only a beauty on the outside but one that holds enchantment and secrets in the very fabric of the villages and forests that behold the identity of the land.

The National Park

A 15-minute ride is all it takes to reach the Lam Ru National Park from resorts like Avani+ Khao Lak Resort and therefore is located within close proximity to most Khao Lak, Thailand resorts. Occupying an area of 150 square kilometres, the area was declared a national park in the year 1991. It is home to some of Thailand’s exquisite natural resources, birds, mammals and reptiles.

Similan Islands

Similan Islands surfaced into the notice of the common man following its declaration as a national park in the year 1982 as an archipelago of 11 islands in the Andaman Sea. The word Similan means nine, referring to the number of islands that were originally a part of the archipelago before two other remote islands were added in 1998. Similan Islands shelters some of the most vibrant marine life in Southeast Asia and is home to less than 120 bird species.

Roma Neus, Similan Islands, 2015 march – panoramio, CC BY 3.0

Turtle Sanctuary Visits

The Turtle Heaven of Khao Lak, also known as the Phang Nga Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Centre, is a turtle sanctuary that was founded in the year 1985. The sanctuary is a safe space for four endangered turtle species, the Ridley Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Leatherback Turtle and the Green Turtle, and is open to people of all ages to visit and learn about marine life, including turtles.

James Bond Island

The James Bond Island has its own ring to it, primarily due to the name that was made famous following a shot made for The Man with a Golden Gun, the ninth James Bond instalment starring Roger Moore. Since then, the island has become a crowd favourite as tourists flock to catch a glimpse of the infamous island that made it to a James Bond movie. The James Bond Island’s distinctive feature lies in the limestone cliffs that shoot out of the water in a vertical form.

DIY Travel guide – Phan Nga, Thailand

Khao Lak is the perfect place to be if you want to relax peacefully without tourists and crowds lurking around. Unsullied by humans, this region of Thailand has many enchanting locations that you must visit at least once if you’re in Thailand. You can enjoy a spectacular skyline with mountains and see sunsets against the Andaman Sea.

How to get there

It is fairly easy to get to Khao Lak from any part of Thailand. Phuket is only an hour’s drive away. Out of the three population centres in Khao Lak, Bang La On is the best place for visitors because it is the most tourist-oriented. There are many food outlets, convenience stores and even McDonalds.

Where to stay

You can find many places to stay in Khao Lak. Since this area of the country is less “touristy” and more “Thai” you can find charming places for your vacation in Khao Lak Thailand. Resorts the likes of Avani+ Khao Lak Resort are also available if you’re looking for a more luxurious option.

Image via Avani+ Khao Lak Resort

White Sand Beach

This is a calm, serene strip of beach in Khao Lak. If you visit during the off-season, you’ll find that you’re the only person on the whole beach. It is recommended that you hire a motorbike and stay at the beach for as long as possible and make sure to catch the beautiful sunset.

Bamboo Rafting

Bamboo rafting down a river surrounded by pristine forests is an amazing experience. You can get a local tour guide to organize the trip for you and make sure that it is someone who knows the area well. It is a 30 min ride downstream and you get to stop for a swim as well.