In this guide
Every March, the beach at Thai Mueang — about 45 minutes south of Khao Lak — becomes the stage for one of Phang Nga’s best-loved local events: the Sea Turtle Conservation Festival, when young sea turtles are released into the Andaman Sea. The 2026 festival ran from 1 to 10 March, and we were there with our camera. Here is what the festival is about, how you can take part in a turtle release, and how to plan your visit for next year.
Watch: the Sea Turtle Release Festival 2026
Our own footage from Thai Mueang Beach in March 2026.
At a glance
- When: every year in early March; 2026: 1–10 March. Next festival: expected early March 2027 — confirm the dates closer to the time.
- Where: Hat Thai Mueang (Thai Mueang Beach), Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park, Phang Nga.
- From Khao Lak: about 45 minutes by car.
- Turtle release: by donation; the money supports turtle conservation.
- Good to combine with: our Khao Lak Safari tour, which visits the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center at Thap Lamu — from ฿3,000.
Why Thai Mueang Beach?
Thai Mueang Beach is a 13-kilometre stretch of white sand inside Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park, and it is one of the nesting beaches sea turtles return to on this coast. Turtles come ashore to lay their eggs here between about November and February. Leatherbacks, the largest sea turtles in the world, nest in the park too: in the 2026 season one leatherback female, nicknamed “Mae Namo”, came ashore to lay six nests, and rangers moved the eggs to a protected hatchery. The festival in March celebrates this work and gives young turtles their start in the sea.
How to join a turtle release
The heart of the festival is the release of young sea turtles from the beach. Visitors can take part by making a donation, and the money goes to conservation work. Staff explain what to do and in which order the turtles go into the water — follow their instructions, keep hands wet and gentle, and never pick a turtle up by its flippers. It is a moving moment for children and adults alike, and a good way to understand why these beaches are protected.
A festival for the whole community
Beyond the release ceremony, the festival grounds fill with local life: exhibitions about turtles and the marine environment, handicraft booths from the area, food stalls with local dishes, and performances by school children from Thai Mueang and the surrounding villages. It is a local festival first — come with patience and a little Thai baht in cash for the stalls.
Getting there from Khao Lak
Thai Mueang Beach is about 45 minutes south of Khao Lak along Route 4. The easiest way is a private car from your hotel — book a round trip for the way back. Get a fixed price for your route in our transfer calculator.
Not in March? You can still see sea turtles
The Royal Thai Navy runs a Sea Turtle Conservation Center inside the Phang-nga Naval Base at Thap Lamu, just south of Khao Lak. Here you can see sea turtles of different ages that the navy raises before releasing them into the sea. Our Khao Lak Safari tour stops there, together with elephant bathing and bamboo rafting — a full day built for families. If you snorkel at the Similan Islands, you may also spot sea turtles on the reefs.
Similan Islands tour — from ฿4,100
Turtle-friendly tips
- On nesting beaches at night, keep lights off and never use flash near a turtle or a nest.
- Give turtles space; do not touch hatchlings unless staff ask you to help with a release.
- Take your rubbish home — plastic bags and fishing line are deadly for turtles.
- Use reef-friendly sunscreen when you swim and snorkel.
Frequently asked questions
When is the turtle festival in Khao Lak?
Every year in early March. The 2026 festival ran from 1 to 10 March at Thai Mueang Beach. The 2027 dates are expected in early March — check closer to the time.
Where is the Sea Turtle Conservation Festival held?
At Hat Thai Mueang (Thai Mueang Beach) in Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park, Phang Nga, about 45 minutes south of Khao Lak.
How can I release a turtle at the festival?
Turtle releases are open to visitors by donation; the money supports turtle conservation. Festival staff guide every release.
Can I see sea turtles near Khao Lak outside the festival?
Yes. The Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center at Thap Lamu, just south of Khao Lak, raises young turtles all year. Our Khao Lak Safari tour includes a visit.
How do I get to Thai Mueang Beach from Khao Lak?
It is about 45 minutes by car. A private transfer from your hotel is the easiest way; get a fixed price in our transfer calculator.
Plan your visit
A private car from your hotel
Door to door from your Khao Lak hotel, with a fixed price before you book.
Get a transfer price
