Beaches in Nakorn Si Thammarat

Sichon Beach

Khanom Beach

This little corner of paradise is 25 km southeast of Don Sak .. where the car ferry departs for Ko Samui.

A series of beaches nestled among the limestone and shale mountains of Northern Nakorn Si Thammarat province offer the lover of quiet beauty a great destination.

And beaches are not Khanom's sole attractions.

The primary attractions might be the area's simplicity. No go-go bars, no discos. And no touts, hawkers or hookers. You can ride a bicycle around Khanom and the locals will smile and wave.

Nakorn Si Thammarat Accommodations

The area has two beautiful caves, 5 waterfalls and borders the north end of Khao Luang National Park which is also a great destination. And Khanom has sea golf.

Yes ... sea golf. From April until July, low tides drain one entire bay for most of the day. Some of the locals decided the sandy bottom made a fine temporary golf course. There is even a tournament that has been held for the past several years.

Khanom is a friendly and thriving community which relies on a large fishing fleet, rubber and agriculture. Tourism is significant but is mostly Thai and not overdone.

PS Fishing Sport - Offshore sport fishing in the Marine National park can be charted from Khanom. Typical for 2 day - 1 night charter that can accommodate 6 - 8 anglers will cost Bt 13,000 to Bt 15,000. Contact Tammachat Muangrod - 075 528301 Mobile 01 0906988

Accommodations:
Note - asking prices at accommodations are usually inflated by the owners. Negotiate discounts of 20 - 40%

Khanom Golden Beach Hotel - a 4 star self contained resort just minutes from town. Deluxe rooms and suites starting at Bt 1,250. tel 075 326690 Fax 075 529225.

Supar Royal Beach Hotel and Bungalows - The 3 star hotel is across the road from the beach while the bungalows are on Naiplao Beach - Air con, hot water and cable TV. Rooms and bungalows from Bt 850 to Bt 2,500 (5 room bungalow). Tel 075 52852 Fax 075 528553

Tancoo Resort - Bungalows on Korklao Beach. Fan rooms - Bt 400, Air Con rooms Bt 500 to 800. They have a large land area and will allow camping (own tent) at Bt 50. Tel 075 528362, Mobile 09 9722125

Alongot Resort - 40 Air Con bungalows on Korklao Beach. Bt 700 to Bt 2,500. Tel 075 529119

Tipmontri Resort - 8 bungalows on Nai Pred Beach. Fan rooms - Bt 500, Air con Bt 700. Tel 075 528147

GB Resort - Bungalows on Nai Plao Beach. Fan rooms - Bt 400, Air con - Bt 700. Tel 075 529253

Nai Plao Bay Resort - Bungalows on Nai Plao Beach. Internet, TV lounge, on a quiet road. Fan rooms - Bt 300, Air Con with and without hot water - Bt 500 - 700. Tel 075 529422, Fax 075 529425

Getting There
Get to Surat Thani or Nakorn Si Thammarat by Air, Bus or Train. (Khanom is almost centered between the 2 cities) At the bus station, check for the shuttle bus to Khanom (Bt 60). The shuttle will drop you at the appropriate resort.  

Sichon Beach

As towns go, Sichon seems unremarkable, just another cluster of houses and shops along Phetkasem Road. But as soon as one leaves the main road and drives 3 km toward the Gulf of Thailand, impressions change.

The sand is clean, the beach spacious and uncrowded and the water is clean. Two nice beaches boast two excellent resorts, each being unique.

The area also claims a superb waterfall and a dolphin watching area. The town is nearby and pleasant to visit as it tends to be non touristy. And it is on the southern edge of Khao Luang National Park.

Accommodations
Rasarnsuk Villa has a nice curve of sand flanked at each end by rocky gardens tended by the surf. Coconut palms and well kept grounds give the resort a pleasant feel.

The resort has 29 fan, air con and VIP bungalows plus an open air restaurant and snooker room. Fan rooms at Bt 350, Air con at Bt 500 and VIP at Bt 800 - 1,200. Tel 075 536 299

Piti Resort is a health spa resort on the beach. Herbal steams, Thai and beauty massage, herbal treatments, a fitness room and health drink bar are just a few of the resort's feature. The grounds are nicely landscaped by man and nature; and the beach is excellent. Two swimming pools, a business center and spacious restaurant round out the common facilities.

Bungalows and rooms from comfortable to sumptuous with air con, cable TV and hot water range from Bt 1,200 to Bt 4,000. 40% discount for internet booking (mention www.guidetothailand.com). Tel & Fax (075) 335 301-4, www.come.to/pitipark

Getting there
Bus: to Sichon, then motorcycle taxi to the resort 4-5 km away.

Driving: Rasarnsuk Villa is at the north end of Sichon (Highway 401 80 km southeast of Surat Thani) and Piti resort at the south edge. Both are less than 5 km off the highway.

Beaches in Thailand