By Air
From Bangkok, the easiest option for travel to Khaolak is by air
to either of Phuket or Krabi International Airports, then continue
the trip overland (see below). Daily flights from Bangkok to Krabi
and Bangkok to Phuket (and return) are conducted by Thai Airways
in both high and low seasons. Flight schedules can be found on
the Thai Airways web page or by Tel: (02) 232 8000 (Bangkok office).
Overland by Road
From Bangkok, travel via Highway 4 down through Prachuap
Khirikhan, Chumphon, Ranong to Phang-Nga province. Khaolak lies
30 kms past the town of Takua Pa on the main highway. Travel time
from Bangkok is about 12 hours. Daily bus services running from
Bangkok to Phang-Nga leave from the southern bus terminal in Thonburi,
and there are many private services available from almost any
travel agent and hotel tour desk in the city.
From
Phuket, take route 402, over the bridge to Phang-Nga province.
Turn onto Highway 4 and head towards Thai Muang and Thap Lamu
- Hat Khaolak lies just beyond at Ban La-on.Travel time is about
90 minutes. Bus services from Phuket to Phang-Nga town are also
available hourly from the Phuket bus terminal. The trip takes
about 2 hours. From Phang-Nga town catch a local bus to Takua
Pa and asked to be set down at Hat Khaolak, or Ban La-on.
From Krabi, take Route 4 up to Phang-Nga, through the
town and continue on Route 4 through Takua Thung, Thai Muang,
up to Khaolak. The trip can take up to 2 hours depending on weather
and road conditions. If going by bus from Krabi, take one heading
towards Phuket, and change at Kochloi to a bus heading for Takua
Pa and Ranong. Asked to be set down at Hat Khaolak, or Ban La-on.
If
you are based in Khaolak, the easiest way to get around is by
car or motorbike. Local taxi trucks are also an option. Trips
out to small islands off the main land are easily made by longtail
boat - arranged through agents at any of the hotels and guesthouses
in the area. For ventures futher afield, local bus services will
take you to any district you want to go. The most convenient method
of travel around however is by Songtaew or taxi truck, easily
hired from any town by the trip or for the entire day. Jeep and
motorbike rentals are also widely available.
