While the national park on the Similan Islands is closed in June because of the monsoon rains that have started, you can still find plenty to do in the area. The islands, which are part of Thailand in southeast Asia, offer amazing natural beauty that you can enjoy in between the heavy rains. The rains may have ramped up, but the temperatures stay consistent from the previous months, with warm and moderate highs and lows.
This time of the year, the rainfall has jumped up to 189 mm, a far cry from the small amounts that fell in the beginning of the year. The rains come over 18 days in the month, so you'll want to bring along the umbrella or poncho and maybe even a nice pair of rain boots. As you're packing, along with rain gear, you'll also want warm-weather clothing like short-sleeved shirts, shorts and tank tops.
The average daily temperature for the area sits at 28°C (around 82°F). At night, the lows drop slightly to 25°C (about 77°F), providing a little relief from the highs. During the day, those highs can get up all the way to 31°C (around 88°F), feeling pretty steamy, especially with all the rain. Each day, you can expect around five hours of daylight; plan accordingly to get in all your outdoor activities before the sun goes down. While the days aren't as long as previous months, you'll still want sunglasses and sunscreen because the UV index is high in this part of the world.
Unfortunately, with all the monsoon rain and wind, the seas are pretty rough this time of the year, making it harder to enjoy the scuba diving famous in the area. If you do manage to find a day with calmer seas, the water will be warm, with an average sea temperature of 29°C (around 84°F).
Where to Stay
Located on Nang Thong Beach, not far from the Similan Islands, the Khaolak Bhandari Resort and Spa is an ideal choice for your Thai holiday in June. It's conveniently located only five minutes from the beach and only 10 minutes from the centre of Khao Lak. When you book direct through the resort, you'll be treated to lots of extras like free Wi-Fi, complimentary shuttle service, a welcome drink and fruit basket upon arrival. You'll also get discounts at the on-site restaurant and spa.
Sitting on 15 acres of lush forests and gardens, the Khaolak Merlin Resort provides a natural and beautiful setting for your vacation in Thailand. All of the rooms, which include standard rooms and one and two-bedroom villas, have private balconies, air-conditioning and satellite television. Resort amenities include a coffee shop, beach-side restaurant, pool bar, four swimming pools, children's pool with slides, playground and fitness centre.
With upscale accommodations and thoughtful amenities, the Mukdara Beach Villa and Spa Resort pampers guests during their holiday. The rooms come with garden or pool views, and some have features like separate sleeping and living areas, outdoor rain showers, private Jacuzzis, and private pools. Other amenities include car rentals, library, currency exchange, water and outdoor sports, excursions, tour services and kids' club.
Hit the Beach
With more attractions and dining options nearby, Bang Niang Beach is more popular with beach-goers. Along with restaurants and bars, you'll find numerous souvenir shops, massage centres and other businesses. The Bang Niang River flows into the Andaman Sea at one point along the beach, creating a rocky area for exploring and sunbathing. Bang Niang is home to the Tsunami Museum, which you can visit before or after your trip to the beach. The water is warm in June, averaging 29°C (around 84°F).
Eating and Drinking Out
When you approach the Sun-Starsiam Restaurant, on the south side of Khao Lak, you'll feel like you've been transported back in time. The restaurant is housed in an authentic Thai thatched-roof building, beckoning you to come inside and taste amazing Asian cuisine. Inside, the traditional touches continue, from the bamboo tables and chairs to the outdoor dining area surrounded by bamboo plants. The menu includes a mixture of Asian, Thai and European dishes.
Found further inland, right off the main drag in Khao Lak, Khao Niau serves up Isan-Thai food, one of the only restaurants in the area to do so. The menu is extensive and includes specialties like curries, chicken satay, sticky rice, raw beef salad and pad Thai from the Isan province. You can dine in the airy dining room or head out to the patio and dine under the stars and the soft glow of the lanterns lining the restaurant.
A cosy and unassuming place to get traditional Thai dishes, Bussaba is conveniently located near the main street of Khao Lak and easy to get to. The restaurant not only has amazing food, but it gives diners huge portions for a low price, making this a great choice for budget-minded travellers. Menu specialties include the coconut curry, spicy beef salad, Thai fishcakes, whole snapper and king prawns.
Things to Do
Only an hour's drive from Khao Lak, Phuket is one of the most famous cities in Thailand. During a rainy day in June, drive down or take one of the local buses into the city and explore the attractions. If you don't mind staying late, Phuket has one of the hottest nightlife scenes in all of Asia. It's also home to a plethora of amazing restaurants and bars to try some of the best Thai food in the area.
Check out the beautiful flying creatures at the Butterfly Farm in Khao Lak, which is part of the Khao Lak orchid garden. In the garden, you'll find over 300 species of orchids in all their beautiful splendour. As you walk through, let the butterflies softly land on you and have your camera ready for some awesome photos. Once you're done exploring, you can head out to the gift shop and find some fun souvenirs to take home.
