Best snorkeling in Khao Lak
Khao Lak is one of those Thai locations that many tourists and travelers would overlook when they are looking for a snorkeling beach to lounge on. Not many know that Khao Lak is blessed with something you might not see elsewhere: easy access to an assortment of untouched snorkeling beaches.
Nang Thong Beach
Depending on your activity level, you will usually find something to match your energy at Nang Thong Beach. The first thing that stands out about this beach is the unusual golden sand that meets the almost-white waters at a beautiful arc. The beach area is wrapped around thick vegetation, which helps contribute to the resulting ambiance. Even though Khao Lak beaches are not all that busy, this one is a little bit on that active side since it is close to the city center. Earning a reputation for being a surfer’s delight, it is also a prime location for swimming and snorkeling at the same time.
Sunset Beach
For some seclusion and quiet time, Sunset Beach does a great job. It is also torn away from the other Khao Lak beaches, thanks to the hills that border this location. Thus, it makes one of the ideal spots for those looking for a honeymoon beach, families with kids and tourists who want to soak it all in. The palm trees which line the front of the trees provide a more than ideal spot for lounging during the day. Before leaving, make sure you stick around to see how the sunset happens here. Guessing by the beach name – it should be worth it.
Bang Niang Beach
If there were one beach to rival the offerings of Nang Thong Beach, it would be the Bang Niang Beach. This quiet beach combines all the charm of a white, sandy beach with the picturesque setting of palm trees along its tracks with a host of conveniences to get there. Besides, Bang Niang has also become a choice option from the Khao Lak beaches for snorkeling. This is yet another category – besides swimming and sunbathing – where it directly competes with the attention of tourists against Nang Thong. If you are wondering which of these to visit first, know that you can walk from Bang Niang Beach to Nang Thong beach. Why have a little fun when you can have it all?
Khao Lak snorkeling tours
Khao Lak makes up for its lack of prime snorkeling by being close to the Similan Islands and Surin Islands, where such happening is in abundance. And so are the snorkeling tours from Khao Lak! Similan and Surin archipelagos are almost identical in what they offer in terms of snorkeling. And while Similan Islands might be more Instagrammable, it ties with Surin Islands to offer the best underwater explorations. Thus, there are no shortages of scuba divers and snorkelers in the region.
Similan islands offer crystal clear waters with vibrant marine life to make you get your snorkeling gear out. When on Similans, top areas to go snorkeling include Koh Similan, Koh Miang, and Koh Payu. Surin islands also come with perfect snorkeling locations in all of Koh Surin Nuea, Koh Surin Tai, Chong Kat, Mee Yai, and Mai Ngam.
Best diving near Khao Lak
If you’re looking for world-class diving sites close to Khao Lak, then Similan and Surin islands will not disappoint. Depending on which of these locations you find yourself in, there is an abundance of diving locations to pick from.
For those in Similan Islands, look for Koh Bangu, Koh Bon, and Koh Tachai. At the same time, the Surin Islands have a few places where you can encounter giant manta rays, reef sharks, barracudas, sea turtles, and even whale sharks. The most popular diving spot featured in many dive magazines is Richelieu Rock. It is home to extraordinarily colorful and preserved corals, a diverse marine life, and a feeding place for whale sharks. Another popular destination to encounter the gentle giants during February-March is in Bon Bay, off Koh Surin Tai.
