“Walk along a scenic coastal nature trail leading to “Small Beach”, a quiet hidden bay, and enjoy spectacular sunset views from the seaside viewpoint at Khao Lak.”
Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park is a protected natural area known for its unique combination of mountains, rainforest, and the Andaman Sea. Covering more than 78,000 rai across several districts of Phang Nga Province, the park features rugged mountain ranges that serve as the source of important streams and rivers supporting local communities in Takua Pa and Thai Mueang districts.
The park is home to one of the most well-preserved tropical rainforests in southern Thailand. Due to its high humidity throughout the year, the forest supports an extraordinary diversity of plant life. Towering trees such as Yang Na and Takian grow alongside a variety of ferns, mosses, and epiphytes that thrive along streams and rocky cliffs.
In terms of wildlife, the park is also a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. It is home to more than 100 species of birds, including hornbills, woodpeckers, and the green-tailed sunbird. Mammals such as Malayan tapirs, barking deer, and dusky leaf monkeys can also be found within the forest, reflecting the richness and health of the ecosystem.
One of the park’s most popular attractions is the coastal nature trail, which stretches approximately 1.5 kilometers from the park headquarters on Khao Lak Hill. The trail follows rocky cliffs overlooking the Andaman Sea and passes through coastal forest areas before ending at Small Beach, a hidden and peaceful bay surrounded by hills. This secluded beach features soft white sand and clear water where visitors can relax, swim, or enjoy a quiet picnic while listening to the sound of the waves.
Apart from the coastline, the park also contains several beautiful waterfalls. Lam Ru Waterfall is a multi-tiered waterfall cascading down rocky cliffs beneath the shade of dense forest. Another notable waterfall is Ton Chong Fa, which has a wide natural pool suitable for swimming. These freshwater streams flow year-round, providing a refreshing alternative to the nearby sea.
The park headquarters viewpoint, located on a hillside along Phetkasem Road, is one of the best places in Khao Lak to watch the sunset. From this vantage point, visitors can see the sweeping curve of Phang Nga’s coastline and the vast Andaman Sea, especially beautiful when the evening sun reflects golden light across the water.
A visit to Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park offers more than just sightseeing—it is an opportunity to experience the harmony of mountains, forest, and sea within one remarkable natural landscape.
How to Get There
- By Car: The park is located along Phetkasem Road (Highway No. 4) around kilometer markers 56–57, between Thai Mueang and Takua Pa districts. The entrance to the park headquarters sits on Khao Lak Hill and is clearly marked.
- By Public Transport: Visitors can take buses running on the Phuket–Ranong or Phuket–Surat Thani routes and get off near the park headquarters.
Travel Tips
- The best time to visit is November to April, when the weather is pleasant, the sea is calm, and hiking trails are easier to explore.
- Recommended activities include walking the coastal nature trail to Small Beach, photographing the sunset from the viewpoint, and relaxing at the park area while enjoying sea breezes.
- If planning to hike the nature trail, visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring drinking water.
- Nearby attractions include Nang Thong Beach (Black Sand Beach), Khao Lak Lighthouse, and the Tsunami Memorial – Police Boat T.813.
Entrance Fee:
National park entrance fee.
- Thai visitors: Adult: 20 THB / Child: 10 THB
- Foreign visitors: Adult: 100 THB / Child: 50 THB
Opening Hours:
- Open daily 08:30 – 16:30.