Khanom

Khanom Beach is located on the northernmost end of Nakhon Si Thammarat province, 25 km southeast of Donsak Pier, where ferry boats are available for trips to Ko Samui. Khanom itself is a quiet stretch of beach flanked by towering limestone and shale mountains. The beach here is a bit rocky and windswept. But that, along with the solitude, makes Khanom a fascinating attraction.

Limestone mountains tower over the estuary at Khanom, Thailand.

The primary industry here is fishing. Lately, pink dolphins were discovered in the sea, and the fishermen have started to earn a side incoming in ferrying visitors to look for them. However, the dolphins are usually an elusive sight, and it is more likely than not that the visitors return "empty handed", so to speak.

Another attractive feature of Khanom are its limestone islands. Some of these could be accessed, as are the beaches, which is a good place to explore away from the crowds of Ko Samui and Ko Phangan.

If anything, perhaps the primary attraction of Khanom might be the area's simplicity. There are no go-go bars here, no discos, no Full Moon Parties. And no touts, no hawkers or hookers. You can explore the beach without being harassed by touts and vendors and the locals will more likely smile and wave at you out of friendliness than for commercial intention.

Khanom has two beautiful caves, 5 waterfalls and borders the north end of Khao Luang National Park which is also a great destination. And then there's sea golf! Yes indeed, sea golf. Every year between April until July, when the low tides drain one entire bay for most of the day, the locals use the sandy sea bed as a temporary golf course. There is even a tournament that has been held for the past few years.

History of Khanom

Formerly known as Muang Tranom, the town of Khanom was founded as early as the Ayutthaya era, during the reign of King Ramathibodi I (aka King U-thong) 800 years ago. It was a major navigation and sea-trade centre and a centre for Buddhist cultural arts. The name of the town was later changed to Panom and Khao Nom and lastly Khanom.

During the reign of King Rama V, Khanom became a village under the jusdiction of Ta-saala District. In 1959 it was elevated to district level under the jurisdiction of Nakhon Sri Thammarat province.

Khanom Golden Beach Hotel.

Snow white sand at Khanom Beach.

Limestone mountains at Khanom.

Close-up of the rugged mountain range at Khanom.

Thai fisherfolk at Khaom.

Fisherman's hut out in the sea.

Limestone islands off Khanom.

Limestone outcrop in the Gulf of Thailand off Khanom.

Admiring the water-worn limestone cliff of an island in Khanom.

View of the sea at Khanom from our sampan boat.

Members of AsiaExplorers posing with a statue of a monk on a limestone island in Khanom.

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