Khao Lak National Park Safari – Bamboo Rafting and Elephant activity, Fun for All Ages!

During your day's itinerary, you will have the chance to visit the 813 Tsunami Memorial Park. Police Boat 813, "Buretpadungkit," was one of two boats whose crews were assigned the duty of protecting Khun Poom Jensen and his family. Khun Poom Jensen, the grandson of the late king, King Rama IX, Bhumibol Adulyadej, and nephew to the current reigning king, King Rama X, Maha Vajiralongkorn, drowned after being struck by the tsunami while jet skiing off the coast. Police Boat 813 was anchored about one nautical mile off the coastline before she was swept inland, finally coming to rest against a tree at the base of a hill. Today, the 60-ton vessel sits as a memorial approximately 2km inland, just a few metres away from the exact location where it came to rest. Your informative guides will give you a local perspective on the events of that fateful day, and seeing the boat at its resting place will provide a deeper understanding of the tragedy.

Bamboo Rafting

The practice of using bamboo rafts on Thai waterways to transport people and goods has been around for centuries. It is an ideal way to explore and navigate the dense green rainforests and limestone mountains found in the region. Drifting downstream on a bamboo raft at a relaxed pace offers an excellent opportunity to observe the diverse flora and fauna that adorn the riverbanks. In the forest canopy and along the river's edge, you can find playful monkeys, huge spiders, monitor lizards, colourful birds, and a variety of snakes, making this an ideal activity for nature photographers. Your experienced local rafting guide will help you spot the more elusive creatures you might otherwise miss.

The Royal Thai Navy’s Third Fleet welcomes you onto it’s naval base, located just south of Khao Lak, at Thap Lamu. Here, you will see the various species of sea turtle that inhabit Thai waters in various stages of growth. Visiting the centre is wonderful experience for all ages and an obvious highlight of the day for children. Thai waters are home to five of the world’s 8 species of sea turtles. These include the Hawksbill, Green, Olive Ridley, Loggerhead, and the largest of all, the Leatherback, which can reach a weight of up to 700kg.

Following a drastic decline of sea turtles in Thai waters, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, by Royal Decree, initiated the formation of The Sea Turtle Conservation Centre in 1979. Originally formed under the Department of Fisheries, the conservation effort was later transferred to the Royal Thai Navy, in order to utilize the full power of the Third Fleet to patrol Phang Nga’s coastal waters and national marine parks in addition to the duties performed at the conservation centre.

Visit a traditional Buddhist temple, where you will have the opportunity to receive a brief introduction to Buddhism and its rich history in Thailand. It is worth noting that Thai Buddhist temples are renowned worldwide for their ornate beauty, making this part of your day an ideal photo opportunity as you leisurely stroll around the temple grounds.

We kindly remind you that when entering temple grounds, appropriate clothing is required. As a sign of respect, shoulders and knees must be covered at all times, and shoes and hats must be removed before entering the temple. Please bear in mind that this is sacred ground, where one should dress and behave appropriately.

If you have any queries regarding conduct permitted on temple grounds, please do not hesitate to ask your guide, who will be happy to provide you with any assistance you may require during your tour. We thank you for your understanding and look forward to making your visit to the temple a memorable one.

We are excited to take you to an elephant camp located in the heart of a tropical forest. This unique experience is bound to warm your heart and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime! Asian elephants are playful creatures that love to splash and play around in the water, and you are welcome to join them. It's advisable to bring your swimsuit or bathing clothes because you're sure to get wet!

If you plan to take pictures or record videos of this unforgettable moment, we recommend that you bring a waterproof case or bag to protect your electronic devices. You never know when an elephant will shower you with its trunk! At Khao Lak Land Discovery, we value your safety and are committed to the ethical treatment of Thailand's elephants. Therefore, we do not encourage or permit mounting or riding these majestic animals.