Many travellers flock to Phuket for its sunny skies and beaches but I for one, wanted to escape rowdy crowds and overly populated streets, when I planned a trip to the Land of Smiles late November last year. A friend recommended Khao Lak incessantly, so I took a closer look at it with my husband and started plotting our trip. It was the best decision ever!
Khao Lak is just an hour away from Phuket International Airport and it’s a small village located in the Phang Nga province on the Andaman Sea beaches of Southern Thailand. It’s world’s apart from what you expect from Phuket, with smaller crowds and a laidback charm.
The best sunset is Pakarang Beach and the easiest way to get here is to locate Memories Beach Bar and order a coconut or two. The sun rays glimmer in tangerine shades and the waves are moderate enough that Japanese surfers were seen catching them.
We stayed at Phukhaolak Resort that’s located on a small hill with cabanas facing rows of palm trees carefully lined to provide shade. It’s located on the main road but we didn’t hear any loud noises during nighttime, which made the stay comfortable.
Food-wise you can’t go wrong with Thai food. We stumbled upon a kerbside stall, Krua Khonkhon, run by a small family and it was the best Southern Thai meals we could ever ask for. Order the Kua Kling (Spicy Stir Fried minced pork), Miang vege and if you’re a daredevil for spice, the fiery Thai soups.
Some of the best locations we visited were the Sea Turtle Conservation Center (the entry is very strict as it’s located within a military centre so ID checks will be asked) and Ton Chong Fa Waterfall.
It’s easy to zip around with a rented motorbike and if you’re still hungry for bites, there is a night market on the main road that you can’t miss!
