as named from a national park (Khao Lak-Lam Ru). The park
was declared a national park in August 1991. It occupies a
vast area of 150 sq.km and covers Amphoe Thai Muang, Amphoe
Kapong, Amphoe Takua Pa and Amphoe Muang. Khao Lak is
becoming increasingly popular, mainly with European
visitors. It's easy to reach, quite and, as yet, not
overdeveloped. It is something like Phuket's past 20
years. You can walk northward along the sadn for many
kilometres, almost as far as Bang Sak beach.
There are many interesting
attractions:
Khao Lak
the mountain is located 25 kms from Amphoe Takua Pa, one
Highway No 4 (Thai Muang - Takua Pa), taking a left turn
between Km 56-57. Before reaching Amphoe Thai Muang,
the mountain - Khao Lak can be seen. On the mountain,
there is the Chao Pho Khao Lak Shrine (as the photo).
Opposite to the shrine, entrance of Khao Lak National Park
Office, lies a stony beach with rocks and boulders of all
sizes strewn all over the beach. The beach is sandy,
wide, not much long, clean and good to swim. North of the
beach is a Khao Lak mountain and south is the pier to
Similan National Park.
Laem
Pakarang
located on the Takua Pa
- Khao Lak route. Diving from Takua Pa town on
Phetchkasem Road, the cape will be on the right, another 5
kms down the side road. It is a sandy beach piled with
deer coral washed up on the beach by strong waves - thus
giving the beach its name. The beach is blessed with
groves of pine, making it ideal for camping and relaxation.
The resort is a picturesque and peaceful heaven. All rooms and
villas enjoy facing beachfront spectacular sea views of the
deep azure Andaman Sea.
Ton Chong Fa Waterfall
located on the Takua Pa - Khao Lak route like Laem Pakarang.
Driving from Takua Pa town, the waterfall is on the left, a
right turn and going for another 5 kms. The cascade
runs all year round and the surroundings are blissfully calm
and cool under the trees' shade. The waterfall originates
from the Bang Niang Canal and is a large beautiful waterfall
with 5 levels.
Sairung Waterfall
previously called Pakthaweep Waterfall. Located near
Bangsak and Pakthaweep Beaches, on Highway No 4 at 70-71 km.
1,800 metres along the cement road and walk about 30 metres
to the waterfall. With 60 m of height, falling from
wide cliff about 20 metres. You can enjoy swimming but
carefully.
Lam Ru
Waterfall
is a petite waterfall with 5 diminutive levels. The fall is of
middle height in the area of Kradai Range. The waters flow all
year at Laem Ru and many varieties of birds live in the shade of the
it numerous species of tree surrounding the falls. A
small path trail leads to the top of the waterfall.
Bang Sak Beach
North of Khao Lak beach in Tambon Bang Muang, this beach
does not match that of Khal Lak, though it features a long
strip of fine white sand shaded by casuarina trees. A
popular spot for picnics with locals, there are a number of
seafood stalls set up and limited accommodation available.
Its key characteristics are: white sand, clean, long curve
beach, not too steep, good to swim. Road is along to
the beach, there are many local seafood restuarant
with cheap price.
Khuk Kak Beach
Located the south of Laem Pakarang. It is another quite
beach and less of visitors as contradict with its name
(means "crowded"). It is good to walking,
sight-seeing, south of the beach is a canal. When the tide
is low, we can acrose the canal.
Bang Niang Beach
Located at the middle of Khao
Lak area, between Khuk Kak and Nathong Beach, there is many
routes to the beach. Similar to Khuk Kak beach, but
more pretty curve.
The fine golden sand is free from rocks, stones or coral.
Just a few sea shells are swept ashore during the high tide
-- a nice gift to be found in the morning. Swimming is
possible any time of the day, during low or high tide. Most
of the time the water is not very clear due to the fine
sediments that are moved by the waves.
The beach is wide at low tide, but only 5 to 10 yards at the
height of the high tide. Near the mouth of the Bang Niang
River picturesque rocky outcrops make a beautiful backdrop
at sunset.
As one of the most popular beaches of Khao Lak, there are
many resorts with a wide range of room rates.
Nang Thong Beach Located
in south part of Khao Lak area, south of Bang Niang Beach.
The sandy beach is separated into several sections by rocky
bands stretching out into the sea. The southern part is the
centre of Khao Lak, where the first bungalows were built in
the late Eighties. Today, it is the most developed area of
Khao Lak offering a wide choice of restaurants, travel
offices, dive shops, tailors and film developing. Most of
these enterprises are located along highway No 4, that is
200-600 metres away from the coast and can easily reached by
walking.
