HUAHIN HOTEL REVIEWS

The Similans are a group of nine small islands, with National Park status ( Mu Ko Similan National Marine Park ) under the care of the Royal Forestry Department, in the Andaman Sea some 40 km west of Khao Lak. They are renowned the world over for their natural beauty and incredible underwater sightseeing vistas at depths from two to thirty five meters.

Besides being blessed with some of the most picturesque white powdery sandy beaches one could ever imagine, with lush scenic flora inland, extremely huge smooth granite boulders have been seemingly carelessly scattered around in the course of evolution to create a truly stunning scene. These same smooth formations cacsade and plunge into the azure clear warm waters to form seamounts, rock reefs and dive-throughs, and the Islands’ reputation as a world-class dive site is well deserved. 

Inland the islands are essentially relatively low lying formations with some thick forest, sheltering the Nicobar pigeon, the hairy-legged mountain land crab, crab-eating monkeys, dusky langurs, bats, lizards and squirrels.

The word ‘Similan’ is derived from the Malay word sembilan meaning nine. Each island has both a name and a number. The Thais sometimes refer to them as Ko Kao (or Nine Islands).
Counting in order from the north, they are: Ko Ba-Ngu (No. 9), Ko Similan (No. 8), Ko Payu (No. 7), Ko Miang Sam (No. 6), Ko Miang Song (No. 5), Ko Miang (No. 4), Ko Payan (No. 3), Ko Payang (No. 2) and Ko Hu Yong (No. 1).

Khao LamPi - Thai Muang National Park, established in 1986, covers an area of 72 sq km, and comprises of two distinct geographical regions :

• Hat Thai Muang, which is a long coastal strip lying to the west of route #4 
• Khao LamPi, which is a mountainous forested area to the east of route #4

Geologically, the Hat Thai Muang coastal plain sector consists of recent quaternary sediments, of mainly quartz and mica sands, derived from the weathering of the upland area, laying over older igneous rocks.

The main aspect of this section is a splendid 14km sandy beach lined with Casuarina trees, backed by patchy areas of swamp forest and subsequent Mangrove forest upto a half kilometer in depth. There are also several canals (’klongs ‘) which provide interesting longboat trips where one can observe crab-eating monkeys for example.

One of the primary goals of the Park is to protect the nesting sites of both the Leatherback and Olive Ridley species of turtle.

Female turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on moonlit nights between November and April, at which time the beach is patrolled by Park rangers. For conservation and protection purposes, most of the eggs are removed by staff to a nursery. Incubation takes 60 days, at which time the hatchlings are released naturally back into the sea.

The Park is well known for such turtle releasing events. Unfortunately despite everyone’s best efforts, the number of nesting adult females is still declining. Visitors are kindly requested to join Park staff in their patrols, where they are most welcome, if they wish to observe the turtles.

Tropical evergreen forests cover the hilly and fairly mountainous regions of Khao LamPi.

This section of the Park represents nearly 70% of the total combined area. Granite dome shaped mountains, from the Cretaceous period are quite typical. There are several tin deposits (in both regions of the overall Park) as tin extraction was once an important part of the economy of the area.

Two popular waterfalls within Khao Lampi are:

Nam Tok Lampi - this is a medium sized three level waterfall, flowing throughout the year (but more dramatic in the rainy season), close to km 32 marker on route no. 4. It is a popular local attraction and has a pool at it’s base, suitable for swimming.

Nam Tok Ton Phrai - a larger size fall with cascading water again throughout the year. At km 29 marker on route 4, follow a gravel road for 7km; therafter a further 1km on foot is required - this is a good hike in the dry season.

Flora includes Dipterocarpus sp., Anisoptera costata, Syzygium sp, Hopea odorata, Mimusops elengi, several species of palm and bamboo.

Common barking deer, langurs, wild pig, red jungle fowl, hill myna, and several reptiles, such as the reticulated python, and amphibians are examples of the fauna.

Thai massage has its roots in a spiritual tradition, and its purpose is to heal a person physically, emotionally and spiritually. It was originally developed by Buddhist monks in Thailand as a method of healing. The technique uses passive stretching and gentle pressure along the body’s energy lines to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension and balance the body’s energy systems. It is both deeply relaxing and energizing.

Thai massage is called Nuad Phaen Boran in Thai - which translates to Ancient Massage or Traditional Massage.

Traditionally, the massage takes place on a futon mat on the floor, and you wear loose fitting clothing. You start by laying on your back, and the therapist uses gentle compression and stretching techniques on your body. As it progresses, the therapist will literally use her whole body, including her feet, to move your body into various positions - it has been compared to yoga without any effort on your part.

A Thai massage works on the major meridians (energy lines or Nadis), which run throughout the human body. It aims to harmonize the body, to loosen blocks, and to recoup deficiencies along the energy lines. In contrast to traditional Chinese medicine, which uses acupuncture to manipulate the pressure points, the massage stimulates these same points with a healing touch. Therefore, the points suffer less stress, and life energy (Prana) is allowed to freely circulate.

With regard to the physical aspects of the massage, it starts at the feet and progresses up to the head. The client’s body will be moved, loosened and stretched. It combines techniques which include Trigger Point Treatments, Myofascial Techniques, Manual Therapy and others.

The combination of energetic and physical aspects is unique to Thai Massage, and so are its effects. It is regarded as a therapy for the body, speech (energy) and mind (heart).

A spa provides a time to relax, reflect, and revitalize. Although it is often regarded as a place for a bit of stress-relief pampering, or simply a temporary refuge from life’s worries, perhaps the real test of a spa is the quality of the overall experience and the end results delivered - a sense of well-being, the feeling of being revitalised, restoration of the delicate balance of mind, body and spirit, and even the feeling of a new lease of life.

Spas in Thailand go beyond the superficial pampering of look good beauty treatments along with feel good treatments. Holistic healing is central to the spa concept.

Although the spa concept may have been borrowed and imported to some extent, Thailand has done it better. The concept has been adopted, adapted, and refined with a distinctive Thai touch.

Thai spas really do have it all - in a perfect blend of Western leisure concepts and traditional Asian well-being therapies.

The quality of the Thai spa product offered is world-class and unsurpassed, particularly the level of service offered. The centuries-old tradition of gracious hospitality and service, and the friendly and caring nature and gentle ways of the Thai people, contribute greatly to the service and hospitality of a Thai Spa.

But the experience goes beyond the excellence of service. There is also a time-honoured healing tradition - based on herbal and holistic remedies, generations of folk wisdom, and centuries-old healing techniques (some of which reflect deep-rooted Buddhist influences). A key component in the ancient Thai tradition of natural healing is the healing power of indigenous herbs and plants, and many of the rejuvenating treatments offered in modern spas have evolved from these ancient recipes.

In Thailand, the majority of spa facilities are Hotel/Resort Spas, which provide professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices. There are also Destination Spas, whose sole purpose is to provide guests with lifestyle improvement and health enhancement through professionally administered spa services, physical fitness, educational programming, and on-site accommodations. Medical Spas provide comprehensive medical and wellness care in an environment which integrates spa services, as well as conventional and complimentary therapies and treatments. There are also Day Spas which offer a variety of professionally administered spa services to clients on a day-use basis.

There are several quality massage and spa centres in Khao Lak. The following are a few examples but there are more:-

• Le Meridian Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort
• The Sarojin 
• La Flora Resort & Spa
• Khao Lak Seaview Resort & Spa

Reflexology

Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet (and hands and ears) that correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. In particular reflexology is based on the premise that all nerve endings run to the feet. Through application of pressure on these different nerve endings, meridiens or energy lines, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and promotes the natural function of the related areas of the body.

The art and science of reflexology has been practised for thousands of years especially in China, India and Egypt. In the old days, mankind stimulated reflexes naturally by walking barefoot over rough ground and stones. In today’s modern world we have lost much of nature’s way of maintaining a balanced and healthy equilibrium. Reflexology helps to restore this balance and promote natural health and vitality. It has proven quite successful over time in relieving symptoms, easing pain and discomfort that have manifested themselves physically in the body - either as a result of stress, trauma or disease.

However, only in the past twenty years has international interest in reflexology been revived as an alternative therapy. Many of the spa resorts offer reflexology.

Also worth a visit is the quiet sandy beach of Pakarang, which is set back three kilometers from km marker 69 on highway 4. During the rainy season, a certain amount of dead coral gets washed up on the beach - hence it’s name. Nearby is Laem Pakarang (Coral Cape). This is also the site of a ship wreck.

Some 25km south of Khao Lak in the Thai Muang National Park is the spectacular clean sandy beach of Hat Thai Muang, which stretches 14km and effectively runs parallel to Route 4. A 1.5km side road leads down to the beach.

The water is clear and good for swimming.

Also known as Turtle Beach, it is especially famous as during the months from November to February, sea turtles, including the leatherback, come ashore to lay their eggs in the moonlight.

A tradition has developed, called ‘turtle walking’, which encompasses both the unobtrusive observing of the egg laying turtles and, after the hatching period, the releasing of young turtles into the sea (turtle releasing festival).

A further few kilometers north of Patwib lies the turquoise waters and fine white sand of gently curving Bang Sak beach, offset by the now familiar casuarina trees. The beach is situated 1 km off route 4, at distance marker 76km.

Khao Lak’s Bang Niang Beach

Formerly a haven of backpacker bungalows, Bang Niang Beach is quickly moving into the boutique and upscale resort category.

Long stretches of beach to the north and south provide the visitor with good early morning beach combing strolls.

Bang Niang, for many years, played second team to Khao Lak’s Nang Thong Beach, but today we see a broad range of development that is now rivaling and may soon surpass the Nang Thong area.

New restaurants are popping up everyday as are small shopping centers - these and the local market out on the main road seem to be bringing greater numbers of people to the Bang Niang area every year.

An energetic person can literally walk from Bang Niang Beach down to Nang Thong Beach so continuous are the beaches here.

The thatch shelters on the photo top right of this page are typical of the small restaurants and massage services that are springing up - up and down the beach.

The Ayara Villas Resort is a favorite in the Bang Niang Beach area - partly due to its beachfront location.

Khao Lak’s Nang Thong Beach

Nang Thong is the area that was probably first developed and for a long time was the favorite of visitors - if the number of bungalows and resorts along its length are a good measure. Now though, Nang Thong Beach is starting to be rivaled by Bang Niang Beach to the north.

Aside from its gentle slope to the water, and the slow drop of the shelf once in the water - this area is also popular as it is an easy walk into Baan La On for the restaurants and shopping there.

Small shells are often found in abundance in the crooks and crannies of the rocky areas that are found up and down the beach. Not so many rocky areas though that they interfere with a quick dip or a prolonged float in the sea.

Nang Thong Beach is great for strolling, general beach combing and rocky area in the photo below has great snorkeling on the deep side of it.

The southern end of Nang Thong Beach is often called Sunset Beach and is home to some of the earlier resorts in the area - including the beautiful Khao Lak Paradise Resort.

Getting to Khao Lak from Bangkok and Phuket

Directions to Khao Lak

Getting to Khao Lak by Car:

From Bangkok: Khao Lak is about 750kms and approximately an eleven- to twelve-hour drive using Highway 4. Getting out of Bangkok without getting lost is the only difficult part - once you are out of town the drive is fairly straightforward. The roads are quite good and signage is in Thai and English. It would be difficult to get lost. The drive can be done in one day. Driving at night is not recommended due to poor highway lighting and unlit vehicles - as well as people and animals on the road. If you do drive at night, keep your speed down. If you leave Bangkok by 6am, you should be able to read Khao Lak before dark. There are plenty of petrol stations along the way and they often have shops and convenience store attached to them - as well as toilet facilities.

From Phuket International Airport: The drive is about 55 minutes using Highway 402 and connecting with Highway 4 just off the island. Keep left all the way and you can’t get lost. Good roads and signage is in Thai and English.

Getting to Khao Lak by Bus:

From Bangkok: VIP and first class overnight buses head to Phuket - but you can get off in Khao Lak - if they take the route through Ranong - DO ask.

From Phuket Town: Buses leave heading to Takuapa - you can easily get off in Khao Lak.

Getting to Khao Lak by Air:

There is no direct flight to Khao Lak, Phuket International Airport is the closest and most convenient airport.

Car rental agencies are situated right across the street from the airport - or a limousine, or taxi service can be arranged at a pre-negotiated price (typically in the range of B1500-1800, negotiate your price before getting in the car). Metered taxis are available at the airport - but may cost about the same amount.