The beautiful area of Khanom, often known as the land of the pink dolphins, stands out as a highlight among the coastlines of Thailand. The city of Khanom may be found in Nakhon Si Thammarat, the second-biggest province in the country. It is situated amid the Gulf of Thailand. It is a spot that seems plucked straight from heaven, with stunning beaches that include azure seas and white sand. In addition to a diverse animal population and a pristine natural environment. There is no doubt that Khanom is the ideal location for those individuals who want a destination in which they may laze around in the sun, take pleasure in a relaxing soak, and travel without feeling rushed.
What does Khanom have that makes it so special?
One of the very greatest locations in the world in which to seclude oneself is Khanom, also known as the country of the pink dolphins. First, because there are only a few mass tourists here. In point of fact, it is in no way comparable to locations in the surrounding area such as Koh Samui. On the other hand, even at the busiest times of the year, the shores of Khanom are often tranquil. As a result, Khanom is an ideal vacation spot for individuals who enjoy spending time in the sun and at the beach but prefer to avoid crowds of other tourists.
What to see and do in Khanom
Their beaches
The most well-known beach in Khanom is called Nadan, and it stretches for more than 9 kilometres and is one of the longest beaches in all of Thailand. Additionally, the majority of the region’s hotels may be found in this area. In spite of this, the atmosphere of the beach is peaceful since the hotels are spread out, and there is a great deal of open area for swimming and sunbathing. Other less well-known beaches include Nai Phao, which is a shorter beach, and Ao Thong Yee, which is the beach that is the most remote. However, Khanom is home to an even more secluded beach than Nadan, the stunning Tong Ching beach, which can be found to the north of Nadan beach. A path that is quite steep will need to be climbed both ways in order to get there. It is a stunning beach that is fringed by palm trees, but there is only one hotel there, giving visitors the impression that they are miles away from the rest of the world.
Pink dolphins, the secret of Khanom’s coasts
The coastlines of Khanom conceal one of the most stunningly magnificent mysteries in all of Thailand. It is a species of dolphin known as the pink dolphin, which is in jeopardy of becoming extinct and has taken sanctuary in this region. Therefore, if you go to Khanom, you really have to make an effort to see one of these extraordinary beasts if you want to make the most of your trip. Long-tail boat trips may be taken from Laem Prathab and Kwang Phao, and they depart very early in the morning to seek whatever it is that you’re looking for. In addition, they typically run for approximately two hours and cost around €40, which includes a visit to the nearby, smaller island of Koh Nui. Unquestionably, a trip that people who are passionate about animals should not skip.
However, consideration must be given to the fact that pink dolphins are highly sensitive creatures, and their natural environment must be preserved. As a result, it is best to refrain from giving them things like food, for instance. First and foremost, this disrupts their normal cycle and makes them more conscious of the tourist’s vessels. In either case, the folks who provide the tours will tell you the truth about it since they are concerned about the natural world. In addition to this, kids are aware that it is everyone’s responsibility to look after the pink dolphins.
The Cave of Khao Wang Thong
It is a cave made of iron ore and limestone, and it contains various rooms inside. In particular, a little room that is particularly well-known for having some of the most stunning stalagmites and stalactites in the cave. In particular, the fact that they take the shape of pagodas, waterfalls, fish skins, fruits, and other things. Additionally, as the sun reflects off of them, they take on an even more stunning appearance.
In order to fully explore the cave, you will need to either climb or crawl on the ground. For this reason, you should dress appropriately if you want to get the most out of the experience. The entrance is located on a hill that can be reached by ascending 300 steps, and once there, one is rewarded with a stunning panorama of the surrounding region. After passing through the constricted entry, there is a short passageway of around fifty metres in length that connects to the various floors where the chambers are located.
The Samet Chun Waterfall
In reality, it is a sequence of waterfalls that follow one another down the slope and provide a variety of distinct swimming spots. Even though the one that has the most impact is the big pool at the bottom, which is the crown gem of the feature, Many people believe that Samedchun, with its clear, azure seas, lush tropical foliage, and remote location, best represents the concept of paradise. It can be accessed by way of a trail that is around 20 minutes long, and that can also be traversed by motorbike. In addition to this, it is frequented by a good number of people, which leads me to believe that it is possible for you to be alone or almost so. Naturally, you should not forget to bring anything to drink and eat with you because there is nowhere near to purchase anything due to the location in the midst of the wilderness.
Go to a natural Fish Spa in a Khanom river
There is a short stretch of river that is well-known for a particular feature around 15 kilometres away from the city of Khanom. It is a natural “Fish Spa,” in which the fish that inhabit the region consume dead flakes of human skin, particularly from the feet. The feet are the focus of this particular “Fish Spa.” This is an extremely traditional method of giving a pedicure, and it is widely used all around Thailand. The fact that it takes place outside and in a river rather than an aquarium is one of the many benefits of going to this particular location in Khanom. However, people who are easily irritated by their feet should be mindful because they won’t be able to control their laughter when they hear it!
The temple of Wat Chedi Ai Khai
The Ai Khai Wat Chedi temple has been around for more than a thousand years, according to its extensive history. Despite the fact that it was in ruins up until 1957. It is a rather peculiar temple, as it is not open to the general public and it is the home of the well-known figure of the Ai Khai or Ta Khai kid. A sacred spirit is believed to inhabit the picture at the centre of the temple’s worship and to bestow blessings on the congregation. Because of this, when someone achieves their goal, they must go back to the temple and provide gifts. These offerings can take the form of chickens, firecrackers, or even toys. As a result of this, the grounds of the temple are covered in statues of chickens in a dizzying array of styles, colours, and dimensions. Unquestionably, a place to gauge the dedication of the people who practise their religion in Thailand.
Khanom local market
The Khanom local market can be found to the south of the city, right near to the harbour. It is only open twice a week, on Wednesday and Saturday, from six in the morning until nine in the morning. You are able to purchase fish, fruits, vegetables, and other essential goods, in addition to items for the house, such as knives and other kitchen implements. The fact that the stalls at this market offer items grown on the local farms is quite a luxury, but it is also a significant benefit of the market.
Saturday night market
Every Saturday, from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the night market is open for business. They sell fresh produce and other goods such as clothing and electrical equipment. However, the many food vendors available at this location are the most appealing aspect of it. First and foremost, due to the fact that they provide Thai cuisine that is among the finest you can find anywhere. In addition to the fact that everything is really fresh and quite excellent, the people there are extremely kind, and the market itself is highly representative of its region.
How to get to Khanom?
It is possible to take a direct bus from Bangkok to Khanom for a price that ranges from fifteen to thirty euros, depending on the quality of the service. In point of fact, there are up to three daily services offered by businesses such as Raja Ferry, Sri Suthep Tour, and Sappaisal, all of which accept online booking. However, the bus ride might take anywhere from 11 to 14 hours, making it an extremely lengthy endeavour. Because of this, the majority of travellers opt to fly or take a train to Surat Thani and then take a minivan to Khanom from there. Despite the fact that the cab has a change fee of roughly €25 and can get you there in about 1 hour and 7 minutes less, There are also minivans available from the little town of Nakhon Si Thammarat, which is located about an hour’s drive south of Khanom.
As you may have noticed, there is a lot to do and see in Khanom, also known as the country of the pink dolphins. In particular, people who take pleasure in basking in the warmth of the sun, walking along the beach, and exploring the great outdoors. In addition, there is a wide variety of things to see and do, such as caverns, waterfalls, marketplaces, and temples, among other things. However, one of the things that stands out the most about the Khanom region is how peaceful it is. Especially when it is located close to other destinations that are as well known and popular with tourists as Koh Samui.
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