Activities in Khao Lak
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Wicked Diving
An exceptionally well-run and environmentally conscious outfit that runs diving and snorkelling overnight trips offering a range of live-aboard options including Whale Sharks & Mantas, Turtle & Reefs and Sharks & Rays conservation trips, run in conjunction with Ecocean. It does all the PADI courses, too.
reviewed
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Sea Dragon Dive Center
Specialises in live-aboards and is one of the few centres to reliably offer trips year-round. It has an impeccable reputation.
Diving or snorkelling day-excursions to the Similan and Surin islands are immensely popular, but if you can, opt for a live-aboard. Since the islands are around 60km away from the mainland (about three hours by boat), you'll have a more relaxing trip as well as be able to experience the islands sans day-tripper crowds if you stay the night or longer. Although geared towards divers, all dive shops cater to snorkellers who can hop on selected dive excursions or live-aboards for a discount of around 40%.
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Similan Diving Safaris
The speciality here is the high-quality four-day live-aboard (18,800B all-inclusive) that regularly attracts return customers. Knowledgeable staff and amazing food sweeten the deal. As far as live-aboards are concerned, this is probably the best bang for your baht. Day trips are also available.
reviewed
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'Post Tsunami Experience' Tour
The worthwhile 'Post Tsunami Experience' Tour leaves from Nang Tong Supermarket in central Khao Lak and includes an authentic Thai lunch. Proceeds and anything you buy along the way help support local economies. Also stop by the centre for drop-in Thai cooking or language classes at 15:00 every Wednesday, and check the schedule for occasional craft and dancing classes.
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Grassroots HRED
Grassroots HRED is in Takua Pa, 25km north of Khao Lak. This human rights organisation strives to help the Burmese people in Thailand, particularly in the tsunami-affected areas. Their successful summer camps programs are a great way to lend a helping hand.
reviewed
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Sea Dragon Diver Center
One of the older operations in Khao Lak, Sea Dragon has maintained high standards throughout the years and continues to offer top-notch day trips and live-aboards. The penny-pincher three-day live-aboard goes for 11,800B (not including park fees and equipment).
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Tsunami Volunteer Center
The most well-known organisation on this coast is the excellent, Thai-run Tsunami Volunteer Center in Khao Lak. Volunteers are needed to teach English or work on village projects, and you can simultaneously take Thai language and cooking courses.
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Beach Trails
Between Khao Lak and Bang Sak is a network of sandy beach trails - some of which lead to deserted beaches - which are fun to explore on foot or by rented motorcycle. Most of the hotels in town rent out motorbikes.
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Big Blue
Japanese and Swedish owned; its speedboat, live-aboard and dive instructors are among the best in Khao Lak.
reviewed
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IQ Dive
A quality operation that focuses on diving and snorkelling day trips. Diving day trips start at 5100B (all-inclusive). The website has good information about the gamut of live-aboards operating in the region.
reviewed
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Sub Aqua
Owns great big boats that herd divers and snorkellers out to the islands on day trips.
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