When I was researching beaches in Khao Lak I came across Small Sandy Beach and it piqued my interest. The photographs I found showed what appeared to be an unspoilt, golden sandy beach with lava rocks out to sea. Part of Khao Lak Lamru National Park, it is part jungle, part beach! It looked stunning, I said to my driver (Mr C – aka husband) we must find this beautiful small sandy beach! And off we went!
Where is the Beautiful Small Sandy Beach Located?
If you know where it is its easy to find, you just might drive past it. There are actually two ways to reach the small sandy beach, both involve a little trek! Just off of Route 4 when you head towards the town of Khao Lak, just past Khao Lak South Beach.
First Entrance – Nearest to Small Sandy Beach
One entrance is on the left hand side of the road as you are going up the wiggly windy hill. Keep your eye out for the layby on the left and a little sign saying ‘Small Sandy Beach’. Park up and then purchase your ticket at the booth. I believe it was around 200 baht per person (tourist price, it’s cheaper if you are a resident). This ticket gives you entry to the other end of the National Park if you don’t fancy the longer trek. As an extra bonus you get access to the famous Khao Lak waterfall Ton Chong Fa. Bargain!
Second Entrance – More of a trek to Small Sandy Beach
If you happen to miss this layby then don’t worry, you are near the next one. When you get to the top of the hill you will spot a huge entrance on the left hand side. Pull in here opposite a cockerel temple (I think that’s what it is?) where there is also a Police Box. At this entrance there is a tourist information centre and a restaurant (being renovated when were there).
Time For a Trek
Regardless of what season you visit Khao Lak in, it will be warm and humid. Make sure you have a drink with you before you begin at entrance number one. The walk is only around 10 minutes to the beach, however there is nowhere to purchase refreshments at this end. Wind your way through a mini jungle until you can begin to hear the sea. All of a sudden you will spot the beach and sea between the trees. You will then wind your way around until you spot a boardwalk.
Here is the Beautiful Small Sandy Beach
I promise you will not be disappointed when you finally arrive at the beach. It’s definitely one of the best beaches in Khao Lak (making my top 6 Beaches!), only outdone by Poseidon beach. Lava rocks rise up out of the shallows and creepers grow from the undergrowth over the sand from the jungle. It is stunning! Sit on the swing chair in the shade or perch on the raised decking to relax. The decking was in full sun and very hot when we arrived, not the best choice at midday. This beach is true to it’s word, it is small! However we had the whole place to ourselves and didn’t care one bit how big or small it was. There are toilet and washing facilities here for you to use for free which was an added bonus.
Trek To The Second Entrance
From what I call the first entrance you can do a little trek to the second entrance. We stupidly arrived at midday, had no water water with us so we didn’t do it this time. However we are returning to Khao Lak in January so will try and do it again then! It was probably sensible we didn’t attempt it as the restaurant we thought was open at the other end was not. We would have been even thirstier! Be more prepared than us and enjoy this little piece of paradise in Khao Lak. In the above photograph you can see the footpath through the nature trail from the small sandy beach to the second entrance. Enjoy!
Interested in What Else Khao Lak Has To Offer?
Khao Lak not only has amazing beaches to hop from, it has waterfalls to cool off in, temples to marvel at. Takua Pa old town has a sunday market which is lovely to wander around. Read what other attractions there are in Khao Lak and add this place to your bucket list!