Pakarang Beach, tucked along Khao Lak’s coastline in Phang Nga, Thailand, is a serene spot that hasn’t yet been overrun by crowds. Its wide stretch of soft sand and shallow, clear water make it perfect for a quiet day by the sea.
The beach is lined with casuarina and palm trees, giving plenty of shade and a laid-back vibe. Unlike more developed beaches, Pakarang feels almost untouched. It’s great for long walks, collecting shells, or just sitting to watch the sunset. The nearby coral reef (pakarang means “coral” in Thai) adds a splash of natural beauty, especially at low tide when coral fragments dot the shore.
If you’re looking for a peaceful, beautiful place where you can hear the ocean and escape the rush, Pakarang Beach is one of Khao Lak’s hidden gems.
From my visit to Suan Phai Kwanjai Market (Bamboo Market) in Khuan Khuan district of Phatthalung during our road trip in December 2024.
we saw this Muang Lung Cut Nut Shop (Ko Daeng) is a well-known snack shop from Phatthalung Province, famous for its traditional bean candy. The owner has been selling at OTOP product fairs nationwide for over 30 years, preserving the ancient method of making cut bean cakes. These snacks are made fresh and served hot, earning a loyal following among customers.
Pakarang Beach, tucked along Khao Lak’s coastline in Phang Nga, Thailand, is a serene spot that hasn’t yet been overrun by crowds. Its wide stretch of soft sand and shallow, clear water make it perfect for a quiet day by the sea. The beach is lined with casuarina and palm trees, giving plenty of shade and a laid-back vibe.
Unlike more developed beaches, Pakarang feels almost untouched. It’s great for long walks, collecting shells, or just sitting to watch the sunset. The nearby coral reef (pakarang means “coral” in Thai) adds a splash of natural beauty, especially at low tide when coral fragments dot the shore.
If you’re looking for a peaceful, beautiful place where you can hear the ocean and escape the rush, Pakarang Beach is one of Khao Lak’s hidden gems.
Hat Yong Ling feels like a secret you’re glad you found. It’s not flashy or packed with beach bars—it’s quiet, curved like a crescent moon, with soft sand and that line of casuarina trees whispering in the wind. You walk out, and the sea is warm, calm, and inviting. You don’t need much here—just a towel, maybe a book, and time to let go.
On weekends, you’ll see Thai families setting up picnics under the trees, kids chasing crabs in the tidal pools, laughter echoing over the sand. It still feels local, untouched. And when the sun gets too strong, the pine forest behind the beach pulls you in. The shade is cool, and if you follow the trails, it’s just you, the trees, and the soft crunch of needles under your feet.
Hat Yong Ling isn’t just a beach—it’s a pause button. A place that reminds you how good simplicity can
Tucked away in Thailand’s Trang region, Koh Bae Na Beach feels like one of those places you stumble across by accident and never forget. Located in the Andaman Sea (part of the Indian Ocean), it ranks 21st out of 53 beaches in Trang, but honestly, numbers don’t do it justice. It’s about 34 km from Trang city, with the nearest settlement, Hat Chang Lan, just 2.8 km away.
What makes Koh Bae Na special is how untouched it is. No resorts. No beach bars. Just nature at its best. The setting is a beautiful mix of rugged cliffs, mountain slopes, thick greenery, and that perfect turquoise water. The sandy beach runs for about 800 meters, with a gentle slope into the sea—no sharp rocks, no need for aqua shoes. Just soft sand under your feet.
When I visited back in 2023, the nature walk circling the small islet wasn’t finished yet (word is, it’s complete now). We had the whole beach to ourselves for hours, aside from a small family of beach dogs—mum, dad, and two playful pups—all very relaxed and friendly.
What stood out most for me was the calm. It was one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been. With the tide out, I could stroll across the pontoon path without feeling like I was about to fall in every few steps. The views were stunning, with crystal-clear water on one side and thick jungle on the other.
There’s also a wooden staircase leading up to a viewpoint on one side of the islet. I didn’t climb to the very top, but I could already tell the view was going to be spectacular.
If you love nature, solitude, and quiet adventures, this place will hit the spot. Whether you’re into kayaking, paddleboarding, or just sitting and soaking up the scenery, Koh Bae Na is a gem worth exploring.
From my road trip round Phatthalung province in Feb 2025 Sampao Thai: A Creative Landmark in the Heart of Patthalung “Sampao” is an ancient Thai word meaning “cargo vessel.” Traditionally, Sampaothai referred to Thailand’s large, beautifully designed cargo ships that transported goods from one place to another. One of the most striking features of this place is the giant King Kong, a character beloved by many—especially children, who are sure to be thrilled by its towering presence. The creativity behind this attraction is truly impressive. The owner has built both a massive wooden Sampao and an enormous King Kong made entirely of straw, depicting the giant ape in the act of pulling the vessel across the lush green rice fields. Visitors can climb onto the Sampao and the King Kong structure, offering a fantastic opportunity for up-close photos while enjoying a breathtaking panoramic view of the endless green fields and majestic mountains in the background. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience—fun, artistic, and full of imagination.
From our road trip to Phatthalung district in December 2024
Pa Phai Sang Suk Market (ตลาดป่าไผ่สร้างสุข) is a unique cultural and recreational market in Khuan Khanun District, Phatthalung Province, Thailand. Located within the Kwanjai Bamboo Garden, this area was once used for bamboo cultivation, breeding, and charcoal production, with an attached learning center.
Opened in January 2017 through the collaboration of the Kwanjai Bamboo Garden and the Kin Di Mi Suk Network, the market was designed around the concept of “enjoying food and simple happiness in a modest way.”
The market is divided into five zones:
Pa Phai Sang Suk Market – A vibrant marketplace offering local food, rare desserts, fresh vegetables, fruits, and handmade products at reasonable prices. Relaxation Area – A peaceful space for visitors to unwind. Children’s Activities Zone – A family-friendly area with interactive activities for kids. Learning Zone – A section dedicated to the educational aspects of bamboo cultivation and traditional practices. Pleasant Bamboo Forest – A green space that enhances the natural beauty of the market. With its emphasis on local culture, sustainability, and community engagement, Pa Phai Sang Suk Market is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the authentic charm of Phatthalung.
Nestled in the tranquil Ko Kho Khao region of Thailand, Hula Beach is a breathtaking sanctuary for travelers yearning for pristine beauty and unspoiled tranquility. Stretching for several kilometers, this serene beach boasts fine, golden sand that feels luxuriously soft underfoot, while its crystal-clear waters invite visitors to take a refreshing dip.
Hula Beach offers a range of simple pleasures. Whether you’re basking under the tropical sun, strolling along its peaceful shoreline, or sharing a quiet picnic with loved ones while gazing at awe-inspiring ocean views, every moment here feels like a step into paradise.
However, Hula Beach’s charm lies not just in what it offers but also in what it intentionally does not. Visitors will find few modern conveniences here: no lifeguard services, no bathroom facilities, and a strict no-dogs policy. This minimalistic approach preserves the raw, untouched beauty of the landscape, making it the perfect escape for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.
A Hidden Gem Worth Exploring
One of Hula Beach’s most fascinating aspects is its status as a hidden gem within Thailand’s extensive collection of beaches. Unlike the more commercialized destinations that often draw crowds, Hula Beach has retained its charm and tranquility thanks to its secluded location. This isolation has allowed the beach to become a haven for wildlife, attracting ecologists and nature enthusiasts alike. The pristine environment also offers a unique opportunity to experience Thailand’s coastal beauty in its most natural state.
If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat where the only sounds are the gentle lapping of waves and the occasional rustle of palm fronds, Hula Beach is your ideal destination. Just be sure to plan ahead and pack accordingly—this slice of paradise invites you to embrace its simplicity and leave the modern world behind.
During my road trip to Ranong district in December 2024, I had the pleasure of visiting Wat Ban Ngao, a truly stunning temple adorned with intricate decorations and numerous buildings. I was captivated by the intricate details and the pictorial carvings that beautifully told stories around the temple and its surroundings. The artistry and craftsmanship left me in awe. Exploring Wat Ban Ngao was a remarkable experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my visit to this amazing temple.
This temple, situated at in Petchkasem Road Ranong, features a spacious area with a distinctive Ubosot (ordination hall) surrounded by a wide courtyard. The Ubosot has two levels and is adorned with stone carvings depicting the story of Ranong. It enshrines the principal Buddha image, Luangpho Dibuk, a tin-crafted Buddha in the subduing Mara posture, reflecting Ranong’s historical connection to tin mining.
Behind the Ubosot is a 300-step cement staircase on a hill, built for the Tak Bat Devo tradition. This staircase also offers a vantage point for panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
You know that feeling when you’re exploring somewhere new, and you’re searching for a place to eat? You’re not sure where to go, and you just drive, hoping something catches your eye. And then, out of nowhere, you find it—a little gem that looks like it’s worth stopping for, even though you have no clue whether the food will be amazing or if you’ll regret your decision.
Well, that’s exactly how we ended up at Narakorn Restaurant on Ko Kho Khao Island, during one of our road trips this Christmas holiday. And let me tell you, this place was everything.
A Hidden Paradise with More Than Just Great Food
Narakorn Restaurant is tucked away on this stunning island, surrounded by coconut plantations and wildlife. It’s not just a restaurant, it’s an experience. Picture this: lush greenery, the gentle breeze from the trees, and the distant sounds of nature, all setting the scene for an unforgettable meal. We stumbled upon it, unsure of what we’d find, but the peaceful setting immediately told us we were in for something special.
Why I Won’t Forget Narakorn Restaurant
This wasn’t just a stop to grab a bite. It was a moment of serendipity—an unexpected delight that left a lasting impression. From the cozy, rustic interior to the amazing food and the heartwarming hospitality, Narakorn Restaurant is a hidden treasure that I won’t forget anytime soon. If you ever find yourself on Ko Kho Khao Island, do yourself a favor and stop by this wonderful spot. You’ll be glad you did.
Bang Niang Beach is indeed a unique and captivating destination in Thailand. Located in Phang Nga province, it’s known for its distinct landscape and scenic beauty. The beach’s southern area features a wide stretch of golden sand, perfect for relaxing or enjoying a beach stroll, while the northern section becomes narrower, adding to its character and charm. The clear, turquoise waters make it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities, providing a serene and idyllic environment. Its relatively untouched atmosphere, compared to some of Thailand’s more famous beaches, adds to its appeal as a tranquil and beautiful getaway.
The Old Man and the Dragons Part of my road trip in December 2023, in the districts of Trang and Songkhla, took me to this beautiful and quite spectacular “Dragon Garden” in some 48hectres of land there is a minimum of some 88 Dragons. In this slideshow you will see a good selection of what I saw on the day.
The sign in the center of the sculpture park reads “Pay respect to the Earth” in Thai. Others scattered along walking paths offer words of wisdom in two languages, including “Be powerful like a dragon.” I’m didn’t feel so powerful in this tropical heat, just five minutes in the sun turning my shirt into a sweaty mess.
Holding court in a shaded pavilion was the man behind all this, Mr. Jaroon Keawla-eiad. (“That’s probably not a perfect spelling,” my guide explained. “Some Thai words don’t translate very well into English letters.”) He is a retired local schoolteacher that took over this land of theptaro trees many decades ago and made a dragon from the curvy tree’s roots. Then he made another, and one after that, then kept going. There are now 88 of them on the property.
Journeys From A Small Room 