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Everything You Need to Know about Takua Pa
- Where is Takua Pa?
- How to Get to Takua Pa
- What to See and Do in Takua Pa
- Stroll around Takua Pa Old Town
- Check out Wat Sena Nucharangsan
- Paddle your way through Takua Pa’s Little Amazon
- Hop between Takua Pa’s pristine beaches
- Admire Sai Rung Waterfall’s cascade
- Hike to Ton Chong Fa Waterfall
- Visit the Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary
- Where to Eat and Drink in Takua Pa
- Mr Bao Family Restaurant
- Kopi Kuapa
- Hok Kee Lao
- Where to Shop in Takua Pa
- Takua Pa Walking Street
- Takua Pa Fresh Market
- Takuapa Square
- Where to Stay in Takua Pa
- Good Morning Hotel at Takua Pa
- Fondness Hotel
- X10 Khaolak Resort
- FAQs about Takua Pa
Takua Pa is an endearing old town in the province of Phang Nga steeped in culture and tradition. Of course, who can forget Phang Nga in the stunning pictures of Phang Nga Bay and its jaw-dropping rock formations such as James Bond Island?
Takua Pa is an entirely different animal though. Much like the Old Town of Phuket (and perhaps much more tranquil), this local street is filled with charming Sino-Portuguese buildings, old-school coffee shops, and friendly locals.
But it doesn’t stop there because Takua Pa is also a nature-rich destination boasting stunning beaches, cascades, and diverse wildlife. Its inland location also makes it accessible to tourists exploring southern Thailand.
That makes it an unmissable destination for cultured and nature-loving travelers.
Where is Takua Pa?
Takua Pa is in the northwest end of Phang Nga Province. It’s bounded by the Andaman Sea, Thai Mueang District in the south, and Kapong District in the east.
How to Get to Takua Pa
Bus: The standard way to get to Takua Pa from Bangkok is to board a provincial bus bound for Ranong at the Southern Bus Terminal. This takes approximately 9 hours and you still need to catch another direct bus from Ranong to Takua Pa for another 3 hours.
Train/bus transfer: Another option is to catch a train at Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station bound for Surat Thani. Afterward, you still need to ride a bus to Khao Sok where you must transfer to another bus bound for Takua Pa.
The whole trip will take between 12 and 13 hours.
Plane: The fastest option from Bangkok to Takua Pa is to book a flight bound for Phuket International Airport. From there, you can catch an airport taxi to get to Phuket Bus Terminal 2.
This terminal has direct buses going to Takua Pa. This method should only take 5 hours or less.
What to See and Do in Takua Pa
Stroll around Takua Pa Old Town
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Takua Pa Old Town is a charming community known for the well-preserved and vibrant Sino-Portuguese buildings along its streets. This town also has a long-standing Kopitiam or coffee shop culture so expect to see plenty of cafes during your stroll.
Numerous walls around town are also filled with colorful murals which gives you plenty of photo opportunities. The crumbled remains of the Takua Pa’s old town walls are also a must-see for history buffs.
Check out Wat Sena Nucharangsan
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Wat Sena Nucharangsan is a tranquil Buddhist temple. It’s tucked away in a tree-lined neighborhood in the heart of Takua Pa Town, so it’s a great option for tourists who like to walk around in peace.
This temple also has a unique side. It has unpretentious ordination and prayer halls with ivory-white walls, rectangular base roofs, and triangular gabled central roofs. It also has several golden Buddha images scattered around its temple complex.
There’s also a distinctive elongated golden stupa with lush flowering shrubs around it.
Paddle your way through Takua Pa’s Little Amazon
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Khlong Sang-Ne, also known as the Little Amazon, is arguably the most popular natural attraction in Takua Pa Town. It’s a fauna-rich mangrove forest boasting a series of river networks that visitors can explore on a kayak or motor boat.
Going here gives you the best chance to observe Takua Pa’s diverse wildlife. The most common sightings in the Little Amazon include giant pythons, Asian monitor lizards, crab-eating macaques, egrets, and more.
Moreover, most of its rivers are canopied by intertwined banyan trees so you don’t have to worry about harsh sunlight.
Hop between Takua Pa’s pristine beaches
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A trip to Takua Pa won’t be complete without experiencing its pristine beaches. Plus, these beaches are all along the district’s western coastline so you can hop between them easily.
This includes Khu Khak Beach, Khao Lak Beach, White Sand Beach, Pak Weep Beach, and more. Most of these beaches are also great for surfing so they’re well-known among waxheads who frequent Takua Pa.
Pakarang Beach, in particular, is popular for its consisting surfing waves. Its best reef breaks are on the north end near Pakarang Cape.
Admire Sai Rung Waterfall’s cascade
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Sai Rung Waterfall is a popular cascade in Takua Pa. It’s tucked away in a leafy forest grove with a small charming cafe, so it’s great if you’re looking for a place to enjoy good coffee and soothing natural water sounds.
This waterfall also has a sizable pool, so you can take a dip to cool yourself down.
Hike to Ton Chong Fa Waterfall
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Ton Chong Fa Waterfall is ideal for tourists who love water streams and hiking. This waterfall has a stunning cascade and a sizable waist-deep pool where visitors can wade around or dip their toes.
Some parts of the waterfall’s 800-meter trail are also steep which is great for those who like a bit of a challenge. It’s doable with flip-flops, but it’s best to wear hiking shoes for the slippery rocks along the way.
Visit the Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary
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Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary is an ethical refuge for wild elephants in the Takua Pa District. This place offers a hands-off experience, so you can observe how elephants behave in their natural habitats.
This includes watching them bathe, feeding them, and joining them for walks around the jungle. The sanctuary’s guide will also share their vast knowledge about the elephants in their care.
They also offer Thai cooking classes and eco-tours—additional activities that will help you delve into your Taukua Pa adventure further!
Where to Eat and Drink in Takua Pa
Mr Bao Family Restaurant
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Address: Pak Weep Beach, Khuekkhak
Phone: +66 85 792 4748
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for Thai food
Mr Bao Family Restaurant is a lively food spot along Pak Weep Beach. It has a relaxing alfresco dining area with bamboo chairs and wooden tables under the shade of tall pine trees.
Their menu offers a wide range of options, from classic Thai dishes to Western food. Their pineapple fried rice is a must-try
This restaurant also has an extensive drink menu consisting of cocktails, beers, Italian sodas, fruit juices, etc.
Kopi Kuapa
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Address: 115 Thanon Sri Takuapa
Phone: +66 99 459 5355
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Friday – Wednesday)
Good to know: Good for coffee
Kopi Kuapa is arguably the most popular coffee shop in Takua Pa Old Town. It serves affordable cups of classic coffee blends.
However, the cafe’s bestselling blend is its signature Old Style hot coffee and tea which they serve with traditional Chinese and Thai desserts. They also serve a broad range of drinks, from smoothies to beers, wines, yogurt smoothies, and more.
Hok Kee Lao
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Address: 19 Senarat
Phone: +66 76 421 938
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours:
- 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
- 4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for Chinese food
Hok Kee Lao is a local favorite in Takua Pa. It’s a southern Thai-Chinese restaurant frequented for its traditional Chinese-style dishes, like its signature chicken pae sa and fried tofu with minced shrimp and pork.
The pae sa, in particular, is a must-try for its juicy and savory soy sauce-infused chicken meat. Other dishes to watch out for are the silver Pomfret hot pot, fried fish fillet, and deep-fried soft-shell crab.
Moreover, this restaurant has a Michelin Bib Gourmand, so expect good quality dishes with value-for-your-money pricing.
Where to Shop in Takua Pa
Takua Pa Walking Street
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Address: Thanon Sri Takuapa
Phone: +66 95 932 9462
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Sunday)
Good to know: Good for street food, souvenirs
Takua Pa Walking Street is an iconic Sunday street market in Takua Pa Old Town. During this time, numerous local vendors will set up stalls along the Sri Takuapa Road and sell a wide range of local products.
Takua Pa Fresh Market
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Address: 45 Klun Kaeo, Bang Sai
Phone: +66 90 863 9329
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 4:20 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for fresh food
This local market is in the heart of Takua Pa Old Town, so it’s convenient for tourists who plan to shop for fresh ingredients.
Some stalls also sell street food and packed meals which is great if you prefer not to cook food. Items are sold at local-friendly prices, so everything is affordable!
Takuapa Square
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Address: Bang Nai Si
Phone: +66 76 471 193
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for all-around shopping
Takuapa Square is a lively shopping center in Takua Pa. Its most popular stores are Mc Jeans for apparel, Watson’s for health and self-care products, and Big C Market for grocery items.
There’s also a food court and several fast food joints, so you’re covered for food while shopping.
Where to Stay in Takua Pa
Good Morning Hotel at Takua Pa
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Address: 4/13 Moo 7, Phetkasem Road, Bang Nai Si
Phone: +66 91 664 4151
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for solo travelers, couples
Good Morning Hotel at Takua Pa is a relaxed modern hotel. Though it’s tucked away on the outskirts of Bang Nai Si, it’s off the main road so it’s accessible to tourists visiting Takua Pa for the first time.
This hotel has cozy minimalist rooms with essential amenities. Just know that their rooms can only accommodate up to two guests.
Also, they don’t serve breakfast, but complimentary instant coffee, tea, and toast are available at their communal lounge.
Fondness Hotel
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Address: 39/3, Bang Nai Si
Phone: +66 2 098 3888
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for budget travelers
Though budget-friendly, Fondness Hotel provides unassuming minimalist rooms with black-out curtains, flat-screen TVs, air conditioners, and en-suite bathrooms.
It’s also near local shopping and food haunts like Takuapa Square, Ban-Bai Tea Cafe & Coffee, Krua Bai Toey, and more, making it a convenient choice.
X10 Khaolak Resort
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Address: 38, 9 Phet Kasem Road, Khuekkhak
Phone: +66 76 428 920
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating Hours: 3 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples, families
X10 Khaolak Resort is a luxury beachfront resort offering airy rooms with sleek modern interiors and modern amenities. This hotel also has three food-and-drink amenities: a buffet restaurant, a seafood eatery, and a swim-up bar with a lagoon-style pool.
Guests also have access to its fully equipped fitness room and full-service spa. There’s also a kid’s club, so parents can enjoy their vacation to the fullest while their children are preoccupied with fun and educational activities.
