Located in the province of Takua Pa is the small island of Koh Kho Khao, which is definitely worth a visit for nature lovers. There are only a few hotels on deserted beaches, the center of the island is pasture.
On bountiful green meadows many buffaloes graze here. These can move freely on the island and cross the streets there. There are very nice beaches with some small bungalow resorts. For a day trip from Khao Lak from the island is recommended.

From May to the end of September is on the island low season. Then it gets really quiet here and most hotels close or have only limited operation.

The island can be reached by ferry boats or longtails from the fishing port in Baan Nam Kaem. The crossing by boat or ferry takes only a few minutes, as only a 500 m wide estuary must be crossed.

Most of the accommodations are a bit off the pier (5-10 km away). Taxis are available at the pier, which drive to the respective beach sections. Most hotels and bungalows are located on the west coast and are located directly on the beach. Some facilities also have a pool. The Kho Khao River Sand is a particularly natural bungalow resort, built entirely of wood and palm fronds. The decor is minimalist yet luxurious. From simple, small bungalows to fully-equipped rooms, there are various types of accommodation for different budgets.

Most hotels have their own restaurants and bars, some also have small shops. The villages are a bit apart. The larger resorts offer day trips to various dive sites (including Surin, Similan and Tachai Island). In the very north and in the very south of the island there are boat wrecks in the sea for diving trips.

Koh Kho Kao and Khao Lak are most easily reached from Phuket by bus, minivan or taxi. Phuket has an international airport and is connected to the mainland: via the Sarasin Bridge you can reach u.a. towards Khao Lak. Every hour Thai Airways flights, foreign scheduled flights from different companies and various local or Asian airlines land at the airport in Phuket.

Airport transfer from Phuket to Kao Lak and Baan Nam Kaem:
The airport transfer is regulated in Phuket. For about 1.200 baht / car (about 30 €) you can get from the airport Phuket in about 1.5 hours (depending on traffic) to Khao Lak. For a small extra charge (about 300-400 THB) you get directly to Baan Nam Kaem. There are no price negotiations with the taxi drivers, because the taxi tickets are still issued in the airport building, just before the exit, and the fixed price is charged depending on the destination. There you will receive a receipt and can then board the booked taxi or minibus / van. From Baan Nam Kaem it is either with the car ferry (price per car incl. 4 people 400 THB, price for pedestrians per person 40 THB, price per motorbike 40 THB) or by long tail boat (price for pedestrians per person 20 THB, price per motorcycle 20 THB) to Koh Kho Khao. The crossing by boat or ferry takes only a few minutes, as only a 500 m wide estuary must be crossed.

You can also rent a car at the airport. Here are several lenders to choose from. In addition to the common lenders AVIS and Europcar, Thailand's largest lender is Thai Rent a Car. Depending on the season, the prices vary greatly and often smaller vehicles are fully booked in the main season. The best way to book the car already in Germany. Again, the journey time is about 1.5 hours depending on traffic. By car, drive in the direction of Khao Lak until just after the Tsunami Memorial in Baan Nam Kaem in a northwesterly direction. Here you can get along the coast to the pier. Or directly from Khao Lak to reach over the highway "Thanon Phetkasem" and at the Policestation turn left towards Baan Nam Kaem.

From Phuket Town:
There are hourly buses from the bus terminal in Phuket Town towards Khao Lak and Takua Pa. The journey time in the public buses is about 3 hours, depending on traffic. The price of the ticket per person is about 70-140 baht. The bus stops in the village of Baan Bang Muang. From here it goes by taxi to the pier.

• Bus No. 435 - direction Ranong
• Bus No. 436 - direction Takua Pa

Arrival from hotel in Phuket:
Here it is advisable to book a ticket in one of the small travel agencies that are found everywhere in the tourist centers. The travel price includes a pick-up service directly from the hotel. The mini bus continues to the pier in Baan Nam Kaem.

Arrival from Bangkok:

• The arrival from Bangkok by plane is possible to Phuket. The companies Bangkok Airways and other local airlines (PB Air, Thai AirAsia, NokAir, Thai Airways and others) serve this route. From Phuket Airport you can take a taxi or mini bus to Khao Lak. At the airport in Phuket, the transfer prices are regulated, ie, if you book a trip, then at a fixed price advertised!
• From Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal, there are daily buses to Khao Lak and Phuket. The fare is between 500 and 900 baht. Depending on traffic, the journey takes between 11 and 13 hours. Due to the air conditioning it gets pretty cold in the buses. It is best to take a warm sweater or jacket with you for the ride. There are 3 different buses at the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok:

1. Standard buses (orange) with approx. 75-80 seats (280 THB = approx. 7.- EUR) (the bus stops in different locations)
2. Aircon buses (blue) with approx. 40 seats (600 TBH = approx. 15.- EUR)
3. VIP buses (inscription "VIP Bus 999") with approx. 24 seats (895 THB = approx. 25.- EUR)

• Khao Lak is not connected to Thailand's rail network. But you can take the train to Surat Thani and from there about 200 km with the AC "Phuket Bus" No. 465 continue towards Khao Lak and Takua Pa. The trip costs between 80 THB / 130 THB and takes about 4 hours depending on the traffic. In the village of Baan Bang Muang you have to switch to a taxi and is brought to the pier in Baan Nam Kaem.

Arrival from Koh Samui / Koh Phangan / Koh Tao:
Here it is advisable to book a ticket in one of the small travel agencies that are found everywhere in the tourist centers. The travel price includes a pick-up service directly from the hotel. The mini bus continues to the pier and from there by boat / ferry to Surat Thani. From Surat Thani we continue by bus to the "Bus Station" in Baan Bang Muang. From here you have to take a taxi to Baan Nam Kaem.

Arrival from mainland Tailand (for example Krabi, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin):
Again, you can book the pick-up service directly from the hotel again. With the mini bus it goes on to the respective bus station and from there with a larger bus up to the "bus station" in Baan Bang Muang. From here you have to take a taxi to Baan Nam Kaem.

Also, the Phuket - Khao Lak - Takua Pa and Krabi - Khao Lak - Takua Pa routes are also served by public buses. Here the fare is much cheaper, but is stopped at many stops. To get to Koh Kho Khao you have to get off at Baan Bang Muang. From here, take a taxi to the pier in Baan Nam Kaem.

Along the west coast of the island extend the 4 most famous beaches of the island:
Pak Koh Beach - located in the south of the island and only 3 km from the pier. Here you will find most accommodations, various restaurants and massage parlors. Upstream are Pha Island and Kong E-Tan, both dive sites where boat trips can be arranged.

Thung Tuk Beach - a bit further north, the beach borders the Chan Kaow Canal. A promontory points towards Pha Island. Snorkelling and diving trips can be made to this island. Some of the accommodations specialize in long-term travelers.

Bang Neang Beach - on the other side adjoins the Chan Kaow Canal. 28 miles away is the island of Koh Tachai. Snorkelling and diving trips can be made to this island.

Nok Nah Beach - located in the north of the island. In the sea there is a boat wreck for diving trips can be made. The Surin Islands are about 73 km away. Also here you can make excursions for snorkeling and diving.

The historic seafaring settlement Thung Tuk with excavation sites. The place used to be an important trade center and belonged to the Thai Silk Road. Partly you can see outlines of old buildings. On information boards you can learn more about the story.

In the north of the island is a nature-overgrown, old Japanese airfield, a remnant of the Second World War.

The only larger village is located near the pier and along Pak Koh beach.

Along the island there are several canals where kayak trips can be made. In the north of the island at Wang Klong Resort, kayak tours can be made through the mangrove area.

The larger resorts offer day trips to various dive sites (including Surin, Similan and Tachai Island). In the very north and in the very south of the island there are boat wrecks in the sea for diving trips.

ATM - near the pier (on the main street) is an ATM ATM.

Gas station - this is also located on the main road near the pier