25 Nov A “low-cost-Sunday” in Khao Lak
If you are looking for a base to explore the South of Thailand, Khao Lak may be a great possibility. In contrast to its neighbours in Phuket, Khao Lak is a little less busy and has a range of activities to offer – even when you are traveling on a budget. Deserted beaches, local markets, great opportunities to experience the Thai culture and its history and refreshing waterfalls are just a few examples of the things you can do in Khao Lak.
How to explore Khao Lak on a budget…
So, I did the test for you: Yesterday I woke up and set myself the goal to do as much activities as possible without spending any money. For getting from A to B I used my mountainbike. Let me share my “LOW-COST-SUNDAY” with you. The only thing I wanted to spend my money on was food and drinks.
Spending money on doing sports? Not when you know about the lake & the pull-up bar in Bang Niang…
The pull-up bar with the lake view simply invites for some exercise
My day started at around 7am. I woke up, took a quick shower and felt like I want to do some sports before I reward myself with breakfast. The price of a daily pass in the gym is 120 Baht – so instead of going there, I ran 3 rounds (around 3 km in total) around the lake in Bang Niang. A few Thai people joined my morning exercise – so beside the workout it was also a nice experience itself, to run with the local people. At the lake, there is also a pull up bar which you can use for free. As I was really looking forward to my breakfast, I skipped the pull-up session and went home to eat. Haha!
Best beaches with stunning views – all for free…
Watching surfers at Memories Beach
After breakfast, I went to beautiful Cononut Beach by bike. This beach is simply stunning and is indeed lined with lots of coconut palm trees. I could not spend my morning any better than with swimming, sunbathing, relaxing and reading my book. All for free! What else, White Sandy Beach and Memories Beach (good to watch the Surfers) are great options to spend a relaxed morning like I did.
Visit the Ton Pling waterfall for NO MONEY…
Smaller, but nice waterfall for free: Ton Pling
After I enjoyed a very tasty noodle soup for only 40 baht in a local restaurant, I made my way to the Ton Pling Waterfall. The waterfall is easy to access and contains beautifully refreshing water. When I went there, the waterfall was a bit crowded and the rocks were a bit slippery. But as soon as you get past the rocky part you get to the sandy area where you can stand and even swim. And I have heard that when you go there early in the morning or for sunset, the fall will be less busy. But anyway, I really enjoyed my time here and not to forget – I did not even spend one baht on it.
Inform yourself about Khao Lak’s past in the International Tsnunami Museum…
On my ride back to Bang Niang I dropped into the International Tsnuami Museum. The place is worth a visit and shows the effects of the Tsunami in Khao Lak region. It also includes the reconstruction efforts and gives educational information about how Tsunamis occur. Many maps, documents and pictures are presented in the museum and make a visit very emotional. The entrance of the museum is basically free, but a donation is very welcome.
Bang Niang Markt – always a visit worth…
Fresh fruits everywhere at Bang Niang Market!
Opposite of the road you find the Bang Niang Market. It is open every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. I really enjoyed just walking around and checking out the thrilling fresh and local street food. Moreover, you can buy many souvenirs, T-Shirts and local handmade handicraft here. But even if you do not want to spend any money, a visit of the Bang Niang Market is an experience worth!
Free entertainment with the ladyboys at the Moo Moo Carbaret …
Make sure you visit the Moo Moo Cabaret when in Khao Lak!
In the evening, I was looking for some entertainment around Khao Lak that is for free. Hard to find? Well, not really, when you know about the Moo Moo Cabaret. It is a great spot for a laugh and tonnes of fun. The dancing ladyboys of the show were very good, had great make up and excellent costumes. It’s all lip-syncing, with no real singing but for free entry – it is definitely a visit worth! The drinks they serve are a bit more expensive, but I guess that is totally okay for a free show.
Khao Lak doesn’t have to be expensive…
I got home at around midnight and the first thing I did was checking my purse: I only spend money on food, on drinks, and I gave a donation to the local tsunami museum. But that’s it – and I had such a great day! All in all, Khao Lak has great free things to do around. I makes me happy that I have saved so much money today – but tomorrow will be different 😉. I am already thinking about what to do and what I will spend my money on best… Snorkeling? Elephant bathing? Bamboo Rafting? Khao Lak is a blast! 😊
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