Khanom Beach

We have something of a soft spot for Khanom, at the extreme northern end of Nakorn Si Thammarat province. We spent many pleasant long weekends there several years ago, when we had friends in the area.

Its not that the beaches at Khanom are that great. They can't really compare to the white sand and calm waters of Samui just a few kilometers to the north. Khanom's beaches are a bit wild by comparison. They're a bit rocky and windswept. But that, along with the solitude we found there, was in fact the attraction.

In the mid-1990s, there were no more than a half dozen groups of bungalows in operation on the beach. There were no high-rise hotels and hardly anybody even knew about the place.

That has since changed. There are at least two low rise hotels on the long stretch of beach. However, Khanom remains far off the international tourist trail, so if you're looking for a bit of quiet its probably still a good choice. Khanom is also very handy for exploring some nearby national parks, making the beach a good base for eco tours.

Khanom Beach Accommodations

At least the coming of larger hotels means there's a way to book rooms in advance on the internet. Both of the following hotels have opened within the last few years.

Supar Royal Beach Hotel

Five storeys high with 66 rooms, plus some VIP bungalows. Located on Nai Plao beach. The above web site is also a good reference for the immediate area.

Golden Beach Hotel

Smaller hotel practically right on the beach. The Golden Beach may offer a more relaxed setting that the Supar. Their site also mentions free van transport from either Nakorn Si Thammarat or Surat Thani airports.