Khao Lak & Similan Islands

Khao Lak (70 km north of Phuket) is a coastal town for those seeking peace, nature, and world-class diving. No party mile, no crowds — instead, kilometers of empty beaches, upscale jungle resorts, and the starting point for the spectacular Similan Islands. Khao Lak was severely hit by the tsunami in 2004 — the tsunami memorial (a police boat washed 2 km inland) is a poignant reminder.

★★★ Similan Islands

The nine Similan Islands (Mu Ko Similan National Park) are considered one of the 10 best diving areas in the world. Crystal-clear water with 25–40 m visibility, huge granite boulders above and below water, manta rays, whale sharks (rare), turtles, and a kaleidoscope of soft and hard corals. Snorkelers also get their money's worth — the reefs start at 1–2 m depth.

Day trip by speedboat: Departure 8 AM from Tab Lamu Pier. 4 stops: Donald Duck Bay (Koh Similan, the iconic Sail Rock), snorkeling points at Koh Payu and Koh Miang, Princess Bay for lunch. Return 5 PM.

Price: 2,500–3,500 ฿ (approx. 65–90€) including national park fee (500 ฿), lunch, snorkeling equipment. Hotel pickup in Khao Lak included.

★★★ Liveaboard Diving

For serious divers, a liveaboard (diving safari on a boat with overnight stay) is the holy grail. 2–4 days on a dive boat, 3–4 dives per day at the most remote and best dive sites of the Similans and the Surin Islands (Richelieu Rock — THE top dive site in Thailand for whale shark sightings).

Prices: 2 days/1 night from 8,000 ฿. 4 days/3 nights from 18,000–25,000 ฿ (including equipment, meals, 11+ dives). Booking through dive schools in Khao Lak (Sea Dragon, Wicked Diving, Khao Lak Scuba Adventures).

★★ Beaches in Khao Lak

Nang Thong Beach — Khao Lak's main beach: wide, golden, and wonderfully quiet in the high season compared to Phuket. Resorts on the beach, but never crowded. Beach walks at sunset are a ritual here.

White Sand Beach (Haad Khao Lak) — Even quieter and more pristine, 10 km north. The national park begins right behind it. Ideal for nature lovers.

★ Khao Sok National Park (Day Trip)

Only 1.5 hours by car from Khao Lak lies one of the oldest rainforests in the world (160 million years). The Cheow Lan Lake — a reservoir with limestone formations reminiscent of Halong Bay — is the highlight. Day trips from Khao Lak: 2,500–3,500 ฿ (kayak, hike, floating huts).