 Koh
Kho Khao Daytrip from Khao Lak
And
enjoyable daytrip from Khao Lak: plan to
take at least four hours as you may want to
stop at the
Baan Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial along the
way - and you can easily spend six or more
hours if you stop and enjoy a local
restaurant and really give the island a look
over.
Kho Khao
Island is a relatively undiscovered paradise
and very worth a visit.
Head north from Khao Lak towards
Takuapa and turn left after the #82 kilometer stone.
If you get to #83 - you went too far. Follow
a somewhat winding main road to the ferry
area. The ferry runs from about 7am to
6pm - if you are in a car leave enough time
to make sure you get back or you will be
stranded on the island overnight. If
you are on a motorbike there are long tail
boats at the dock that will take you across
the bay.
The ferry
costs B120 for cars and B20 for motorbikes -
but the prices seem to vary from time to
time so be prepared to pay a bit more
(probably in high season) and be happy if
you get to pay a bit less.
Once on
the island there is a long road that runs
north to south - quite devoid of traffic -
and you can journey the full length of the
island from this road. Head down the
roads that go west from that road and you
will generally head to beaches and one of
the resorts in the area. Those roads
are usually paved. The roads to the
right head into the countryside and small
villages and are usually dirt and can be
rough.
Keep your
eyes open for interesting bird life on the
power lines - lots of kingfishers especially
- and iguanas sunning themselves on the
road.
 Or
vice versa!
Drive to
the far north of the island to find an old
Japanese airstrip - used during WWII - that
is scheduled to become a local airport.
Take your
time and enjoy the solitude of this area!
Consider staying on the island some time, if
you don't mind a very relaxed and quiet
time. You'll find resort prices here
to usually be less than in the Khao Lak
area.
These
beautiful beaches can be yours alone!
Koh Kho
Khao at high tide [below]
Print out
the Map of
Koh Kho Khao to take with you and help
you find your way around. |
