One of Thailand's best kept secrets ...

Enclosed in one of the many national parks in the province of Phang-Nga, the little town of Khao Lak lies along the western shore line, only 55 minutes drive north of Phuket International Airport. 

Khao Lak is famous for its spectacular natural surroundings which consist of a variety of landscapes.  On one side, it is fringed by the aqua Andaman Sea which offers dazzling white sandy beaches and the famous Similan Islands, as well as abundant coral beds and wonderful marine life.

The other side is covered by the tapestry of lavishly verdant jungle, an excellent habitat to the rare species of wildlife animals and plants.

Khao Lak offers a variety of sightseeing opportunities for nature lovers, harbouring myriad exotic plants and wildlife amidst landscape that includes beaches, hills, mountains, forested valleys, mangroves and estuaries. One of the park’s famous attractions is Khao Lak Mountain, situated beside the sea with a stunning Chinese temple shrine dedicated to the wizard of the mountain.

Khao Lak is located about 33 kilometers south of Takua-Pa Town on Route 4 or approximately 1 hour drive from Phuket International Airport, lying on the west side of the National Park.

Car

Hire a car in Phuket and drive north, over the Sarasin Bridge along Route 402.  Keep heading north and take route 4 along the west coast, passing through the towns of Kok Kloy and Thai Muang until you reach Khao Lak.  It should take approximately one hour from Phuket International Airport.

Bus
There are daily bus services from Bangkok to Phang-nga. The journey by bus takes about 12 hours. Both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses leave from the Southern Bus Terminal.

In Phang-nga, take the local buses traveling between Tai Muang to Takua-Pa district. Most of them will stop at Hat Khao Lak.

For more information call the Southern Bus Terminal at tel. +66 2435 1199-200 or the Phang-nga Bus Terminal at tel: 7641 2300, 7641 2014 or www.transport.co.th/Eng/HomeEnglish.php

Train
As there is no train going directly to Phang Nga, catch the train to to Surat Thani and continue to Phang Nga town by bus which takes about 2 hours. The train leaves at Hua Lampong Station in Bangkok.

For more information call Bangkok’s Hualamphong Railway Station at tel. +66 2 223 1690, 2223 7010, 2223 7020 or www.railway.co.th

Air
There is no direct flight to Khao Lak. You have to take a flight to Phuket first and then take a bus or taxi to Khao Lak. Many airlines operate Bangkok-Phuket flights daily. From Phuket, take a bus or rent a car to Khao Lak for about 58 kilometres.

Khao Lak is quickly becoming the latest place to be put on the tourist map.  Here are some of the wonderful things to see and do there.

Beaches - large sandy beaches with charming composition of boulders and rocks, fringed by the shady casuarinas and palm trees. Offshore, forests of coral are perfect for diving and snorkelling which can be reached via long-tail boat, about 45 minutes from the shore.	A beach in Khao Lak
Khao Lak National Park go trekking, swim in a waterfall, bird watch or have a picnic in the forest. Tone Chong Fah waterfall originates in Klong Bangniang, formed by the 5-tier-cliff with waters flowing through all year round. The dense forest is also a home to some endangered animals such as tapirs and hornbills.
Similan Islands - located only one hour offshore from Khao Lak is an archipelago of nine islands called the Similan Islands.  Rated within the top ten dive spots in the world, these islands have white sandy shores ringing pristine rainforest, and all have distinctive huge granite boulders marking their headlands.  Divers may enjoy the reefs that surround the islands, which are home to giant sea turtles, manta rays as well as a huge variety of fish and sharks.  The islands are numbered Koh 1 - 9, with camping facilities and a restaurant on Koh 4.
Khao Lak Village - Although a very small commerical area, this little gathering of shops, bars and restaurants is charming and welcoming.  It is a wonderful place to sit and relax whilst meeting the locals.
Temples - there are a number of beautiful temples in Takua Pa, only 30 minutes drive north of Khao Lak.
Diving and snorkelling Khao Lak is a diving heaven offering easy access to many outstanding diving spots in nearby marine parks such as Koh Surin and Koh Similan, two of the best diving spots in Thailand. Most dive companies offer ‘live-aboard’ trips (spending the night on the boat) and day trips.
John Gray's Sea Canoe tours There are many different companies running sea canoe tours through the caves in Phang-nga Bay, but this one is unique!  Learn about the natural history of the area as you are paddled through cave tunnels into hidden lagoons.  Their specialty tour is Hong By Starlight, a trip that takes you into the "hongs" or lagoons at night, allowing you to marvel at nature itself.  A lovely addition of the traditions of the Thai candle festival Loy Krathong makes this trip magical. Highly recommended!	www.johngray-seacanoe.com
Kayaking / Canoeing The local bay is extremely sheltered, ideal for expeditions of sea canoes to explore the many fascinating caverns with the eco-system. Paddling a canoe boat in the mangrove forest, through caves and Hong or lagoon is a kind of remarkable experience; it is also the best way for observing the splendors of rock face and the hidden caves that are impossible by other boats.
Golf - Tublamu Royal Navy Golf Course is owned by the Thai Royal Navy and has been public since 2002, when it was upgraded to an 18-hole course.  Located along the beautiful coastline, the fairways of the first and seventeenth run along the beach.
Pakarang Boatyard located along the beach front near Pakarang Cape, visitors can watch traditional long tail boats being made from scratch. As this is a local community project, donations and volunteers are both welcome.
Trekking / Elephant riding It is an amazing experience to discover the areas wild flora and fauna by trekking or riding on an elephant through the forest.