Khao Lak, Phang Nga, Thailand

The province of Phang-nga is located some 788 kilometres from Bangkok. It covers an area of 4,170 square kilometres. Phang-nga is a province with two characters - land and sea - and packed with national parks that guard magnificent scenery with immensely different attractions. Most famous is Ao Phang-nga National Park, a geological wonder filled with islets, sunken caverns and startling rock formations rising sheer out of the sea. The bay is extremely sheltered ideal for expeditions of sea canoes to explore the many fascinating caverns with their own eco-systems. Phang-nga's andaman coast offers parks of a different kind. The island groups of Surin and Similan are renowned for their beautiful unspoilt beaches and spectacular underwater scenery, attracting divers from around the world. Khao Lak is a coastal park full of birds, mammals and scenic waterfalls, with a number of hotel developments after Tsunami disaster in December 2004.
Khaolak lies in the Takua-Pa district of Phang-Nga province, in the south of Thailand. Phang-Nga is situated on the West Coast facing the Andaman Sea, and lies within 1-2hrs driving distance of popular tourist destinations such as Krabi in the east, and Phuket in the south.
A primarily agricultural province, Phang-Nga produces rubber and food crops such as rice, vegetables and fruit. A large proportion of the province still comprised of forest, much of which is designated national park area. Khaolak itself is a national park area, resplendent with rich natural attractions, and a convenient departure point to other of Phang-Nga's many points of interest, including the famous Similan Islands, and Surin Islands in neighbouring Ranong Province. Khaolak's strong attraction is the beauty of its natural surroundings -bordering the Andaman Sea on one side, and surrounded by natural forest on other sides. Offering peace and tranquility, the area is reminiscent of Phuket in bygone days, and is the perfect spot to get away from the razzle and dazzle of more populated areas nearby. If you are based in Khaolak, the easiest way to get around is by car or motorbike. Local taxi trucks are also an option. Trips out to small islands off the main land are easily made by longtail boat - arranged through agents at any of the hotels and guesthouses in the area. For ventures futher afield, local bus services will take you to any district you want to go. The most convenient method of travel around however is by Songtaew or taxi truck, easily hired from any town by the trip or for the entire day. Jeep and motorbike rentals are also widely available.