Flora and fauna in Southern Thailand – what can you discover in Khao Lak, Khao Sok and the Andaman Sea?
- Stephan Werner
- Sep 12
- 5 min read
Introduction: From rocks to life
After exploring the history of Khao Lak, Khao Sok and the Similan Islands in the first part of this blog series, we now turn to what brings the landscape to life: the incredible diversity of plants, animals and fish.
Few regions in Southeast Asia combine so many different habitats in such a small area: a dense rainforest, expansive mangroves, rugged karst cliffs, white sandy beaches, and the turquoise Andaman Sea. Everyone who travels here - whether on a boat tour to the islands or a hike in the national park—will experience a natural spectacle like no other.
In this article, I'll introduce you to 40 fascinating species: 10 fish, 10 corals, 10 plants and 10 animals—all typical of this region. A nature guide that shows you why Khao Lak and its surroundings are a true paradise for explorers and adventurers.
🐠 10 Fish of Andamansea & Similan/Surin
Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
Famous from "Finding Nemo," lives in symbiosis with sea anemones.
Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus)
Large reef fish with a distinctive forehead, up to 1.8 meters long.
Giant moray eel (Gymnothorax javanicus)
Peeks out of rock crevices, appears dangerous, but is rather shy if not provoked.
Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus)
Characterized by its black fin tips, often found in lagoons and a great highlight.
Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis)
Schools of hundreds of bright orange fish.
Surgeon fish (Acanthurus leucosternon)
Blue body with a yellow tail, a striking reef inhabitant.
Parrotfish (Scarus psittacus)
Colorful fish with a "beak." Important for the growth of white sandy beaches.
Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda)
Predatory fish with a silvery body, often solitary.
Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator)
Striking with its yellow-blue stripes, it is considered one of the most beautiful reef fish.
Giant Manta Ray (Manta birostris)
Giant of the sea with a wingspan of up to 6 meters.
🪸 10 types of corals in this region
Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis)
Branched hard coral and important for reef structures.
Table coral (Acropora hyacinthus)
Flat, spread out like a plate – provides habitat for schools of small fish.
Brain coral (Diploria labyrinthiformis)
Ridge pattern like a brain, very slow-growing, ancient.
Fire coral (Millepora alcicornis)
Glows yellow-orange, caution: may burn if touched.
Flower coral (Pocillopora damicornis)
Branched, with small "flower bud"-like polyps.
Pillar coral (Porites cylindrica)
Forms thick, column-like structures – particularly robust.
Star coral (Montastraea cavernosa)
Large colonies, often brown or green, with many small polyps.
Soft coral (Dendronephthya spp.)
Pink, red, or purple – reminiscent of underwater flowers.
Anemone coral (Heteractis magnifica)
Actually a sea anemone, a habitat for clownfish.
Mushroom coral (Fungia fungites)
Lying freely on the bottom, plate-shaped, and often colorful.
🌱 Green paradise – 10 types of plants typical for this region here
The region around Khao Lak, including Khao Sok National Park is one of the oldest rainforests on earth. Millions of years old, it tells its own story, almost like something out of a picture book.
1. Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis)
A sacred tree in many Asian cultures. Its aerial roots form entire "forests within the forest."
2. Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis)
Economically important because it is used to obtain natural rubber. Extensive plantations characterize the region.
3. Screw Pine (Pandanus tectorius)
With its spiral-shaped leaves, it is typical of coastal areas and beaches.
4. Bamboo (Bambusoideae)
Grows rapidly and is used for construction, furniture, and even as cooking utensils.
5. Rafflesia (Rafflesia kerrii)
One of the largest flowers in the world, up to 80 cm in diameter. It blooms in Khao Sok National Park and has a distinctive scent.
6. Mangrove tree (Rhizophora apiculata)
Essential for coastal ecology, it protects against erosion and provides habitat for many animals.
7. Orchids (Orchidaceae)
Thailand is famous for its diversity – in Khao Sok, they grow wild on trees.
8. Teak tree (Tectona grandis)
Valuable hardwood, traditionally used for furniture and boats.
9. Ginger family (Zingiberaceae)
Colorful flowering plants that decorate the rainforest floor.
10. Lotus plant (Nelumbo nucifera)
A symbol of purity and spirituality – often found in temple ponds in the region.
🐒 Animal variety – 10 characteristic wildlife here
The forests of Khao Sok and the coasts of Phang Nga are home to an impressive variety of wildlife, from small insects to elephants.
1. White-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar)
Known for its loud calls that echo through the rainforest in the morning mist.
2. Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)
Majestic and a symbol of Thailand. In Khao Sok, you can experience them in sustainable camps or even in the wild.
3. Hornbill (Buceros bicornis)
A spectacular bird with a huge beak.
4. Sun bear (Helarctos malayanus)
The world's smallest bear, nocturnal and rarely seen.
5. Water monitor lizard (Varanus salvator)
Often found near rivers and lakes – they appear threatening, but are harmless.
6. Long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis)
Cheeky fellows who like to steal tourists' fruit.
7. Burmese python (Python bivittatus)
One of the world's largest snakes, it lives in the forests of southern Thailand.
8. Giant bat (Pteropus vampyrus)
Flying foxes circling the sky at dusk.
9. Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
One of the largest sea turtles, which lays its eggs on the beaches of Khao Lak.
10. Peacock (Pavo cristatus)
Magnificent feathers, often seen in rainforest areas.
🌏 Why the flora and fauna in southern Thailand is unique
The diversity in Khao Lak, Khao Sok, and the Similan and Surin Islands is no coincidence. The tropical climate, the mix of rainforest, limestone cliffs, and marine reefs, as well as the protection provided by national parks, make this region a biodiversity hotspot.
At the same time, nature is fragile: coral reefs are threatened by climate change, and rainforests by deforestation. This makes it all the more important for visitors to travel responsibly – respecting national park rules, choosing sustainable providers, and not disturbing nature.
In this way, we can all contribute to ensuring that the flora and fauna of southern Thailand can continue to be experienced in all its splendor in the future.
Conclusion – A paradise for nature lovers
Whether underwater at the Similan Islands, among the giant trees in Khao Sok National Park, or on a boat tour through Phang Nga Bay, the flora and fauna around Khao Lak showcase nature in all its diversity.
We've been privileged to call this place home since 2010, and we're still discovering new things. Every excursion, every hike, every snorkeling trip opens up new perspectives.
If you want to experience nature up close, we invite you: Join us on the journey, discover fish, plants, and animals, and take home memories that will last forever. Little secret: We draw inspiration from modern AI for some articles – but every line goes through our hands again before it appears here.
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