Waterfalls

++ Chongfah
Chong Fah Falls lie about 5 kms north of Khaolak along the main coast highway from Phuket up to Takua Pa. Easily accessed by rental jeep or motorcycle.

++ Lumpee
Heading 20 km south from Khaolak towards Thai Muang district, lie Lumpee or Lam Phi Falls. The waterfall is medium sized and divided into three levels, each about 100 meters high. It flows year round.

++ Tohn Prai
A large waterfall situated in Thai Muang National Park. Drive to within 1 km of the falls, then continue on foot. The hike to the falls is most enjoyable during dry season.

++ Hat Khaolak
(Khaolak Beach) Described as a sleepy beach, Hat Khaolak is a long stretch of coast located midway between Takua Pa and Thai Muang in Phang- Nga province (about 30 kms either way). The area, though a very well kept secret for many years, is now one of the target holiday destinations for those seeking the ultimate getaway. With a number of resorts now located along the beach, visitors can find quiet peace in modern, luxurious surroundings, and use it as a venture point to some of the wonderful natural attractions of Phang-Nga province.

++ Hat Thai Muang
or "Turtle Beach" is located in Thai Muang National Park at the southern end of Phang-Nga Province. The 20-km stretch of shoreline is clean and swimming is excellent. During the months of November through to February, seaturtles come to lay their eggs. Species include the leatherback turtle amongst others, although in recent years numbers and sightings have reportedly been on the decrease.

++ Hat Bang Sak
North of Hat Khaolak in Tambon Bang Muang, this beach does not match Hat Khaolak , though it features a long strip of fine white sand shaded by casuarina trees. A popular spot for picnics with locals, there are several seafood stalls set up and limited accommodations available. Easy to find, the beach lies 1km off Highway 4, about 14kms out of Takua Pa Town.

++ Similan Islands
This group of rocks and islands lies 3 hours by boat off the coast of Phang-Nga, or eight or more hours by boat from Phuket. The area was declared a marine national park in 1982 and consequently remains largely undeveloped. Derived from the Malay term sembilan, meaning 'nine', Similan refers to the nine main islands in the group.

The waters surrounding the Similans are teeming with tropical fish, colourful coral, and offer exceptional underwater visibility. As a result, the diving is generally considered to be the best in the region, and compares favourably with some of the best in the world. (see more about diving here). Part of the reason for this is the very interesting submarine topography, due in part to the huge granite boulders which not only litter the shorelines, but also lie in jumbled heaps beneath the waves to depths of 35 metres and beyond. On surface the boulders, together with the lush rainforest and white sand beaches, provide a peaceful refuge.
The islands attract an increasing number of visitors annually, particularly during the high season months between December to March, when the visibility of waters surrounding the islands is at its best.
Day trips to the islands for diving and snorkelling are popular, however serious divers are recommended to come on liveaboard trips to take full advantage of all the islands' have to offer in terms of diving opportunities. Dive companies operating from Phuket and Phang-Nga offer a number of tour itineraries with diving instruction for beginners. For budget travellers, the Similan Islands can be reached via national park service boat from the pier at Thap Lamu or by boat from anywhere along Hat Khaolak. Boat charters can also be organised, costs depending on the quality and speed of the vessel and the number of persons to travel.

Limited accommodation is available on Koh Miang (Island 4) where the National Park headquarters are based, but it is advised to come prepared with food and water supplies if intending to overnight there. Contact the Similan Island National Park Offices at Moo 1, Tambon Lam Kaen, Thai Muang District, Phang-Nga. Tel. (076) 411913-4 for information and reservations.

++ Surin Islands
Surin Islands are located about 60 km off the west coast of Phang-Nga Province, well known for diving, snorkelling and hiking in the surrounds of what is designated national park area. Of the five islands that make up the group, Koh Surin Neua (north island) and Koh Surin Tai (south island) are the principal islands - lying just across a small bay from each other, and where basic bungalow style accommodation and camping grounds can be found for overnight visits.
Like the Similan Islands, Surin Islands are best visited during the months of December to March when the seas are at their most calm, and for divers and snorkellers, water visibility is good. Local nature enthusiasts particularly favour these islands for the great hiking opportunities afforded here. A number of trails can be found, especially on the north island.

To reach Surin Islands, charter a boat from any of the major piers in any of Phang-Nga, Phuket or Ranong provinces. From Khaolak, charter a boat from any beachside location or zip up to the village of Ban Hin Lat for the easiest ( and cheapest!) access from the mainland.

++ Wat Tham Suwankhuka
(Heaven Grotto Temple) is a cave shrine featuring Buddha images, and lies 5km past the small town of Takua Thung, not too far from Phang-Nga town. The cave is interesting for its reclining Buddha which lies in one of 2 caverns, and inscriptions of the royal seals of King Rama V, VII and IX on one of the walls of the second cavern.

++ The Turtle Releasing Festival
Phang-Nga Province has an annual 7-day Turtle Releasing Festival in March. Turtles raised by the Fisheries Dept. are released by festival participants into the sea at Thai Muang.

++ Khaolak/Laem Ru National Park
One of the many national parks in the province of Phang-Nga, Khaolak/Laem Ru covers a total area of 125sqm along the west shoreline. It includes parts of Thai Muang, Kapong, Takua Pa, and Phang-Nga Town districts, about 33 kms south of Takua Pa Town on Route 4. The park offers a myriad of sightseeing opportunities for nature lovers, harbouring lots of exotic plants and wildlife amidst landscape that includes beaches, hills, mountains, forested valleys, mangroves and estuaries. One of the park's many points of interest is Kao Lak mountain, situated beside the sea with a Chinese temple dedicated to the wizard of the mountain. The temple lies close to Thai Muang district.

++ Sri Phang -Nga National Park
Located in the districts of Kuraburi and Takua Pa, the park is about 60 kms from Khaolak. Worth a drive, visitors can see fine virgin forest, spend a day hiking, and even stay over in the park camping grounds. Several picturesque waterfalls lie at various walking distances from the Park headquarters - depending on your level of fitness and time factor. Travel to the park from Takua Pa Town on the Highway 4 north toward Ranong about 26 kms. At km. 756 turn right and go on another 5 kms to the Park.

++ Thai Muang National Park
Formerly the site for tin mining activities, the area covered by the park comprises 45,000 rai, and is 25 kms from Khaolak via highway 4 on the way down to Phuket. Several points of interest lie within the park including Lumpee Falls, Tohn Prai Falls, and Hat Thai Muang, or Turtle Beach.