Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park

Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park, Khao Lak Overview

Named after two of its highest peaks- Lak and Lam Ru; the Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park is located south of Hat Khao Lak in Phang Nga and is home to numerous species of plants, birds, animals, and marine life. It is the perfect area to enjoy wildlife watching and photography, and other activities such as hiking and forest walks.

Spread over 125 square kilometers,it is a beautiful amalgamation of sea cliffs, beaches, hills, dome-shaped granite mountains, and also tropical evergreen forests. Initially, the area was established as a terrestrial park, but then it got qualified as a Marine National Park in 1995, because of the presence of several marine resources in the area. The coast around Hat Khao Lak is only a tiny portion of the complete park. This coast geographically covers two different kinds of areas that are joined together by a narrow band of the jungle. These forests include climbers such as Rattans, and also ferns and orchids. Various animals and reptiles that dwell here, and it is also common to spot some beautiful birds here, along with different kinds of butterflies in the primary rainforest area.

Attractions at the Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park

The Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park extends into four different districts within the Phang Nga Province. This area encloses the Amphoe Takua Pa, Amphoe Kapong, Amphoe Thai Muang and Amphoe Muang. Thus, there remains a lot to explore within the national park.

Cliffside Route
The cliffside, just 3 kilometres to the south of Khao Lak, is perhaps the most commonly visited area of the national park. Other than this, there are also two nature trails in the park. They are 5 and 7 kilometres long and take 2 and 5 hours respectively to complete. Even though you will find adequate signage along these routes, they are quite steep and taking along a tour guide is strongly recommended.

1. Mountain Peaks
The national park is home to several small mountains, such as Lak Mountain, Lam Ru Mountain, Mai Kaeo Mountain, Prai Bang Toa Mountain, and Sang Tong Mountain. The highest mountain peak of the park stands at a majestic height of 1077 meters, and the Phnag Nga and Takupa rivers also cross the area of the national park. In these rivers, you will find a vast ecosystem brimming with different kinds of marine life.

2. Waterfalls
There are also many waterfalls located in the park, the most famous ones being the Chong Fah and Lam Ru.

Chong Fah Waterfall

The Chong Fah Waterfall is located close to Khao Lak and is a single 10-meter drop waterfall with a pool at the base. You will find a lot of visitors enjoying swimming in this pool. At this spot, you would find a forest trail leading to the park interiors. Buddhist shelter ruins are some of the other sightings here.
Reaching the Waterfall
To reach the waterfall, you will have to enter the tarmac road at Bang Niang, following which you can enjoy riding an offroad vehicle or walk on the remaining rough track. The waterfall is a 10-minute walk away from the end of this track.

Nam Tok Lam Ru Waterfall
The Nam Tok Lam Ru is perhaps the most famous waterfall located here, close to Kapong in the area of the Kradai Ridge. This medium- height waterfall has five levels to it and flows throughout the year. You will also see different varieties of birds close to the waterfall.

Other Waterfalls
Other waterfalls in the area include the Ton Pling, located just 4 kilometres to the south of the Park Headquarters, and the Hin Lad Waterfall, located only a few kilometres away from Lam Ru. Even though not within the official park area, the Sang Tong Waterfall is also located close by, to the west of Kapong off route, and so are the Kapong hot springs and natural pool.

3. Beaches

The Small Sandy Beach, as the name suggests, is a quiet little beach, which can be accessed either directly from Highway 4, or by a one-kilometre long nature trail from the visitor centre, which is quite easy to walk on,

Khao Lak Beach
The other beach of the area, which is the Khao Lak Beach, is where the visitors are allowed to set up their tents. Although most of the beach reaches outskirts, the tiny part of the beach located within is worth the visit. It a rocky beach spread over a hundred meters and is situated between the park area of the visitor centre and the coast of the south end of the actual Khao Lak Beach. You will also find shower and toilet facilities in this area.

Facilities

The Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park offers its visitors with numerous facilities to ensure that they make the most out of their visit to the area.

Accommodation Facilities
The national park offers accommodation facilities to its visitors, in the form of either tents or bungalows.

Bungalows
There are four bungalows near the main beach. These bungalows can be booked online well in advance. Details are as below:
Prices
Friday to Saturday (per night) - THB 800
Weekdays (per night)- THB 560

Tents
Also, tents are available for rental, but these too are limited. Tents can be booked on arrival, but there is no assurance of getting one.
Prices
Rent (per night) - THB 225
Sleeping Set (per night) - THB 60
Using the camping area (with your own tent) - THB 30

Other Miscellaneous Facilities
The visitor area also has shower and toilet facilities, and even a restaurant which offers a magnificent sea view. The restaurant meals here are, however, more expensive as compared to what you will find at other places.

How To Reach Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park

The landmark to reach the national park is the Phor Ta Khao Lak Shrine. It is the most sacred shrine in the area and is located just 50 meters away from the national park. The national park is thus quite accessible and can be easily reached via all means of transport.

Minivan Routes
Many public minivan routes ply from Phuket to areas neighbouring Khao Lak; and these minivans pass the visitor area of the park, just near the coast. You can easily arrange one of these minivans from your hotel reception, and hop on to reach your final destination. Hiring a private taxi is also recommended, especially for shorter trips; and these too can be arranged from the hotel itself.