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Khaolak is located about 50 kilometres north
of Phuket Island on the mainland. It is an area, where the lowlands,
that extend behind the coast, disappear and the rain-forest covered
mountains are reaching the sea shore. This area was declared a
national park some years ago. After passing this rocky headland,
the beaches of Khaolak start, that stretch for about 20 kms northward
to the old tin mining town of Takuapa
 Khao
Lak, the mountain is located 25 kilometres from Amphoe Takua Pa,
on Route No. 4 (Thai Mueang - Takua Pa), taking a left turn between
Kilometre markers 56 and 57. Before reaching Amphoe Thai Mueang,
the mountain - Khao Lak - can be seen. On the mountain, there
is the Chao Pho Khao Lak Shrine. Opposite Khao Lak lies a stony
beach with rocks and boulders of all sizes strewn all over the
beach.
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 neighboring 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 frazzle and dazzle of more populated areas nearby
Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park was declared a
national park in August 1991. The park occupies a vast area of
150 square kilometers and covers Amphoe Thai Mueang, Amphoe Kapong,
Amphoe Takua Pa, and Amphoe Mueang.
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 Visitors
to Khaolak can expect to find the weather to be warm all year
round. If really hot weather is not your style, the cool NE monsoon
season, from November though March, is the least humid, and the
cool breezes keep things comfortable. The average temperature
is around 75?F to 89?F (24?C to 32?C) at this time. For sun lovers,
the hottest time is from April through May, with temperatures
ranging from 80?F to 95?F (27?C to 36?C). There are frequent short
heavy thunder showers, offering welcome relief from the temperature
and humidity. June, July and August is less hot, and though the
weather is generally fine, there can be brief but heavy showers,
with plenty of sunshine between downpours. Temperatures range
between 70?F and 90?F (20?C to 33?C).
During September and early October the monsoon sets in, but
even then there are long intervals of sunshine between the heavy
showers. Khaolak is enjoyable at any time of year however due
to the range of excursions and activities, both water- and land-based,
that offer themselves during most times of the year
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Government
Offices
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| Phang-nga hospital |
66 76 412034 |
| Phang-nga Town Municipality |
66 76 412013, 411164 |
| Bus Terminal |
66 76 412014 |
| Police Station |
66 76 412075 |
| Provincial Electricity |
66 76 411462 |
| Post Office |
66 76 412171 |
| Primary School Office |
66 76 412180 |
| Muang District Office |
66 76 412053 |
| Provincial Hall |
66 76 412140 |
| Public Health Office |
66 76 412041 |
| Transportation Office |
66 76 412064 |
| Immigration Office |
66 76 412011 |
 The
Turtle-Releasing Festival: This festival is held for a
week in the beginning of March each year. Turtles raised by the
Fisheries Dapartment and the Royal Navy Third Fleet to be released
at Thai Muang Beach.
The Thakua-pa Vegetarian Festival:
Similar to the well-know Vegetarian Festival in Phuket and Trang,
this festival is held during September-October.
Songkran Thai New Year (13-15 April)
The traditional Thai New Year is celebrated city wide, most notably
at Sanam Luang, the large field fronting the Grand Palace, where
the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image is displayed and bathed by
devotees, and at Wisutkasat where a Miss Songkran Beauty Contest
is accompanied by merit-making and entertainment. Khao San Road
in Banglampoo area is also one of the high-spots in the city to
experience the water-throwing activities between locals and tourists.
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Sourvenirs
and Local Delicacies:
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 Artificial
Flowers:
Handmade from rubber tree leaves and fish scales by the
Farm Women's Group in the different tambons villages, these flowers
can be bought at the Phang-nga Provincial Agriculture Office at
tel. 076412019 or at the Farm Women's Group in the tambons
Outstanding Local Products:
Phang-nga is famous for its shrimp paste (kapi) such as the shrimp
paste from Yao and Panyee Islands, along with being famous for
its dried shrimp (Kung siab). Both kapi and kung siab can be found
in local stores and markets everywhere.
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