How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Khao Lak – For an ideal escapade!

 Located just 80 kilometres north of Phuket, Thailand, Khao Lak is a collection of villages that are quite tourist-oriented. The name Khao Lak translates into “Main Mountain”. If you hope to plan a trip to Khao Lak to discover its wonders read on to find out more about Khao Lak and its rich natural landscape, culture, beaches and activities.

Photo by Daria Gordova on Unsplash

 Where is Khao Lak?

 It is situated 55 km to the west of Phang-Na and 73km away from Phuket airport. Khao Lak is a string of villages, in the Takua Pa District and the Thai Mueang District of Phang Nga Province, Thailand. "Khao Lak" directly translates into 'Main Mountain'.

Khao Lak region has tons of forests, mountain ranges and yellow sandy beaches. It is further one of the main entry points to the Similan Islands filled with crystalline waters, sandy coastlines, incredible diving sites and snorkelling opportunities.

 How to get to Khao Lak? 

 The best means of getting to Khao Lak is to take a flight into Phuket or Krabi. From there, one can take a cab or bus to Khao Lak. Both airports operate international and domestic flights.

A taxi from Phuket airport to Khao Lak via taxi is about 1,100-1,800 THB, which depends on where in Khao Lak you need to be dropped off. A bus is also an option, once you reach the main road which is about 5 km from the airport. On highway number 4 remain on the side of the road for the usual red bus. Take a bus going towards Takuapa, Surat Thani or Ranong, they stop in Khao Lak or any specific location on request. 

From the airport in Phuket to Khao Lak, is approximately 100 km and takes around 1.5 hours by car or 2.5 hours by bus.

 Best things to do 

 Visit the beaches if you like long strolls on pristine beaches. There are several amazing beaches in and close to the area. The most notable of these is White Sands Beach and Pak Weep Beach. With striking surroundings and an abundance of restaurants about, they are an excellent area for a swim and tasty meal. 

 Waterfall treks

 Visit some of the waterfalls in Khao Lak. Most tourists visit during the dry season, however, it's not as plentiful at this time but well worth visiting. The nearest waterfall is the Tong Chong Fa. This remote and idyllic location is an excellent place to relax, swim, and spend some quality time in nature. 

 Spend time with turtles 

 Visit the Royal Thai Navy Third Fleet Sea Turtle Nursery. It is found roughly 15 minutes beyond Khao Lak and has different pools where turtles get rehabilitated and then be freed again into the sea. Another turtle sanctuary in Thai Muang is about 40 minutes away from Khao Lak and it operates under the Phang Nga Coastal Fisheries Research and Development department. Here they safeguard eggs laid at nearby nesting sites and rehabilitate sick and injured turtles and other marine life. 

 Cooking classes 

 If you don't love Thai food already, you will certainly be, by the end of your trip. The most useful way to experience the charm of Thai food is to participate in one of the cooking classes available in Khao Lak. Most of these classes teach authentic Thai home cooking and are conducted in private homes. At the end of the course, one will know how to create some delicious Thai dishes.

 Nature tours

 This region is nothing short of a tropical paradise, with many options open to lovers of nature. There are a bunch of excursions operating in national parks, as well as river rafting, and quite a few outdoor pursuits. Among the best is to tour Khao Sok national park, for day trips and overnight journeys to Khao Sok, once there you can do jungle treks and rafting. 

 Where to stay

 One can find plenty of places in a range of budgets in and around Khao Lak. Some of the best hotels in Khao Lak places such as Avani+ Khao Lak Resort are good options to consider.