Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Laem Son National Park
cludes about 100km of Andaman Sea coastline - the longest protected shore in the coun-
try - and over 20 islands. Much of the coast here is edged with mangroves and laced with
tidal channels, home to various species of birds, fish, deer and monkeys. Sea turtles nest
on Hat Praphat.
The most accessible beach is the gorgeous 3km white sweep of
Hat Bang Ben
, where the
park headquarters are located. Look south and peninsulas jut out into the ocean like so
many fingers hiding isolated coves accessible only by long-tail boat. All of the beaches
are said to be safe for swimming year-round. From here you can also see several islands,
including the nearby Ko Kam Yai, Ko Kam Noi, Mu Ko Yipun, Ko Khang Khao and, to
the north, Ko Phayam. If there is a prettier sunset picnic spot on the north Andaman
coast, we missed it.
Sleeping & Eating
Most accommodation options are at Hat Bang Ben. At research time, the national park
bungalows were closed and camping was no longer available on the beach.
Wasana Resort
( 0 7786 1434; bungalows 400-600B; )
A family-run ring of cosy bungalows wrap around
the colourful on-site restaurant. The owners, a Dutch-Thai couple, have plenty of great
ideas for exploring Laem Son (ask about the stunning 10km trek around the headland)
and can take you on a day trip to Ko Kum (per person 550B), and on a boat trip through
the mangroves (per person 200B).
GUESTHOUSE
$
Getting There & Away
The turn-off for Laem Son National Park is about 58km from Ranong down Hwy 4
(Petchkasem Hwy), between the Km 657 and Km 658 markers. Buses heading south
from Ranong can drop you off here (ask for Hat Bang Ben). Once you're off the high-
way, however, you'll have to flag down a pickup truck going towards the park. If you
can't get a ride all the way, it's a 10km walk from Hwy 4 to the park entrance. The road
is paved, so if you're driving it's a breeze.
