Khao Lak: Khao Lampi - Hat Thai Mueang National Park
A stunning natural sanctuary offering a captivating blend of lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and rich biodiversity, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Explore Lampi Waterfall, Ton Prai Waterfall, Khao Na Yak Beach, Remains Of The Tin Dredging, Thung Samet Khao & Laem Ao Kham Lighthouse. From the gentle hum of tropical wildlife to the serene beauty of its coastline, Khao Lampi - Hat Thai Mueang National park invites you to explore its tranquil trails, vibrant ecosystems, and stunning views.
THAILAND: KHAO LAK
The Khao Lampi - Hat Thai Mueang National Park encompassing 13km of white sandy beach backed by a mangrove forest, Remains Of The Tin Dredging, Khao Na Yak Beach, Thung Samet, Laem Ao Kham Lighthouse, Ton Prai Waterfall and Lampi Waterfall is a much-visited nature reserve in Southern Thailand.
The park is named for its two separate sections divided by Highway No 4: Khao Lampi, the inland park section containing the Lampi Mountain Range and Hat Thai Mueang, the beach section of the park.
The park covers an area of 72km² and its highest peak is Yot Khao Kanim Mountain, in the northern part of the eastern section at 622m. It is a popular destination for its natural beauty, hiking trails and waterfalls in the rainforest section and endless white sand beach along the Andaman Sea in the coastal section. It is also home for many species of flora and fauna. The park is home to various interesting mammals, over 170 species of birds and many reptiles and amphibians.
The main reason for the parks protected status is that it is a sea turtle nesting area. Between November and February sea turtles come to this stretch of beach to lay eggs. In March, a local festival (Prapanee Ploi Tao) marks when many of the newly hatched baby turtles make their way to the sea.
The main Park Headquarters and Visitors Centre is located North of Thai Mueang town, easily located using Google Maps.
Khao Lampi Hat Thai Mueang National Park
You will find the main Park Headquarters on the beach road North of Thai Mueang, approximately 6km from the Talat Thai Mueang Intersection.
Here you will need to stop and pay the entrance fee: Foreigners THB100 Children THB50. Keep your ticket safe as it also includes Lampi Waterfall and Ton Prai Waterfall (on the same day).
The Rangers are very helpful and will answer any questions you may have about your visit and there are maps on display to familiarise yourself with the area.
There are toilet facilities here and a small shop selling cold drinks and snacks.
A little further along you will find the six bungalows available for overnight stays, each accommodating 5 – 10 persons at 800 – THB 1,500 and tents for rent for 3 – 5 persons at THB 450. A camping fee of THB 20 Baht per person is charged for visitors bringing their own tents. There are toilets and shower facilities for campers.
Khao Lampi - Hat Thai Mueang National Park Headquarters
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The coastal section of the park covers an area of approximately 15km² - 20% of the National Park area. The beach extends in the northwest direction from the Thai Mueang District parallel to the mainland.
Leaving the Headquarters area we drove along a very straight road lined with pine trees. The beach was on our left and we caught glimpses of the white sandy beach and sea through the trees. This would be a fantastic place for a bicycle ride.
After 5km we arrived at Pang Ranger Station and this is as far as you are able to drive.
There is a car park with toilet facilities here and this is where the Rangers recommended swimming.
We spent some time on the beach here watching the fishermen and enjoying the endless views out to sea. The white sandy beach stretches as far as you can see in both directions.
The National Park is well maintained and the Rangers do their best to keep it litter free however, some trash does wash up especially during the South West Monsoon season.
There are nature trails with informative signs describing the park’s indigenous flora. Perfect for bird watching, these two trails pass through 3 different ecosystems: beach forest, swamp forest, and mangrove forest. Both trails start and end on the road by the Ranger Station, and follow a half-circle loop. The first is 1km and the second is 500m.
The beach here is unspoiled by mass tourism and has been awarded a five-star certification from The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment due to the longevity and abundance of its ecosystem.
Hat Thai Mueang Beach
Just behind the beach we found the Remains of The Tin Dredging and spent some time here taking photographs and reading the information boards. It is very quiet here and a great place to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
The remains of Thailand's first concrete dredger sits in the lake, it becomes more visible during the dry season.
Remains Of The Tin Dredging
This is a great place to learn more about the fascinating tin mining history of Thai Mueang.
Tin mining began in the Ayutthaya period in Phuket and later spread to other regions such as Thai Mueang where a large amount of tin was found in the mangrove forest and rainforest at the back of Thai Mueang. The community which still exists today was formed from the labour used to dig the mines.
When tin mining ceased, the equipment such as mobile ladder with the basket, rolling sieve for gravel filter, and other mobile equipment was removed.
The concrete dredger in the lake and the remains of huge gear were left behind and now form a historical attraction: Spur Gear, Top and Bottom Tumblers and Wire Rope Drum.
“Thai Muang” means the last stop of the tin mine, a nod to its history as a mining town. In 1957, mining was flourishing in the southern part of Thailand. Thai Muang was abundant in tin and the town grew fast as the black ore raked was extremely valuable. But the glory days only lasted for about 30 years when the precious metal gradually became worthless and eventually, the bustling town fell into a slumber.
If you are interested in the history of Tin Mining in the region, check out Phuket's Tin Mining Museum.
Thung Samet Khao is a sandy grassland interspersed with Melaleuca cajuput and Melaleuca Quinquenervia (Broad Leaved Paper Bark Tree) trees. It is an amazingly wild place.
Thung Samet Khao
The area covers 1.6km located right in the middle of the Hat Thai Mueang Park peninsular.
To reach Khao Na Yak Beach you will need to walk along the track through Thung Samet Khao.
This beach is a hidden gem nestled along Phang Nga's picturesque coastline, offering a serene escape from the bustling tourist spots. With its soft, golden sands and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect destination for relaxation and tranquility. The highlight of this location is the rocky cliffs which form strange shapes. “Khao Na Yak” translates to “Giant’s Face Mountain” as the rocks resemble a giant's face.
The gentle waves and tranquil ambiance make it ideal for a peaceful day by the sea and it's a picturesque location for sunbathing or a leisurely swim. Whether you’re seeking solitude or a charming spot to unwind, Khao Ya Nak Beach provides a tranquil paradise for every traveller.
Khao Na Yak Beach is a further 6km North from Pang Ranger Station and there are different ways to get there.
If you hike there through Thung Samet Khao, like we did, ensure you prepare properly and take enough water for your entire hike. It was so refreshing to take a swim and relax on the white sandy beach before hiking back. We recommend starting early morning and try to avoid walking back around midday as there is little shade in Thung Samet Khao.
Khao Na Yak Beach
Khao Na Yak is closer than the Similan Islands making a perfect day trip from Khao Lak with small children.
You can choose between a speed boat or a traditional longtail boat. Whichever you choose you'll be swimming in crystal clear waters next to the quiet beach in just 30 minutes.
As you travel, you can marvel at the stunning Khao Lak coastline and get an incredible view of the mangrove forest ecosystem.
Check out these highly rated tours to Khao Na Yak available to reserve now and pay later here
Khao Na Yak is also a stunning location to snorkel and get up close to the amazing marine life and colorful coral reefs of the Andaman Sea. There are two distinct snorkelling havens, where vibrant coral reefs rival those of the neighboring Similan Islands and are also less busy.
If your main reason for visiting Khao Na Yak is to snorkel, you may wish to consider taking a guided tour by boat rather than hiking.
This is a unique ecotourism village providing visitors with a chance to glimpse the daily life of Phang-Nga locals. The original members of this community were Muslim settlers who migrated here sometime before the Second World War. The village sits on a cape that juts out into the sea, flanked by mangrove forests, and is currently populated by around 500 people.
This community provide another option for visiting Khao Na Yak. A guide will take you by longtail boat across the brackish water estuary to the West side of the peninsular and then lead you on a 15 minute walk across the peninsular to Khao Na Yak Beach. This option is fantastic for supporting the local community and having an authentic experience. The fee is THB 500 per person plus the National Park fee.
Ban Tha Din Daeng Community
The community also offer kayaking trips around the mangrove forests as well as tie dying, fishing and farming demonstrations
The Ban Tha Din Daeng villagers have preserved an ancient mine railway to commemorate the former tin mining operations in this area. Visitors can learn about the prosperity of Phang Nga Province in the past by exploring the mine railway and reading the information boards
Leam Ao Kham Lighthouse is a small lighthouse right at the most Northern part of Hat Thai Mueang National Park marking the entrance to the estuary at Laem Kaen. The beach here is a favourite stop on some guided tours. There are cheeky monkeys who will try to snatch food and there is some good snorkelling along the shoreline.
You can hire a private long tail boat or kayak from Thap Lamu Pier to explore the tip of Khao Na Yak Laem.
Leam Ao Kham Lighthouse
Lampi Water fall is located within the inland section of the Khao Lampi - Hat Thai Mueang National Park, 24km from the Park Headquarters.
Lampi Waterfall is approximately a 30-minute drive south of Khao Lak and it is totally worth it. You can easily locate it with Google Maps and some guided tours include a stop here.
There is a charge of THB100 to enter. The good news is, your park ticket also includes entrance to Ton Prai Waterfall and the beautiful coastal section of the National Park beside Thai Mueang, but only on the same day.
It is an impressive large waterfall with three stunning levels. If you only have time to visit one waterfall in Khao Lak, make it this one!
The best time to visit Lampi Waterfall is during the South-West Monsoon season July - October as the rainfall will provide the most impressive flow.
Lampi was our favourite and most satisfying waterfall in the nearby region. This gorgeous three-level waterfall is ideal to swim at with a large pool at the bottom and the top two levels have deep pools. We spent two hours here playing in all three levels and admiring the stunning scenery.
By taking a right turn beside the visitor centre, you can view all three levels and enter the lower pool. You will spot lots of fish in the bottom pool.
This waterfall is ideal for swimming and safe to do so but be aware that the top two pools are deep and the current can be quite strong. The water is pretty deep the closer you get – you won’t be able to stand. It’s great fun to try and swim into the waterfall!
The hanging bridge which crosses to the opposite side of the river affords great views of the waterfall and the trail leads up to the two higher levels. The trail is made up mostly of compacted dirt, rocks and roots. There are some rustic stairs to climb with rails to help.
Tip: There isn’t a restaurant here yet but you can buy some snacks, drinks and ice creams in the car park and at the entrance to the Park.
There are toilet and shower facilities here as well as a camp site for a night of adventure right on the riverbank.
Check out our Blog bringing you The Best Waterfalls In Khao Lak here.
Ton Prai Waterfall
This is the waterfall for you to experience jungle tranquility and beautiful nature. The waterfall is a 600m walk along a nature trail through the jungle. The trail varies from jungle track with roots and boulders, to gravel paths and concrete steps. There are a few up and down sections to navigate. The path follows a stream where we saw lots of fish and also many butterflies. Most of the trees have name plates and the Buttress Root trees are amazing.
Ton Prai Waterfall is also located within the Khao Lampi – Hat Thai Mueang National Park and there is a charge of THB100 to enter. The good news is, your ticket also includes entrance to Lampi Waterfall and the beautiful coastal section of the National Park beside Thai Mueang, but only on the same day.
There is a wading pool after 500m and the waterfall is a little further on.
The waterfall is an impressive 45m drop and it was great to cool off after the jungle walk. The pool at the bottom is just deep enough for a quick dip.
There are toilet and shower facilities at the car park along with a shop selling snacks, drinks and ice creams.
The best time to visit Ton Prai Waterfall is during the South-West Monsoon season July - October as the rainfall will provide the most impressive flow.
Ton Prai Waterfall is approximately a 35-minute drive south of Khao Lak and it is totally worth it. You can easily locate it using Google Maps or you could choose a guided tour and combine this waterfall with other activities and places to visit in Khao Lak.
Khao Lampi Hat Thai Mueang National Park is open 08.00 to 16.30 every day.
The Headquarters / Visitors Centre area has a camping area, several park accommodations with shower/toilet facilities just across the road from the beach with a stunning sea view.
The entrance fee to the park is THB 100 for adults and 100 THB 50 for children. Your ticket permits you to also visit the must-see Lampi Waterfall and Ton Prai Waterfall on the same day.
Remains of Thailand's First Concrete Dredger
Where To Stay In Thai Mueang
Thai Mueang is a small, quiet Thai town along an undeveloped strip of tropical coastline.
It is a tranquil escape away from the hustle and bustle of Phuket or Khao Lak. There's no fancy bars here, it is a place to relax and enjoy nature.
The Khao Lampi Hat Thai Mueang National Park has bungalows available for overnight stays and a beach side campsite.
We stayed at the Thai Mueang Resort which was conveniently located just a five minute walk away from the centre of the Turtle Festival. The Thai Mueang Resort offers basic affordable accommodation and has everything you need for an overnight stay.
Another option close to the beach is Garden Bungalow House which is family run and has a choice of different styles of rooms.
Approximately 3km away from the beach in the town, Thai Mueang Boutique Hotel and Maki Nap are also great options.
Where To Eat In Thai Mueang
Thai Mueang is a small and undeveloped town, there's no fancy restaurants here and most of the restaurants and Thai Kitchens are aimed at the local community rather than tourists. Also remember that most places will close quite early as it is a quiet town.
Michelin Guide P'Sao Restaurant on the beach road has been serving delicious meals for over 40 years. It is a family restaurant where the recipes have been handed down from the founder to her younger sister. Diners can enjoy the view with a cooling sea breeze. Southern-style dishes are served with colourful street art adorning the walls.
George Pizza has a great seafront location to watch the sunset and enjoy a freshly baked pizza from a real oven. The staff are very friendly and speak English and the varied menu is in English.
If you are craving a cheese toastie there's a 7-11 in the main town area.
The best place for breakfast options is a small coffee shop on the beach road which serves coffee and fresh cakes and pastries. There's cozy seating areas indoors and outdoors and the top level has a great view of the beach with incredilble sunsets. This is a quiet place to work from.
Where To Stay In Khao Lak
With a series of small villages stretched over 20 km of beautiful coastline it can seem daunting to choose where to stay.
Broadly speaking the three main areas of Khao Lak are Bang La On, Bang Niang, and Khuk Khak.
Bang La On is the most developed area with many resorts and tourist facilities.
Bang Niang is a bit more laid-back and North of Bang La On.
Khuk Khak is the most rural of the three villages, North of Ban Bang Niang.
On Khao Lak South Beach you will find the Lam Kaen area which is the original Khao Lak village, south of the Khao Lak mountain.
For a quiet getaway choose Ban Bang Niang, Khuk Khak or Lam Kaen.
Further North there are 3 more areas considered to be within the Khao Lak region.
Right after Khuk Khak you will enter Pakarang, mainly a fishing village with some resorts and the popular Pakarang Cape and Pakarang Beach.
The villages of Pak Weep and Bang Sak are just beyond Pakarang and have the most secluded beaches. THey are are much smaller than Ban La On, Bang Niang or Khuk Khak, but they offer a more authentic Thai experience. Stay in Pak Weep or Bang Sak if you like it quiet and don’t mind spending most of your time at a luxurious resort.
We stayed at The Khao Lak Merlin Resort which was absolutely amazing. The Khao Lak Merlin Resort is an award wining natural eco resort where the rainforest meets the sea.
The resort is set in an enchanting rainforest and no trees were removed during building.
There is an abundance of wildlife here including birds, water monitors and slow loris. Guided nature walks place place within the hotel grounds early morning and at night for a chance to glimpse stunning birds and the nocturnal Slow Loris.
Our kids loved the Khao Lak Merlin Resort as it is set right on the beach so there's the option of pool or beach. There's a small games room for kids with a pool table, dart board and board games.
The Stamp Ralley was fun family activity and we learned more about the plants and wildlife in the gardens.
Find out more about this leading eco-resort and check availability here.
We were extremely lucky to see four Slow Loris on a night walk and we had a tree frog visit our room!
There's lots of space here and no stampede for sunbeds.
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