By Nom - 12 September 2024
Thai Mueang
Thai Mueang is a charming and picturesque town located on the west coast of Thailand.
Known for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and lush greenery, Thai Mueang is a perfect destination for those looking to relax and unwind. The town offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, with its stunning national parks, vibrant markets, and delicious local cuisine.
With its laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals, Thai Mueang is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered by travellers looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Thailand.
A Tranquil Hidden Gem Between Phuket & Khao Lak
Thai Mueang is a district located in the Phang Nga Province of Southern Thailand. This quaint beach town within lies approximately 70 – 80km North of Phuket and just South of Khao Lak. Like us, you may not have heard of Thai Mueang before which makes it an undiscovered gem with an off-the-beaten-track charm.
The area's history is deeply rooted in the tin mining industry, which boomed between the 50s and 80s. A once vibrant area is now a quiet backwater, spared of modern commercial development due to its National Park status.
If you're looking for night life such as bars and clubs, forget it. This sleepy town goes to bed early and gets up at the crack of dawn. Thai Mueang is a place to escape the noise of big cities and tourist hotspots.
Thai Mueang is so tranquil and relaxing you might just want to flop and enjoy the stunning views or read a book. If you would like to explore the area, read on to discover the best places to visit in and around Thai Mueang.
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Thai Mueang consists of a small vibrant town beside the award winning Hat Thai Mueang Beach, affectionately referred to as Turtle Beach.
Thai Mueang beach is approximately 13 km long, and debatably the longest beach in Thailand. The beach received 5-star certification from The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment due to the longevity and abundance of its ecosystem.
The beach sits adjacent to a seafront road lined with fir trees to keep the beach cool and well shaded. Much of this beautiful beach is golden sand, making it ideal for long walks.
Best Things To See In Thai Mueang:
As well as 13km of white sandy beach backed by a mangrove forest, The Khao Lampi Hat Thai Mueang National Park also includes the Remains Of The Tin Dredging, Khao Na Yak Beach, Thung Samet Khao, Laem Ao Kham Lighthouse, Ton Prai Waterfall and Lampi Waterfall. Read more in our Blog here.
The park covers 72km² and is divided into 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.
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. The park is home to various interesting mammals, over 170 species of birds and many reptiles and amphibians.
The main reason for the park's 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.
Read more about the Turtle Releasing Festival in our Blog here.
1. The Khao Lampi - Hat Thai Mueang National Park
Read more in our Blog here.
2. Thai Mueang Annual Turtle Releasing Festival - Prapanee Ploi Tao
Hat Thai Mueang Beach is an expansive, 13km long award winning beach with clear water and it's great place to take in a glorious sunset. Behind the beach rows of fir trees keep the beach cool and well shaded.
As well as being an idyllic relaxation spot, from November to February, during the 'dry' season, turtles venture onto the sands to nest and lay eggs. Nature lovers come to watch the turtles bury their eggs by moonlight.
From 1st - 10th March each year, the sleepy town of Thai Mueang comes alive with a unique celebration known as ‘Prapanee Ploi Tao’ where locals and visitors celebrate everything turtle related and release young turtle hatchlings into the Andaman Sea.
The action takes place along the beachfront road with a lively street parade, market and information booths and exhibits.
The colourful street parade starts the celebration on 1st March and is followed by the Turtle Releasing Ceremony as the sun sets.
Read more about the Turtle Releasing Festival in our Blog here.
Read more in our Blog here.
3. Thai Mueang Street Art
If you have a good eye for the arts and creativity, it’s impossible for you to miss the street art displayed around the town of Thai Mueang and often inside popular eateries.
Most of the art depicts marine life and turtles due to the town's turtle nesting fame and there's a distinct message of environmental awareness through the 'Trash Mission'.
Thai Mueang is a vibrant canvas of street art that captures the essence of the local culture and spirit. As you wander through the tiny town, you'll encounter stunning murals and intricate graffiti that tell stories of the region's history and natural beauty.
Vibrant colors and imaginative designs bring the walls to life, showcasing the talents of local artists who draw inspiration from their surroundings. From depictions of underwater landscapes to playful representations of aquatic life, each piece of art invites viewers to engage with the community's identity.
The street art not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of Thai Mueang but also serves as a bridge connecting visitors with the rich heritage of the area. Exploring these artistic expressions provides a unique perspective on the town, making it an essential part of any travel itinerary
Phang Nga Coastal Fisheries Development Centre - Thai Mueang
4. Phang Nga Coastal Fisheries Research & Development Centre
Aside from the beautiful beach, Thai Mueang is perhaps best known for its efforts in sea turtle conservation. The Phang Nga Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Centre run a turtle sanctuary at Thai Mueang Beach, which works to protect endangered sea turtles and raise awareness about marine conservation.
Established in 1985 as the Phang Nga Mollusk Culture Research Centre, the Centre's primary aim was to cultivate cockles, oyster seeds, and shrimp larvae. However, in 2002, it underwent an upgrade, transforming into the Phang Nga Coastal Fisheries Research Centre.
Visitors to the Centre can observe numerous large concrete saltwater holding tanks housing various turtle hatchlings and sick or injured turtles. These tanks serve as a sanctuary for juvenile turtles during their vulnerable early months, providing safety from predators and thereby increasing their chances of survival.
The turtles remain in the sanctuary until they reach a minimum age of eight months. At this stage, visitors have the opportunity to contribute to the Centre's research efforts by releasing a turtle into the sea in exchange for a donation.
Aside from turtle conservation, the Centre also dedicates several tanks to its Anemone fish breeding program. Among the species showcased is the beloved Anemone Clownfish, affectionately known as Nemo. The Centre houses various other tropical fish species, all of which are open for public viewing.
It's worth noting that not all Anemone fish bred at the Centre are intended for the aquarium trade. Once they have acclimated to living in host anemones and have been trained to feed on natural food sources, they are released back into the sea.
Opening times: Monday - Friday 08.30 - 16.30 Free entry
5. Leng San Keng Shrine
Leng San Keng Shrine is the oldest Shrine in this District and houses over ten gods, with the deified priest Cho Su Kong regarded as the head deity among them. The shrine is not only a place of worship but also a cultural hub where traditional Chinese festivals and rituals are observed. It stands as a symbol of the enduring legacy of the Hokkien settlers and their contributions to the region's cultural and spiritual landscape.
The architecture of Leng San Keng Shrine reflects traditional Chinese design, featuring intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and symbolic decorations that honor the deities and attract worshippers. During significant festivals like the Chinese New Year and the Vegetarian Festival, the shrine becomes a focal point for communal activities, drawing visitors from near and far to participate in the celebrations and pay homage to the gods.
The Leng San Keng Shrine is a highly revered and spiritual place.
The majority of Thai Mueang locals from older generations, were Hokkien people who migrated to Phang Nga during the 19th Century and sought their fortunes in mining and trading, which explains the strong Chinese influences in the community.
6. Wat Tha Sai - Wat Thet Tharamara
Wat Tha Sai, also known as Wat Thet Tharamara, is a unique small wooden temple located on the beachfront and surrounded by fir trees.
The Thai-style teak chapel building replicates the architectural details of the chapel at Wat Aranya Si, Tha Bo district, Nong Khai.
The chapel is encircled by a wall constructed from natural, untreated wooden branches and boundary stones carved from white jadeite and is widely regarded as one of the southern region’s most valuable and aesthetically pleasing temples.
The distinctive feature is the intricately carved sections around the doors which depict important scenes from Buddhist history and were the work of master artisans from Ayutthaya. The gable apex, however, was created by skilled Chiang Mai carpenters and inside lies an Indian-style Buddha image carved from white jadeite, in the attitude of giving the first sermon.
Wat Tha Sai is easily located with Google Maps and there is plenty of free parking. It is free to enter and donations towards maintenance are welcome.
When visiting a Buddhist Temple it is essential to dress modestly and respectfully. This means covering your shoulders, knees and midriff (no swimsuits, short skirts, strapless tops, tank tops, wide neck tops, crop tops, short pants or mini-skirts for women and sleeveless shirts for men).
Whilst there is a beautiful unspoilt beach at Wat Tha Sai, it is considered part of the temple and as such swimming, sunbathing, fishing, smoking, alcohol, overnight camping and any form of partying is strictly banned.
7. Ta Teang Swimming Basin
This endorheic lake used to be a tin mine, a reminder of the thriving tin mining and dredging industry which used to take place in this area.
This is a beautiful place to cool off, swim and have fun! We had so much fun here. Our boys swam to the island where there's rope swings and jumping in points.
You can scuba dive here too, the water is extremely clear.
We visited during the dry season, the water levels are much higher during the rainy season.
There's a restaurant serving cool drinks and a great selection of Thai food or bring your own picnic like we did.
There's toilets and showers just across the raod from the restaurant.
Another great place to visit to see turtles up close is the Royal Naval Sea Turtle Conservation Centre which is actually located inside the Thai Navy base at Taplamu. You can easily drive yourself here, like we did or book a well-organized tour with a knowledgeable guide. Most tours to the Sea Turtle Conservation Center are child-friendly and often include relaxing bamboo rafting, visiting and feeding elephants, and/or a visit to a nearby waterfall. You can book one of these small-group half-day tours and be assured of an unforgettable experience!
The Conservation Centre is run by Royal Thai Navy staff and volunteers and its aim is to protect turtles and help them to thrive by looking after sick and injured turtles and releasing healthy turtles back into the sea. Older and sick turtles are cared for permanently as they couldn’t survive on their own.
You will also find the wreck of the T 215 boat which has been preserved as a memorial to those that lost their lives in the 2004 Tsunami. It is not quite as well preserved as the famous Police Boat T813 in Bang Niang.
8. Thai Royal Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Centre
Children love being able to see many turtles of various ages and sizes and learning about their life cycles and how important it is to care for the environment.
The beach here is stunning and hosts sculptures of a whale and a turtle each full of plastic bottles that have been collected on the beach.
The Sea Turtle Conservation Center is worth a visit, but don’t expect a lot of activities to do here. You will likely spend 30-60 minutes here. It’s a great place to observe tiny and full-grown sea turtles. Children are always excited to see them!
You can either book a package tour or incorporate some of the nearby DIY activities below if you are looking for something else to do after your visit.
There are toilet facilities and a café on site.
Open every day 08.30 – 16.30. Entry fee THB60 per person.
If you drive yourself there you will be required to stop just inside the security gate and to sign in. One person from the group will be required to leave their passport, Thai ID Card or driving license which can be collected on exit.
If you prefer a guided tour, check out the options available here and combine with other experiences.
Closer to Khao Lak, you will find the Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park which is a much-visited nature reserve named after the mountains Khao Laken and Lam Ru. It is a small park covering an area of 125 km² and it is popular for its hiking trails, waterfalls and sandy beaches. 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 park is spilt into two areas, the coastal zone with the Nature Trail and Small Sandy Beach and the inland zone with the popular Ton Chong Fa Waterfall.
9. Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park
(Hat Lek Nature Trail - Hat Lek Beach (Small Sandy Beach) - Ton Chong Fa Waterfall)
The Phang Nga Province is a haven blessed with abundant natural beauty.
Away from the seemingly endless white sandy beaches of Thai Mueang and Khao Lak there are also lush tropical rainforests and rugged mountainous terrains. The mountainous regions give rise to several spectacular waterfalls, most of which are within National Parks.
Check out our Blog bringing you The Best waterfalls In Khao Lak here.
The Similan Islands, a group of 9 granite islands, located in the Andaman Sea off the western coast of Thailand, are renowned for their pristine beauty and vibrant marine life. These tropical gems are part of the Mu Ko Similan National Park.
The Islands are world-famous and best known as a divers and snorkellers paradise. It’s one of the best diving sites in the world offering crystal-clear waters and an underwater wonderland filled with colorful hard and soft coral reefs and diverse marine species including colourful fish, rays and sharks.
Above the waterline, the islands boast stunning white sandy beaches framed by lush vegetation, creating a picturesque backdrop for visitors.
Most excursions leave from Tablamu Pier by large speedboats and the crossing takes about 70 minutes. On a slow boat, it will take 3 hours.
Keep in mind, the Similan Islands National Park opens from mid-October until Mid-May. Outside this period, the park is closed.
The best way to get to the islands is by booking a trip locally or online, trips usually include a full-transfer service from your accommodation to the Similan Islands and back.
10. Similan Islands Trip
Khao Sok National Park including the magnificent Cheow Larn Lake is an incredibly beautiful and vast place to visit. The rainforest here is estimated to be over 160 million years old, one of the oldest on the planet.
Khao Sok is a must-see place if you are looking for a true tropical jungle experience including exotic wildlife, caves, waterfalls and hikes to amazing viewpoints. The raw natural beauty and serenity cannot be explained in words or video, it is somewhere that has to be experienced. There is a magical energy surging through the area that touches your soul which is why visitors rate this area so highly.
11. Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Larn Lake
The vast rainforest spans 739km2, including the impressive man-made 169km2 “Cheow Larn” lake. The towering limestone cliffs, the spectacular lake, the abundance of wildlife and the overall serenity is what makes this area precious.
Khao Sok is home to rare flora and fauna, such as hornbill birds, gibbons, and elephants. It is also home to Asian Black and Sun Bears but sightings are rare. You will be able to spot exotic wildlife during an early morning or evening safari.
While there are fantastic day trips to Khao Sok, you cannot really fully immerse yourself in the wonderous beauty of the area. You can explore and compare one day and multi-day trips and book online here.
There are several multi-day packages available as it is recommended to stay at least one night. You can choose to sleep on the lake in a floating bungalow or stay in an amazing rainforest treehouse or lodge. Whichever you choose, waking up with the sounds of exotic wildlife is really something special and being surrounded by nature will relax and calm your mind.
Spending a night on Cheow Lan Lake is a wonderful experience, kids will love waking up on the lake! They will also love exploring the lake with their complimentary kayak and enjoy jumping in and diving from the floating bungalow deck.
The easiest and most convenient way to experience Khao Sok is to book a recommended tour which includes transfers.
There are several different tour options available each with unique highlights.
You can also find specific night safaris or cooking classes.
Browse all Khao Sok National Park recommendations here.
Whichever experience you choose you will fall in love with Khao Sok and wish you could stay.
12. James Bond Island, Panyee Island and Kayaking Lod Cave – Phang Nga Bay
James Bond Island, also known as Koh Tapu, is located in stunning Phang Nga Bay. It became famous after it was featured in the 1974 James Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun."
There are many organised tours to this breathtaking location which include a stop at Koh Tapu and Khao Phing Kan with it's amazing vertical rocks. Most tours will also include a visit to Panyee Island, a floating Muslim village and kayaking through the Lot sea caves marvelling at the wonderous limestone formations.
Panyee Island is unlike anything you've seen before in Thailand, it is an old Muslim community of around 1,600 people descended from 2 seafaring families that came from Java in the 18th Century.
Within the same period that they migrated here, the law that limited land ownership solely to people of Thai national origin went into effect, and in order to evade that, the community started building houses on stilts and continued to expand into the bay.
Today there is an entire community of over 360 families, complete with a mosque, a school and a football field all built on stilts. You will be astonished strolling around the maze that is the crisscrossing streets of Panyee Island discovering restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops.
Lot Cave is a collection of small caves that barely surface above the water under a large limestone mountain. It is a popular place to go kayaking around and sliding under these caves, full of amazing stalactites.
Some of the caves are extremely low and you will need to lie flat on your kayak in order to pass through. For us, the most exciting part was passing through an extremely small opening in pitch darkness to emerge into a small, quiet cavern illuminated by sunlight through the ceiling.
A day trip to Phang Nga Bay including a stop at James Bond Island is a favourite day out from Khao Lak, reserve your tour now with book now pay later here.
Watching the sunrise at Samet Nangshe viewpoint in Phang Nga is a stunning experience. The viewpoint offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Phang Nga Bay, with limestone karsts rising from the water and mangrove forests, creating a picturesque scene.
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is a 78km drive south from Khao Lak. It is north of Phuket over the Sarasin Bridge. You can get there from Phang Nga by motorbike, rental car or taxi.
Sunrise is the best time for photographs although at any time of day the view is spectacular.
Read our complete guide everything about Samet Nangshe viewpoint
13. Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
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 also 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 Rally 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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