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What places to visit in Khao Lak?

What to see in Khao Lak

In Khao Lak city, places to visit are mainly memorials to the victims of 2004 tsunami. But here you also are not far from the Phang Nga Bay which offers one of the most beautiful seascapes in Thailand. It includes among others the famous James Bond Island, appeared in "The Man with the Golden Gun". All Khao Lak travel agencies offer a day trip to explore this beautiful bay. But make them compete because if the program is everywhere the same, the price can be very different.
I also listed at the end of the page some good tours, excursions and activities that you can do in Khao Lak or from Khao Lak. Click here to see them.

Must-visit places in Khao Lak

Phang Nga Bay

อ่าวพังงา

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One of the most beautiful natural scenery in Thailand with its limestone cliffs and mountains in a turquoise sea. The main attractions in the bay are the famous James Bond Island and Koh Panyee with its floating village.

James Bond Island

เขาตะปู

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The island shaped like a nail in the sea is called James Bond Island since its appearance in The Man with the Golden Gun.

Similan Isands

เกาะสิมิลัน

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Comprising 11 islands, the Mu Ko Similan National Park offers seascapes and beaches as well as some of the most beautiful snorkeling and diving spots in Thailand. This exceptional environment is threatened by tourism, but measures have been taken to try to preserve it such as the closure to visitors during the low season and more recently the introduction of daily quotas of tourists.

Koh Surin islands

เกาะสุรินทร์

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With their beautiful white sand beaches with turquoise water and snorkeling or diving spots among the most beautiful in Thailand, the Surin Islands are clearly a must go place during your stay in the area. But be aware that they are only open to the public 6 months per year.

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

จุดชมวิวเสม็ดนางชี

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Discovered by a photographer who was looking for a dominant viewpoint to photograph Phang Nga Bay, the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint has become in just a few years one of the most popular attractions in the region. For a unique reason: the panorama is just amazing ! You can sleep in a tent, a basic bungalow or a comfortable room there too.

Little Amazon Takuapa

คลองสังเน่ห์

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Canoeing on this small stretch of river immersed in the middle of the jungle whilespotting snakes, many kinds of birds, sometimes monkeys and monitor lizards is a real adventure! It's really fun to do! Except maybe if you have a snake phobia. Little Amazon is 30 km from Khao Lak and 1 km from Takuapa.

Samet Nangshe Skywalk

สกายวอล์คเสม็ดนางชี

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Raised glass walkway built 80 meters above the ground which offers an amazing view of the most beautiful part of Phang Nga Bay that can be seen from the mainland. The same view, or almost, you can get by climbing the neighboring Samet Nangshe Viewpoint... but with the “frizz” of a skywalk.

Find a room in Khao Lak

Other nice places to visit in Khao Lak

Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park

starstarstarstarstar Here you can do interesting tours and especially where is our favorite beach in Khao Lak!

Koh Panyee Island

starstarstarstarstar the island and its mainly floating village is very touristy. It welcomes all tourists visiting the bay and the James Bond Island, but when everyone is gone, it's a amazing place. You can rent a bungalow to enjoy the unique atmosphere before and after the arrival of tourist groups.

Ao Tho Li Viewpoint

starstarstarstar Much less known, and therefore less visited, than the neighboring Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, Ao Tho Li offers a slightly less ideal view of Phang Nga Bay because it is more at the right of the most beautiful part but remains a very good alternative for those who want to less crowds, more tranquility. You can also sleep up there in tents or fairly basic bungalows.

813 Tsunami Memorial Park

starstarstar Memorial to remember the tsunami in Thailand in December 2004, which hit Khao Lak very hard and brought ashore the police boat 813 centerpiece of the memorial to more than a kilometer inland.

Takuapa Old Town

starstarstar Takuapa is about 30 kilometers from Khao Lak city. The town, which was once one of the most important commercial cities in southern Thailand thanks to tin-dredging, has a pretty little historic center with well-preserved and restored old Sino-Thai style houses. Its Sunday Walking Street is also very nice !

Tours in Khao Lak and around

This selection includes tours, excursions and activities that I have personally tested or were tested by people I fully trust but also offers by recognized agencies or websites known for their seriousness and quality.