Bangkok, Elephant Hills and Khao Lak Beach (2023)

FAQs

Is it worth going to Khao Lak? ›

Unlike its neighbors in Phuket, Khao Lak located in the Phang Nga province is a little less crazy and over the top. Depicted by a series of white sandy beaches surrounded by forested hills, Khao Lak is a place worth visiting and exploring.

Because of Phuket having lots of sordid nightlife and Khao Lak being far more laid back, each place attracts a certain type of tourist. Khao Lak is better for couples, families & divers in general. Khao Lak has lots of restaurants which include all tastes and budget levels.

Khao Lak is world renowned as a scuba diving mecca; with its beautiful coral reefs, and rich marine life, not to mention being the nearest port to the amazing Similan Islands, it has been pulling divers in from all over the world for years.

Kids can also swim with elephants.

They have all been in some way rescued and start their new life in the sanctuary. You can visit as a day trip from Bangkok, being picked up and dropped off at your Bangkok hotel, but it would be a very long day.

In Khao Lak, the official death count of four thousand is considered by some to be an under estimate, with unofficial estimates reaching as high as ten thousand due to the high number of undocumented Burmese migrants who disappeared.

The best time to visit is between December and March when the weather is most settled. The hottest month of the year is March with an average daily maximum of 33 C and an average low of 24 C. The coolest month of the year is September with an average daily maximum of 30 C and an average low of 24 C.

Khao Lak is the perfect beach for snorkelling and abundant with shade if you value peace and quiet above nightlife and activity.

Patong Beach, Phuket

Patong, the largest beach on the island, is Thailand's most popular beach. With a wide coastline, soft white sand, warm water, and plenty of hotels, restaurants, and shopping within walking distance, it's impossible to get bored here.

How many days do you need in Khao Lak? You need at least 5-6 days to visit Khao Lak. You can easily cover all the major places like Phang Nga Bay, Khao Sok National Park in these days along with one day for visiting the Similan or Surin Islands.

Do you need malaria tablets for Khao Lak? ›

High risk areas: atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline is advised throughout the year. Low to no risk areas: antimalarials are not usually advised.

Khao Lak was the coastal area of Thailand hardest hit by the tsunami resulting from the 26 December 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. Many people died including many foreign tourists.

It is also very unhygienic for visitors as the elephants urinate and defecate when entering the water, which may cause eye infections and sickness. There are also accidents with people slipping in the mud which is dangerous when there is a three tonne elephant close by.

Yes, bathing with elephants is an unethical activity. But it's understandable why the typical visitor to Thailand may not know this. In the wild, elephants love to bathe in rivers, streams, ponds, and muddy wallows.

About EJS. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is an ethical and sustainable eco-tourism project based in Thailand. Founded in July 2014, it began as a joint initiative between members of the Karen hill-tribes of Northern Thailand and Chiang Mai locals who were concerned about the welfare of elephants in Thailand.

Banded Mangrove Snake

Although this snake is mostly nocturnal (comes out mostly at night), they can often be found resting in trees along the waterline. They can grow up to about 2.5 meters long and can be identified by their vivid yellow stripes.

The risk for mosquito activity is extremely high. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when spending time outdoors to prevent bites. The risk for mosquito activity is high.

The 2014 murders, along with other deaths and disappearances of tourists, led to British tabloids labelling Koh Tao as "Death Island".

The best beaches in Khao Lak are some of the most beautiful on the west coast of Thailand. Facing the Andaman Sea, the beaches are all perfectly placed for sunset, and many are protected by national park status, keeping them pristine. Khao Lak is also considered home to the premier surf beaches in Thailand.

They use the stinging cells to poison small aquatic animals, as it has a paralyzing effect on them. Their prey includes fish larvae, plankton and crustaceans. Larger species eat small fish and other small species of Medusa. The jellyfish in Khao Lak are simple species that are completely harmless.

How warm is the sea in Khao Lak? ›

Today's Khao Lak / Nang Thong sea temperature is 87 °F.

Koh Samet is the closest island to Bangkok that gives real tropical vibes! Yes, there are beaches that are nearer to Bangkok than Koh Samet. But unlike Pattaya which is completely overrun by tourists, Koh Samet is the closest beach near Bangkok that still offers you that relaxing island feeling.

Similan Islands, the group of magnificent little islands amidst the greenish blue waters are located just 84 km northwest of Phuket and its bustling crowds.

Both Bali and Thailand are fantastic places for remote workers, but each location suits a different lifestyle. Thailand has better beaches than Bali, so if you're looking to indulge in a little slice of beachy paradise then this might be the better option for you.

Maya Bay, on Phi Phi Leh island, became increasingly polluted by endless visitors and vessels. Thai scientists discovered that its marine life was dwindling and its coral reefs were being decimated.

Taxis and tuk-tuks are the best way to get around Khao Lak. Local taxis are generally cheaper than hotel taxis; it's good practice to agree on a price beforehand. A speedboat is the fastest way to get to the Surin and Similan Islands.

Krabi International Airport: Khao Lak is about 120 km south from Krabi International Airport and takes about two hours to get there by car.

The first rule about consuming water in Thailand is that you should absolutely remember not to drink tap water. Tap water is not drinkable anywhere in Thailand.

What injections do I need for Thailand? ›

It's recommended that travellers to Thailand have jabs for tetanus and hepatitis A, possibly for yellow fever too, and they should also take additional precautions depending on which regions they're visiting and the activities they plan to do.

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Thailand: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. Shot lasts 2 years.

Of all of the animals that inhabit the Khao Lak countryside, monkeys are one of the most popular among tourists. There are several opportunities for tourists to see monkeys in Khao Lak.

25km long stretched beach of Khao Lak is located in Phang Nga province where is approximate 80-100km north of Phuket International Airport. Fly into Phuket Airport then travel surface to Khao Lak by taxi is the most common and stress free way. It takes 1 -1.5 hrs ride, depending on which beach you stay.

The smaller but increasingly popular resort area of Khao Lak some 80 km north of Phuket was hit far worse with 3,950 confirmed deaths, however, the death toll in Khao Lak may have exceeded 4,500.

I would recommend 5 nights, to give yourself time to explore the amazing Phang Nga bay, Khao Sok National Park and at least one of Similan or Surin Islands – each of those is a full-day trip in itself.

Whether you are seeking a bustling beach with lots of things to do, a quiet retreat from civilisation, or a picture-perfect spot to sunbathe and swim, Khao Lak is in no shortage of beaches to give you the perfect tropical Thai getaway.

Khaosan Road Bangkok certainly isn't for everyone. However, it can be a fun spot to grab a cold beer and take in this crazy side of the city. If you plan to go to Khaosan during the day you can expect a street that is buzzing with cars and tuk tuk's. Yet, this is not much different from other areas of the capital.

Fly into Phuket Airport then travel surface to Khao Lak by taxi is the most common and stress free way. It takes 1 -1.5 hrs ride, depending on which beach you stay.

What airport do you fly into for Khao Lak? ›

Phuket Airport is the nearest airport to Khaolak with direct flights to/from Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and Bangkok – Thailand. Krabi International Airport: Khao Lak is about 120 km south from Krabi International Airport and takes about two hours to get there by car.

Snorkeling in Khao Lak

The water in the Andaman Sea is crystal clear and calm as a lake. Usually visitors can snorkel near any rocks off the beaches in Khao Lak and they will spot colorful fish swimming in shallow water. Khao Lak beaches are ideal for snorkeling as far as fun beach activities go.

Tipping is NOT customary in Thailand, there is absolutely NO mandatory requirement to tip anyone, but small gratuities for great service are very much appreciated. Unlike some other parts of the world, you will never see a Thai service provider with his hand out waiting for a tip.

Now, Bangkok's Yaowarat Road has been named one of the most beautiful streets in the world, according to a recent study.