Khuek Lak, a small coastal town on the west coast of Thailand, is home to a few surf breaks and a small population of inhabitants and tourists. Only 1hr and 20 min driving North from Phuket, this little town is perfect for finding quiet beaches, long roads with various local restaurants, spas, and multiple places to see. We recommend visiting during the low season as it gets quiet and peaceful; it is an excellent option for a relaxing yet adventurous trip. It's essential to know that rainfall may come for a few days during the low season, sometimes even more. But don't get bummed by it; it usually takes breaks in between, and you can still explore in the windows of sunlight. With this information in mind, here are some options for those rainy days.
In 2004, a giant tsunami hit the western coast of Thailand, destroying over 3km from the shore. The famous movie "The Impossible" was based on a real story of a Western Family experiencing it. Nowadays, there is a museum with a small exhibition to create awareness of the event, and it's used as a memorial for all the victims of the Tsunami. It's a small museum to spend hours in, but it is good to visit when it's raining as it is mostly indoors. The reality of this Tsunami hitting the coast of Thailand had shaped the people and town itself. It is worth learning about it, and if you start a conversation with any Thai person, they will be open about it and tell you more about their experience. Always learning from the people, their culture and history plays a big part when we adventure. It is the least we can do to get engaged and immersed in it.
Along the main boulevard, there are many local restaurants to choose from instead of Western or European food. If it's rainy, try their tom yam soup and refresh with either Thai iced teas or a fresh coconut. Coconuts in Thailand taste better than anywhere else.
The wonderful thing about Thai cuisine is that it is so embedded in the temperatures and weather that you can find a proper dish to relieve you of any weather. Take advantage of the opportunity to hop to the restaurant in the rain and try each dish from the area. If you are lucky, the night market will be open four nights a week. You can still walk around with your umbrella, or the market will put up tarps for the customers to stay dry while they walk and munch on all their options.
Exploring under the rain doesn't sound too appealing, but with the flush of water running, the waterfalls look at their lushest point, and if you are already getting there, you could go all out and swim in them as well. Do not let that adventurous spirit die! Just be extra careful when stepping on wet rocks and stones.
There are a handful of waterfalls in the Khao Lak area. Some are accessible through a small hike, and others, like Ton Chong Waterfall, are in a National Park. The options are simple, so if you devote one whole day to waterfall hunting, this is the place to do it. Other recommendations for the waterfalls are to pack some snacks and water and bring shoes that won't let you slip or go barefoot. As mentioned before, some of these waterfalls require a bit of a hike, not so much a trek, and others can be quickly just walked to, but keep this in mind as it might be an adventure that can last at least two hours, or usually more.
There is one primary market in the middle of the avenue. I don't recommend going shopping as a fun thing to do, as I advocate for mindfulness as a technique to battle overconsumption and also as a way to help the environment. But if it is a rainy day and you are in one of the best spots in Thailand, you could go check out the artisans and other Thai souvenirs they have. If you are travelling light, some Thai pants will only take a little space or weight in your bag, and there will be multiple smaller wooden souvenirs to get, like elephants and buddhas. As a tip, always for where it is made and if you like it, you can bargain with Thai people. You'll spend a bit of money on local products, and if you look at it this way, you will support the local vendors and economy by mindfully spending some of your money on a couple of items.
If the surf conditions allow, get in the water and surf your brain out! Surfing in the rain is alright if it is not a storm and you take extra precautions. It can be quite an experience, and the rain makes the atmosphere more peaceful and serene. Many people stay indoors when it's raining, which might be one of the best reasons to get out in the water and paddle; you might get lucky and enjoy a less crowded lineup. If you visit Khuek Lak during the rainy season, you should make peace with the fact that you will surf under the rain for many days. You can go out, have fun, and surf. I hope a rain of sunshine will appear through the clouds and make rainbows over the waves.
In these stories, our Adventure Designers dive deep into their adventures and memories from exploring the world
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