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What is the best way to take a day trip around Khao Lak without buying a package from a tour agent?

What is the best way to take a day trip around Khao Lak without buying a package from a tour agent?

Is it safe to drive in the area? I travel with my mother and we both can drive if the road is not too demanding. Thanks a lot! Sara

There are many places to visit near Khao Lak. Some of these are on the mainland while other attractions are on islands in the Andaman Sea. Many visitors take a day trip to the Similan Islands (Mu Koh Similan National Park). The park is comprised of nine islands fringed with rocky outcrops and stunning beaches with powdery sand. For a day trip, you will have to travel by speedboat and the travel time is 90 minutes. It's more fun to spend a few days, but if you don't have time, a day trip is also worthwhile. The best time to visit is from November to April. 
If you want to do something on your own without taking a tour, by all means consider a self-drive trip. The roads in the Khao Lak area are not too crowded and you’ll enjoy a fun day out if you rent a car with GPS or have your mother read the map. Do remember though that you will need to drive on the left, just as in the UK. If you live in a country where you drive on the right and are unsure about switching to the left, you probably should take a tour instead. 
Renting a car gives you more freedom to go where and when you please. Go north of Khao Lak, in the direction of Takua Pa and the attractions include Koh Kho Khao, the Tsunami Memorial, Sairung Waterfall and even Khao Sok National Park. If you head south, you can go to Tab Lamu, Thay Muang and the Turtle and Marine Conservation Unit. If you don't mind a long drive, you can also visit Phang Nga Bay at Sri Phang Nga National Park and take a boat trip to enjoy the wonderful scenery. Have a great time!
 
 
I will be in Thailand in November and am interested in observing a festival in the north. However, I am little confused as to which festival to go for: Loy Krathong or Yi Peng. Do both festivals happen at the same time and same place? Please advise so I can plan my trip ahead. Thanks, Riham
 
The annual Loy Krathong festival takes place on the night of the full moon in the twelfth month of the traditional Thai calendar, which is usually in November according to the western calendar. The festival is known all over Thailand as Loy Krathong but northern Thailand also holds the Yi Peng festival where many hot air lanterns are sent up to float in the sky. In many Northern provinces like Chiang Mai, the two festivals are celebrated together. This year, the Loy Krathong Festival falls on November 17. 
Loy Krathong today combines a religious ceremony with spiritual practice. The spiritual side is about honouring the spirit of the river – the Kongka Goddess – to show gratitude for her bounty. Thais also head to the temples on the day of the full moon to worship Lord Buddha and pray for their ancestors and relatives.
However, most people tend to focus far more on the celebratory side of the festival. The celebrations run for several days and include parades, beauty contests and concerts. This year, these events will be held from November 15-18. During this time, you will see the Loy Krathong celebrations all over Thailand. Other major places to celebrate are Sukhothai and Ayutthaya though Chiang Mai is a great place to enjoy the festival as the celebrations are combined with Lanna culture, colourful fireworks and floating lanterns in the sky and river. 
Foreign visitors are also interested in a new festival known as Yeepeng Lanna International, organised by the Duangtawan Santiparp Foundation. This allows tourists to view thousands of lanterns being releasing into the sky and takes place on November 23 at Thudongkhasathan Lanna in Chiang Mai’s San Sai district. Tickets cost US$100 (Bt3,100) including round trip shuttle bus and meal box and must be booked in advance through the website www.yeepenglanna.com. No walk-in visitors are allowed. 
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