Nakhon Sri Thammarat, the second largest province of the South and the land of predominant Buddhism during the Srivijaya Period, is 780 kilometres from Bangkok. It occupies an area of 9,942 square kilometres consisting of high plateau and mountains in the west then sloping down towards the east and becoming a basin along the coastline of the Gulf of Thailand.
In addition to its great history, Nakhon Si Thammarat boasts pristine verdant jungles abundant with luxuriant vegetation and is also noted for picturesque beaches and beautiful waterfalls.
Had Khanom covers places in Sichon and Khanom districts of Nakorn Sri Thammarat province, and Sa Mui island district of Surat Thani province. Only 15 minutes from the Don Sak jetty where the boats depart for Koh Samui.
It is a small city that lives of fishing, handloom industry and of course agriculture: farming rubber, coconut, cashew nut, and fruits like durian, pineapple and banana. The area has been blessed with the most beautiful stretches of beach on the South Thailand mainland. And is enclosed by a grand mountain range on the border of Kao Sok natural park. Weather here is influenced by south-west monsoon and north-east monsoon. The rain comes nearly the whole year.
Popular spots to visit are: Khao Dard Fah to view sun set and sunrise; Tan island for bird watching; Khao Wang caves with stalagmites and stalactites. Park boundary contains 8 islands at sea. Some of the beaches are worth visiting. Coral reef formation can be seen at a few islands.
How to get there
From Surat Thani follow the highway 401 to the east to Kanchanadit district town from where continue another 38 km and turn left (to the north) onto highway 4014. Drive 17 km to Kanom district town. From the town go north to get to the park.