Towards the end of the year in the Similan Islands, the monsoon rains have moved on and the tourists start flooding back into the area. Compared to October, which had 187mm of rainfall, November sees only 98mm of rain, making this a great time to holiday on the islands, which are part of Thailand.
While the rainfall amounts have dropped significantly, the area still gets some rain, so be prepared with rain gear like umbrellas and ponchos. The islands see around 13 days of rain this month, similar to nearby Khao Lak, with a 20% chance of rain and clouds on any given day. You'll also want to pack the warm-weather clothing, including short-sleeved shirts, shorts and tank tops.
The average daily temperature gets a little warmer from the previous month, up to 28°C (around 82°F), feeling pretty great when compared to the late autumn temperatures most of Europe experiences. During the nighttime and early morning hours, the lows drop down to a very pleasant 24°C (about 75°F), so you won't even need a jacket or sweater when spending time outside. At the hottest point in the day, the highs jump up to 31°C (around 88°F), but with the breezes blowing across the Andaman Sea, it will feel much cooler.
With seven hours of sunshine per day and fewer chances for rain, you'll definitely get to see and enjoy the sun this month. Head down to the beach and lounge on the warm sand or head into the warm water itself. The average sea temperature at this time of the year is 28°C (about 82°F), a perfect temperature for swimming and splashing in the waves. If it's your thing, you'll also want to try some scuba diving or snorkelling at one of the area's famous dive sites, located in the waters surrounding the islands.
Where to Stay
A quiet boutique hotel with colonial-style buildings, Khaolak Orchid Beach Resort offers a restful and relaxing holiday near the Similan Islands. Family-owned and operated, the resort has three swimming pools, including an adult-only pool and kids' pool, Jacuzzi, restaurants and bars, and a library with a computer centre. You can choose from a twin or double room, some of which have private balconies overlooking the picturesque main pool.
At the Briza Beach Resort, you'll find affordable and comfortable accommodations in a green lush setting. The rooms all come with clean, neutral décor, tile showers, soaking tubs and televisions. Some of the rooms offer private garden terraces or balconies to sit out in the warm November weather. The resort's hospitality lounge has showers, exercise room and living room areas for relaxing if you need to wait for your room to be ready. The hotel also has facilities for kids and younger guests.
As its name suggests, the Haven Khao Lak provides an incredible private and exclusive getaway for travellers visiting Thailand and the Similan Islands. It's surrounded on one side by the Andaman Sea and a natural lagoon on the other, and has the largest salt water pool in all of Thailand. The 110 guest rooms include deluxe rooms overlooking the pool, deluxe pool access rooms with a private terrace and direct access to the pool, and ocean-side villas with private Jacuzzis.
Hit the Beach
Sunset Beach is found just south of the main area of Khao Lak and Nang Thong Beach. Not many beach-goers spend time on the sand for sunbathing, but rather utilise the beach for snorkelling in the warm water. The average sea temperature in November is a pleasant 28°C (about 82°F). The resorts that sit on Sunset Beach are located across the main road, along with several restaurants, bars and shops.
Eating and Drinking Out
With a little mix of everything, Fizz Bistro-N-Bar offers Asian, Thai, seafood and international dishes with a contemporary flair. The airy outdoor patio is surrounded by lush greenery, so you can enjoy your meal in a picturesque setting. You'll also be treated to some great people-watching, with visitors going back and forth on the streets of Khao Lak, just outside the restaurant.
The interior of the Green Pepper Khao Lak invokes the feel of an ancient temple, with stone walls, hieroglyphics and soft lighting. Located just off the main drag in Khao Lak, the Green Pepper serves up high-quality Thai and Asian dishes that look as amazing as they taste. If you'd rather take your meal outside, you can head to Green Pepper on the Beach, the sister restaurant located right on the shore.
A great place to enjoy a stunning sunset overlooking the Andaman Sea, Peter Bar and Restaurant in Khao Lak provides cold drinks and yummy food. You can spend the afternoon there, sipping away on your favourite cocktail with your toes in the sand. It's also the ideal place for a nightcap or just a casual, laid-back dinner near the water. The menu includes fresh seafood and Thai dishes.
Things to Do
If you want to hang ten, try your hand at surfing while in Khao Lak. From April to November, during the monsoon season, the waves are especially large and consistent, making for some great surfing conditions. The Pakarang Surfshop in Khao Lak offers surfing lessons, and also rents different equipment including longboards, shortboards and body boards. You can also get equipment for stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.
Fun for the whole family, Khaolak Mini Golf is a great activity no matter your age. The course is designed to resemble the surrounding Thai jungles, with lots of green vegetation and colourful flora. You'll also golf around brick ruins and bridges; watch out for the alligator on hole eight! After you're done with your round, head over to the mini golf restaurant and snack bar for refreshments or a meal.
Explore beautiful CheowLan Lake on the Lake Adventure tour from Eco Khaolak Adventure. The lake is surrounded by amazing limestone cliffs and green rainforests and you get to view it all from your longboat as you sail across the water. When lunchtime rolls around, you'll get to enjoy your meal on a floating bamboo raft restaurant. The tour also includes exploring the caves around the lake and time to swim and kayak in the warm November air.
