Khao Lak in the south of Thailand on the Andaman coast is a holiday destination that is growing in popularity. Thailand has been a major tourist destination for over 20 years now. It is not just backpackers that go to Thailand. For this reason many places in Thailand have become over-developed, crowded and ‘nothing special’. Khao Lak avoids all of these traps.

It is an area that a growing number of more discerning travelers and tourists are discovering. Khao Lak is blessed with a series of long golden sand beaches that have not been spoiled by too many hotels, girlie bars and loud night clubs. Even the busiest beach in the Khao Lak area, Nang Tong, is very laid back and not a tourist trap.

There is a good range of accommodation along the beaches of Khao Lak. There are cheap bungalow operations as well as plenty of good value mid-range options offering rooms with air-con, hot water and satellite TV. There are also a few 5 star places to stay like the JW Marriott Khaolak.

The two main reasons people go to Khao Lak is the Similan Islands and Khao Lak Lamru National Park. The Similan Islands offer the best diving and snorkeling spots in Thailand and are rated in the top 10 in the world. Here you can see whale sharks, mantas, moray eels and a plethora of fish types.

Lamru National Park has both rainforest to explore and coastal regions to sunbathe on and snorkel. There are waterfalls to visit and elephant trekking to enjoy.

Another reason to visit Khao Lak is t0 ride the waves. Pakarang Beach surfing is some of the best in Thailand. It is a great place to learn the sport as the waves are good but not massive. Nang Tong also has swell that can be surfed. The waves are highest in the rainy season between May and September.

So if you want to escape the high prices in Phuket, the yobs in Koh Samui and the fool mooners in Koh Phangan then Khao Lak is the ideal spot for you. It has plenty to do and is at that perfect stage of development.