KHAO LAK, Thailand ― For those looking for more from their next vacation than the typical tourist hot spot with familiar but photogenic locations, then the serene coast of Khao Lak in the South of Thailand is a great place to start.

Thailand is famous for having some of the world’s most picturesque beaches, most notably the island of Phuket, a popular destination for many vacationers looking to lie on the beach and forget their troubles.

Also referred to as James Bond Island after its appearance in the 1974 Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun,” this previously unknown area has since become a major tourist destination, the waters, resorts and nearby attractions flooding with surfers, divers and beach loungers.

However, just 83 kilometers to the north lies the coastal region Khao Lak. The area is set along Phang Nga Bay and offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Thailand’s pristine beaches while avoiding the crowds.

What makes Khao Lak stand out from other areas in southern Thailand are its secluded beach-front resorts and the quiet, crowd-free coasts. With a local population of around 30,000, the heavily forested area is calm and peaceful with no hustle and bustle about it.

Some locals even refer Khao Lak as a great destination to experience the three B’s: beach, bed and books ― all things encompassing a relaxed state of mind.

In 2004, a tsunami struck the area, destroying most of the Khao Lak coast including the beaches, many resorts and natural foliage and wildlife. Reconstruction and rejuvenation efforts have been made in the area in the hope of recapturing its natural beauty, including planting programs to bring back the local greenery and agriculture.

At the time the tsunami hit, Khao Lak was one of Thailand’s fastest-growing tourist destinations. Nearly a decade later, the locals of Khao Lak have made substantial progress in its recovery, with tourism steadily increasing from 2006.

Aside from the obvious beach going and sun tanning, Khao Lak offers more adventurous visitors some memorable outdoor experiences.

One of Thailand’s most popular tourist activities is elephant trekking. Considered here as sacred animals, elephants often roam the streets of Thailand, and Khao Lak is no different. The region provides visitors with a number of locations to experience what it is like riding on top these gargantuan mammals. A small bench is strapped onto the large creature where people can ride in pairs while a “driver,” who sits atop the elephant’s head, guides the animal through the depths of the jungle. This titter-tottering ride is both pleasant and scenic and is a must for those visiting the country.

Another popular must in Khao Lak is the splashing and heart-pumping adventures of white-water rafting. However, white-water rafting below the hills of Khao Lak is far from an ordinary rafting experience. Rafting here means gut-busting, laugh-out-loud moments with the local guides. Many ensure everyone a wild ride by purposely steering into boulders and even other boats like waterborne bumper cars. A change of clothes is also recommended as the boat guides are notorious for splashing and dumping riders off board, all in good fun of course.

Lastly, no trip to Khao Lak is complete without a day cruise to the Similan Islands, which often make top 10 lists of the world’s diving destinations. The islands are situated approximately 60 kilometers west of Khao Lak in the Andaman Sea and comprise nine small island clusters.

As for most tropical islands, choosing to go snorkeling and diving while on the islands is a no-brainer. Divers and snorkelers can experience the majestic awe-inspiring views of life below the surface with an array of colorful sea-life including swimming alongside giant swaying sea turtles. Visitors can take a speed boat from the coast of Khao Lak to the islands. Reaching Similan takes around an hour and a half and many tours offer programs for goers who wish to island hop.

Although Khao Lak is not a vibrant, bustling area full of glitz and glam, the region is relaxing, family-friendly and offers plenty of activities for those who are looking to enjoy a little action and adventure with some of the most spectacular sunset views on the beach.

Tour information

Hana Tour’s “Gold Package” offers travelers a round-trip flight plus five-star beachfront hotel accommodation at either Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort or the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa starting at 999,000 won and 1,049,000 won, respectively.

The JW Marriot in Khao Lak is a world-class resort with a 3.5-km pool that surrounds the resort and breathtaking beachfront views. Le Meridien is another secluded upscale resort surrounded by palm trees and even has a baby elephant that roams around the resort area, including engaging in soccer practice right on the resort’s beach.

Hotel Information:

JW Marriott

Khao Lak Resort & Spa

Takuapa, Phang Nga, Thailand

jwmarriottkhaolak.com

Le Meridien

Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort

Phang Nga, Thailand

lemeridien.com.khaolak

By Julie Jackson, Korea Herald correspondent

(juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)