Thailand is now firmly established as one of the world’s favourite holiday destinations, and many thousands of travellers flock from all around the planet to experience the delights it has to offer. The majority of holidaymakers arrive in Thailand’s capital and will spend some time visiting Bangkok’s incredible temples and palaces while soaking up the city’s unique atmosphere. After their sightseeing, most will then head for one of the country’s famous island resorts to relax and enjoy some of the world’s best beaches on islands like Phuket and Koh Samui. But in this short article, I would like to highlight a less well-known alternative: the stunning area of Khao Lak resort on Thailand’s west coast.
Introducing Khao Lak
Sitting about eighty kilometres north of Phuket, Khao Lak is a collection of villages in Phang Nga province, the name Khao Lak means ‘main mountain’. It is named after the Lak Mountain, which sits in the nearby Khao Lak Nam Ru national park. Khao Lak is centred around the towns of Bang La On and Bang Niang, and the area is easily reached from Bangkok via a brief internal flight into Phuket’s international airport and a short taxi or bus ride of about one hour. The area has a quieter, laid-back atmosphere when compared to the busier islands and is perfect for couples and families looking for a relaxing break.
Things To Do in Khao Lak
The Khao Lak area is well-known for being refreshingly uncrowded and for its rugged natural beauty; its beaches are one of the best-kept secrets in Thailand. There are plenty of activities to keep holidaymakers busy. The usual water sports, such as Paddleboarding and Kayaking, are available at most resorts. For those nature lovers, the nearby national park offers hiking opportunities in some of the world’s oldest rainforests which would delight anyone with a love of the outdoors.
World Renowned Diving
The area is also a mecca for Scuba divers from around the world; the proximity to the amazing Similan islands and nearby protected marine national parks mean Khao Lak is an excellent base from which to explore. Lucky divers can see Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, and Hawksbill Turtles, but the marine park diving areas are only open from October to March, so plan your holiday accordingly.
Khao Lak on Thailand’s west coast is a fantastic holiday destination; if you are returning to the country or planning a first visit, then it would be a great choice.
