Laem Son National Park 2026: Thailand’s Hidden Beach Gem Opens for Tourism Season
Laem Son National Park in Ranong has reopened for the 2026 tourism season, offering Indian visitors pristine coral reefs, island camping, and secluded Andaman coast beaches.
Laem Son National Park in Ranong has officially reopened to international visitors for the 2026 tourism season. For Indian travellers looking beyond Phuket and Krabi, this under-the-radar coastal park offers pristine coral reefs, island camping, and secluded beaches — with far fewer crowds.
Laem Son National Park 2026: What’s Open and What to Expect
Laem Son National Park 2026 is now fully operational for both Thai and international visitors, according to an official announcement on 17 October 2026. Park staff have completed visitor safety training, hygiene preparations are in place, and all key facilities are ready to welcome tourists.
The park sits in Ranong province on Thailand’s Andaman coast — about 300 km north of Phuket. It covers a stretch of mangrove coastline and a cluster of small islands, and it remains one of the least commercialised national parks in southern Thailand.
For Indian tourists who have already done Phuket and Krabi, Laem Son is the kind of place that rewards the extra travel time.
What Can Indian Tourists Do at Laem Son National Park
The park offers a mix of beach, island, and water activities — all centred around its conservation-focused approach to tourism.
| Activity | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Beach walks and relaxation | Bang Ben Beach | Casuarina-shaded sand, calm atmosphere |
| Snorkelling | Ko Khang Khao island | Well-preserved coral reefs |
| Island camping (overnight) | Ko Kam Tok | Ao Khao Kwai bay, semicircular beach |
| Tidal sandbar walk | Ko Yipun | Unique seasonal sandbar formation |
| Sunset camping | Bang Ben Beach | Beachside tents with ocean views |
| Nature viewpoints | Various mainland trails | Coastal forest walks |
Ko Khang Khao is the standout for snorkelling, with coral described by the park as well preserved — a rarity on busy sections of the Andaman coast. Ko Kam Tok offers overnight tent camping at Ao Khao Kwai, a beautifully sheltered bay.
How to Reach Laem Son National Park from India
Laem Son National Park does not have a direct flight connection, so Indian travellers need to plan the journey in stages. Here is the most practical route.
1 — Fly to Bangkok or Phuket
Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore operate to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Phuket International Airport. Air India, IndiGo, Thai Airways, and AirAsia all serve these routes. Budget return fares from India to Bangkok typically start around ₹18,000–₹30,000, depending on the season.
2 — Travel from Phuket or Bangkok to Ranong
From Phuket, Ranong is approximately 3–4 hours by road. Shared minivans and private taxis are available. From Bangkok, the overnight train or bus to Ranong takes around 10–12 hours.
3 — Reach the park from Ranong town
Laem Son National Park is about 58 km south of Ranong town. Hire a local taxi or motorbike taxi to reach Bang Ben Beach, which is the park’s main entry point for the mainland section. Island transfers are arranged by longtail boats from nearby piers.
Practical Tips for Indians Visiting Laem Son National Park 2026
1 — Book camping in advance
Overnight camping spots on Ko Kam Tok and at Bang Ben Beach are limited. Contact the park visitor centre at 077-861431 or message their Facebook page (“Laem Son National Park”) to confirm availability and reserve a slot before you travel.
2 — Carry cash — UPI does not work in Thailand
There are no ATMs inside the park. Carry Thai Baht (THB) in cash for entry fees, boat transfers, and food. The nearest town with ATMs is Kapoe. Indian UPI, PhonePe, and Google Pay are not accepted anywhere in Thailand.
3 — Check weather before island trips
The Andaman coast is currently under a Thailand flood warning (18–25 October 2026). Waves in the Andaman Sea could exceed 3 metres during storms this week. Check conditions with the park before booking longtail boat transfers to the islands.
4 — Get travel insurance
Activities like snorkelling and island camping on remote islands require solid travel insurance. SafetyWing covers adventure activities and medical emergencies abroad and is popular with Indian travellers.
5 — Respect the conservation rules
Laem Son is a protected national park. Do not remove coral, shells, or marine life. Avoid single-use plastics — the park runs on a conservation model and littering can result in fines.
Cost Estimate for Indians Visiting Laem Son National Park
Here is a rough budget breakdown for a 2-night Laem Son visit as part of a Thailand trip.
| Item | Approx. Cost (THB) | Approx. Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| National park entry fee (international) | 300–500 | ₹750–₹1,250 |
| Longtail boat to islands (return) | 200–400 per person | ₹500–₹1,000 |
| Tent camping (per night) | 100–200 | ₹250–₹500 |
| Local food per day | 300–500 | ₹750–₹1,250 |
| Total per person (2 nights) | ~1,500–2,500 | ~₹3,750–₹6,250 |
This makes Laem Son one of the most affordable beach destinations in Thailand for Indian travellers — especially compared to Phuket or Koh Samui where accommodation alone can cost ₹5,000–₹15,000 per night.
FAQs — Laem Son National Park 2026
Q1: Do Indian passport holders need a visa to visit Thailand and Laem Son National Park?
As of 2026, Indian passport holders can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days. No special permit is needed beyond the standard national park entry fee to visit Laem Son. However, always verify the latest visa status before travel — check our Thailand visa rules 2026 guide for the most up-to-date information.
Q2: Is Laem Son National Park suitable for families with children?
Yes — the mainland beaches at Bang Ben and Praphat are calm and shaded, making them suitable for families. The island trips involve longtail boat transfers on open water, which may not be ideal for very young children or during rough weather. The current October weather advisory recommends extra caution on the Andaman coast this week.
Q3: How do I contact Laem Son National Park for booking and information?
Call the visitor centre directly on 077-861431 during operating hours. You can also send a message through the park’s official Facebook page — search for “Laem Son National Park.” The park does not currently have an online booking system, so direct contact is the best approach.
Also Read
???? Thailand Visa Rules 2026: Complete Guide for Indian Travellers
???? Thailand Flood Warning October 2026: Key Travel Alert for Indians
???? Thailand Tourist Fee 2026: What Indians Will Pay Extra This Year
Official Source
???? Laem Son National Park — The Nation Thailand (October 2026)
???? Laem Son National Park Facebook Page
Final Word
Laem Son National Park 2026 is now open and ready for the season — and for Indian travellers who want something quieter and more authentic than the busy beaches of Phuket, this is worth the detour. Pristine coral reefs, island camping, and Andaman sunsets at a fraction of the cost. Call the park ahead, carry your Thai Baht, and go before word gets out.
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Aaseem Bhardwaj is a journalist, seasoned traveler and IT professional based in India. With firsthand travel experience across Southeast Asia, East Asia, Middle East and Europe, Aaseem founded Travel Man Today to provide reliable visa updates and travel news for Indian passport holders. He has personally traveled to Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, UAE and Europe. Follow his travel vlogs on YouTube at @travelmantoday
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