Khao Lak  

The name "Khao Lak" literally means "Lak mountain". Lak mountain is one of the main peaks in the hilly small mountainous region (maximum height 1,050 meters (3,440 ft) within Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park. The tiny village of Ban Khao Lak, the original beach, Hat Khao Lak, and the bay of Khao Lak (Ao Khao Lak) actually all lie in the Lam Kaen sub-district of Thai Mueang district. But in recent years, presumably for reasons of convenience, commerce and marketing, the generalisation of the name Khao Lak has propagated itself northwards almost as far as the town of Takua Pa.

It is popular for its serene ambiance and as a departure point for liveaboard scuba diving trips to the Similan Islands. Khao Lak is approximately 60 kilometres (37 miles) north of the island of Phuket along Phetkasem Road (Thai Route 4), one of four major highways in Thailand. Khao Lak is serviced regularly by buses. Phuket International Airport (HKT) is 74 kilometres (46 miles) south on the island of Phuket. Though Thailand's economy is mostly export-dependent, Khao Lak remains mostly tourist-dependent, with surrounding agriculture and commercial fishing making up a small contribution to Thailand's overall economy. Differentiating Khao Lak from neighboring tourist destinations like Phuket are its quiet, up-scale, secluded coastal resorts; uncrowded beaches; family-friendly nighttime environment and provincial ordinances that prohibit structures taller than the height of a coconut palm tree, keeping Khao Lak down to earth. 

 

·        Khao Lak Beach,  south of the headland marking the southern boundary of the region

·        Nang Thong Beach, in the village of Bang La On (frequently called—mistakenly—Khao Lak)

·        Bang Niang, in the village of the same name some 2–3 km (1.5 to 2 miles) north of Bang La On

·        Khuk Khak, in the village of the same name some 2–3 km (1.5 to 2 miles) north of Bang Niang

·        Cape Pakarang, north of Khuk Khak

·        Bang Sak, north of Cape Pakarang

Taken together, these beaches stretch for some 25 kilometres (16 miles) along the Andaman Sea. All beaches are public, as are all beaches in Thailand.

 

Activities

►Elephant Bathing, Ride & Waterfall Experience

 Bathe with gorgeous Asian elephants in an atmospheric water park that allows you to swim and bond with these gentle giants. After taking a dip alongside these majestic mammals, ride atop one of them through the hills and head down to one of Khao Lak’s beautiful beaches.

 Start your day by conveniently getting picked up at your hotel and travel a short distance to the water park. The day's activities begin at a stream-fed lagoon where your bath with elephants both young and old occurs. Immerse yourself in the water alongside these intelligent animals and watch in awe as the cute younger elephants splash around in the area beside you.
 Once you feel cool and refreshed, allow the staff to help you climb up onto the back of one of these gentle beasts. Revel in the splendor of moving as one with this fascinating animal as you embark on a beautiful journey through gentle hills down to the beach.

 On your way back, stop and enjoy the rushing waters of Lam Khen Waterfall before heading back to the water park, where delicious local fruits and refreshments await. The chance to feed the elephants also presents itself, so be sure to take advantage of this great photo opportunity.

►Similan Islands   Located approximately 30 minutes offshore is a group of stunning islands with huge granite rocks, pure white sandy beaches and an amazing underwater world. This area was named as one of top 10 dive sites in the world and is a must see for scuba divers and snorkelers.

►Phang Nga Bay  Only one visit to Phang Nga Bay never seems enough. The beautiful scenery of hundreds of limestone formations rising from the calm emerald waters is a sight to be savoured as you drift by the mangrove forests on a traditional long tail boat. Stop by James Bond Island made famous from the film ‘Man with the golden gun’ and Koh Panyee a sprawling sea gypsy village floating on the sea.

 ►National Parks  The national parks in Khaolak have fantastic rivers, mountains and lakes to enjoy trekking, white water rafting, canoeing and elephant rides! Surrounded by stunning landscapes these tours provide unforgettable memories of an unspoilt natural haven.

 ►Caves  There are several caves worth a visit such as Wat Tham Suwankhuha, which is actually a temple inside a cave displaying a large reclining Buddha. The monkeys here are have also made this cave a popular place to visit. You can also check out Tham Reusisawan and Tham Phung Chang to the south of Phang Nga.