Khao Lak (Khaolak) Thailand Hotels: Accommodation and Travel Guide

There is a wide range of interesting and wonderous activities for everyone to enjoy amongst the beautiful and natural environment, including canoeing, rafting, hiking, safaris, elephant trekking, diving and snorkeling.

The Similan Islands is one of the world's most beautiful diving sites and is located only 50 kilometres away.

For further information and bookings for all tours and excursions in Khao Lak, there are many tour operators located in the region.

SCUBA DIVING

Thereare several dive sites that can be reached from Khaolak in half day, one day and 2-day trips offered by the different diving schools that have their offices along Petchkasem Road or even in some of the bigger resorts.

There are several dive sites that can be reached from Khaolak in half day, one day and 2-day trips offered by the different diving schools that have their offices along Petchkasem Road or even in some of the bigger resorts.

1. Half day trips to the nearby reefs of Khaolak and to the outstanding wreck diving site "Boonsong" are operated on a regular basis. The wreck is an old tin mining boat which sank in 1984 and rests in a depth of 20 metres. Marine life is abundant and the wreck offers plenty of possibilities for creative underwater photography, as the main features - huge mechanic parts and gear wheels are well preserved.
A new addition is the recently sunk tin mining boat "Premchai", which found its final resting place at a depth of 21 metres in August 2001. Due to its recent appearance, the wreck does show little coral growth. But an abundance of colourful reef fish and even bigger reef sharks along with the undamaged structure makes it one of the best local dive spots in Khaolak.

2. Similan Islands: There are several departures per week to the Similan Islands, which normally start with pick up from the hotel in the early morning and transfer to Tab Lamu, approximately 12 kilometres south of Khaolak. There are comfortable motor vessels available to bring you to the dive spots in a few hours time. Some dive operators also provide a guide for snorkellers, to ensure that non-diving guests receive maximum attention, fun and pleasure! The dive sites at the Similan Islands will satisfy even the most demanding diver!
After a full day of fantastic diving or snorkelling, guests who have booked a one day excursion will be transferred back to Thab Lamu, while those on an overnight trip will go ashore on Island No 4 to spend the night in a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. Accomodation will be in 4-bed bungalows with shower and toilet. In the morning you will embark for another full day of excitement and adventure in the clear deep blue waters of the Similan Islands. One day trips include 2 dives, the 2-day trip includes 5 daydives plus 1 nightdive at the Similan Islands.
For those with limited time, there are dive trips available by speedboat.

3. Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock: North of the Similan Archipelago, lies a variety of tropical islands as beautiful as the Similans but completely different in marine life and appearance. The dive sites at the Surin Islands and the neighbouring islands Ko Bon and Ko Tachai feature turtles, stingrays, reef sharks, big schools of barracuda and mackerels. The best site of these outstanding ones is without doubt Richelieu Rock, which is also famous for frequent whale shark encounters.

4. Myanmar (Burma): The Burma Banks are famous among shark enthusiasts - silvertips, blacktips ocean whitetip and even bigger species can be seen circling around the pinnacles which drop to a depth of more than 300 meters!
Only recently Thailand's neighbour opened the borders to its coastal underwater treasures to dive operators. This is mostly untouched and yet undiscovered area. The Mergui Archipelago features up to hundred islands with caves, caverns and steep walls. Burma is famous for frequent sightings of all kind of reef sharks.