|
Khao Lak (เขาหลัก) is a resort town in Phang Nga province on the western Andaman Sea coastline of southern Thailand, about 100 km north of Phuket Town. When the
disastrous tsunami of 2004 struck South Asia, Khao Lak was the hardest-hit area in Thailand with over 4000 fatalities. It has since made an impressive recovery despite many hardships along the way, and
is once again a popular tourist destination. Khao Lak mainly caters to families and those looking for R&R - party people prefer Phuket.
Khao Lak is essentially a series of villages along a
beautiful coastline, with easy access to both land and sea based National Parks, waterfalls, elephant trekking, orchid farms and local towns. There is also an 18 hole Mini Golf Course! Travelling north,
after passing Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park you have Bang La On, a few miles to the north are then Bang Niang and Khuk Khak. Hotel accommodation starts with The Poseidon Bungalows a few miles south of
Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park, and ends at The Haadson resort on Bangsak Beach to the north. Most larger hotels will run a shuttle bus service into Bang La On, often described as Khao Lak ‘centre’
although these may be at limited times and may be chargeable. There are plenty of taxis as an alternative. Bang La On is about 20 minutes by shuttle or taxi from, for example, The Sarojin. Bang La On has
the most shops, bars restaurants and banks. There are also many ATM machines. Bang Niang is smaller, but still has a good selection. You will find the majority of visitors to Bang Niang are couples
whereas at Bang La On it’s mainly families. Khuk Khak is still quite small with a handful of restaurants and a few shops. In the High Season all of the restaurants will be open including a wide range of
both independent and hotel based beachfront restaurants. In Bang Niang there is a large range of accommodation from the 4.5 star Ramada to bungalow resorts like The Sanuk Bungalows. In Bang La On the
accommodation is primarily 3 to 4 star, for example, the Baan Khao Lak on Nang Thong Beach and The Paradise on Sunset Beach, the next beach going south. Just south of Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park there
is Khao Lak beach which has the popular Merlin Resort and the relatively new boutique Lukanawadee resort.
Chong Fah Waterfall - about 10 minutes east of Bang Niang - great for hot days, very
scenic and accessible to all.
Police Boat 813 - one of two police boats overseeing the vacation of Khun Phum Jensen, son of former Royal Princess Ubol Ratana (his father was an American, hence
the last name) at the time of the 2004 tsunami. Khun Phum was jet-skiing when the wave struck, and he and the entire crew of one of the police boats (which was sunk) died. This is the other boat, which
was swept inland and has been left exactly where the tsunami deposited it as a memorial and historical landmark.
Takuapa & Old Town. At Takuapa Old Town you will find Sino-Portuguese
architecture and have the chance to wander around the quaint shops (best in the early morning), about 45 minutes drive from Khao Lak. Takuapa Market and River Plaza are in the new town, slightly closer
to Khao Lak (near the bus station). This is a typical local market and the Plaza has some good shops and a few riverside restaurants. edit
Lampi Waterfall. About 30 minutes south of Khao
Lak just off highway 4. A very nice waterfall, best viewed in the early morning as the sun rises from behind the mountains and the rays shine through the mist. The falls are only a short walk from the
car park, making access easy for all. edit
Khao Sok National Park. A visit to Khao Sok National Park will allow activities including jungle trekking on foot or elephant, visiting waterfalls
& river rafting/canoeing. Around one hour drive north east from Khao Lak. A good day out, although accommodation is available for extended visits. edit
Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park.
Nice walks and a restaurant (not open in the evening). Between Nang Thong and Khao Lak beaches. Walkeable from the resorts in Bang La On. edit
Cheow Lan Lake and Rachaphrapha Dam. Just two
hours north of Khao Lak off highway 401. Superb views over the lake to the limestone ridges. Boat trips are available to rafts (for overnight accommodation you will need to pre book at Khao Sok National
Park HQ or book the trip via a tour agency). edit
Saori Foundation Centre, Bang Muang
http://wikitravel.org/en/Khao_Lak
|
