Thailand: In Love with Khao Lak

As you might have already read in my first post - I'm a repeat offender when it comes to traveling to Thailand... therefore I have not only seen Bangkok and the north, but also some places in the south. As already mentioned, it definitely won't be the last Thailand visit - I simply love this country and a vacation here is definitely on the program for 2018 :-)!

The south of Thailand with its dream beaches and islands, as well as various national parks, is the 'chill-out area' of Thailand, if I may put it that way.

The area around the town of Khao Lak in particular has fascinated me... why, I hope to be able to convey to you in my post today.

A must-see in the north, for example, are the Similian Islands, located in the Andaman Sea off the province of Phang Nga. There are a total of nine small, uninhabited islands that truly make the hearts of divers and snorkelers beat faster. Crystal clear water, an interesting underwater world and pleasant water temperatures invite you to explore the stunning island group underwater as well.

Even for those who are not water rats, the islands offer beautiful beaches and a perfect backdrop for countless photos (remember to bring enough memory cards :-)). Large rocks, towering out of the turquoise blue water, fine-grained, almost white sand and many tall palm trees invite you to linger and enjoy.

Truly a dream, if it weren't for the many speedboats. The Similian Islands are, of course, promoted as a tourist attraction in all towns, and thus, depending on the landing place, the islands are heavily frequented. In my opinion, the speedboats are a disgrace - also because the tourists are chauffeured to the beach with the boats. This in turn gradually damages the corals and the beautiful underwater world and kills them. Unfortunately, it is only a matter of time before the Similians will no longer be considered 'diving and snorkeling paradises'.

My recommendation here:
ask in the town where you have your hotel, if there are 'more environmentally friendly' (and definitely more beautiful approaches) to the Similians.

In Khao Lak, we booked a 2-day outing through a local diving and snorkeling school and traveled with a boat that offered accommodation for 7-10 people to the Similians. Those who wanted to go to the island had to transfer to a small rubber boat with an outboard motor... This of course requires more time than with the speedboats, which race to the Similians within 1.5-2 hours. But it is definitely a more relaxed and beautiful trip. The speedboats are packed with 30-40 people, which I don't really find comfortable.

So we really had a relaxed, individual outing that we still fondly remember today.

Uwe, our German-speaking snorkeling guide and owner of the diving and snorkeling school in Khao Lak, and the boat crew really took great care of us and we had a great time on the MS Sunshine.

We spent the day snorkeling and swimming at various locations around the islands or sunbathing on the deck. The underwater world is not (anymore!) as colorful and diverse as you might know it from the Caribbean or the Maldives, but you can admire some fish species and turtles.

In the evening on the boat, we enjoyed pleasant conversations, played cards, listened to good music and had sensational Thai food. We were excellently catered for on the boat and the crew made a lot of effort to make the outing comfortable and beautiful. It was a colorful and really lovely group we had the pleasure of getting to know.

The Similians are really great and I recommend every Thailand traveler to book an outing here - just not with the speedboat - with alternative options, you will definitely have a more beautiful and impressive outing.

Now to my favorite place on the west coast of Thailand, Khao Lak. In 2013, I 'stranded' here for the first time after my round trip and simply fell in love with the town, the lovely people and the beaches. I have been there three times in total now, and I just can't get enough of it.

I have firmly resolved to also visit a few other places in 2018, but I will definitely come back to Khao Lak for that reason as well.

Phuket is about 60 km away, where the airport is also located. Phuket is notoriously more for the party-goers among us, and for going out and booking trips, the city is certainly perfect.

With a travel time of about 1-1.5 hours from Phuket Airport, you can then reach more idyllic places, such as Khao Lak...

I can't really explain why I like it there so much. For me, it's simply the overall package that makes it a perfect relaxation destination. As I said, this is my personal opinion. The fact is, in southern Thailand, there are so many beautiful spots and every visitor will definitely find their personal paradise here - so book your flight and start exploring :-)

Khao Lak mainly thrives on tourism, like many places on the coast of Thailand. In 2004, the town was particularly hard hit by the tsunami and was one of the most devastated and destroyed.

Even today, you can still see the traces left by the tidal wave on land, and there are still warning signs everywhere indicating the 'tsunami zone'. In the 'International Tsunami Museum' in Bang Niang, you can see an old naval boat that was swept inland by the tidal wave at that time. Pictures and stories from the affected people are also exhibited here - an oppressive atmosphere characterizes this place - but it is also intended to be a place of remembrance for the bereaved, so it certainly has an important role and justification for many people. It left me feeling sad when I left the place. Naturally, this terrible event is still in the minds of the locals to this day - I find it even more admirable how they have rebuilt and revived their home in recent years and how full of life everyone is here. This vitality also becomes apparent at the Bang Niang Market and is immediately transferred to the visitors. The market is located directly opposite the Memorial Center, and you can relax and stroll around here, even though the oppressive heat and the various food smells make it exhausting on some days. But with a cool drink, which you can buy at many stalls, it's already bearable :-) For the shopping fans among you - here you will definitely get your money's worth, there is definitely an abundance of everything, from clothes to shoes, electronics, and souvenirs.

In the city itself, there are many restaurants and shopping opportunities. And also a few bars, for example, the Monsters Bar or the Tarzan Bar (both directly on the main street) invite you to chill and linger. Often there are even live bands or DJs who provide musical entertainment in the evening. So for those who like to see a little more than just the beach, hotel, and room in the evening, the offer is more than sufficient. Discos or nightclubs are not as common here as they are in Phuket, for example. But that's exactly what I find so cozy. Khao Lak is a small, peaceful town for me, maybe I would compare it with some suburbs of cities, where everyone knows everyone and where the range of offerings and venues is manageable - for me, it is cozy and not too overcrowded, perfect for my well-being on vacation.

Naturally, a Thailand traveler should seriously consider having a suit or dress made by the numerous tailors (tailor) in the area, especially if you stay in one place for about 3-5 days. Depending on the fabric and equipment, you are definitely well off here with 80-150 EUR (suit with pants and at least one shirt) - it's all a matter of negotiation :-)

Khao Lak is known for its beautiful, expansive beaches for a reason - there are truly dreamy beaches here that invite you to stay and take a walk. My favorite beach is about 10 minutes outside of Khao Lak City and is adjacent to the Khao Lak National Park (Lumru). There are also a few hotel resorts here (Briza, Diamond Beach & Emerald Beach Resort) - but the further you walk away from them, the quieter it becomes on the beach, and sometimes you are even completely alone on a section. So you really have peace and can relax and sunbathe wonderfully. At least those who do not insist on a sun lounger and are willing to take a short walk. The beach is very fine and bright. The tides are very noticeable here... sometimes you can see the rocks that surround the beach very well, sometimes they are completely under the water. This also means that on one day, there is more sunbathing space available here, on other days, there is only a smaller section of the beach...


At every beach in Khao Lak, at least where there are also hotels nearby, you will also find smaller stands and even smaller outdoor restaurants that offer freshly prepared fruit smoothies or typical local dishes for little money - definitely eat and drink here, it tastes sensational and makes the vacation feeling at the beach perfect. (And CHANG beer is also available ice cold :-))

You can also get massages here everywhere in the corresponding pavilions on the beach, for 8-10 EUR per hour, you are definitely in good hands here - and what could be better than a massage on the beach with the sound of the sea and a view of the ocean. A must-do!!! :-)

You see, I could write for hours and hours - but I think I was able to give you a small insight today. For me, it is one of the most beautiful spots in the world - almost like a second home. So if you would like more information about Khao Lak and the surrounding area, please write me a message! I definitely still have one or two insider tips in stock :-)

Attached, of course, you can also see a few impressions!