Getting There

++ By Air
From Bangkok, the easiest option for travel to Khaolak is by air to either of Phuket or Krabi International Airports, then continue the trip overland (see below). Daily flights from Bangkok to Krabi and Bangkok to Phuket (and return) are conducted by Thai Airways in both high and low seasons. Flight schedules can be found on the Thai Airways web page or by Tel: (02) 232 8000 (Bangkok office).

++ Overland by road
From Bangkok, travel via Highway 4 down through Prachuap Khirikhan, Chumphon, Ranong to Phang-Nga province. Khaolak lies 30 kms past the town of Takua Pa on the main highway. Travel time from Bangkok is about 12 hours. Daily bus services running from Bangkok to Phang-Nga leave from the southern bus terminal in Thonburi, and there are many private services available from almost any travel agent and hotel tour desk in the city.

++ From Phuket, take route 402, over the bridge to Phang-Nga province. Turn onto Highway 4 and head towards Thai Muang and Thap Lamu - Hat Khaolak lies just beyond at Ban La-on.Travel time is about 90 minutes. Bus services from Phuket to Phang-Nga town are also available hourly from the Phuket bus terminal. The trip takes about 2 hours. From Phang-Nga town catch a local bus to Takua Pa and asked to be set down at Hat Khaolak, or Ban La-on.

++ From Krabi, take Route 4 up to Phang-Nga, through the town and continue on Route 4 through Takua Thung, Thai Muang, up to Khaolak. The trip can take up to 2 hours depending on weather and road conditions. If going by bus from Krabi, take one heading towards Phuket, and change at Kochloi to a bus heading for Takua Pa and Ranong. Asked to be set down at Hat Khaolak, or Ban La-on.

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.

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.