Ao Khanom Travel Guide
Ao Khanom is a small town close to the popular island of Ko Samui. However, unlike Samui, there is a distinct lack of tourists. The beaches are free from holiday makers, hawkers and development.
- Worth It?
- Worth visiting if you are interested in swimming and sunbathing but not if you want to explore temples.
- What to Do
- snorkel, swim and sunbathe
- Best Time to Go
- January through to April
- How Long?
- Three to four days
You could be mistaken that you have stepped back to a time before Thailand was a commercial holiday destination as Ao Khanom is a traditional, peaceful and beautiful town. The lack of development adds to its charm and alongside its street shacks, local restaurants and fishing boats, a handful of mid-priced resorts can be found.
The best thing to do in Ao Khanom is laze on the beach and swim in the turquoise sea. Snorkeling in the area is also good as the lack of pollution caused by tourism is obvious in the abundance of marine life. About five miles to the south is another beach called Nai Phlao. This beach has a mountainous backdrop and emerald color sea and the scenery is more dramatic than Ao Khanom.
Travel to Ao Khanom - Getting There
The nearest international airport can be found in Surat Thani, which is a two and a half hour bus journey from Ao Khanom. There are also regular train services running to and from Surat Thani (three hours) and Bangkok (12 hours). Local buses make the route to Ao Khanom from Surat Thani and other towns nearby.
Ao Khanom Things to Do
Ao Khanom Attractions
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