The district is located in Phang Nga directly behind Khao Lak in the interior of the country. A chain of hills separates it from the coastal landscape and a natural canal runs through the area. In contrast to the tourist-developed Khao Lak, the area is still very original Thai and has a few sights that are also advertised for local tourists. It is best explored on a day-tour, either by driving yourself or renting a driver for a day.
Here are our top ten:
Kapong Hot Springs
Kapong Hot Springs are known locally as Plai Phu or Plai Poo. They are located inland, just outside Lam Ru National Park (which extends to Khao Lak). They flow into a small river and are almost completely undeveloped – apart from a few stones piled up in the river to form bathing pools. There is a stall by the car park where you can buy drinks – and eggs with a basket to cook in the springs.
Phu Ta Jo Viewpoint
Also Phutajor. The inland and very remote viewpoint offers a view over the hilly, wide country. In the morning, from the 860m high summit, you have the best view of the sea of fog, which attracts visitors from northern Thailand in particular. It belongs to the province of Kapong – but is located in the Klong Panom National Park behind another (impassable) chain of hills even further east than the hot springs.
Grand Canyon Kapong
The gorge is not as impressive as the name suggests, but it is one of the local attractions. The river has dug several meters deep into the soft ground and has formed steep, jagged walls. In the riverbed itself you can occasionally see people digging for tin. Where it is wet enough, pitcher plants grow.
Lam Ru Waterfall
The pretty Lam Ru waterfall is located around 35 km from Khao Lak near the town of Kapong . It is part of the Lam Ru National Park , which stretches from the coast to here. The seven-tiered waterfall has its source in the Kapong Canal and is embedded in bamboo, rattan, palm and fern forests. It has water all year round. A narrow footpath on the right-hand side takes you to the top tier, where you can also swim.
Rommanee Hot Springs
Public hot springs with good infrastructure and kept clean. The springs are located in the very north of the district, near Khao Sok National Park. There is a changing room building and four different pools with different temperatures, the hottest so hot that you can get blisters when you enter the water. Opening times from 8 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. The springs are also popular with Thai families who want to do something for their health together. Also popular with Japanese visitors – and therefore also signposted in Japanese.
Wat Pak Mok
The temple complex, located just north of the town of Kapong, has a colorful gate to the street, a fat, golden Chinese-style Buddha and new plaster figures such as a Thai Buddha overgrown by a tree.
Kwan Puk Tree Tunnel
Touted as a viewing point, this tree tunnel is located on Road 401 between Takua Pa and Khao Sok. The road here passes under overhanging trees, and the view is particularly interesting when they are in bloom or in the morning mist.
Hug Kapong Café
Cute café in a photogenic white hut – perfect for a stopover on the way from Khao Lak to Kapong, the Lamru waterfall or the hot springs. Beautiful view of the greenery from the open seating platform, fine pastries (homemade) and drinks (hot or cold).
Tubing in Kapong
In the river you can (if there is enough water, mostly in the high season): float down on tires for 40 minutes. This is offered together with other activities such as jungle hike, drinking bamboo coffee, waterfall and lunch (and possibly elephant bathing).
N Plai Wa Café
Interesting Café and good stop for drinks and snacks. It is locaed on a lake, if you are lucky, you are sitting between flowering water lilys.
Even more tips, route suggestions and information can be found in our travel guide Discovering Khao Lak Compact. It is regularly revised and kept up to date. The book is available from amazon and bookstores (ISBN 978-3033075955) and as ebook.
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