- OCT - APR33°22°
Dry season, sunny and calm
- MAY - SEP33°24°
Warm with occasional rain

Khanom
Khanom, a picturesque coastal district in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province on the Gulf of Thailand's western shore, is one of southern Thailand's best-kept secrets, a largely undeveloped stretch of golden beaches, turquoise bays, and pristine national park coastline that provides a quieter alternative to the crowded islands of Ko Samui and Ko Phangan nearby. Part of the Hat Khanom–Mu Ko Thale Tai National Park, the coastline encompasses several beautiful beaches including Khanom Beach itself, fringed with graceful casuarina pines and gentle waves suitable for year-round swimming, as well as the scenic coastal road between Khanom and Sichon districts offering extraordinary Gulf views. Khanom's most exceptional claim to fame is its colony of rare Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, famously pink in color, that live in the waters around Khanom Bay, a group of over 50 individuals regularly spotted near Ao Taled and Bann Leam Pratap between March and October, accessible via guided boat tours from Ao Phao Pier. The nearby Khao Luang National Park shelters the highest mountain in southern Thailand and a cascade of stunning waterfalls, including the magnificent seven-tiered Krungching Waterfall with its dramatic 100-meter second-tier drop, making Khanom an exceptional base for both beach relaxation and inland nature adventures.
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Hotels in Khanom
Alongkot Beach Resort Khanom
X-sea khanom Harbor Bay Resort
Hotel Villa Aokhanom Beachfront
Quick facts about Khanom
Local weather
℉℃Time zone
GMT +07:00
No time difference
Currency
Thai Baht
1USD = 33.76THB
Official languages
Thai
FAQs about Khanom
What is the best time to visit Khanom?
What is the best time to visit Khanom?
The best time is from October to April, when the Gulf of Thailand coast experiences dry, sunny weather with calm seas. December to April is peak beach season with clear skies and excellent swimming conditions. The pink dolphin boat tours are most successful from March to October when the dolphins are most frequently sighted in the bay.
How do I get to Khanom?
How do I get to Khanom?
The closest airport is Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST), approximately 60 km south of Khanom (1–1.5 hours by car). Bangkok Airways operates regular flights from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi to Nakhon Si Thammarat. Alternatively, fly to Surat Thani Airport (URT), about 70 km north of Khanom (~1.5 hours by car). By bus, overnight coaches from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal reach Nakhon Si Thammarat in 10–12 hours; local songthaews continue north to Khanom.
How do I get around Khanom?
How do I get around Khanom?
Khanom is a dispersed coastal district with limited public transport. Renting a scooter (200–300 THB/day) is the most practical way to explore beaches, viewpoints, and national park areas independently. Songthaews from Nakhon Si Thammarat city can drop you at Khanom town, but once there, motorbike or private transport is essential. Local guesthouses can help arrange guided tours and transport to dolphin tours and Krungching Waterfall.
What are the best areas to stay in Khanom?
What are the best areas to stay in Khanom?
Khanom Beach and Nai Phlao Beach areas offer the widest choice, beachfront guesthouses, boutique resorts, and homestays close to dolphin tour departure points and national park beaches. The Khanom Lookout area at the southern end attracts those seeking clifftop views and café scenery. Sichon, the next district south, is another quieter base with lovely beaches and Phrom Lok Waterfall day trips nearby.