As the calendar flips to July in the Similan Islands, the monsoon season continues with driving rain, windy conditions and rough seas. Thankfully, the temperatures stay nice and warm, so if you do get a chance to get outside in between the rain drops, at least you'll be warm. Rainfall amounts this time of the year average around 203mm, so have the umbrella handy if you'll be out and about. The rain falls over 18 days in the month, so you'll want to check the local forecast each day to see if it will be a total washout or you'll have some peeks of sunshine.
Like nearby Khao Lak, the average daily temperature for the islands is 28°C (around 82°F). Unfortunately, the nearly-perfect weather is hampered by the rainy conditions. The lows at night and in the early morning hours drop down to 25°C (about 77°F), so you won't even need a jacket or sweater if you're out and about at night. During the heat of the day, the highs jump up to 31°C (around 87°F), feeling just like summer.
With those temperatures, you'll want summer-appropriate clothing like short-sleeve shirts, shorts and tank tops. Sandals are fine too, if you don't mind them getting wet in the rain. Otherwise, pack a sturdy pair of shoes that can withstand getting soaked. Even though the sun might not shine as much as other times in the year, you'll still want to have sunglasses and sunscreen handy because of the high UV index in this part of Thailand.
The sun shines for an average of six hours a day during this month, slightly more daylight than you got in June. The water temperature drops slightly from the previous months, at 28°C (around 82°F), warm enough for swimming, water sports and scuba diving. Unfortunately, the monsoon rains bring in rough seas, so even though the water is warm, it's not always safe.
Where to Stay
A clean and comfortable resort with convenient access to Bang Niang Beach, the Shambhala Khaolak Resort is perfect for singles, couples and families traveling in July. Room choices include the beachfront or garden bungalows and the deluxe rooms with ocean or garden views. All of the rooms come with air-conditioning, satellite television and in-room safe. As a guest, you'll also enjoy airport transfers, massages on the beach, outdoor pool, and beach-side restaurant and bar.
If you're looking for additional space or privacy, consider staying at the Nang Thong Bay Resort, which is made up of all private bungalows. You can choose from a beach-side or garden-view bungalow or get the four-person family apartment with plenty of room for everyone. During the day, relax next to the sparkling swimming pool and make your way to the swim-up bar. Other amenities include internet, airport transfers, laundry service and on-site restaurant.
Tucked next to its sister property, The Sands, The Leaf on The Sands provides a natural and beautiful setting with eco-friendly amenities. The resort makes its own fertiliser from compost, recycles everything it can, uses bio-degradable products for cleaning, and utilises local produce, meat and other food products whenever possible in the restaurant. It also has two swimming pools, kids' pool, outdoor massage pavilion and beautiful garden to stroll around.
Hit the Beach
Located right in the centre of Khao Lak, Nang Thong Beach is a hopping place with lots of tourists soaking up the sun. The beach is a mixture of golden sand, granite rocks and lots of palm and casuarina trees. You won't have any trouble finding a place to eat or shop during your time on this beach and the water is warm in July, with an average temperature of 28°C (around 82°F).
Eating and Drinking Out
If you're looking for a laid-back and easy-going place to grab a drink before dinner or sit-down to a Thai meal, you have to visit Mojos. The restaurant and bar are conveniently located just minutes from Nang Thong market and beach. Kids are welcome too, with a menu of kids' favourites just for them. The full bar serves cocktails, beers and wines that complement your meal perfectly.
A quiet and unassuming restaurant not far from the centre of Khao Lak, Mr. Ju's Restaurant is a great place for a laid-back meal. The wrap-around porch is a great place to sit and eat your meal, as you people-watch. Along with delicious food, the restaurant offers affordable prices and a very friendly staff. The owner himself has been known to give patrons taxi rides back to their hotels.
Mix it up and opt for a Mexican meal at the Rusty Pelican, known around the country and even the world for its amazing food. Found just minutes from Bang Niang beach, the restaurant is within walking distance of many of the biggest resorts in the area. Here, you'll dine on specialties like nachos, fajitas, enchiladas, quesadillas and tacos. You can even get some German dishes like pork schnitzel and bratwurst.
Things to Do
When the weather's not cooperating in July, head indoors to the In Art Gallery Khao Lak full of oil and canvas paintings. The gallery includes Thai cultural paintings, modern art, abstract pieces, landscapes and reproduction works. All of the artists featured in the gallery come from Bang Niang, Khao Lak and the Phang Nga areas. If you find a piece you like and want to take home, the owner can arrange to have it safely shipped back home.
A touching memorial to the tsunami of 2004, the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park is located north of Khao Lak. The park is more than just a memorial with a playground area for the kids and a rest area for those just wanting to relax and enjoy the park. This part of Thailand was nearly wiped out in the tsunami. The memorial includes the names of more than 1,400 dead from the town and the curved concrete wall represents the wave of the tsunami.
