Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The scenic Hin Lat Falls is the smallest cascade, but it's also the easiest to reach. There
are pools for swimming and several huts providing shade. It's south of Nai Phlao.
Dat Fa Mountain
For a postcard-worthy vista of the undulating coastline, head to Dat Fa Mountain, about
5km west of the coast along Hwy 4014. The hillside is usually deserted, making it easy to
stop along the way to snap some photos.
MOUNTAIN
WORTH A TRIP
WÁT SUAN MOKKHAPHALARAM
Surrounded by lush forest, Wát Suan Mokkhaphalaram ( www.suanmokkh.org ; Wat Suanmokkh), whose name
means 'Garden of Liberation', charges 2000B for a 10-day program that includes food, lodging and instruction
(although technically the 'teaching' is free). English retreats, run by the International Dhamma Hermitage, begin
on the first day of every month and registration takes place the afternoon before. Founded by Ajan Buddhadasa
Bhikkhu, arguably Thailand's most famous monk, the temple's philosophical teachings are ecumenical in nature,
comprising Zen, Taoist and Christian elements, as well as the traditional Theravada schemata.
For details on reaching the temple, located 7km outside of Chaiya, check out www.suanmokkh-idh.org/idh-
travel.html .
Tours
Pink Dolphin Viewing Tours
(day tours 1700B) The most special inhabitants of Khanom are the pink dolphins - a rare al-
bino breed with a stunning pink hue. They are regularly seen from the old ferry pier and
the electric plant pier around dawn and dusk but resorts are now offering full-day tours
that include viewing the dolphins by boat and a car tour to the area's caves and water-
falls.
If you just want to see the dolphins you can hire a boat for a few hours (for up to six
people) for 1000B. Enquire at your hotel.
WILDLIFE
Sleeping & Eating
In the last few years, there has been talk of further developing Khanom's beaches into a
more laid-back alternative to the islands nearby. A recent surge in gulf oil rigging means
developers are eyeing Khanom as a potential holiday destination for nearby workers, but
for now it's still a very low-key retreat.
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