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The name Khao Lak literally means a major, primary or prinicipal mountain in the hilly small mountainous region (maximum height 1,050 meters) within the Khao Lak Lam Ru national park.
It has now simply come to be known as 'the mountain beside the sea'. There is a shrine of Chao Pho Khao Lak dedicated to the wizard of the mountain.
And for Lam Ru, the Lam translates to trunk or stalk and the rarely used Ru means rub or scratch.
Hat Khao Lak ( KhaoLak beach ) is an exceptionally pretty and long (several kilometers) stretch of pristine sand picturesquely studded with granite boulders.
It actually comprises of three individual beaches, and at the far northern end there is a network of sandy beach trails, some of which lead to completely deserted stretches.
The Khaolak coast is set against a background of casuarina pines, which in turn give way to lush green palm groves, interspersed with lakes, and rubber & coco plantations.
Partly encompassing Hat Khao Lak, the forested hills of Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park tower over the natural coastal beauty.
This 125 sq km National Park is a lovely collection of sea cliffs, hills, beaches, and evergreen forest. Several other land based National Parks (and also two Marine Parks) can be reached from Khao Lak.
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The Khao Lak environs also offers some splendid offshore diving and snorkeling experiences. Live coral formations can be found just off the coast. There is also a nearby wreck dive.
The Similian Islands National Marine Park can be easily reached and lies 55 km due west of Khao Lak. These islands are world renowned among diving enthusiasts for amazing underwater siteseeing at depths down to 30m.
Also within reach, to the north west, is the Surin Islands National Marine Park; these islands are also suited to exploring and hiking, in addition to snorkeling and diving; some of the best reefs at Surin do not require scuba gear.
The accomodation at Khao Lak ranges from some nicely designed Thai-style cottages and bungalows through to a few extremely tasteful and discrete upmarket hotel resorts (again often based on a single story cottage/bungalow theme) offering every luxury with views to the sea and surrounding forest.
We are pleased to offer direct Khao Lak Hotel information, via the hotels themselves as opposed to a third party.
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