Ao Thalane Bay

About 15 km from the beach, this spring-fed freshwater lake is an amazing first stop — incredibly refreshing water that runs a little cooler than you'd expect because it is spring-fed, not heated by the sun all day.

Kayaking and swimming are both popular here. If you have a mask or snorkel, bring it — there are plenty of fish, and the half-submerged tree trunks rising from the water give the place a prehistoric, Jurassic feel you really have to see for yourself.

A few cheap restaurants have opened along the lake as it has become busier, so you can eat right on the water without spending much.

A naturally occurring, spring-fed watering hole beside a massive limestone cliff. The water is a rich blue — not as crystal-clear as Klong Root, but stunning in its own way.

This is a wonderful place to stop for a picnic beside the road. It is uncommon for crowds to be here, so you will often have the spot almost to yourself.

There is also a temple set into a cave in the cliff face — worth a quick explore while you are stopped.

The pier at the end of the Ao Thalane road is peaceful and hard to describe — a stunning view over the local mangrove forest and island inlet. We have lived here over a decade and still love it.

Worth visiting any time of day. A few local shops nearby sell coffee and water if you need a break.

One of our favourite restaurants in the area — set on the side of a mountain facing west, with absolutely stunning sunset views from the tables.

Thai food and some lighter Western dishes. Very popular with locals and tourists, so it gets busy around sunset — arrive a little before golden hour if you want to be served before the rush.

You cannot ride up to the restaurant. Park in the large lot at the bottom, lock your bike, take the key, and ride the shuttle van to the top. The food is very tasty — maybe not the absolute best in the province — but the view and ambience make it a meal you will remember for years.