Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Minivans to Surat Thani (300B, one hour), Krabi (350B, two hours) and a handful of oth-
er destinations leave daily. Otherwise, from Surat catch a bus going towards Takua Pa
and, on the Andaman coast, take a Surat Thani-bound bus. Buses drop you off along the
highway (Rte 401), 1.8km from the visitors centre. If guesthouse touts don't meet you,
you'll have to walk to your chosen nest (from 50m to 2km).
To explore Chiaw Lan on your own, charter a long-tail (2000B per day) at the dam's
entrance.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Hat Pakarang & Hat Bang Sak
This long, sleepy, unbroken stretch of sand took a fierce hit from the 2004 Tsunami, but
each year since the tourists have been returning in greater numbers. And it's no wonder
folks love it: with thick mangroves, ample rolling pasture and rubber-tree plantations
forming a wide buffer between the coast and highway, you really do feel like you've es-
caped from it all when you land here.
Sleeping & Eating
There are just a few hotels along these pretty beaches, making them ideal romantic hide-
aways.
Sarojin
HOTEL
$$$
( 0 7642 7900-4;
www.sarojin.com
; Hat Pakarang; r US$450-700; )
A quiet retreat
with stellar service and an elegant and intimate setting. The very private spa (treatments
from 2300B), which takes in views of coconut groves and mangroves, is one of the best
on the Andaman coast. Cooking classes take place on the banks of the Takuapa River,
where you can watch water buffalo amble by. No kids allowed.
There are two restaurants here: a Thai seafood kitchen on the beach and a gorgeous
Mediterranean restaurant tucked into the trees. Both are exceptional.
Le Méridien
( 0 7642 7500;
www.lemeridienkhaolak.com
;
Hat Bang Sak; r from 5550B, villas from 14,705B; )
A four-star megaresort, its 243 rooms and 20 villas are the only nests on Hat Bang Sak. It
HOTEL
$$$