KHAO LAK THAILAND

WELCOME TO KHAO LAK!

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A warm welcome to KhaoLak, a beautiful unspoilt paradise location, which lies in the Takua Pa district of Phang-Nga province on Southern Thailand's azure Andaman coastline, about 1 and 1/2 hrs drive from Phuket International Airport. It offers an almost unsurpassed appeal to nature lovers and those seeking peace, tranquility and complete relaxation in a wonderfully scenic environment.

The name KhaoLak has come to be known as 'the mountain beside the sea'. There is a shrine of Chao Pho Khao Lak dedicated to the wizard of the mountain.

Hat Khao Lak ( KhaoLak beach ) is an exceptionally pretty and long (several kilometers) stretch of pristine sand picturesquely studded with granite boulders. It actually comprises of three individual beaches, and at the far northern end there is a network of sandy beach trails, some of which lead to completely deserted stretches.

The coast is set against a background of casuarina pines, which in turn give way to lush green palm groves, interspersed with lakes, and rubber & coco plantations.

Partly encompassing Hat Khao Lak, the forested hills of Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park tower over the natural coastal beauty. This 125 sq km National Park is a lovely collection of sea cliffs, hills, beaches, and evergreen forest. Several other land based National Parks (and also two Marine Parks) can be reached from Khao Lak.

The Khao Lak environs also offers some splendid offshore diving and snorkeling experiences. Live coral formations can be found just off the coast. There is also a nearby wreck dive. The Similian Islands National Marine Park can be easily reached and lies 55 km due west of Khao Lak. These islands are world renowned among diving enthusiasts for amazing underwater siteseeing at depths down to 30m. Also within reach, to the north west, is the Surin Islands National Marine Park; these islands are also suited to exploring and hiking, in addition to snorkeling and diving; some of the best reefs at Surin do not require scuba gear.

The accomodation at Khao Lak ranges from some nicely designed Thai-style cottages and bungalows through to a few extremely tasteful and discrete upmarket hotel resorts (again often based on a single story cottage/bungalow theme) offering every luxury with views to the sea and surrounding forest.

In essence, Khao Lak offers relaxation, tranquility and charm in a splendid unspoilt environment on the beautiful Andaman coastline surrounded by National Park forest. It is also ideally situated to provide visits to numerous points of interest and natural attractions, including several Marine and Land based National Parks, not only in Phang-Nga province but also in neighbouring Surat Thani and Ranong Provinces.

Khao Lak Resort Takuapa Khao Lak

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Khao Lak Resort Takuapa Khao Lak: "Welcome to Khao Lak Resort, Takuapa, Khao Lak
The newly renovated Khaolak Resort is carefully designed so that guests will experience a new dimension in comfort and luxury while maintaining the original concept of a private holiday within a natural and peaceful environment. The Resort itself spawns from an elevated position on the lower part of Khaolak hill and gently slope onto the 400 metre long beachfront. You can take an evening stroll along the golden beach, with the occasional boulder rising from the fine sandy surface, and enjoy the peaceful view of the sunset, accompanied by the gentle background sound of the lapping waves. All our restaurants are also ideally situated for you to enjoy a splendid view of the sea. At Khaolak Resort we try to bring you into a world that is closest to “Paradise on Earth”."

Khaolak Orchid Beach Resort Khuk Khak Beach Khao Lak

2008-04-25T12:48:00.000+07:00

Khaolak Orchid Beach Resort Khuk Khak Beach Khao Lak: "Khaolak Orchid Beach Resort is an exclusive boutique resort in colonial style low rise building with private beach and unique setting near the Khaolak National Park and unlimited seaside experience.
A four-star resort, is surrounded by a white scenic beach natural forests and waterfalls and situated in a truly relaxing environment, you can enjoy a private moment to yourself and really unwind.
We offer 54 deluxe seaview room, two family suite room with private balcony, and plenty of our recreational facilities such as swimming pool 350 square metres with Jacuzzi and children pool, restaurant 'Fragran' in tropical garden, traditional and spa treatment, finess room, library room, Internet/email room, and meeting room with audio equipment."

Ranyatavi Resort & Spa Natai Beach Phang Nga

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Ranyatavi Resort & Spa Natai Beach Phang Nga

KHAOLAK MAP - MAP OF KHAO LAK

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SIMILAN ISLANDS

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The Similans are a group of nine small islands, with National Park status ( Mu Ko Similan National Marine Park ) under the care of the Royal Forestry Department, in the Andaman Sea some 40 km west of Khao Lak. They are renowned the world over for their natural beauty and incredible underwater sightseeing vistas at depths from two to thirty five meters.

Besides being blessed with some of the most picturesque white powdery sandy beaches one could ever imagine, with lush scenic flora inland, extremely huge smooth granite boulders have been seemingly carelessly scattered around in the course of evolution to create a truly stunning scene. These same smooth formations cacsade and plunge into the azure clear warm waters to form seamounts, rock reefs and dive-throughs, and the Islands' reputation as a world-class dive site is well deserved.

Inland the islands are essentially relatively low lying formations with some thick forest, sheltering the Nicobar pigeon, the hairy-legged mountain land crab, crab-eating monkeys, dusky langurs, bats, lizards and squirrels.

The word 'Similan' is derived from the Malay word sembilan meaning nine. Each island has both a name and a number. The Thais sometimes refer to them as Ko Kao (or Nine Islands).
Counting in order from the north, they are: Ko Ba-Ngu (No. 9), Ko Similan (No. 8), Ko Payu (No. 7), Ko Miang Sam (No. 6), Ko Miang Song (No. 5), Ko Miang (No. 4), Ko Payan (No. 3), Ko Payang (No. 2) and Ko Hu Yong (No. 1).

In addition there is a small rock outcrop between number 7 and number 8, known as Hin Pousar or Elephant Head Rock.

To highlight a few aspects :

Ko Similan is the largest island and is horseshoe shaped, partly encircling a small bay in the west. It has wonderful underwater scenery and relatively shallow water depth.
Ko Similan is good for hiking, and exhibits the largest granite outcrop in the Similan archipelago; this distinctive formation offers sweeping views from the top.

Ko Miang is the second largest island and the location of the Park HQ. It has beautiful beaches and colourful coral reefs. Princess Chulabhorn, the youngest daughter of HM King Bhumipol Adulyadej and HM Queen Sirikit, has a Palace on Ko Miang.

Ko Hu Yong is well known for its long stretch of white sandy beach, where sea turtles lay their eggs.

Ko Ba-Ngu is sometimes referred to as Skull Island due it's skull-like appearance from a certain vantage point. It is renowned for its breathtaking underwater beauty on a multi-tired seabed.

There are at least twenty credited dive sites associated with the Similan chain.

The Similan Islands exhibit the greatest variety and sheer numbers of reef fish in Thailand and exhibit at least 200 species of hard coral. They provide a great deal of diversity for the diver. In particular there is a general marked underwater contrast between the western and eastern sides of the islands. The currents to the West have kept the huge, soft coral clad, granite boulders exposed, and free of sand, resulting in dramatic formations, peaks, canyons and overhangs to depths of 30m. These are quite exhilarating dives, and, for some, a guide is recommended to navigate the fan clad passages. On the Eastern coasts the boulders have been mainly buried as the fine sandy beaches slope down to reveal hard coral gardens.

The usual departure point for the Islands is from Thap Lamu pier, which is 10 km from Khao Lak. Proceed south on route 4 and take a right turn into the A4147 road, opposite Wat Lak Kan. Journey time to the Islands is about three hours. An alternative point is from the pier near Khura Buri (north of Khao Lak), which is also the main departure pier for the Surin Islands. One-day excursion and longer tours are available. However the daily boats are somewhat irregular, and the best way to visit the Similans is on a liveaboard boat. The liveaboards vary in style and comfort quite dramatically according to your budget. The higher end of the scale include private air-conditioned cabins, modern communications, video & CD sound systems, professional photography services and so forth.

The best time to visit is from December through to April.

Facilities and Accomodation are rather limited. The only accomodation available is in the form of simple Thai style bungalow guesthouses on Ko Miang (island No. 4), where the National Park headquarters are based. Camping is permitted. Advance booking is advised. Even though Ko Miang has a supply of fresh water, it is wise to come prepared with both food and water if you intend to stay the night. For information and reservations, contact the Similan National Park Offices at Moo 1, Tambon Lam Kaen, Thai Muang district, Phang-Nga (Tel: (076) 411913-4). Alternatively contact the National Park Division, Forestry Department - Tel: 5790529, 5794842.

NATIONAL PARKS

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Khao LamPi - Thai Muang National Park, established in 1986, covers an area of 72 sq km, and comprises of two distinct geographical regions :

Hat Thai Muang, which is a long coastal strip lying to the west of route #4
Khao LamPi, which is a mountainous forested area to the east of route #4

Geologically, the Hat Thai Muang coastal plain sector consists of recent quaternary sediments, of mainly quartz and mica sands, derived from the weathering of the upland area, laying over older igneous rocks.

The main aspect of this section is a splendid 14km sandy beach lined with Casuarina trees, backed by patchy areas of swamp forest and subsequent Mangrove forest upto a half kilometer in depth. There are also several canals ('klongs ') which provide interesting longboat trips where one can observe crab-eating monkeys for example.

One of the primary goals of the Park is to protect the nesting sites of both the Leatherback and Olive Ridley species of turtle.

Female turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on moonlit nights between November and April, at which time the beach is patrolled by Park rangers. For conservation and protection purposes, most of the eggs are removed by staff to a nursery. Incubation takes 60 days, at which time the hatchlings are released naturally back into the sea.

The Park is well known for such turtle releasing events. Unfortunately despite everyone's best efforts, the number of nesting adult females is still declining. Visitors are kindly requested to join Park staff in their patrols, where they are most welcome, if they wish to observe the turtles.

Tropical evergreen forests cover the hilly and fairly mountainous regions of Khao LamPi.

This section of the Park represents nearly 70% of the total combined area. Granite dome shaped mountains, from the Cretaceous period are quite typical. There are several tin deposits (in both regions of the overall Park) as tin extraction was once an important part of the economy of the area.

Two popular waterfalls within Khao Lampi are:

Nam Tok Lampi - this is a medium sized three level waterfall, flowing throughout the year (but more dramatic in the rainy season), close to km 32 marker on route no. 4. It is a popular local attraction and has a pool at it's base, suitable for swimming.

Nam Tok Ton Phrai - a larger size fall with cascading water again throughout the year. At km 29 marker on route 4, follow a gravel road for 7km; therafter a further 1km on foot is required - this is a good hike in the dry season.

Flora includes Dipterocarpus sp., Anisoptera costata, Syzygium sp, Hopea odorata, Mimusops elengi, several species of palm and bamboo.

Common barking deer, langurs, wild pig, red jungle fowl, hill myna, and several reptiles, such as the reticulated python, and amphibians are examples of the fauna.

SPAS, WELLNESS AND THAI MASSAGE

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Thai massage has its roots in a spiritual tradition, and its purpose is to heal a person physically, emotionally and spiritually. It was originally developed by Buddhist monks in Thailand as a method of healing. The technique uses passive stretching and gentle pressure along the body’s energy lines to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension and balance the body’s energy systems. It is both deeply relaxing and energizing.

Thai massage is called Nuad Phaen Boran in Thai - which translates to Ancient Massage or Traditional Massage.

Traditionally, the massage takes place on a futon mat on the floor, and you wear loose fitting clothing. You start by laying on your back, and the therapist uses gentle compression and stretching techniques on your body. As it progresses, the therapist will literally use her whole body, including her feet, to move your body into various positions - it has been compared to yoga without any effort on your part.

A Thai massage works on the major meridians (energy lines or Nadis), which run throughout the human body. It aims to harmonize the body, to loosen blocks, and to recoup deficiencies along the energy lines. In contrast to traditional Chinese medicine, which uses acupuncture to manipulate the pressure points, the massage stimulates these same points with a healing touch. Therefore, the points suffer less stress, and life energy (Prana) is allowed to freely circulate.

With regard to the physical aspects of the massage, it starts at the feet and progresses up to the head. The client’s body will be moved, loosened and stretched. It combines techniques which include Trigger Point Treatments, Myofascial Techniques, Manual Therapy and others.

The combination of energetic and physical aspects is unique to Thai Massage, and so are its effects. It is regarded as a therapy for the body, speech (energy) and mind (heart).

A spa provides a time to relax, reflect, and revitalize. Although it is often regarded as a place for a bit of stress-relief pampering, or simply a temporary refuge from life's worries, perhaps the real test of a spa is the quality of the overall experience and the end results delivered - a sense of well-being, the feeling of being revitalised, restoration of the delicate balance of mind, body and spirit, and even the feeling of a new lease of life.

Spas in Thailand go beyond the superficial pampering of look good beauty treatments along with feel good treatments. Holistic healing is central to the spa concept.

Although the spa concept may have been borrowed and imported to some extent, Thailand has done it better. The concept has been adopted, adapted, and refined with a distinctive Thai touch.

Thai spas really do have it all - in a perfect blend of Western leisure concepts and traditional Asian well-being therapies.

The quality of the Thai spa product offered is world-class and unsurpassed, particularly the level of service offered. The centuries-old tradition of gracious hospitality and service, and the friendly and caring nature and gentle ways of the Thai people, contribute greatly to the service and hospitality of a Thai Spa.

But the experience goes beyond the excellence of service. There is also a time-honoured healing tradition - based on herbal and holistic remedies, generations of folk wisdom, and centuries-old healing techniques (some of which reflect deep-rooted Buddhist influences). A key component in the ancient Thai tradition of natural healing is the healing power of indigenous herbs and plants, and many of the rejuvenating treatments offered in modern spas have evolved from these ancient recipes.

In Thailand, the majority of spa facilities are Hotel/Resort Spas, which provide professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices. There are also Destination Spas, whose sole purpose is to provide guests with lifestyle improvement and health enhancement through professionally administered spa services, physical fitness, educational programming, and on-site accommodations. Medical Spas provide comprehensive medical and wellness care in an environment which integrates spa services, as well as conventional and complimentary therapies and treatments. There are also Day Spas which offer a variety of professionally administered spa services to clients on a day-use basis.

There are several quality massage and spa centres in Khao Lak. The following are a few examples but there are more:-

Le Meridian Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort
The Sarojin
La Flora Resort & Spa
Khao Lak Seaview Resort & Spa

Reflexology

Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet (and hands and ears) that correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. In particular reflexology is based on the premise that all nerve endings run to the feet. Through application of pressure on these different nerve endings, meridiens or energy lines, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and promotes the natural function of the related areas of the body.

The art and science of reflexology has been practised for thousands of years especially in China, India and Egypt. In the old days, mankind stimulated reflexes naturally by walking barefoot over rough ground and stones. In today’s modern world we have lost much of nature’s way of maintaining a balanced and healthy equilibrium. Reflexology helps to restore this balance and promote natural health and vitality. It has proven quite successful over time in relieving symptoms, easing pain and discomfort that have manifested themselves physically in the body - either as a result of stress, trauma or disease.

However, only in the past twenty years has international interest in reflexology been revived as an alternative therapy. Many of the spa resorts offer reflexology.

PAKARANG BEACH

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Also worth a visit is the quiet sandy beach of Pakarang, which is set back three kilometers from km marker 69 on highway 4. During the rainy season, a certain amount of dead coral gets washed up on the beach - hence it's name. Nearby is Laem Pakarang (Coral Cape). This is also the site of a ship wreck.

HAT THAI MUANG BEACH

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Some 25km south of Khao Lak in the Thai Muang National Park is the spectacular clean sandy beach of Hat Thai Muang, which stretches 14km and effectively runs parallel to Route 4. A 1.5km side road leads down to the beach.

The water is clear and good for swimming.

Also known as Turtle Beach, it is especially famous as during the months from November to February, sea turtles, including the leatherback, come ashore to lay their eggs in the moonlight.

A tradition has developed, called 'turtle walking', which encompasses both the unobtrusive observing of the egg laying turtles and, after the hatching period, the releasing of young turtles into the sea (turtle releasing festival).

BANGSAK BEACH

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A further few kilometers north of Patwib lies the turquoise waters and fine white sand of gently curving Bang Sak beach, offset by the now familiar casuarina trees. The beach is situated 1 km off route 4, at distance marker 76km.

Hat Bang Sak has a slightly isolated Polynesian setting, and offers good southerly views. There is accomodation but it is limited and relatively basic.

This area is popular with locals on picnic trips or visiting the small seafood stalls along the shoreline. The grilled fish dishes offered here have gained a reputation comparable to that at Rawai Beach in the south of Ko Phuket. Even though the beach may not fully compare with Khao Lak, it is a fun visit, maybe doing as the locals do.

BANG NIANG BEACH

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Khao Lak's Bang Niang Beach

Formerly a haven of backpacker bungalows, Bang Niang Beach is quickly moving into the boutique and upscale resort category.

Long stretches of beach to the north and south provide the visitor with good early morning beach combing strolls.

Bang Niang, for many years, played second team to Khao Lak's Nang Thong Beach, but today we see a broad range of development that is now rivaling and may soon surpass the Nang Thong area.

New restaurants are popping up everyday as are small shopping centers - these and the local market out on the main road seem to be bringing greater numbers of people to the Bang Niang area every year.

An energetic person can literally walk from Bang Niang Beach down to Nang Thong Beach so continuous are the beaches here.

The thatch shelters on the photo top right of this page are typical of the small restaurants and massage services that are springing up - up and down the beach.

The Ayara Villas Resort is a favorite in the Bang Niang Beach area - partly due to its beachfront location.

NANG THONG BEACH

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Khao Lak's Nang Thong Beach

Nang Thong is the area that was probably first developed and for a long time was the favorite of visitors - if the number of bungalows and resorts along its length are a good measure. Now though, Nang Thong Beach is starting to be rivaled by Bang Niang Beach to the north.

Aside from its gentle slope to the water, and the slow drop of the shelf once in the water - this area is also popular as it is an easy walk into Baan La On for the restaurants and shopping there.

Small shells are often found in abundance in the crooks and crannies of the rocky areas that are found up and down the beach. Not so many rocky areas though that they interfere with a quick dip or a prolonged float in the sea.

Nang Thong Beach is great for strolling, general beach combing and rocky area in the photo below has great snorkeling on the deep side of it.

The southern end of Nang Thong Beach is often called Sunset Beach and is home to some of the earlier resorts in the area - including the beautiful Khao Lak Paradise Resort.

GETTING THERE

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Getting to Khao Lak from Bangkok and Phuket

Directions to Khao Lak

Getting to Khao Lak by Car:

From Bangkok: Khao Lak is about 750kms and approximately an eleven- to twelve-hour drive using Highway 4. Getting out of Bangkok without getting lost is the only difficult part - once you are out of town the drive is fairly straightforward. The roads are quite good and signage is in Thai and English. It would be difficult to get lost. The drive can be done in one day. Driving at night is not recommended due to poor highway lighting and unlit vehicles - as well as people and animals on the road. If you do drive at night, keep your speed down. If you leave Bangkok by 6am, you should be able to read Khao Lak before dark. There are plenty of petrol stations along the way and they often have shops and convenience store attached to them - as well as toilet facilities.

From Phuket International Airport: The drive is about 55 minutes using Highway 402 and connecting with Highway 4 just off the island. Keep left all the way and you can't get lost. Good roads and signage is in Thai and English.

Getting to Khao Lak by Bus:

From Bangkok: VIP and first class overnight buses head to Phuket - but you can get off in Khao Lak - if they take the route through Ranong - DO ask.

From Phuket Town: Buses leave heading to Takuapa - you can easily get off in Khao Lak.

Getting to Khao Lak by Air:

There is no direct flight to Khao Lak, Phuket International Airport is the closest and most convenient airport.

Car rental agencies are situated right across the street from the airport - or a limousine, or taxi service can be arranged at a pre-negotiated price (typically in the range of B1500-1800, negotiate your price before getting in the car). Metered taxis are available at the airport - but may cost about the same amount.

KHAO LAK ACCOMMODATION

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Nang Thong Beach Area Resorts

Nang Thong Beach is probably the most popular destination in the Khao Lak area. Stroll its long beach and you will know why. It is an easy walk to beachside restaurants, great snorkeling is on offer in the rocky area and the sea invites you to just float around for a few hours. Most resorts are within a ten to twelve minute walk into the village area for even more restaurants, a few bars and shopping.

This beach is home to more resorts and options than the other beaches - but Bang Niang Beach is quickly catching up. The southern end of Nang Thong Beach is known as Sunset Beach.

Baan Khaolak Resort

Probably the most popular resort along Nang Thong Beach. Excellent location in the center of things - an easy walk into town - spot middle of a long stretch of beach - and a good restaurant right on the beach.

The beachfront bungalows are very nice.

Khao Lak Bayfront Resort

On the Sunset Beach portion of Nang Thong Beach, this resort provides you with 4 beachfront bungalows, 8 sea view bungalows, 48 deluxe rooms and 14 standard hillside rooms.

Part of the resort is built down the side of the hill on the south end of Baan La On.

Khao Lak Resort

Also set on Sunset Beach - built down a hillside to the sea front. Great new Jacuzzi and pool villas right on the beach.

Often overlooked - this resort is an "old standard" that has been very much brought up to date.

The Resort itself occupies a land area of some 12 acres, nestled in one of the most private and peaceful spots between the hills of Khaolak and the beach.

Baan Krating Resort

On the far south end of Sunset Beach, perched on a hillside, Baan Krating Resort has spectacular views down the length of Nang Thong, Bang Niang, and Khuk Khak Beaches - and even down to Cape Pakarang.

Lots of stairs here though and the beach immediately in front of the resort can be rocky.

But - still a very special place with modest pricing.

Khaolak Bhandari Resort

Thai style design resort that sits back from the main part of Nang Thong Beach by about 100 meters.

Centrally located, an easy walk into the village and lots restaurants.

Numerous good beachfront restaurants are within an easy evening stroll.

Khaolak Wanaburee Resort

A boutique resort with 34 residences including 2 Casuarinas Suites, 6 Rendezvous beach front Villas (spectacular!), 14 Manor Villas offering garden and lagoon view and 12 Prestige Lagoon Estates.

Rooms are decorated with fabrics in pastel colors as well as supreme furnishing, private balconies and terraces which gives you an ultimate atmosphere of rejuvenation and relaxation.

Sunset Beach, south end of Baan La On.

Khaolak Paradise Resort

A beautiful garden resort with thatched bungalows and stone-built twin-suite buildings. The photos on their website don't do the place justice.

Right on Sunset Beach, the resort has a secluded garden feel to it.

Built down a hillside before you get to the main area - lots of stairs. Once on the main grounds easy access to the beach.

Khaolak Laguna Resort

A very large resort, but with all the amenities that implies. An easy walk into Baan La On, and also on an excellent stretch of Nang Thong Beach.

Completely new and just opened at the end of 2007.

Great new villas and bungalows sitting close to the beach front.

Suwan Palm Resort

Small resort on the center of Nang Thong Beach. Good location with easy access to the beach front and a short walk into Baan La On.

Suwan Palm Resort offers 44 rooms in four categories; Junior Suite, Deluxe, Superior and Standard ranging from 33 - 77 sqm including Ocean View balconies at all rooms.

Khaolak Seaview Resort

A large resort set on the Nang Thong beach front, but much of the resort is set across a small street further away from the beach.

The grounds are exceptional and the design of the resort well thought out. Excellent villas in the sea-side part of the resort.

Khao Lak Sunset Resort

Excellent location on the far south end of Sunset Beach. A longer walk into town, perhaps 20 minutes. Or, easier access down the beach and then up to town.

Nice beach area - often has bargain room rates.

All rooms have sea views.