Ranong - Laem Son National Park

Laem Son National Park

Declared a national park in 1983, Laem Son is a coastal park that extends out to include a number of islands. Covering an area of 315 square kilometres, the park offers white sandy beaches, pine trees forests, a seascape of nearby islands and great bird watching. The park office is on Highway No. 4 (Ranong-Phang-nga), 45 kilometres from the provincial capital, six kilometres from Kapoe. Turn right at kilometre 657 and continue for ten kilometres until reaching the office on Bang Ben Beach.

It's easy to see why Bang Ben Beach was chosen to be the location of the Park's headquarter. A coastal breeze and shady pine trees help to keep temperatures pleasant nearly all year round. The long white sandy beach looks out onto a multitude of islands scattered offshore, making every position on the beach a wonderful view. Just four kilometres from Bang Ben is Laem Son Beach where visitors can camp and enjoy bird watching. A number of the islands in the park are worth visiting. From Bang Ben Beach, local fishermen will take visitors out in their long-tail boats to visit the boulder formations on Ko Khang Khao, a trip that takes about 40 minutes, or 20 minutes further to "Buffalo's Horn" Island, or Ko Ao Khao Khwai, aptly named for its shape. (Park's rangers are also stationed here to assist visitors.) From Bang Ben Beach, arrangements can also be made to destinations further afield such as the fabulous beaches on Ko Kam Yai. Travel to this island takes about 1 hour and a half.

Accommodation and restaurants are available in Laem Son National Park. Further information can be obtained from either National Parks Division, Forestry Department in Bangkok, tel . 0 2579 7223, 0 2579 5734 or to the Chief of Laem Son National Park, Bang Ben Beach, Tambon Muang Klang, Amphoe Kapoe, Ranong 85120.