Khao Lak Magazine: Jan-Mar 2014

Vol.1 No2 180bht where sold

TRAVEL CULTURE LIFESTYLE NATURE

visitkhaolak.com

THE MAJESTY OF

Cheow Lan Lake

Discover the awesome jewel in Khao Sok’s crown

HIDDEN

TREASURE

A family day out at Pirate Beach

The Pride of Phang-Nga

The incredible Similan Islands

Beginner's guide to

Kho Khao Island

BATHE WITH ELEPHANTS!

visitor guides inside!

Feed ‘em, ride ‘em and wash behind their ears!

Khao Lak info, beach guide, map, reviews and more!

Enjoy paradise ...undisturbed .

Enjoy the peace and tranquility of our beachfront, couples-only resort where all guests must be 18+ years of age.

Explore the pristine sands, untouched nature and stunning scenery of Khao Lak, South Thailand's tropical beach paradise.

Relax in the luxury of our contemporary Thai-style villas nestling by the shores of the Andaman Sea.

Find us just one hour's drive north of Phuket International Airport.

Reservations: +66 (0)76 592 300 Email: rsvn-brkl@katagroup.com www.katagroup.com

Contents

VISITOR GUIDES

10 This Is Khao Lak

Maps, info and more for newbies

28 Life’s a Beach

There’s over 20km of beaches to

choose from. Our guide will help 63 Dining in Khao Lak

Dining ideas in brief for the region

39

86 Nightlife Guide

AROUND THE REGION

16 The Majesty of Cheow Lan Lake

Mark Knowles floats his cares away

on Khao Sok’s jewel in the crown

54

43 Focus On the Similan Islands

A pictorial celebration of the Pride

of Phang-Nga

34

68 Koh Kho Khao

Khao Lak’s beautiful local island

FEATURES

34 Franky Gun Flies High

Local expat Franky Gun’s new

venture is taking off 39 Family Fun at Pirate Beach

A new local beach trip is perfect

for parents too 54 Bathing with Elephants

Ride ‘em, feed ‘em and make sure

they wash behind their ears!

COMMUNITY

16

92 Service With a SMILE!

Who has to look after 20 hotels

full of guests…and loves it?!

98 News & Events

Local news and more

REVIEWS

79 Memories Beach Bar 90 The Sparrow, Bang Niang

92

79

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magazine NEWS & EDITORIAL

From the Editor’s Desk

khaolakmagazine@gmail.com 088-180-4690 ADVERTISING SALES:

Wow…what an amazing start! Since the first issue of the Khaolak Magazine launched last December a lot of very exciting things have been happening so much so that we haven’t managed a day off since!

sales@visitkhaolak.com 084-851-8847 (Thai/Eng) 087-464-6633 (Ger/Eng) SENIOR DESIGNER: Supansa ‘Toon’ Samanakrit CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Mark Knowles Alan Hunter

Firstly, in line with our mission to promote the delights of KhaoLak and the region to the world, we launched a digital edition of the magazine at www.issuu.com/KhaolakMagazine. Viewable on smartphone, tablet, PC or Mac, the virtual edition of our first issue has already been read by a staggering 8,000+ readers in over 50 countries.

Next, we launched our brand new Facebook page at facebook.com/ KhaolakMagazine which in the first 8 weeks alone received over 10,000 ‘likes’ - and we’d love to have you join them so please do visit us there!

Stay up to date with everything Khao Lak by liking our Facebook page at www.fb.com/KhaolakMagazine

Read this and previous issues of the Khaolak Magazine online - on smartphone, tablet, PC or Mac - at: www.issuu.com/ KhaolakMagazine KHAOLAK magazine is published

by Quality Holdings Co., Ltd. Thai company registration no.

0835551009451 www.qualityholdings.com © Quality Holdings 2013.

Reproduction of any material, in whole or in part, is strictly forbidden without the prior written consent of the publishers.

All copy and material is sent at the owner’s risk and, whilst every care is taken, Quality Holdings Co. Ltd. will not accept liability for any loss or damage.

News of our launch also reached the Phuket Gazette news desk who ran an article entitled ‘Meet the Neighbours’ in their January 4th edition, which promoted Khao Lak to Phuket visitors in the busiest week of the season.

Finally, and consistent with our desire to help visitors make the very most out of every visit here, we have received a fantastic response from local hoteliers. As a result the Khaolak Magazine is now a quality guest amenity in over 2,500 guest rooms across the region - including at four of the Top 5 resorts on TripAdvisor.com.

This direct access to visitors has in turn led to a healthy surge in interest from advertisers - the lifeblood of any magazine publisher which bodes well for the future of both the magazine and the region.

We hope you enjoy this latest issue and, as always, do feel free to email your opinions to us. In the meantime, if you are reading this in the Khao Lak region have a fantastic stay…and if you are not here yet, be sure to come and visit soon!

Khao Lak, Thailand March 2014

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Welcome to

Khao LAK

ABOVE:

Sunset over Khao Lak Photo: Š Muzhik 8 KHAOLAK | visitkhaolak.com

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This is

Khao Lak

“Many travel experts consider Khao Lak to be one of Asia’s best-kept secrets...”

The Khao Lak region of Southern Thailand is focused around a string of small, seaside villages on the West coast of the kingdom, about an hour's drive away from the popular tourist island of Phuket.

Boasting over 20 kilometres of serene, unspoilt beaches and nestling amongst several of Thailand’s finest National Parks, the region has undisputed eco-credentials.

And thanks to intelligent governance and years of steady, sustainable growth Khao Lak is now emerging as one of Asia’s most unique and appealing beach resort destinations.

A world class eco-destination Surrounded on land and water by several of Thailand’s finest land-based and marine National Parks, Khao Lak is a genuine ‘eco-destination’ in the true sense of the phrase.

Indeed, much of the region is covered by the Khao Lak Lamru National Park, a natural coastal paradise teeming with exotic birds, tropical flowers and scenic waterfalls.

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...over 20km of gorgeous, unspoilt beaches Flanked by the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, the Khao Lak region is blessed with some of Asia’s finest and quietest beaches - all with excellent water quality and not a single sun-bed vendor, beach hawker or jet-ski in sight.

In fact, there are no less than 8 superb beaches in the immediate vicinity of Khao Lak alone (see next page).

...and a food-lover’s paradise As well as its eco-credentials the Khao Lak region has recently gained a growing reputation as one of Thailand’s most up-and-coming dining locations.

With more than 150 restaurants in Khao Lak alone, guests are spoilt for choice with a vast array of cuisines and dining styles on offer - in surroundings that most other destinations simply cannot match.

© Baan Khao Lak Resort

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Map & Orientation WHERE AM I?

CENTRAL KHAO LAK

The entire Khao Lak region straddles Highway 4, the longest of four major highways in Thailand. Known also as Phetkasem (or Petchkasem) Road, this vital artery stretches all the way from Bangkok to Malaysia.

Town Centre (Bang La On) Bang La On is the Thai name for the the ‘town centre’ of Khao Lak - the built-up area that you reach when coming north from Phuket and winding your way up and over the mountain at the southern end of the village. This is by far the most developed part of the region with a wide choice of restaurants, shops, travel agents, dive shops, banks, tailors and stores. The main road (Highway 4) runs right through the town centre here. The popular resort beach of Nang Thong (pronounced Nang-Tong) is part of Bang La On and within easy walking distance of the highway.

ABOVE: The ‘town centre’ of Khao Lak, officially known as Bang La On

All the villages and beaches that make up the Khao Lak region are accessed from this main road, which also runs through the middle of Khao Lak’s ‘town centre’ (Bang La On village), the built-up area with banks, shops, restaurants and a McDonalds.

Stretching approximately 20km along the coast, most resorts in the region are clustered around one of the eight mainland beaches (see map).

So once you know the name of the nearest beach it is simple to work out from any map where you are in relation to the rest of the region.

To help you find your way around we divide the region into 3 zones Southern Khao Lak (the area before you drive over the mountain if coming from Phuket), Central Khao Lak (the ‘town centre’ of Bang La On and the next village of Bang Niang) and Northern Khao Lak (everywhere north of Bang Niang).

Plus more information online at

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8 Superb Beaches Khao Lak boasts over 20km of some of the world’s finest beaches.

(See p28)

Bang Sak Beach (12km North) A beautiful crescent of white sand with only a few resorts and beach restaurants. Popular with locals.

Pak Weeb Beach (10km North) A long ‘picture postcard’ beach with turquoise sea and brilliant white sand fringed by coconut and Casuarina trees.

Home to several luxury resorts.

Pakarang Beach (6km North)

By Laem Pakarang (‘Coral Cape’) this wide beach is popular with surfers, especially in the Green season.

ABOVE: Bang Niang market is a visitor favourite

Bang Niang Village The second largest township in Khao Lak, stretching 2km from just outside Bang La On all the way north to the daily fresh market and Bus Station, and 1km east to Bang Niang Beach A popular, must-see market is held adjacent to Highway 4 in Bang Niang from 13.00 to 18.00hrs on Mondays, Wednesday & Saturday.The aptlynicknamed ‘Food St’ (see p.65) links Highway 4 by the 7-11store in central Bang Niang to the long and unspoilt Bang Niang Beach, where several upscale and budget resorts are located.

Khuk Khak Beach (4km North) Stretching for several kilometres, this is one of the longest beaches in Khao Lak. Sometimes quite wild but always beautiful and mostly deserted.

Bang Niang Beach (2.5km North) Serving Bang Niang, the second largest township, this glorious beach is home to several upmarket and budget resorts.

Nang Thong Beach (Bang La On) More than 2.5 km long, this beautiful beach serves the village of Bang La On, the ‘town centre’ of Khao Lak. Sunset Beach (0.5km South) The first beach after driving north over the mountain into Bang La On (the ‘town centre’) from South Beach.

South Beach (4.5km South) Coming from Phuket, this is the first beach you come to before going over the mountain into Bang La On.

Drive North to: Koh Kho Khao 24km Takua Pa 28km Khao Sok 80km

Surat Thani (Samui) 190km Ranong 200km Bangkok 785km

go to Ranong

Highway 4

Bang Sak Beach

Pak Weeb Beach Cape Pakarang Sai Rung Waterfall

Northern Khao Lak

Pakarang Beach

Khuk Khak

Khuk Khak Beach Bang Niang Bang Niang Beach

Central Khao Lak

Nang Thong Beach

Town Centre (Bang La On)

Sunset Beach Mountain

South Beach

Southern Khao Lak

Highway 4

Thap Lamu (Tub Lamu)

go to Phuket

Drive South to: Phang-Nga Town 50km Phang-Nga Bay 90km Phuket Island 50km

Phuket Airport 75km Phuket Town 105km Krabi 135km

The scale shows the distance from the ‘town centre’ of Bang La On.

_ 14 km _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 11 km _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 7 km _ _ _ _ _ _ 4 km _ _ _ _ 2 km _ _ _ _ 0 km _ _ 0.5 km _ _ _ _ _ _ 4 km _ _ _ _ _ _ 9 km _

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At the heart of the region Adding to its own natural beauty and appeal, Khao Lak lies at the heart of Phang-Nga province, making it an ideal base from which to explore and enjoy the surrounding region in all directions. Within easy striking distance are…

The Surin & Similan Islands (see p.43) Approximately 40km to the West across the Andaman Sea, Phang-Nga provides parks of a different kind. The Surin and Similan Islands (including Koh Tachai, the ‘Maldives of Thailand’) and the ocean around them are renowned for their spectacular underwater marine life (including whale sharks and giant manta rays) and beautiful beaches - attracting divers and snorkeling enthusiasts from around the world.

Phuket Island Khao Lak’s more crowded and famous southernly neighbour is famed for its beach lifestyle, shopping and the racy nightlife of Patong Beach. Several Khao Lak tour operators run daily trips to Phuket (1.5 to 2 hrs each way by minibus) for shopping and/or nightlife excursions - including visits to the entertaining ‘Simon Cabaret’ ladyboy show and to ‘Phuket FantaSea’, billed as ‘The Ultimate Cultural Theme Park’.

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Koh Kho Khao (see p.68) To the North, just a 30-minute drive and 10-minute ferry ride away from Khao Lak, is the magnificent island of Koh Kho Khao.

Khao Sok (see p.16) To the northeast is Khao Sok National Park, the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world and home to the man-made Ratchaprapha Lake & Dam, once the largest civil engineering project in Thailand.

The karsts here - formed by the flooding of the valley to construct the dam - rise above the lake’s surface to more than three times the height of those in Phang-Nga Bay.

Phang-­Nga Bay Just over an hour to the South is the magnificent Ao Phang-Nga National Park, a huge bay and geological wonder filled with islets, sunken caverns and startling limestone rock formations - karsts - rising sheer out of the sea, (the most famous of these, but by no means the most memorable, being ‘James Bond Island’).

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Float your cares away on

Cheow Lan Lake

by Mark Knowles

Around the Region

If you are looking for a fantastic overnight (or longer) getaway, look no further - Khao Sok National Park has it all.

Located about a 75-minute drive North-east of Khao Lak, this 740 square kilometre expanse of virgin rainforest is teeming with wildlife, pristine waterfalls and jungle streams – all framed by the spectacular and iconic limestone karsts that dominate the region.

The sparkling jewel in the crown of Khao Sok National Park is the majestic Cheow Lan Lake.

Cheow Lan Lake was formed by the construction of the Rachaprabha Dam in 1982, closing off the Pasaeng river and creating a 165sq. kilometre lake to guarantee a supply of electricity to southern Thailand, which by then was becoming a major tourist destination. At the time it was Thailand’s biggest-ever civil engineering eco-project.

Despite the government’s best efforts the creation of the dam was by all accounts a difficult time for animals in the area, but over the years the wildlife has once again flourished and now the lake and surrounding jungle is a haven for wild elephants, the rare Asian Ox, gibbons, langures, macaques, pangolins, osprey, eagles, hornbills and more.

I remember when I first heard about Khao Sok National Park and the ‘floating hotels’ on Cheow Lan Lake it was like that moment in ‘The Beach’ movie where Leonardo di Caprio’s character learns of the secret backpacker’s paradise island, far removed from the rest of civilization.

It was only a few days later, with my imagination still racing and some good friends accompanying me, that I was ready to strike out from Khao Lak on a mission to locate these remote and rustic lodgings and spend a night in this idyllic setting.... visitkhaolak.com | KHAOLAK 17

A

fter a delicious Khao Lak lunch on Pak Weeb beach of tropical fruit and skewers of barbecued meat that we bought earlier, we loaded up the car, checked our bearings on my phone's GPS map and hit the road North on Highway 4. Once through Takua Pa the main road forks (with the left fork taking you to Ranong and eventually Bangkok) so we took the right-hand fork onto Highway 401

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which led us all the way to the park's entrance at the KM109 marker.

There are only two access points to Khao Sok; the main park entrance, where the Visitor Centre is located; then another hour or so along route 401 is the access point for Cheow Lan Lake. As we drove along the road towards the main entrance, the landscape began to change and the limestone mountains surrounding the

road on either side became larger and larger as we pushed on. This stretch of road is simply breathtaking, with white cliffs looming over the road alternating with dark tunnels almost enclosed in the jungle canopy.

Fresh fruit stalls are dotted along the roadside selling watermelons, mangosteens, durian and jackfruit – you should definitely grab some fruit, as once you get out on the lake there are no shops to buy snacks.

Scattered over the lake are a dozen or so floating ‘hotels’: simple bamboo huts bunched together on floating logs, nestled in the many inlets and coves in the vast waterway, where tourists can stay overnight to best enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the area.

We arrived at the main entrance to have a look around and confirm with the rangers at the Visitor Centre that we were on the right track to Cheow Lan Lake. The Visitor Centre area is where you can start along many different jungle and waterfall treks, all clearly marked and suitable for all fitness levels. The helpful English speaking staff can give advice on which trails to take and what else there is to do in the park, so don't be afraid to ask. We stopped for a snack and a swim in the refreshing

stream that runs past the Visitor Centre, but then it was time to keep going to make sure we got to Cheow Lan Lake before dark.

Arriving at the lake's edge, we parked and locked the car, and took our bags over to the Booking Centre for the ‘hotels’ we had come here to find! There are plenty of choices, with rooms costing between 600 to several thousand baht a night. We settled on one that was 1,000 baht per night, organizing for a long-tail boat to take us there and back. Be

careful when negotiating here and make sure you are clear on what the price includes. We assumed the 1,000 baht price was per room – not, as we later found out, per person! Still, all meals are included and even at that price it's worth the money – although a shrewd negotiator could have no doubt got it for less. The price for the boat was 2,500 baht to take us out there, stay overnight and do some sightseeing on the way back.

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OUT ON THE LAKE So finally we were here!

We set out on the lake towards the setting sun, the pristine emerald waters were stunningly beautiful in the golden light.

Verdant jungle covered the dozens of limestone karsts jutting sharply out of the water, and where they were too sheer for vegetation to cling to, the bonewhite rock reflected the warm orange rays of the rapidly-setting sun.

After about an hour of negotiating the various arms of the lake, we arrived at our quaint little "hotel" just as the sun set behind the cliffs...

LULLABY BABY...

After tying up at the dock we were shown our rooms, or shacks as it were; small, simple bamboo huts with nothing but a double mattress, mosquito net, a single light bulb and a little veranda out the front overlooking the lake. It was perfect – just the kind of rustic little structures we had imagined.

After dumping our bags we went to the restaurant for a delicious dinner of whole deepfried fish, various Thai-style curries, noodle and rice dishes all topped off by a dessert of fresh tropical fruit.

We went to bed early with our stomachs full and were quickly nursed to sleep by the almost imperceptible rocking of our humble floating abodes....

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A DAY TO REMEMBER We were up at first light the next day, and stepping out of our huts were greeted with the mesmerizing sight of mist rising from the incredible limestone karst towering over our little group of floating rooms.

After breakfast, we decided to cool off with a swim in the inviting waters of the lake and also went exploring with some of the kayaks, which were available for free at the hotel.

We glided silently across the lake as dozens of huge fish fed in the shallows, occasionally leaping clear of the water.

Afterwards, I settled down to read a book on the veranda of my hut, but soon drifted off to the sound of water gently lapping at the boardwalk...

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HOMEWARD BOUND All too soon, it was time to head back, and to say that we were disappointed that we couldn't stay longer is a massive understatement.

As we cruised back towards the jetty our boat driver took us to some of the little hidden inlets and coves that abound throughout the lake. With perfectly clear skies and the bright sun highlighting the emerald green jungle and pale white cliff faces, the natural beauty of the lake and National Park was indescribable.

All too soon we found ourselves back at the jetty and in the car again driving towards Khao Lak, each of us vowing that we would definitely return - and definitely stay for longer next time!

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A Mini Guide to Khao Sok If you would like to visit Khao Sok and/or Cheow Lan Lake you have several choices.

JOIN A TOUR There are day tours and longer-stay tours of just about every kind available, and letting a tour company organise your trip may cost a little more than arranging everything yourself but for most travellers this is the preferred option as you have the reassurance of local knowledge and do not have to worry about the logistics of the trip. You can stay one or more nights in varying levels of accommodation (the majority of which is near to, but outside the National Park itself) and once there you can do everything from general sightseeing to birdwatching, kayaking, jungle trekking and more.

A little research on the Internet is called for here. When you know

what you want to do there and when you want to go, numbers for some of Khao Lak’s main tour operators are in the Visitor Guide at the back of this magazine, or of course you can call any of our advertisers who catch your eye.

SELF-DRIVE You may decide like our feature writer this issue to drive yourself there and book your own accommodation. This can usually be done via phone and email, although bookings may not be as instantly confirmed as in busier tourist areas so it’s just as well to call a few days prior to arrival. It is also possible to make just a day trip there although this makes for a very long day, especially if you also intend to visit Cheow Lan Lake which is further away than the Khao Sok main Park HQ. If you are driving there you will

find excellent, no-nonsense directions from Alan Hunter later in this issue (see p.82).

FOOD There are several restaurants outside the park but the choice once inside is likely to be severely limited, so if you are a fussy eater or not keen on the basic Thai fare that many of the restaurants provide then you may want to bring some snacks into the Park with you.

Remember if you do to take all garbage away with you when you leave.

MORE INFORMATION The traveller forums on Khao Sok on TripAdvisor.com are as good a place as any to start, or ask a around town as many locals have good knowledge of the area - or know someone who does.

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In Khao Lak, it's true that...

Life's a Beach

“...over 20 kilometres of glorious, unspoilt beaches...from rich gold to powdery white in colour...”

W

hat sets Khao Lak apart from other competing tourist destinations is its 20 kilometres of glorious, unspoilt sandy beaches, ranging from a rich gold to powdery white in colour.

Jet-skis, parasailing and banana-boat rides are not allowed, nor are row upon row of sunbeds down to the water’s edge. This ensures peace and tranquillity even at the busier stretches of beach near the main resorts, making walking and seashelling the most strenuous activities you are likely to face.

Quiet enjoyment of these fantastic beaches and the turquoise Andaman Sea under a mostly azure sky, is the order of the day for the majority of visitors.

The Magnificent 8 MAIN PICTURE: As well as the mainland beaches in this guide there are also stunning ones to enjoy on nearby islands such as Koh Tachai (see p.47). Photo courtesy of LoveAndaman.com

There are 8 mainland Khao Lak beaches in all - each with their own distinct character. From North to South these are: 1. Bang Sak Beach 2. Pak Weeb Beach 3. Pakarang Beach 4. Khuk Khak Beach 5. Bang Niang Beach 6. Nang Thong Beach 7. Sunset Beach 8. South Beach

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If mile after mile of unspoilt beaches is your idea of heaven then Khao Lak is the place for you.

A typical day in Khao Lak. Many resorts have direct beach access straight from the guest rooms.

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Khao Lak's magnificent beaches stretch northwards from Sunset Beach (shown here) for more than 20km.

The Khao Lak Beach Guide

There are 8 mainland beaches in the Khao Lak region:

1. Bang Sak Beach

2. Pak Weeb Beach

3. Pakarang Beach

The most northern mainland beach - about 13km north of central Khao Lak (Bang La On) - this beautiful crescent of white sand has only a few resorts and beach restaurants located on it.

Considered by many as the “Jewel in the Crown” of Khao Lak’s beaches because of its picture postcard turquoise sea and brilliant white sand fringed by coconut and casuarina trees, it stretches several kilometres from Cape Pakarang until it crosses over on to Bang Sak Beach.

Directly South of Pak Weeb Beach is Cape Pakarang where there are just a sprinkling of resorts and a few restaurants.

At this point the beach is very wide and the ocean is popular with surfers, particularly in the Wet season.

Part way along the beach is the delightful Bang Sak Promenade, a road running a few metres along from the beach edge with tables and chairs and dining cabanas among the trees on the beach side and a handful of good local restaurants on the other. This is a very popular picnicking and dining spot for locals, but visitors are made most welcome.

Pak Weeb is home to several of Khao Lak’s luxury resorts as well as the famous White Sand Beach. Once Khao Lak’s best kept secret, this small stretch in the centre of the main beach with just three restaurants each with bungalows is now its most popular High Season day trip.

4. Khuk Khak Beach Accessed across a small shallow creek, this is one of the longest, sometimes quite wild but always beautiful, beaches in Khao Lak. It stretches for several kilometres but has only a few resorts and a handful of beach restaurants, bars and nearby massage huts. visitkhaolak.com | KHAOLAK 31

Khao Lak South Beach just after high tide

5. Bang Niang Beach Bang Niang is the second largest village in Khao Lak, and is a 5 minute drive or so north from central Khao Lak (Bang La On village).

Bang Niang Beach Road links Highway 4 with the beach and is lined with resorts and restaurants, bars and massage places.

The beach here has a wide range of resorts and bungalows from budget to deluxe

6. Nang Thong Beach Pronounced ‘Nang-Tong’, this beach continues directly on from Sunset Beach. It serves the main township of Bang La On (Central Khao Lak)

where most restaurants, bars and shops are to be found.

At its northern end there is a beautiful deserted stretch of golden sand leading to a lovely, small bay and a series of small restaurants, bars and massage places popular with visitors from inland resorts or those not having swimming pools.

These continue until the creek and river inlet leading across to Bang Niang Beach.

7. Sunset Beach Coming over the mountain from the South on Highway 4, visitors begin the descent to the main township of Bang La On, catching as they do so their first spectacular glimpse of the coastline and string of beaches to the north as far as the eye can see.

The first of these is the most aptly named Sunset Beach. The handful of resorts there are accessed from the highway and guest bedrooms are located on the hillside all the way down to, and along, the beach.

8. South Beach Together with the adjacent Poseidon Beach this is the first beach visitors reach coming from the South before continuing over the mountain into the main villages of Khao Lak. There are just a handful of resorts with a growing number of restaurants and a few shops nearby with a promenade fringing the beach and ocean.

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KHAOLAK Through the Viewfinder

Franky Gun’s New Business Takes Off Franky Gun is a long-term Khaolak expat and a serial entrepreneur. The Managing Director of the ‘Land House Pool’ property company here in Khao Lak, he also recently launched a new business venture, SkyCam Asia.

‘Ever since I was a small boy growing up in rural Germany I’ve always loved making and testing things.’ Franky tells us.

‘I always wanted to know how everything worked, and then I always wanted to see if I could make it better’.

Since childhood, this interest in engineering led Franky into building and flying model aircraft and over the years he has also owned a procession of remote control buggies, cars and even helicopters!

Now he has taken this passion to the next level and purchased a remote-controlled camera drone, purpose built in the USA for aerial photography, including full HD video.

Recently he completed a successful overwater field test of the drone out on the Similan Islands and gave us permission to share the stunning results with you here.

The battery-operated drone is completely silent so, as well as commercial property photography, Franky can take unique aerial photographs or HD video of anything from a wedding party to birds or wildlife - anything that you want a unique view of, actually.

If you’d like to know more you can speak with Franky direct on 081-273-9279 or visit his website at www.skycam-asia.com MAIN PICTURE: A unique view of Sail Rock viewpoint on Island #8 at the Similan Islands. © Franky Gun

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The ultimate selfie? Franky begins sending his camera drone skywards. Š Franky Gun

Moments later after the top photo was taken, Franky is still on the front deck. Š Franky Gun 36 KHAOLAK | visitkhaolak.com

Sail Rock Bay on Island #8 looks even more stunning from above © Franky Gun

A majestic view of Princess Bay on Island #4 © Franky Gun visitkhaolak.com | KHAOLAK 37

KHAOLAK Family Adventure

Grab the parents, kids! We’re off to

Pirate Beach!

An idyllic new destination within easy striking distance of Khao Lak is the perfect boat trip for families...and the kids will definitely not get bored!

They may not want to leave, of course, but then again, you might not want to either...

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A family-friendly outing to Pirate Beach (Khao Nayak)

H

owever beautiful The Similan Islands are, the 90-minute speedboat ride each way makes for a very long, hot day and may be a bit too much for many young children.

Now Finnish tour operator Raya Divers has found the perfect solution an easy, relaxing day trip to a deserted tropical beach just a 15 minute speedboat ride from Thap Lamu pier in South Khao Lak. What’s more the day is themed for the kids to enjoy, with Raya staff dressing as pirates and taking the children on a treasure hunt that culminates in digging up a chest of buried treasure and sharing it out (no I’m not spoiling the surprise - go and find out for yourself what it is!).

There are also free drinks and snacks included in the tour price as well as safe snorkelling and swimming for the kids to enjoy - in crystal clear water.

Importantly, when it comes to the youngsters, Raya employs the services of island touring specialists Love Andaman for the speedboat transfers and water-based activities, so safety and comfort are assured. Lifejackets are put on all the kids before they board the speedboat, quality snorkelling gear is supplied and they even bring a small first-aid kit onto the island just in case anyone picks up a little bump or scrape during the day.

Impressive.

Because of the protected cove and the secluded nature of the beach, it’s a really relaxing trip for parents too - we just kicked back while Raya’s ‘pirates’ kept the kids entertained - and even managed a peaceful walk along the lovely deserted shoreline.

The Pirate Beach tour costs 2,900bht for adults and 1,450bht for kids including free drinks and snacks and round-trip hotel transportation. There is also a modest National Park fee to pay per person. The tour lasts around 4 hours from10.00 to 14.00h plus hotel transfer time on top of that To book, call Raya Divers direct on +66.81.370.3376 or find out more at www.rayadivers.com 40 KHAOLAK | visitkhaolak.com

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The Similan Islands The Pride of Phang-Nga

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T

he Similan Islands archipelago (a cluster of small islands) rises out of the Andaman Sea some 50 km or so west of Khao Lak. The islands boast some of the most beautiful scenery to be found anywhere on earth - and were declared a Marine National Park in 1982 after a one-year exploration by the Thai forestry department.

The islands are blessed by some of the most amazing beaches and diving sites in the world.

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The word ‘Similan’ means ‘Nine’ in the dialect of the Malay language spoken in the southernmost provinces of Thailand - as there are nine, densely-wooded islands that form the archipelago. In recent years however, two more islands were added to the National Park - Koh Bon and Koh Tachai (see p.47) which are away to the north-east of the main cluster at a distance of approximately 5km and 10km respectively.. So nowadays people refer to all eleven islands as ‘The Similan Islands’.

The exposed Eastern sides of the islands are fringed with distinctive rock formations, massive boulders and windswept trees whilst the sheltered Western shorelines boast powdery white sand beaches and picture-perfect turquoise waters.

Pictured above is the famous Sail Rock landmark on Island #8, but if you look carefully at this photograph you will also be able to spot the unofficial and less celebrated landmark known to regular visitors as ‘Donald Duck’ rock :)

The Similans are closed to visitors from mid-April to November each year to allow the islands to regenerate and also due to unfavourable sea conditions, so during the main tourist season visits there are very popular whether for sightseeing, snorkelling or diving.

As a result there a multitude of speedboat operators, dive shops, tour companies and ‘liveaboard’ dive boats vying to take you there so do a little online research to find the one that best meets your budget and needs.

Access to the Similan Islands from Khao Lak is usually from Thap Lamu pier in South Khao Lak. The trip takes three hours each way on slow boats or about 70 minutes via speedboat.

During the months November-May ‘liveaboard’ dive boats make regular trips to the Similans. They depart and return from Khao Lak and stay for several days around the islands, visiting the best dive sites at various locations in the archipelago.

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Snapshots of The Similans

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A trip to Koh Tachai on the Similans ... “the Maldives of Thailand”

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KHAOLAK Activity

An Unforgettable Day on Koh Tachai Tour Operator: Love Andaman www.loveandaman.com www.facebook.com/loveandaman Book through your hotel tour desk or direct on 087-000-3344

Destination: Koh Tachai, Similan Islands

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f your bucket list includes, like mine, spending a day on the perfect tropical beach then after a visit to Koh Tachai it’s one more thing you’ll be able to check off the list.

Tachai has everything you would want on a perfect desert island - powdery, snow-white sand, clear turquoise waters and even an inland ‘jungle’ to trek through and explore.

Our day was perfectly managed by Love Andaman, the premium island tour specialists who will pick you up in the morning from your hotel and return you safe and sound in time for dinner.

A very eco-friendly outfit, we even had to leave our shoes at Love Andaman’s private pier when we left on the 90-minute speedboat trip to Koh Tachai, which added to the feeling of going native!

When we arrived at the northern end of the 800m main beach it felt like we were on the set of the Tom Hanks’ movie ‘Castaway’ - it really is that breathtaking. We decided to go off in the boat again to a nearby snorkel site for some excellent snorkeling (think crystal-clear water, corals, clown fish etc.) while the families in the group preferred just to stay at the beach and swim with their kids.

Around midday we had a delicious lunch - a choice of five dishes with fresh fruit, muffins and even coconut ice cream for afters! Later we joined the optional jungle walk (rather than the more strenuous hike to the viewpoint) and our friendly guide Ken even found us three examples of the island’s most famous resident, the ‘Hairy Mountain’ or ‘Chicken’ Crab (they make a noise like a bird!) hiding in tree roots along the way.

These feisty critters are usually seen here, but extremely rare elsewhere, apparently.

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The walk ended conveniently by exiting the jungle onto the beach just a few hundred metres south of where it had started, so after a lazy walk back along the powdery sand we had a refreshing swim (and, I admit, a short nap!) before in what seemed like no time at all we were gathering up our belongings and heading for home.

Love Andaman promises in their tour itinerary to send you away after the trip with “a backpack fullof memories” and without doubt Koh Tachai is a magical, must-visit island...as I’m sure anyone who has ever had the privilege to visit there will agree.

It is one of those rare places you visit in life that you can simply never forget - and would never want to.

Now then, where did I put that list?

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Beneath the waves at the Similan Islands

It’s not only on the surface that the Similans is picture perfect - it’s also regarded as one of the top ten dive sites in the world.

Huge granite boulders, caves and swimthroughs produce a fascinating underwater landscape and a variety of marine life, from microscopic organisms to sea turtles and giant Manta Rays (these are especially common around Koh Bon).

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The most important of all dive sites in the Similans, which is actually part of Surin National Park, is Richelieu Rock, famous for its incomparable variety and abundance of marine life - and even Whale Shark sightings are frequent here.

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KHAOLAK Activities

Meet, feed and trek with Khao Lak’s biggest locals… then have a bath together!

Join us for the ride as we go elephant trekking and bathing with local eco-tour specialist Eco Khaolak Adventures!

One of the most popular land-based activities for Khao Lak visitors is a jungle elephant trek.

This is because firstly, elephants are essentially friendly giants and everyone loves them, especially the kids.

Secondly, the tours involving elephant trekking last only a few hours so they can be done after lunch (after a morning on the beach, of course), with participants comfortably back in their hotel rooms well before it’s time for dinner.

Add to this the fantastic fun and photo opportunities that every trek inevitably provides (when did you last take a ‘selfie’ that included a live elephant?) and it’s not hard to see why the tours are so popular.

We decided to go one better, though. Rather than just sign up for a regular trek we joined the popular afternoon elephant tour package from local tour specialist Eco Khaolak Adventures - where not only do you get to feed and ride these magnificent animals, but you also get play in the bath with them afterwards! (well, OK, not quite the bath, but you get the idea).

While you enjoy the photographs of the biggest friends you or I will ever have on dry land - however many burgers we eat - we’ve also put together a few fascinating elephant facts for you to wow your friends and loved ones with at dinner tonight… just like every fearless, elephant-riding jungle explorer should.

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6 THINGS YOU

NEVER KNEW ABOUT ELEPHANTS

FACT #1 JUMBOS ARE NO DUMBOS! Elephants are some of the most intelligent animals on Earth.Their brains weigh 5kg, much more than the brain of any other land animal.

The complex structure includes a cortex that has just as many neurons as a human brain, accounting for their incredible problem-solving capabilities, as well as areas that allow for advanced emotions and memory.

FACT #2 ELEPHANT TRUNKS ARE THE ULTIMATE POWER TOOL The elephant trunk, a specialized nose, is used for smelling, breathing, trumpeting, drinking, caressing, carrying and grabbing objects.

With more than 100,000 muscles in it (we have less than 800 in our entire body) it is similar to an octopus tentacle in terms of dexterity. This enables elephants to be adept tool-users - some have even been taught to paint with their trunks and produce some fascinating artwork.

They also use their trunks as snorkels when they wade in deep water, and when an elephant drinks - or squirts you! - it sucks as much as 2 gallons of water into its trunk at a time.

FACT #3 LABOUR INTENSIVE Elephant pregnancies are longer than any other mammal – nearly 22 months.

A newborn elephant weighs about 90 kilograms and stands about 1 meter tall.

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6 THINGS YOU

NEVER KNEW ABOUT ELEPHANTS FACT #4 ELEPHANTS HIRE BABYSITTERS! Infant elephants have few natural survival instincts and are instead taught by their mothers and the more experienced members of their herds.

The mother will selectively appoint several babysitters to care for the baby so that she has time to eat enough to produce sufficient milk for it.

FACT #5 ELEPHANTS USE & MAKE TOOLS Elephants use and make simple tools.

They use logs to neutralize electric fences, and they pick up objects such as logs and rocks to throw at opponents. They will use sturdy branches to remove ticks from themselves and leafy ones as ‘fly swishes’ even modifying the branches to create the ideal ‘swisher’ length!

FACT #6 ELEPHANTS ONLY HAVE 4 TEETH, BUT THEY’RE REPLACEABLE! Even though their diet consists entirely of plants, even gnawing on bark and leaves can wear teeth down so elephants normally have between six or seven sets of teeth in their lifetime. The new teeth grow in behind the old ones and slowly push them out the front in pieces.

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About this Tour The ‘Elephant Trekking & Bathing’ tour can be booked through local tour specialist Eco Khao Lak Adventures (see display ad p.42) and includes: • elephant riding through a local National Park rainforest • refreshments and photos back at the Elephant Camp • elephant bathing at a local river The tour starts at 14.00hrs and returns guests to their hotels by about 17.00hrs Check out the company’s website at www.ecokhaolak.com for more information or call 081 895 0432

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KHAOLAK Dining Guide

Dining in Khao Lak

For its size, Khao Lak offers an astounding variety of dining options for every budget and palate. As well as those in the major resorts there is a vast number of independent restaurants in the region - over 160 at the last count - so food lovers really are spoilt for choice.

Future issues of KHAOLAK will include a full-blown dining section with restaurant news, listings, reviews and more to help make sense of this bewildering amount of options.

For the time being, here are just a few popular establishments that you may wish to consider along with all your other dining choices, listed by area and cuisine type in alphabetical order.

Bang La On & Nang Thong (Khao Lak Centre) Italian Bella Italia La Piccola Maria Pizzeria Steak/Intl.

Viking Steakhouse Thai & International Bussaba Thai Restaurant Everyday Lazy House Fizz Bistro-N-Bar Kantary CafÊ Keeper Restaurant Kung Seafood Mojo Thai Restaurant Phu Khaolak Restaurant Smile Khaolak Restaurant Ten Star Cafe & Food Walker’s Inn (English/Thai) visitkhaolak.com | KHAOLAK 63

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KHAOLAK Dining Guide

Bang Niang Village If Bang La On has a lot of good dining choices, the nearby village of Bang Niang 1.5km or so to the north in Central Khao Lak really punches above its weight. The area has an abundance of good restaurants and is well worth a visit, particularly if you are staying in Central or Northern Khao Lak, only a short trip away by taxi or motorbike.

ABOVE: Amici Restaurant, Bang Niang

Welcome to Food Street!

Bang Niang is also where you will find ‘Food Street’ (Bang Niang Beach Rd, officially) so nicknamed for the sheer range of cuisines and number of restaurants to be found along its length and on the adjoining side streets.

Food Street links Highway 4 to the beach at Bang Niang about a kilometre to the West. and has a mellow and very laid-back vibe, with none of the hustle or bustle of Khao Lak centre. The top end of the street joins Highway 4 next to the 7-11 by Bang Niang market (roughly opposite the Police Boat Memorial Park).

Popular restaurants to consider in the Bang Niang area include: Italian Amici Bella Ciao (pizza delivery) Pinocchio Japanese Enzo Mexican The Rusty Pelican Mexican Cafe (Mexican) Thai & International Bavaria House / Jane Isaan (German/Thai/Intl.)

Chef Jimme Chokdee Seafood Green Pepper Joe’s Steakhouse Loma Mali Mars Bar & Café (English/Pub-style) Rabieng Sawasdee Siam Restaurant Takieang The Thai Corner visitkhaolak.com | KHAOLAK 65

KHAOLAK Dining Guide

From beach restaurants to fine dining, there are lots of choices outside of Central Khao Lak - here are just some of the places around the region that visitors usually enjoy:

Around the Region Thai (& Intl.)

Andaman Restaurant (Khuk Khak Beach) Boatyard, The (Pak Weeb Beach) C & N Kho Khao Hotel (Koh Kho Khao) Cliff & River Jungle Resort (Khao Sok) Mama’s Restaurant (Khuk Khak Beach) Memories Beach Bar (Pakarang Beach) Ruan Thai (South Beach) Sun Ray Restaurant (Khuk Khak)

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AROUND THE REGION

Focus on‌.

Koh Kho Khao Best known for its excellent beaches, Koh Kho Khao (Kho Khao Island) lies just a few hundred metres off the mainland near Takua Pa, about a 20-minute drive North from Khao Lak followed by a short ferry ride.

Sleepy and sparsely populated, this beautiful 65 sq. km. island remains for now untouched by mass tourism and makes for a fantastic day trip from Khao Lak - and it’s rugged and captivating charm may well tempt you to stay longer. If so, there is a reasonable range of places to stay on the island, with many resorts clustered around the Pak Koh beach area in the south.

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GETTING THERE & AWAY From Baan Nam Khem port ( a 20-minute drive or so north from Khao Lak) longtail boats take passengers and motorbikes to Koh Kho Khao from 07.00 to 18.00 or later for 20 baht per person or 150 baht if you are bringing your car with you. Boats do not run on a strict schedule; they leave once the boat is full of goods and passengers…and go roughly every half hour or so. Oh, and if you miss the last car ferry back to the mainland… then you’ll be spending the night on the island!

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GETTING AROUND Once on the island at Baan Pak Koh pier tuktuks and songthaew taxis will take you anywhere for 100 baht and upwards. A surfaced road runs the length of the island and this serves as the main transport artery - any beaches, lodgings or places of interest you wish to visit will be found by branching off this road at some point.

Given the size of the island walking it is not really a comfortable option, so if you don’t bring your own bike or car you may wish to rent a motorbike once there (about 300 baht a day).

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THE BEACHES The beaches that fringe the northern and western coastline of Koh Kho Khao are the main attraction for the majority of visitors, particularly the four west coast beaches fronting the Andaman Sea. In the far north, Nok Nah beach is the most rugged and wild on the island - the polar opposite of the busier Pak Koh beach in the south, the focal point of the island for many visitors.

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DINING & NIGHTLIFE For such a small and undeveloped island Koh Kho Khao has a number of good places to eat. As well as the restaurants inside all the resorts (try the C&N Kho Khao Beach Resort, which grows its own vegetables) there are also a growing number of independent, restaurants springing up on the island,often in stunning beachfront locations and with prices lower than their Khao Lak counterparts.

As for nightlife, there is none! In keeping with its easy, laid back island charm the island shuts down by 22.00h until the following day, with only the odd bar open until midnight in season. So no traffic. No music. No noise. Bliss :) TIP: Several resorts and restaurants on Koh Kho Khao close for a few weeks or months anywhere between April and November, so do check before you go.

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MEMORIES

are made of this...

ABOVE: Memories Bar owner Khun Ching, with 3yr old

daughter Krateng.

For a long time now, Memories Beach Bar on Pakarang Beach has been a favourite hang-out of dedicated Khao Lak beach fans - from couples and families to backpackers and surfers. Here’s why... visitkhaolak.com | KHAOLAK 79

KHAOLAK Review

Memories Beach Bar & Pakarang Surf Shop Map Zone: Pakarang Beach (North Khao Lak) Business Type: Bar serving food, surf shop, budget accommodation, beach massage Opening Times: Open daily 09.00 - 00.00 hrs Website: www.memoriesbar-khaolak.com Phone: 089 729 2251

I

f you are looking for the quintessential tropical beach bar - and if you’ re thinking powdery white sand, ice cold beer, Bob Marley and hammocks then you can stop right here as your quest is over...

Memories Bar is in many ways the ultimate beach hotspot, yet it’s even cool enough to have it’s very own Surf Shop operating out of the same venue.

YOUR HOSTS: Memories Bar is owned and operated

by Khun Ching, 33, and his wife Toa and family in the same location on Pakarang Beach where Ching first worked as a boy in his uncle’s restaurant - cleaning the beach and opening parasols for guests from the nearby resort, now the Apsara.

Born and raised in nearby Takua Pa, Ching dropped out of college in Bangkok to work here when he was younger and with the help and support of his wife and family he has now built up a thriving and established business.

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WHAT HAPPENS HERE: The beachfront site includes a bar, restaurant, bungalows and for the last three years the Pakarang Surf Shop, which hires out boards and gives surfing lessons. There is also beach massage.

SPECIAL EVENTS: Memories Bar holds a quiet and romantic ‘Candle Night Dinner’ every Thu. night. Live music (English songs) on Tue. and Sun. nights. Fire Shows on Mon., Tue., Thu. and Sat. nights.

AMBIENCE & VIBE: Friendly and super-relaxed. The second you get within even a few metres of the main bar and restaurant you can feel the laid-back vibe begin to take over your body.

Everything at Memories happens at its own pace and that’s what makes it such a special place. Couples laze on sunbeds on the beach outside the bar... a father enjoys an ice cold beer while his infant son sleeps in a hammock nearby... waiters amble from table to table with big smiles all around. You get the distinct feeling at Memories that everyone is doing their own thing all on the same, chilled wavelength.

FOOD & DRINK: Exactly what you’d expect and want on a beach restaurant menu. A mix of Thai and international dishes, with everything from breakfast and burgers to Thai curries and omelettes. Simple yet satisfying whether it’s a daytime snack or a candlelit dinner under the stars.

SERVICE: Always friendly, but can be a little ‘hit and miss’ occasionally depending on who is on duty and how busy the bar is. Expect to sometimes wait a little while for your food or bill to arrive, especially at busy times, but never to the point of it becoming annoying and hey, you’re on the beach after all...so what’s the rush, man?!

PAKARANG SURF SHOP: Ching bought his surf business 3 years ago before he could even surf, and it’s now his greatest passion. In the green season you will find him out every day in search of the best waves and recently he even came a respectable 4th-place in an annual longboard surfing event in Kamala, Phuket.

Pakarang surf shop has 20 long and 20 shortboards for rent as well as two surf guides teaching every level from absolute beginner to advanced.

GOOD TO KNOW: For the more hard-core travellers out there, Memories also has 5 simple bamboo beach bungalows for rent, situated just metres from the main beach. Call them direct for current rates or to make a booking.

HOW TO GET THERE Driving north on Highway 4 from central Khao Lak, pass Bang Niang and the gas station. A few hundred metres after the gas station drive past the large home improvements store ‘Home Mart’ on your right and take your next left turn at the top of the hill, just before the large sign for the Elephant Camp. There is a small sign here for Memories Bar which is about 3km away at the far end of this winding road. visitkhaolak.com | KHAOLAK 81

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KHAOLAK Rides & Drives

Khao Sok National Park, Ratchaprapha Dam and Cheow Lan Lake

by Alan Hunter A self-drive day trip to these destinations makes for a long but very rewarding day, especially to do justice to both, but - having researched what is on offer and decided just how long you want to stay - here are some simple directions on how to get there.

Go north from Khao Lak keeping to Highway 4 all the way through Takua Pa New Town (left at the intersection in the centre). Once out of Takua Pa, Highway 4 goes to the left through to Ranong (and eventually Bangkok) so take the right fork on to Highway 401 which will take you straight to the entrance to the Khao Sok National Park on the left at the KM109 marker.

This road is bordered by most of the accommodation, local restaurants, bars, shops and tour shops. You enter the National Park right at the end where at the gate house you will have to pay the National Park Entrance Fee. Park just inside, have a look around the Visitor Centre and get copies of maps for the treks from that point. You can book tours here or engage a guide although booking in advance is recommended. There is a restaurant next door. There is also an entrance to the restaurant of an adjacent resort overlooking the river where, as well as dining or just having a drink, you can book tours, typically a canoe trip on the river and/or an elephant trek.

Go back up the highway and turn right back onto Highway 401 to return to Khao Lak or for a short detour, turn left and a few hundred metres on your left there is the entrance to an abandoned temple. Go down here and park up to view the remains of the temple and the hoard of wild monkeys of all ages jumping and clambering about and coming up to you to take peanuts that you have thoughtfully brought with you. To this point from Khao Lak is about 75 minutes.

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TO RATCHAPRAPHA DAM & CHEOW LAN LAKE Continue another hour along Highway 401 past the junction where Highway 415 joins the 401 on the right and you reach the small town of Ban Ta Khun with slip roads either side of the highway. Follow the sign for Ratchaprapha Dam on the left. Drive down until you reach a gatehouse where you will be asked where you are going. Just tell them the Visitor Centre or the lake and they will direct you up the road to the right. Follow this and the signs for the Visitor Centre that will take you (Camera At The Ready!!!) down and across the dam itself.

On the other side of the dam drive into the Visitor Centre and park up near the far end. Go through the beautifully-

maintained garden area and enjoy your first fantastic views of the amazing Cheow Lan Lake. It is only here that you fully appreciate the scale of what was Thailand’s biggest civil engineering eco project.

There are some snack bars, shops and eating areas here.

If you want to go down to the pier for a closer look at the Lake, go left over the dam and follow the road down.

At the pier there are some restaurants and shops and the Booking Centre where you can book a longtail boat trip (or where you will depart from if you come on a tour).

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After Dark A guide to Khao Lak bars & nightlife

V

isitors coming to Khao Lak expecting to find the kind of raunchy nightlife seen in some of the larger Thai tourist destinations will be sorely disappointed.

Instead, the vibe in Khao Lak after dark is more akin to that of a small village rather than a racy metropolis, and generally a leisurely walk around town after dinner and perhaps a cocktail or two are the order of the day for most visitors.

Many European guests also like to retire early to their hotels armed with takeaway beer from the ‘7-11’ and sit and enjoy a drink with friends on the balconies of their rooms.

So even at the height of the tourist season by 11p.m. the centre of Bang La On will be almost deserted, except for a handful of bars where a few customers will drink and perhaps watch live music or a fire show.

That said there are a few venues where visitors can party into the early hours... whilst trying to forget, of course, that 08.00hrs day trip they have planned for the following morning.

Once a month in high season there are usually also one or two very small-scale ‘Full Moon Party’ events hosted by one or more of the beach bars in the region.

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BARS

LATE NIGHT EATS

THAI-­STYLE NIGHTCLUB

Mr Aek Restaurant is one of the few spots to get some fresh Thai food prepared throughout the night and is popular with locals. On the mountain side of Highway 4 halfway between Khao Lak town centre (Bang La On) and Bang Niang. Open daily from 17.00 - 05.00.

Never rowdy, Khao Lak has numerous small friendly bars where it’s easy to chat with the owners or enjoy a drink with family and friends without any hassle. Many visitors return to their same ‘local’ year after year, but if you want to move around it’s easy in the central areas to walk from one to another.

Bella Ciao Italian Fast Food in Bang Niang opens from 13.00 01.00 daily and has pizza and pasta to eat in or takeaway (for delivery call 086-324-0378). Coming from the 7-11 by the market area on Highway 4 it is on the left hand side of Bang Niang Beach Road about 20m past Sawasdee Restaurant.

FEATURED LIVE MUSIC VENUE

Zantika Nightclub is a few hundred metres North of the Bang Niang Beach Road turn-off (7/11) on Highway 4, on the same side of the road. Aimed more at the local Thai market than Westerners, the disco is still popular with a core of visitors wishing to party into the early hours. As in most provincial Thai discos, a live house band on stage is a regular feature - as are the earsplitting decibel levels they perform at. Starts filling up from about 23.30.

Open nightly until very late.

MOO MOO CABARET

Happy Snapper lies just north of the town centre and is a well-established Khao Lak institution. When it comes to live music during High Season (Nov - May), this is the place to go. Owner and bass guitarist Khun Pitak and his house band rock the place six nights a week from 22.00 ’til 01.00 - with a house DJ taking up the slack on Sundays. Especially popular with the diving and backpacking crowd, so be warned - it’s often standing room only if you arrive late. Simple BBQ food (fried chicken etc. ) is available just outside the front door for hungry partygoers. Open nightly from 20.30 - 02.00.

GETTING THERE Walk or drive north (towards Bang Niang) along Highway 4 from Bang La On/ Nang Thong town centre for 200m or so and you will see Happy Snapper on your right, close to the SCB Bank branch.

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Moo Moo Cabaret Show & Bar is located in Bang Niang, beside the bridge on the beach side of Highway 4. Khao Lak’s answer to Simon Cabaret in Phuket, this daily cabaret show features lip-synching ladyboys in glamorous costumes.

The show starts at 21.45 daily and entrance is free.

KHAOLAK Bar Guide A small selection of visitor-friendly bars in the central Khao Lak area.

CENTRAL KHAOLAK (BANG LA ON)

CENTRAL KHAOLAK (BANG NIANG)

Monkey Bar is a popular little bar about 20 metres on your left inside Soi Wan Tau, a narrow unpaved street off Highway 4, almost directly opposite McDonalds in the town centre. Expect live music here, plus friendly owners and staff who ensure that everyone has a good time. Open 16.00 - 02.00 daily.

Piranha Bar is on Bang Niang Beach Road almost directly opposite the entrance to Mukdara Beach Resort. Small, cool and funky, with quirky decor that works. A likeable, larger-than-life owner welcomes each and every guest and polite, friendly staff add to the vibe. An array of games and puzzles are also on hand to break down any language barriers. Open nightly 18.00 ’til late.

One Two Bar (‘Twelve Bar’) is in Emerald Plaza, the small open-air shopping plaza situated almost opposite the Mukdara Beach Resort entrance towards the beach end of Bang Niang Beach Road. It has a laid-back setup and a pool table. Acoustic live music features during high season (Nov-Apr). Open nightly from 22.00 ’til late.

Dream Bar is at the southern end of the town centre alongside the main road, just a few metres north of the Grand City Hotel.

Great-tasting, inexpensive cocktails and a friendly, engaging boss, Khun Lek. Great spot for people watching and a pleasant place to sit outside in the afternoon for a cold one.

Open 15.00 - 02.00 daily.

Tarzan Bar is in the town centre on the left hand side of Highway 4 as you head north, about 50m past Nang Thong supermarket.

Quality furniture and decor and an attractive first-floor balcony area, the bar has been a popular visitor spot for years. Open daily 15.00 - midnight.

Mars Bar & Café is a popular Bang Niang bar located next to Highway 4 (a short walk from the Police Boat memorial heading towards Khao Lak centre). Englishman Marcel (Mars) and his Thai wife Khun Maem are famous for their hospitality and the place brims with an eclectic mix of local expats and tourists. Fun and friendly with funky decor, good music and a ‘pub-style’ food menu. Open 09.00 - til late.

For more nightlife listings and info:

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New Business Preview

The Sparrow Bar Map Zone: Bang Niang Beach, (Central Khao Lak) Business Type: Bar with food. Pool table. Live Music.

Opening Times: Open daily 08.00 (breakfast) - late Facebook: www.facebook.com/SparrowKhaoLak Phone: 091 351 4125

T

he Sparrow Bar is a spacious new and well-decorated music bar located opposite Khaolak Inter Clinic at the top end of Bang Niang Beach Road (Food St).

Opened in October 2013 by friendly Dutchman Jack and his lovely Thai wife Son, the bar welcomes everyone all year round of any age or nationality.

Six nights a week there is live acoustic music played from 20.00-21.00hrs followed by a live house band going until late (Jack is the drummer).

We also hear rumours of a Cocktail of the Day for 80 baht offer...be sure to pay them a visit to find out more!

ENTERTAINMENT: The house band The Sparrow Band takes care of the music, playing a mix of Rock , Pop and some popular Thai songs six nights a week. Jamming is encouraged. A pool table, table football and darts are also available.

FOOD:

The restaurant serves several typical dutch snacks and fine breakfasts with freshly baked bread and quality bean coffee. Dutch specialties like Dutch Meat Balls, Croquettes, Smoked Sausages or Dutch Pea Soup are all homemade by Jack.

ROOMS: Upstairs, a guesthouse has 4 large rooms with all amenities.

HOW TO GET THERE Driving north on Highway 4 from central Khao Lak, turn left at the 7-11 in Bang Niang (just past the open market area) onto Bang Niang Beach Rd. (Food St.) and The Sparrow Bar is about 100m down on your right-hand side, opposite Khaolak Inter Clinic.

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Service with a

SMILE

KHAOLAK PEOPLE

Meet Fie Sillesen, Khao Lak Team Leader for TUI Nordic

F

ie (‘pronounced ‘Fee-yah’) Sillesen, 25, is the Khao Lak Team Leader for TUI Nordic, the largest Scandinavian tour operator. She has dayto-day responsibility for a team of 10 Guides caring for TUI guests at 20 resorts across the region.

So Fie tell us a little bit about your background - what should we know about you?

Well, I guess the first thing is that I’m a Danish girl, born and raised in Roskilde, Denmark where my Mum is a Maths teacher and my Dad a computer programmer. I also have a younger sister aged 20.

Did you do much travelling when you were growing up?

Oh yes! My parents were avid travelers so from when I was very young, wherever they went, I went!

It was brilliant as we visited a lot of countries - from China to the United States. By the time I was 17, for example, I had already been on safari in Kenya, seen Angkor Wat and toured the Grand Canyon!

That’s not something that everyone gets to do, especially so early in life, so I feel very lucky and privileged to have had the opportunity.

Had you been to Thailand before your job brought you here?

Sure… in fact Thailand was my firstever long-haul trip! We came on a family holiday to Phuket when I was 10 years old and spent a fantastic 3 weeks at Karon Beach. I remember absolutely loving it, and we even did an excursion to Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok, which is now one of the most popular trips that we arrange for TUI guests in Khao Lak! Even at that young age I completely fell in love with Thailand and knew that one day I would come back.

How did you get started in the travel industry?

After High School I wanted to travel in my gap year but it was very difficult to pay all my bills and save enough cash to go anywhere, so I started looking for a job that would allow me to travel. I didn’t want to be an au pair and I set my mind on becoming a tour rep for TUI Nordic. It was a very competitive application process, but after several interviews and tests I was accepted and sent to the company’s concept hotel on Gran Canaria for training.

Where did you go after that?

By November 2011 I was a qualified TUI guide and was sent to Cancun, Mexico for my first 6-month tour of duty, which was an exciting posting.

After that I also had six-month placements in Hurghada (in Egypt, on the Red Sea), Gran Canaria and Cyprus before I applied for promotion. Luckily I was successful and after further training in Stockholm I became a Destination Team Leader, the job I do now.

So how did you end up in Khao Lak, and when did you arrive?

I arrived in October 2013 on a standard 6-month posting. Before we are sent to a new destination we are asked to rank 5 places in order of preference and TUI will always try to send us to our first choice.

Khao Lak was top of my list because it looked like such a fabulous place and luckily for me, my wish was granted and here I am!

What’s the best thing about Khao Lak in your opinion?

Obviously the natural beauty of the place itself is fabulous, that goes without saying, but beyond that there are two things that stand out for me - the people and the safety.

I genuinely love Khao Lak and the people here. It is the friendliest place I have ever visited in terms of the local people and how quickly they invite you into their lives and community. I have found that Thai people will always try their very best to help you whatever you ask them for, and where else in the world can you say that? I also feel that Khao Lak is the safest place I have ever been and I love the fact that I can go anywhere I want by myself, or walk home alone at night, feeling completely safe. I know many of our guests feel the same way too.

So tell us more about your work here. What exactly do you do?

At this time of year TUI Nordic has over 15 direct charter flights a week arriving in Phuket, bringing guests here from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Our guests stay in 20 resorts across Khao Lak and my job, along with the 10 guides in my team, is to make sure that every guest is happy, well-cared for and has the best possible time here.

That means assisting guests with any problems or special needs they may have, as well as, for example, arranging excursions and activities for them.

So what’s an average day?

Every day is different because you never know what issues might pop up next, but generally my day starts about eight in the morning. By 09.00 my guides are meeting guests in their resorts, whilst I deal with emails from the previous day and plan the day ahead. At 11.30am I will have a debriefing with the guides followed by a quick lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon I will often meet with a GM of one of the hotels hosting TUI guests to discuss any matters reported to our guides. visitkhaolak.com | KHAOLAK 93

That sounds like a lot of work. Do you enjoy it?

It definitely is a challenging job, especially at the height of the season, but that’s what I signed up for and I love to help people and see our guests happy, so I actually love it. TUI are also very supportive as a company and I visit our Destination Team Leader in Phuket each week for feedback and planning meetings. I couldn’t do the job without a great team around me also, and our guides are all very hard workers and great, energetic people.

So when do you get to relax?

I aim to leave the office every day by 6pm and head straight to my local gym for an hour on the running machine. This is my ‘me time’…the only time of day when I can guarantee no interruptions or phone calls, and it’s what keeps me sane I think! Apart from that, I will read for an hour or so before I sleep, but even then I often get an urgent work call or two from one of my team! Also, I get a day off each week - so the other day, for example, I took my sister diving at the Similan Islands for the day with Raya Divers which was awesome. She is visiting from Denmark and loves it here too!

So lastly, Fie, how do you think you will feel in March when your Khao Lak posting is over?

Very sad! I really have had the most tremendous time here and I know already I will miss it terribly when it is time to leave. Right now my immediate future is with TUI Nordic but if I was not working for them and was offered the chance to stay and work here during the green season I would grab it with both hands! Whatever happens, whether through work or not, I know this will definitely NOT be my last time in Khao Lak…just like when I was 10 years old and knew that I would be back in Thailand one day!

Now with

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KHAOLAK Featured Charity

The Camillian Centre, nr.

Takua Pa

W

e recently visited the Camillian Centre, a child daycare centre near Takua Pa for kids with disabilities from the local community.

Providing vital assistance to the kids’ families and full-time carers, the staff and volunteers there do a fantastic job and the kids were as ever, delighted to see us (or it may have just been the snacks we brought with us!).

If you would like to volunteer, fundraise or donate to this worthy cause then the Centre’s energetic young manager Khun Somchai (pictured right in the grey polo shirt) would love to hear from you on 086-276-5353.

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Khaolak NEWS & EVENTS Send your news, photos or event details to us at khaolakmagazine@gmail.com and let everyone know what’s been happening...or what’s coming soon..in the Khao Lak region.

ABOVE: Owners, staff and guests of the Sarojin raised over 100,000 baht recently for the Camillian Centre, Takua Pa by taking part in the Centre’s first Annual Charity Bike Ride. The Centre provides day-care and support for local children living with disabilities. The Sarojin co-owner, Kate Kemp (pictured top right) and her family also showed an impressive display of pedal power as they joined the sponsored ride. To make a donation to the Center, or if you wish to volunteer or find out more about their work, contact manager Khun Somchai on 086-276-5353

RIGHT: As pledged in our December 2013 launch issue, Nutchanat ‘Joy’ Arunprasert presents a donation of 10,000 baht to volunteer Stephan Dietrich of the Khao Lak Rescue Volunteers Organization to buy much-needed equipment and supplies. To donate to this worthwhile cause, or for more information, contact Stephan on 083-176-5873

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ABOVE: Mrs. Raweewan Thongphet Smullen from Khukkak presents H.E.. Mr. Pasan Teparak, Royal Thai Ambassador to the UK. and Ireland, with the first-ever issue of the Khaolak Magazine, watched by Mrs. Paradee Teparak, Mr. Barry Connolly Hon.Thai Consul to Ireland and his wife Mrs. Grace Ann Connolly, on the occasion of the appointment of Mr. Connolly as Hon.Thai Consul at a reception in Dublin, Ireland. December 15, 2013.

ABOVE: The new Thai Corner restaurant opened recently, just a stone’s throw from their sister restaurant Pinocchio. Find them just off the crossroads on Food St (Bang Niang Beach Rd) opposite LanLa cocktail bar on the way to the Ramada and La Flora resorts.

LEFT: The Ramada Resort Khaolak recently celebrated Children’s Day by assisting the Khukkak municipality and other business and local community supporters to treat the youngsters at Watkommaneeyakhet and Suthinanusorn Schools to those global kids’ favorites - chicken nuggets, ice cream and balloons!

BELOW: Late April will see Memories Bar and Pakarang Surf Shop host Khao Lak’s first surfing competition. Contact Memories Bar owner Khun Ching on 089-729-2251 for more information.

ABOVE: Saddle up, cowboys and cowgirls - Khaolak Horse Club is open for business!

Located a few km out of town on the way to Chong Fah Waterfall, the KLHC offers 3hr rides through lush local scenery from their stables to the beach and back for just 1,000 THB. Riding lessons are also available. Call 093-727-1552 for details. visitkhaolak.com | KHAOLAK 99

News & Events | Phuket Boat Show

AHOY THERE, NEIGHBOUR! In January, our southern neighbour hosted the 10th Anniversary edition of the Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX). Billed as ‘Asia’s Favourite Boat Show’ the annual event drew large crowds, with over 40 state of the art yachts and super-yachts exhibited at the Royal Phuket Marina.

We were there, so here’s some drooling material for all you ‘yachties' out there …

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KHAOLAK Local Business Guide

102 KHAOLAK | visitkhaolak.com

To Advertise Here Call 087-464-6633

KHAOLAK Local Business Guide

To Advertise Here Call 087-464-6633

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KHAOLAK Local Business Guide

www.marsbarkhaolak.com

Home-made English Food

104 KHAOLAK | visitkhaolak.com

To Advertise Here Call 087-464-6633

KHAOLAK Local Business Guide

To Advertise Here Call 087-464-6633

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useful telephone numberS Directory Enquires - Thailand 183/1133 Overseas Operator/Enquiries 100 IN AN EMERGENCY Fire Police Khao Lak Police Station Khukkak Police Station Tourist Police Marine Police Local Volunteer Rescue Services Khao Lak Rescue Service (Eng./Ger.) Diving Medical Center Hyperbaric Services HOSPITALS, HEALTH & WELLNESS Urgent Consultation Clinic - Dr. Amorn Clinic - Dr. Chusak

Takua Pa Hospital

Bangkok Phuket Hospital (local rep. on standby in Khao Lak) Bangkok Phuket Hospital, Phuket Mission Hospital, Phuket Phuket Intl. Hospital, Phuket EMBASSIES & CONSULATES Australia Austria Denmark Finland Germany Ireland Italy Japan Korea Norway Russian Federation Sweden United Kingdom

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199 191 076 420558 076 420519 1155, 076 076 211833 1669 083 176 5873 1719 076 342518 089-871-2335

NOTE: If calling from outside Thailand delete the first ‘0’ and add ‘+66’ IN AN EMERGENCY American Express China Union Pay Citibank Diners Club Discover JCB Mastercard Visa

02 273 5544 + 86 219 5516 1588 02 232 4100 +1 801 902 3100 +1 800 3 865 5486 +1 800 11 887 0663 +1 800 11 535 0660

MOBILE PHONE CALL CENTRES AIS-GSM DTAC TRUE MOVE

1175 1678 1331

TRAVEL - AIRPORTS & AIRLINES 083 647 7053 081 968 9702 081 731 6098 1669 076 421770 1719 076 254425 076 237220-6 076 249400 076 372600 076 248334-6 #35 076 378365 076 330530-3 076 610407 076 281273 076 323029 02 252 6151-9 076 234452 076 230130 076 284767 076 380000 076 318188

Phuket Intl. Airport 076 327230-7 Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok Arrivals 02 132 9328 #9329 Departures 02 132 9324 #9327 Don Muang Airport, Bangkok Arrivals 02 535 1253 Departures 02 535 1192 Air Asia 02 515 9999 Bangkok Airways 076 225033-5 China Airlines 076 327099

076 327100 Nok Air 1318 Orient Thai Airlines 1126 Silk Air 076 304018-20 Thai Airways 076 360444 TRAVEL - OTHER Tourist Information 1672 Eco Khaolak Adventure Tours 081 895 0432 Green Andaman Travel 076 485598

089 731 6228 Holiday Service Khao Lak 076 484630 Khaolak Land Discovery 076 485411 Taxi - Private Hire (Taxi Boss) 085 786 1378

086 276 6479

Never Miss A THING! Read EVERY issue online at www.VisitKhaolak.com

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