Travel the World

Khao Lak affords trekking enthusiasts a wide range of wilderness routes and tracks to explore. Home to the Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park, the sheer variety of nature trails and hiking hotspots is likely to overwhelm visitors. Whether you are an experienced hiker hoping to explore flora and fauna in off-the-beaten-track Khao Lak or a first-timer that wishes to spend more time outdoors, here are some tips to help you navigate Khao Lak's best hikes safely and with ease.

Image via pexels

Those who intend to go hiking or spend hours trekking in the wildernesses of Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park would benefit from staying in a conveniently located base hotel. Considered one of the top things to do in Khao Lak, trekking in Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park can be a rewarding experience for those who can reach the national park without the hassle and spend more time outdoors, thanks to the reserve's close proximity. So whether you choose the Avani+ Khao Lak Resort or any similar rest, make sure it is not too far from the waterfalls you wish to chase and travelling to and from the national park does not need to be an added strain.

Travellers who are navigating the Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park hiking trails for the first time would benefit from learning more about each trekking route and what to expect. From considering the type of terrain you will be coming across to the wildlife and plant species you are likely to spot, it is crucial to have some understanding of what the trek will encompass. Although it is impossible to prepare for every eventuality, those who research the trails that they intend to walk encounter fewer surprises on the road and are safer regardless of the natural threats inherent in any outdoor environment.

While the Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park is a perfectly safe hiking destination, even for inexperienced trekkers, there is no reason to embark on such a journey alone. Hiking with a friend or travel companion can not only make for a more pleasant experience but also provide a safety buffer should you get injured or face some difficult circumstances during the trek. It is important to discuss the route you wish to take and how strenuous the hiking experience is likely to become with your trekking partner before embarking on the journey. You should also consider setting up an emergency plan if one of you must go for help.

Every hiker heading out to the Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park or any other wilderness in Khao Lak must carry a waterproof day bag with a few essentials. In addition to bottles of water and snacks, your day bag should include a few first-aid items, such as Band-Aids and antibiotic sprays for cuts and scrapes. Extra socks, an additional t-shirt or a pair of shoes may also come in handy if your outfit happens to get wet or drenched due to rainy weather. An extra jacket and a box of matches or a torch will also prove useful if it gets dark before you make it back from your hike while keeping some kind of navigational or GPS device such as a compass is also prudent for those who are embarking on longer excursions.

Khao Lak is a tropical landscape where humidity is a daily fact of life, so staying hydrated during your hiking tour is necessary, even if it is not a day-long tour. In addition to bottled water, one should consider packing other liquids such as vitamin water, king coconut water or an energy drink, as these can help the body restore and reset faster after strenuous physical activity. Hikers must also be extra careful when visiting waterfalls inside the national park, as the area around the cascades is dangerously slippery.

Khao Lak, Thailand is a tropical getaway ideally suited for those and their loved ones who seek peace, well away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The task of packing can be quite tiresome and especially when travelling with the kids, the onus is even greater. Outlined below for the benefit of future beach holidays to Khao Lak is a list of tips that must be considered well in advance.

The sight of enormous, heavy luggage can only communicate one thing which is that you’ve brought your entire family’s wardrobe on holiday; a practice that must be stayed well clear of. Being in the tropics will send out a clear and loud message to prospective visitors which is to pack light and dress accordingly to the situation. Thick clothes such as denim or even close-fitting attire must be struck off your list at the very beginning. Essentially, one-piece items would serve you and your family well as this would involve having to pack less than initially planned. Consider the following: have at least between two to three bottoms, cover-ups, swimsuits and between four to five tops and light tanks which can be interchanged and worn. In terms of footwear, being flexible and having access to two to three pairs of shoes, flat ankle boots, sandals and flip flops would make much better sense.

A travel bag can provide two benefits. One is that it allows you to only pack in the essentials for the day while secondly, it affords less weight to have to carter around. When the time is ripe for sunbathing and walking on the beach, a hiking expedition along trails nearby or a shopping spree, a beach or even a light travel bag can do wonders for you and at times, you will feel as if you are not carrying too many things on your shoulders. Plus, do not put yourself through the hassle and stress of having to dig into large bags to get your essentials.

When on the topic of a family holiday and that too to a tropical destination such as Thailand which brings with it an array of leisure pursuits to engage in, the last thing you need to be dealing with is reduced space in your luggage. Understand that when out and about in Khao Lak, you and your loved ones will be spending a majority of your time by the beach and in the ocean. Therefore, maximum protection will have to be sought as the sun can be intense in these regions. Do away with the thought of filling your luggage with all the sun protection products that you can get your hands on and on the contrary, seek the services of your mode of accommodation or your surroundings to purchase the correct amount for everyone. For example, if you choose to reside at Avani+ Khao Lak Resort which is one of the best hotels in Khao Lak to be at, do make inquiries on the possibility of the aforementioned which can save you time and valuable space. However, if you’re more inclined to check out the local markets for sunscreen, lip balm or UV shirts or suits, then you can look forward to stopping by the numerous stalls that cater to the varying interests of the beachgoer of today.

A vacation to Khao Lak with the family is a great idea! It is a collection of many villages, in Takua Pa District as well as Thai Mueang District located in Phang Nga Province of Thailand. The name "Khao Lak" means 'Main Mountain'. The natural terrain is lush with fantastic beaches to keep you spellbound by its beauty.

Khao Lak is 55 km west of Phang-Na, when travelling from the airport it is a 73 km journey to the location.

The region has a dense forest cover, lots of mountain ranges, as well as pristine sandy beaches. The Similan Islands can be accessed from Khao Lak. The islands are filled with crystal clear waters and more beautiful coastlines.

The best way to get there is via a flight from Krabi or Phuket. Once there, grab a taxi/ bus to the destination.

A cab from the airport at Phuket to the destination costs around 1100-1800 Bhat. It will also depend on exactly where you intend to get off once there.

From Phuket Airport, it is around 100 km to the destination. The journey will take a little under 2 hours via car and close to 3 hours of travelling by bus.

The beaches are immaculate and the kids will love to frolic in its pure waters. Find several beautiful beaches here. The most famous are Pak Weep Beach and White Sands Beach. With exceptional surroundings and restaurants, they are perfect for swimming, dining and spending some relaxing family time together.

Take the kids on a bamboo raft! The bamboo rafts drift along a small path of the river. It's a great way to immerse in nature while listening to the chirping birds and being on the lookout for animals! Request your accommodation to help you to locate the best places for this fun activity.

Visit the waterfalls there, which are spectacular. However, once the hot season descends, the waterfalls won't be as bounteous but still worth the trip! The closest one is Tong Chong Fa. It is in a secluded and picture-perfect location, the perfect place to wind-down, swim, and bask in nature.

See turtles at the Turtle Nursery operated by the third fleet of the Royal Thai Navy and just 15 minutes away from Khao Lak. Here injured turtles get rescued and get cared for before being released to the ocean. The other turtle sanctuary found here is Thai Muang, which is at a distance of 40 minutes from the city. It is operated by Phang Nga Coastal Fisheries Research and Development board. Newly laid eggs found at nesting sites are brought back so they can hatch safely and be released to the ocean. They also care for sick and wounded turtles as well as other sea life.

Join a cooking class, which is perhaps the best means of experiencing delicious home-cooked Thai food. You can find several of these at Khao Lak and these classes will teach you how to prepare authentic Thai dishes. The majority of them are taught in private residences and once the session is over, everyone gets to share the meal they cooked.

This region has many options for nature lovers and has many National Parks. There are many excursions operated by the national parks, such as rafting, jungle trekking, and overnight camping. Try visiting Khao Sok for fun day excursions or overnight camping trips.

You can find many options when it comes to accommodation options, catering to all kinds of budgets at Khao Lak and close by. Among the best hotels in Khao Lak are the likes of Avani+ Khao Lak Resort. One of the many reputed options available around here.