Khanom, Thailand - Home of the Pink Dolphins

Khanom, Surat Thani Overview

Located in the southern part of Thailand, the beach town of Khanom offers a tranquil experience. It is a small fishing town situated in the district of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province filled with stunning natural wonders. Set against the backdrop of the Gulf of Thailand, Khanom is a hidden gem that will leave one spellbound. Indulge in numerous fun-filled and adventurous activities like swimming in the clear blue water, sunbathing in a nearly empty beach and exploring the dark and mysterious caves.

Khanom is a perfect getaway to escape the crowds and bask in nature’s glory. One can explore the local culture of the fishermen and farmers in Khanom, enjoy watching pink dolphins in their natural habitat and have a relaxing vacation. This town offers the ultimate off-the-beaten-path experience to beach lovers. The unspoiled beaches are the main attractions in the town along with waterfalls, caves and ancient temples.

Things to Do at Khanom

Relax at the beaches
The nearly empty beaches of Khanom are some of the best-kept beaches in the country. Stretching along the Gulf of Thailand, the beaches of Khanom offer ultimate tranquility and relaxation. Perfect for sunbathing, swimming and soaking up the local sun, these beaches are a far cry from the other crowded beaches in Thailand. The best beaches in Khanom worth a visit are Ao Tang Yee and Nai Phlao Beach.

Visit the Waterfalls
Visit the popular freshwater falls, Samet Chun Waterfall and Hin Lat Waterfall in Khanom for an adventurous experience. One will have to cross the jungle paths to reach the waterfalls and aquamarine pools. Hike through lush mountain trails, take a dip in tepid pools and soak in the natural beauty of the stunning waterfalls of Khanom.

Pink Dolphin Tour
Pink Dolphin sightings are among the top reasons for Khanom’s rising popularity. Here one can catch the sight of beautiful pink dolphins swimming in the sea. Get in touch with local tour operators to arrange a pink dolphin tour that takes to close proximity of the pink dolphin colony in the sea.

Explore majestic Caves
Khanom has some of the most majestic limestone caves in the country. Tham Khao Wang Thong is one such cave that features stalagmites and stalactites. Exploring the narrow network of caverns while wearing a helmet and carrying a torchlight offers an unforgettable experience. The other popular caves in Khanom that are worth the visit are Khao Krot Cave and Taling Ngam Caves.

Best Time to Visit

Khanom experiences a tropical climate. It is hot and humid throughout the year. However, during the monsoon season which starts from November and lasts till December, Khanom experiences continuous rainfall and high humidity. The best time to visit Khanom is in January as the weather at this time of the year is pleasant and favourable for sightseeing and beach activities.

Tips for Visiting

Khanom is a perfect beach destination with plenty of restaurants and accommodation options. Some of the best resorts that offer a pleasant stay in Khanom are Alongkot Beach Resort Khanom, Hallo villa, and Khanom Golden Beach. Also, this town has many dine-in restaurants like Ravintola Dusty Gecko and La Petit Saint-Tropez Restaurant that serve excellent seafood and a variety of Asian cuisine. It is highly recommended to rent a motorbike or bicycle to get around the town as there is public transport in Khanom.

How To Reach Khanom

The best way to reach Khanom is by road. Take a flight to Surat Thani and from there on either hop on a minivan, take a local bus, or hire a private taxi to reach Khanom. Surat Thani is approximately 75 km away from Khanom and it usually takes an hour or two by road to reach Khanom. In general, a taxi would cost 1500 to 2000 baht for the trip, while a minivan or bus journey could charge 100 to 200 baht.