Khao Sok National Park

Takua (ตะกั่ว) in Thai means lead, the metal. Which is odd, because the town was a centre for tin--not lead-- mining in the 1920s and 1930s. Little remains of that era except for some old photos in the Takua Pa Library.
In the old quarter of Takua Pa you will find Sino-Portuguese architecture and have the chance to wander around the quaint shops (best in the early morning). About 30 minutes drive north of Khao Lak. Takua Pa market and River Plaza are in the new town, near the bus station. There is a typical local market. The plaza has some good shops and a few riverside restaurants.
On a macabre note, Takua Pa was the centre for relief efforts following the tsunami. The collection/identification point for recovered bodies was located here, and there is reputed to be a cemetery holding the remains of unidentified foreign victims of the disaster.
A great, alternative way to get to Takua Pa is to turn right at km784 following the signs to the Sai Rung waterfall. The next 17 km will take you on one of Thailand's most lovely roads--no traffic, perfect tarmac, and no hills to speak of (perfect for bicycling). You will come to a T-junction. Turn left to old town Takua Pa, 1 km.

Ko Kho Khao is a less visited albeit interesting island connected to the mainland with small boats. It can be reached with a moped from the Khao Lak area in 30 minutes, some 25 km. From the national road 4 turn left at the Takua Pa Highway Police Unit and reach the local harbour, not the largest harbour used by tourist Seastar speedboats. Once there you will find one or two boats waiting for passengers, the boat man will take care of taking your motorbike to the boat, that is something you should not attempt to do it yourself. The one way trip is only some ten minutes and costs 20 Baht per person plus 20 Baht for the motorbike. Once on the island follow the main road and reach first the Riversand Camping Place that has also a cheap and friendly restaurant. The beach is very nice and you will be virtually alone there. There are a few sunbeds to use for free if you drink or eat something at the restaurant. Onwards you will find the Hapla Beach Cottage that has also accommodation and a bar/restaurant on the beach. While this place looks nicer and better organized, it is run by foreigners, food and drinks are definitely more expensive. This beach is as nice and as lonely as the one you have visited before. Continue north on a nice and at the end fast idyllic road through some rice fields and reach the Hula Beach. The restaurant there was closed at the time we visited the island (Feb. 2023). The other side of the island is less interesting and only the Ban Muang Mai Pier can be reached. While the pier is not interesting at all, just 300 m before there is a local community definitely worth seeing. It is not possible to do a loop on the island, from there you backtrack to the harbour and catch the ferry back to the main land. While there is no fixed schedule it is safe to return not after 6 pm to avoid long waiting times and probably a more expensive ferry fare.

Just 2 hr north of Khao Lak off Hwy 401. Superb views over the lake to the limestone ridges. Boat trips are available to rafts (for overnight accommodation you will need to pre book at Khao Sok National Park HQ or book the trip via a tour agency).

Beautiful mountain valley setting and modern facility. Its remoteness means it does not see a lot of activity. You may have to struggle to find someone to take your money.

FED, a Burmese/Thai NGO, came to Khao Lak to help the many thousands of displaced Burmese migrant workers in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami. The organisation has been doing stellar work in the area ever since: educating children, supporting women's rights, providing medical and legal assistance. If you have at least a month to give, helping this group help others might prove to be the highlight of your stay in Thailand.

Great for hot days. Enjoy a short swim. Very scenic and accessible to all.