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Getting to khao lak isn't the last bit difficult. This tranquil beach nestled
on the beautiful waters of the Andaman can be reached by air, by bus, by car or
by train. A flight into Phuket International Airport, followed by a road trip
of a further 80kms to Takuapa town and within an hour you will be in
khao lak. Most hotels and resorts there have an airport transfer service.
By
air
Several carriers now fly directly to Phuket's International Airport from
locations abroad, making a stopover in Bangkok unnecessary. Particularly in the
high tourist season, flights come directly from all over Asia, Australia and
Europe. It is still the trend for many tourists to come through Bangkok
however, catching domestic flights via Thai Airways, which run regularly
through the day, 7 days a week. Bangkok Airways have also started operating
flights to and from Phuket on a daily basis.
By
train
Train lovers can travel from Hualomphong Station in Bangkok to Surathani
province, and catch a bus from there to Takuapa ( Khao lak ). Travel to
Surathani by train takes approximately 12 hours, with various classes of
seating available at all principal stations or the Bangkok Advance booking
office.
By
bus
Bus service and coach to destinations from Bangkok are reliable and very
inexpensive. They are also relatively punctual. You can select either
government or private bus services.
The Transport Company, a state enterprise, operates public bus services. Both
ordinary and air - conditioned buses are available. And you can opt between
first or second - class air - conditioned bus, for long - distance destinations
like Takuapa ( khao lak ) and Phuket ,food and beverages are served on the air
-conditioned buses. Buses also make scheduled stops at local restaurants for
about half an hour, where you can take time to fill your stomach and use the
toilets. Buses depart from Southern Bus Terminal ( Sai Tai Mai ) which is
located at Boromrat Chonnani Rd. 0 2435 5605, 0 2433 9613
Apart from government - run buses, you can choose a private bus service,
available between the major tourist and business destinations. Fares may vary
from company to company but can be substantially more than public buses. Cab
drivers are a part of every tourist city…. Or so we think! In Thailand, aside
from Bangkok, most other cities and tourist destinations in the country don't
use the conventional looking taxi that we consider the norm. Even though their
call themselves " taxi service', their system is a little different. To start
with, there are no meters, therefore you should make it a point to set the
price before you get on to avoid any sort of trouble that may arise later.
What is in use here are " songthaews " local buses that run throughout the city.
Khao lak too employs them as its medium of getting people from one place to
another. There is nothing like a stand or stop so you have to flag them on the
road itself. It is large enough to carry a number of passengers hence you can
just check to make sure the direction you're headed and get on one. They are
convenient and you can find them just about everywhere. If you desire to go to
any place in particular that is out of the regular route, your price. Since
they're all open backs, you get to see the place with all the sights and sounds
making it an experience you're most likely to remember.
When in Khao lak itself you can contact
Mr. NATTAPON (golf) at 081 3700199 taxi service to plan your drive here.
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