Khao Lak’s Amazon River and Tin Mining Town
Khao Lak’s Amazon River
and Tin Mining Town
Explore authentic local life in Takua Pa, a sleepy town with a fascinating history
as a wealthy tin mining town. Kayak through mangroves teeming with
wildlife in a hidden area known to the locals as ‘Little Amazon’.
WHY THIS TOUR?
Just north of Khao Lak, you’ll find the sleepy town of Takua Pa. In the first half of the 20th century, this was a thriving town, thanks to the tin mining industry. Today, the only remains of this golden age are a few images and memorabilia displayed in the local library.
Not far from the town is a hidden jungle-like area, known to the locals as ‘Little Amazon’. Once a bustling waterway with dredges and boats sailing up and down stream, it is now an untouched area of meandering rivers and mangrove forests. You get the chance to explore the hidden nature and heritage of a region with a rich and fascinating history.
TRAIL ITINERARY
08:30 - 16:30
Your guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel in the early morning, eager to show you the untouched parts of the region, rarely visited by tourists. The morning will be spent touring the ‘Little Amazon’. For a close-up view, climb into a kayak for a leisurely paddle along the Klong Sung Nae River. Keep a lookout for wildlife as you pass by large banyan trees and meander through the mangroves. The waterway eventually makes its way to the sea – you won’t go that far though, as a delicious lunch is waiting at a local restaurant!
The afternoon is dedicated to Sri Takua Pa, the Thai name of the old part of Takua Pa that dates back to the 13th century. During the town’s lucrative tin mining days, this was a busy trading area for Chinese, Thai and Portuguese tradesmen who came to ply their wares. The tin industry may have disappeared, but Chinese influences still remain. In addition, many traditions from those bygone days are still being passed down through the generations. A walk through the streets with your guide will give you an insight into a town bursting with heritage, culture and colour. You will pass by old Chinese shrines and see examples of Sino-Portuguese architecture, including charming pastel-coloured shophouses.
At the end of the afternoon, it is time to leave the heritage town behind and drive back to your Khao Lak resort.