Khao Lak is Peaceful

Khao Lak in Phang Nga Province is a popular destination for foreign tourists. The charm of Khao Lak is its natural beauty, tranquility, and community atmosphere, which is not overly crowded. The best time for tourists to relax is from November to March, when the weather is good in the south. It's a time of little rain and mostly sunny.

I had already explored Khao Lak last year, staying hotel near Nang Thong  Beach area of Khao Lak and traveling by car with friends. This year, however, I decided to try a different itinerary and travel by bus with friends instead. The experience, while not too long, evoked memories of my teenage years. Nowadays, most people travel by private car. Taking the bus from Patong to Phuket Town was much less crowded.

Then, we continued our journey from Phuket Town to Khao Lak. We waited for the bus around 1:00 PM and arrived in Khao Lak, spending about 1.30 hours on the bus. I really enjoyed it; it created a different atmosphere.

Driving through Khao Lak, it may seem like an ordinary community. But once you step inside, where many hotels are located, you find that the atmosphere of the local community blends seamlessly with the relaxed atmosphere of the tourists. It’s an experience that feels perfectly harmonious.

This might be a hidden gem that tourists prefer to keep secret. Seeing it on social media isn't enough; you truly have to experience it for yourself. This unpretentious atmosphere is the real charm of the Khao Lak communities, emphasizing nature, tranquility, and privacy.

This year, my friend and I chose to stay at another beach in Khao Lak, the Bang Niang Beach area. We really like this beach!.

The hotel I stayed at was Chongfah Beach Resort Khao Lak. This trip was very chill, not rushed, and offered a wonderful slow-life experience. The selection of shops and services was similar to what you find near Patong Beach in Phuket: there were Thai and Western restaurants, clothing stores, Thai massage shops, and a few bars. There were also cafés and motorcycle rental shops.

However, what pleasantly surprised me was what was not present in Khao Lak, especially at Bang Niang Beach: specifically, there were almost no cannabis shops or loud pubs.

Another great aspect of this area is that most tourists are families or couples who come here to truly relax and fully embrace nature. I also liked that the resort provides free bicycles, which shows that this resort promotes sustainable tourism.

The Bang Niang Market opens every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday in the evening, from around 16:00 PM onwards (The market schedule is actually Monday, Wednesday, Saturday). It’s a popular spot for tourists to browse and buy souvenirs, including clothes, shoes, and handmade products. Food and drinks are also readily available. It’s a simple but perfectly balanced market.

It's time to talk about Thai food. When I came here, what I was truly looking for was authentic Southern Thai cuisine, cooked by locals. On the first day, I ate general Thai dishes. By the second day, I was determined to find proper Southern food.

The first restaurant I tried didn’t really have an authentic regional flavor. I was traveling with a friend who is a native Southerner, so she immediately noticed that the taste was off. Feeling a bit disappointed, we decided to visit a café to relax and have something cool to drink — specifically a Matcha Oat Milk.

The café, called La Malila, has a great atmosphere and is conveniently located in front of The Leaf Hotel.

We planned to walk along the beach before heading back to the resort. On the way back, we stumbled upon a beachfront restaurant, so we asked, “Do you have any Southern Thai food?” Since we were already there, we decided to give it a try one more restaurant .

Chogfah Restaurant: This stop made the trip worthwhile because we finally got to try local food that still retains the true flavors of Southern Thailand. I have to say, the first restaurant we visited seemed to adjust their dishes to suit foreigners’ tastes,

which may not appeal as much to Thai people. But at this last restaurant, the chefs were locals, and the food was absolutely delicious. In Southern Thai, you could say, “Roi!” which means delicious.

The activities not too far from Khao Lak include trips to the Similan Islands National Park and Surin Islands National Park, which tourists shouldn’t miss. Each trip has its own unique highlights. For example, the Similan Islands are known for their white sandy beaches and rich natural scenery, while the Surin Islands are famous for snorkeling.

There are many snorkeling spots, and the underwater coral reefs are still beautiful and abundant. You can also see the way of life of the Moken community who live in Surin Islands National Park.

The joy of the atmosphere and the slow-paced lifestyle made the time feel truly valuable. Good experiences with good friend passed by so quickly. If I have the chance, I would love to come back again.

In fact, Khao Lak offers many activities to enjoy during the holidays, such as rafting, feeding elephants, or walking through Khao Lak National Park to explore nature. If you visit, you’ll experience a community atmosphere mixed with a variety of international tourists — a perfect balance.

Khao Lak is truly a destination for those who love nature and tranquility. If that’s what you’re looking for, it has to be Khao Lak, Phang Nga Province.

Writer : Better Call Nika