The weather started to clear up and whatever holed me up in a bed during the first edition of Khao Lak Diaries was somewhat easing (even I was a little weak). That meant my body finally had some of the capabilities to get active again and embrace the surrounds of Khao Lak and see how beautiful it is in another part of Thailand.
Although taking in the surrounds of Khao Lak, with its vibrant town centre and beautiful beaches wasn’t the only thing that will captivate my memory bank from the time I leave the tourist area. Heading out to Phang Nga Bay and its gorgeous islands, along with its stunning mangroves was an experience to cherish.
Getting active in Thailand was the theme of the second and last edition of my adventures in Khao Lak, and that meant getting out and about more often, swimming a lot more in the Mai Khao Lak resort swimming pools and exploring the region with the limited time left in Thailand.
Heading to Khao Lak? Check out TripAdvisor for great hotel deals.
Great family memories at Bond, James Bond.
Highlights of Khao Lak Diaries – 2nd Edition – Getting Active in Thailand
A Longboat into Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay is as beautiful as it gets. Even on an overcast day, it didn’t take away the phenomenon as we set sail on the old longboat with the wind flowing through, bringing much relief to everyone from the humid conditions. The scenery was simply breathtaking as we bypassed each island scattered in the bay with its hidden beaches, it had me thinking if only I had my own boat to do as I please.
It was an active day out and about in Phang Nga Bay and it started with a canoe in the mangroves and through the Limestone Caves, with guides doing most of the work with the paddles, although I chimed in a little. James Bond Island (featured below) and the floating markets of Panyee Island, which is owned by the Thai Muslims were the other highlights during the busy day in the bay.
Do you want your own Phang Nga
Adventure in Thailand, book an island
tour to James Bond Island!
Canoeing the Mangroves in Phang Nga Bay.
Entering the caves.
James Bond Island
A part of the scene to the 1974 James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun” and don’t Thailand like to utilise it for their day tours. With Good reason too, a spectacular setting with its lonesome rock and hidden beach and its overpriced markets that is run by the locals.
Time on the James Bond Island was unfortunately limited for our crew, but there was enough time to take selfies with the famous Island in the background, take a dip in the bay amongst the crowded with people keen to take a picture and to quickly rest up in the shade and admire everything around us. It was simply stunning.
James Bond Island.
The Khao Lak Night Markets
Another Southeast Asian country and another night market, but you can’t visit any part of Thailand without taking in the experience of the local towns major market’s where a bargain is sure to be found as you sharpen the bartering skills.
The Bang Niang Markets is the attraction of the Khao Lak town centre, with plenty of stalls of clothes, souvenirs, fruit and veg, bars and restaurants that will occupy your time for hours. Don’t forget to grab a cheap fresh fruit smoothie, they are great, refreshing and appreciated in the Thai heat.
Khao Lak Night markets, Bang Niang.
Dinner time!!!
The Sky Bar – Khao Lak’s only Rooftop Bar
The setting of Khao Lak’s only rooftop bar happens at the gorgeous Mai Khao Lak Beach resort. The Sky Bar, on the one and only visit, was very quiet and there are a few reasons surrounding this reason, it’s a fair stretch out of town and the drinks are overpriced as you would expect at a resort bar.
However, if you wander into the neat bar and restaurant around 5;30 pm, you will witness the best sunset in Khao Lak and it won’t hurt you to grab a cocktail or two, witnessing the stunning views of the resort and out towards the Andaman Sea.
Heading to Khao Lak? Check out TripAdvisor for great hotel deals.
Khao Lak’s only rooftop bar, The Sky Bar.
Great views from the Sky Bar.
Check out the previous edition of travel diaries, Khao Lak Diaries – First Edition – Wild Thailand.
Pin it!!!
Hi Anthony,
Brilliant.
We always drive by Khao Lak when we did the old skool Phuket to Burma visa reasons. It looks awesome from a distance, and from your post I see it looks awesome up close and personal too.
Ahhh bugs. No Thai market would be whole and complete without some large crickets and the like.
Makes sense too.
After being in Thailand on and off for 2 years the place creeps with large insects. Seize, and use for protein. From what I hear, not a half bad taste either. Although I will go off of other’s advice, thank you 🙂
Thanks for the fun share Anthony. You guys look like you had a blast.
Ryan
Thanks Ryan
Had a great time, except for the fact I had to waste a whole day in bed, as something got me and it wasn’t pleasant.
Cheers for the comment.