Essential Tips for Visiting Khao Lak & Phuket in Thailand
Essential Tips for Visiting Khao Lak & Phuket in Thailand
At the beginning of 2019 we were very impatient because in just a few days we were going on the journey of our lives. We ordered with the German company Berge & Meer a combined trip: 1 week cruise Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Khasab and Muscat and from there we were to fly to Thailand to enjoy the Indian Ocean in Khao Lak. Discovering Phuket in Thailand was one of our favorite experience because we had the opportunity to see natural wonders and also to create a great friendship there! You will find more obout our story by reading our article!
Table of Contents
Informations
Khao Lak is a series of villages, now tourist-oriented in Thailand.
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.
Temperature: Khao Lak/ Phuket is a very good travel destination all year round and the best weather is during: December, January, February. The hottest months are: February, March, April. The coldest month is July
Language: The official language of Thailand is Thai, but the people that work tourist locations speak English.
Currency: Thai Baht (THB) aprox 1 USD=31 THB/1 EUR=38 THB
Food Prices: Cheap Restaurant 4 USD person, Mid-range Restaurant 2 persons 25 USD
Informations about Visa you can find here.
Things to do
We paid 1400 euros per person for this whole combined holiday, and during the cruise we had all inclusive, while in Thailand we had breakfast included. Is very cheap to eat in Thailand so it was ok just with breakfast, because during the day we where always far away from the hotel. The only problem here is that, of course, I did not have visits included, so we had to take some more money out of our wallets for them.
Our first trip was to James Bond Island. Almost all the tourists chose this holiday because they were curious about the place where everything was filmed. After we left the island, our boat took us to a beautiful area, where we took the kayak. and then saw some beautiful landscapes and caves:
James Bond Island
Khao Phing Kan is an island in Thailand, in Phang Nga Bay northeast of Phuket. About 40 metres from the shores of Khao Phing Kan lies a 20-metre tall islet called Ko Ta Pu. The islands are limestone karst towers and are a part of Ao Phang Nga National Park. Since 1974, when they were featured in the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun, Khao Phing Kan and Ko Ta Pu – both separately and collectively – have been popularly called James Bond Island.
We befriended our tour guides, so the next day we went with them to show us some beautiful places in Khao Lak: White Sand Beach and then we went to Bamboo Rafting.
White Sand Beach
The snow-white powdered sugar beach is located at Pak Weep and is also not far from Coconut Beach. Especially at lunchtime, the White Sand Beach shines really bright and with a cool drink at one of the cozy beach bars, the dreamlike scenery can be enjoyed twice. This beautiful sandy beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Khao Lak and is definitely worth a detour.
The next day we continued the same way, with our good friends Ying and Few we saw some beautiful places that only the locals know about: Andaman View Point, a wonderful waterfall, some temples and our day ended with an amazing dinner near a lake.
Andaman View Point
The viewpoint is relatively easy to find from Khao Lak. The junction from the street is only a few meters away from the Sarasin Bridge. The destination is well signposted. From the Andaman Viewpoint, the visitor is rewarded for the effort of his journey with a 360-degree all-round view.
A trip to the Andaman Viewpoint is particularly worthwhile in the afternoon, as that is when the best viewing conditions prevail. A telescope has recently been placed on the small viewing platform to enable us to see even more details.
Khao Lak Sai Rung Watterfall
There are two levels to this water feature although the upper fall can be inaccessible due to the erosion of the hillside during the monsoon.
There is a parking area that charges 20 Baht for a car/motorbike. It’s just a few steps over a narrow footbridge and a short path to get to the swimming area. At about 15 feet, this is the most impressive fall in the Khao Lak area.
The best time to visit the waterfalls in Khao Lak is on a weekday morning when the temperatures are cooler. On weekends the waterfalls can be quite busy with locals.
Temples in Khao Lak
Dinner near lake Khao Lak
Khao Lak turtle shelter
The center is a wonderful attraction and fit for all ages. It opens daily from 08:30 – 16:30. Tourists can really enjoy some quality time at this unique research facility and learn about turtles and other marine lives (Entry fee is only 20 THB per person). There are 4 endangered turtle species here at the center, which are the Green Turtle, Ridley Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, and Leatherback Turtle. These species can be found throughout the Andaman Sea, where the species that are seen quite often are the Green Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles around the Similan and Surin Islands.
We spent the fifth day of our trip away from Khao Lak. We drove to Phuket Island at 5 in the morning. From there we set off by speed boat for an hour to Phi Phi Islands,Maya Bay,Monkeys Island , Bamboo Island and RangYai Island.
These islands are a dream!
Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands are an island group in Thailand between the large island of Phuket and the Straits of Malacca coast of Thailand. The islands are administratively part of Krabi Province. Ko Phi Phi Don is the largest and most populated island of the group, although the beaches of the second largest island, Ko Phi Phi Le are visited by many people as well. The rest of the islands in the group, including Bida Nok, Bida Nai, and Bamboo Island (Ko Mai Phai), are not much more than large limestone rocks jutting out of the sea. The islands are reachable by speedboats or long-tail boats most often from Krabi town or from piers in Phuket Province.
Maya Bay - Koh Phi Phi Le
Monkeys Island
Monkey Island in Phuket is a small cove located on a peninsula on Koh Phi Phi Don, the larger of the two main Phi Phi Islands. This peninsula helps form part of Ton Sai Bay which is where the vast majority of boats coming and going from the busy tourist area of Phi Phi load and unload their guests
Bamboo Island
White sand, emerald green water ,so clear & fresh. You don’t need a snorkel gear to watch fish as one can see from the naked eyes inside the water. Absolutely stunning beach!
RangYai Island
Located just east of the island of Phuket, an island popular with tourists and estate owners, Rangyai is the largest island currently available for sale in the region. The island is close to both Phuket and Coconut Island both of which are home to numerous resorts, and are very popular with tourists. Ranyai Island is an advantageous position in the area, allowing the prospective owner to capitalize on the development potential of this property.
The next day we spent it with our friends, riding scooters through Khao Lak and then we went to the Night Market. We tasted food from the locals and bought clothes and souvenirs for our loved ones and for us.
On the last day of our wonderful trip we enjoyed the company of the elephants at Sairung Elephant Camp. It was a beautiful day when we rode, washed the elephants and fed them. An unforgettable experience!
Sairung Elephant Camp
Phuket Big Buddha
The Phuket Big Buddha is a Buddha statue on the island of Phuket in the southern region of Thailand. Completed in 2008, it is one of the most distinctive viewpoints on the island. The imposing marble statue is 45 meters high and has a diameter of 25 meters at the base. The Buddha sits on a large pedestal of stylized lotus flowers and looks east towards Chalong Bay from the top of Nakkerd Hill. For the not yet completely finished base you can still buy marble slabs for a small fee and have them installed with your name.
Wat Chalong
Wat Chalong is the largest and most prominent of Phuket Island’s 29 Buddhist temples. The temple is located about 8 km south-east of Phuket Town on Road 4021. Two monks who lived and worked here during the time of the Tin Workers’ Rebellion are worshiped here: Luang Pho Chuang and Luang Pho Chaem. Both were famous for their medical knowledge and skills. Souvenirs of the two monks are kept in a teak house attached to the wat, e.g. robes worn by them, and wax statues.
Where to stay
A good night’s sleep is particularly important when you are travelling. Thailand offers its guests a host of luxurious, charming and also out-of-the-ordinary accommodation.
Whether in the heart of the city, near the lake or surrounded by nature – Thailand‘s hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses guarantee a relaxing and invigorating stay.
We managed to find the best three companies that offer hotels, holiday homes and transportation. These are: Booking.com, Trip.com and Vrbo. We have already tested these companies and we warmly recommend them. As a result this will just bring you good deals for your next vacation.
Top hotels we recommend in Khao Lak: The Retreat Khao Lak Resort, The Sarojin, La Vela Khao Lak
What to eat
Kai pad med ma muang is stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts.
Green chicken curry contains coconut milk, cherry-sized eggplants, bamboo shoots, galangal, lemongrass, coriander and sweet basil.
Fried rice, or khao pad, is often enjoyed for lunch in Bangkok.
Gaeng daeng is an aromatic red curry containing meat, red curry paste and smooth coconut milk, along with a sprinkling of sliced kaffir lime leaves on top.
Kway Teow (noodle soup)
Pad Woon Sen (Stir-fried Glass Noodles)
The Tom Yum soup is often made with pork, chicken, or shrimp and the broth include lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, fresh lime juice, and chilies.
Pad Thai is the national food of Thailand and famous all over the world. The rice noodles are stir-fried with eggs and the choice of protein. It’s often served with bean sprouts, garlic chives, turnips, chopped roasted peanuts, red chili pepper and lime on the side.
Pad Krapow Moo is one of the most classic dishes to eat in Thailand, and it’s a stir-fry with pork, holy basil and green beans which are stir-fried together with ginger, garlic, lime, and chilies.
Gaeng Massaman Gai – The main ingredients are chicken and potatoes along with the Massaman curry.
Gai Med Ma Muang – stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts
Tod Mun Pla is also known as Thai fish cakes
Restaurants Phuket in Thailand
At Aziamendi you don’t just serve, you go on a culinary journey – in the literal sense of the word. Because you don’t just sit at a “disdainful” table, but wander from the garden, through the kitchen, and further, until you finally end up in the beautiful dining room to crown this event.
Mom Tri’s Kitchen Royale at Villa Royale in Kata Noi Beach offers a great location and setup, together with first-class food.
Black Ginger Phuket at The Slate Resort is set on an island in the middle of a lagoon. Access to this restaurant is by boat only and will take you across the flame-lit waters to the main venue, where you can enjoy modern twists on traditional Thai dishes.
La Gritta is located in the compound of Amari Phuket, at the southern end of Patong Bay. This is a great italian restaurant where you will also enjoy beautiful views over the bay.
Blue Elephant, an established restaurant brand, has branches in 12 different countries around the world. The group specialises in Royal Thai cuisine.
Kata Rocks Clubhouse is located within a short walk of both Kata Noi and Kata Yai beaches. The restaurant is perched on a craggy headland, providing sweeping views of the ocean.
Ka Jok See is one of the most successful restaurants on the island. Without any advertising at all, the restaurant has been featured in countless top magazines and newspapers around the globe. The food is served Thai-style.
EAT Bar and Grill Phuket is a great option for enjoying some Western-style grill dining.
CUT Grill & Lounge Phuket is an exceptionally high-quality steak restaurant on the lake at the back of Boat Avenue in Bangtao.
Saving Tips
- Fly to Thailand on Weekdays
- Bring Cash and Withdraw Large Amounts from the ATM
- Take Public Transport or Hire a Motorbike
- Avoid Peak Season to Visit Thailand
- Compare before Booking Trips
- Haggle, haggle, haggle
- Travel to the north of Thailand! Is cheaper!
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You can also try Hop-on, Hop-off tours or Big Bus tours and spare some money. As we are presenting a lot of good options you just have to pick the perfect one for you!
If you do not go by car and need to know more informations about the tours, things to see and do, we recommend this two companies that are offering tours for any kind of activity you want to do and where you can buy trips much cheaper than if you buy them when you arrive at your destination. It is always good to be able to save some money!
Viator and Get Your Guide : the best activities in town!
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Shopping
Khao Lak is a surprisingly wonderful place for shopping. There are numerous options for you to choose from, whether you want to visit a fresh market, small supermarket, convenience store, or independent boutique. You can explore great finds in these places—food, souvenirs, crafts, clothes, accessories, and more!
Petchkasem Road is the main highway that runs through Khao Lak along the coast. Along a stretch of this road that forms the centre of Khao Lak, you can shop at a diverse range of local stores.
Bang Niang Market – Khao Lak’s most popular street food and night market
T.T. Plaza One of Khao Lak’s largest shopping centres
Khao Lak-Bang Niang – Fresh Market Khao Lak’s best market for tropical fruit and veg
Build Market – A container-style night market and street food hotspot
Make sure that you bargain the prices at local stalls but don’t overdo it when you go shopping in Phuket. Moreover, your bargaining skills might work on the streets but not in malls so avoid haggling about the price.
Talad Tairod – This busy and vibrant Phuket market is open only on the weekends and gets really crowded once it opens owing to all the fabulous goods it sells.
Malin Plaza Patong is a night market which one can pay a visit to if they’re tired of the conventional markets of Phuket. From souvenirs, clothing, accessories, handicrafts, luggage, and cosmetics, this place has everything.
Phuket Indy Market – For cheap shopping in Phuket, this night market is where you need to go.
Central Festival Phuket – roaming around the 120 stores here can be the best experience for shopaholics. And just when you feel tired, this place has also got cinemas and a range of Thai restaurants to treat you.
Phuket Walking Street – The market is set up on the Thalang Road and is home to a variety of local handicrafts and souvenir stalls.
Getting Around
Bus systems do run between the larger cities in the area, but that won’t do you much good between Baan La On [Khao Lak Town] and Bang Niang if you want to go out for dinner and a couple drinks.
As the Khao Lak area is quite spread out, people are left with only a few options: Hotel or resort transport, sometimes free, sometimes expensive and their schedule may not fit yours.
Local songthaews which run at irregular times and usually stop running after about 6pm.
Renting a car or motorbike for the duration of your stay – this is the option we chose for us and we think is the best. We rented a motorbike and it was just great. You do not have to wait for buses or share taxis with someone else.
If you wish to avoid the transportation problem altogether, stay in either Bang Niang or Baan La On (Khao Lak Town) as both areas have plenty of restaurants and shops within easy walking distance and there is plenty to see just walking around.
Getting around Phuket is relatively easy, as the island is served by many private and public transport options. Most of the resort areas are small enough to walk around, with popular resorts and hotels located close to the beach, restaurants and shopping areas.
The best way to get around Phuket is by tuk-tuk, though occasionally you might have to rely on another mode of travel, such as a taxi or rental car, if you want to travel beyond the town in which you’re basing your vacation.
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Getting Here
Major airports are : Bangkok Don Mueang, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Chiang Rai Airport, Chiang Mai, Phuket Airport and Krabi Airport. All the airports are international.
Flight times:
London – Bangkok 11h 35 min
NY – Bangkok 20 h with stopover
LA – Bangkok 19 h 15 min
Sydney – Bangkok 9h 30 min
Road passage into Thailand is possible trough Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos. The border crossings are multiple and split into international and local crossing.
Flights are cheapest from May to October as parts of the country are affected by the rainy season. In our journey we saw how the rain can destroy houses and close main roads.
November to March are the most expensive months to fly, so book your tickets in advance!
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