Khao Lak Travel Guide

Khao Lak is a series of villages, located on the Andaman Sea coastline, approximately 60 kilometers north of Phuket. The region is well-known for its tranquil beaches, and lush tropical landscapes, and as a departure point for diving trips to the Similan islands. The name “Khao Lak” means “Main Mountain”. This was one of the peaks used by ancient sea farmers as a landmark to navigate them to the safe harbor at Thaplamu. For those of you looking for a place to visit in southern Thailand other than Phuket or Krabi, Khao Lak is the best place to visit. In this guide, you will find complete things to do in Khao Lak and all the information you need to have a great time in this area.

General information

Khao Lak is a roughly 20km stretch of beautiful beaches along the Andaman Sea coast, with a backdrop of jungle-covered mountains. The region is dotted with numerous seaside resorts and tourist facilities.

It is a fact that Khao Lak and the island of Koh Phi were probably the areas most severely affected by the tsunami in 2004. The inexhaustible diligence and courage of the residents, as well as the significant international support, did not only help resurrect Khao Lak. On the contrary, Khao Lak shines more beautifully today than before the massive destruction.

The attractions of Khao Lak are numerous and impressive. The vast expanses of parks, mountains, uncrowded roads and beaches, relatively untouched nature, easy access to excellent offshore diving, accommodation ranging from luxury to basic, and infrastructure that supports tourism, but not to the detriment of local customs or the Thai way of life, attract a large number of visitors.

Khao Lak Tourist Map

Weather in Khao Lak and the Best Time to Visit

Weather in Khao Lak

Khao Lak is located in southern Thailand and therefore belongs to a humid tropical climate. Its characteristic is high temperature throughout the year with minimal variation. The characteristics of the Khao Lak region are dry season and rainy season.

With the change of monsoon in April, the humidity rises sharply, with an average annual humidity of 82%, and the rainy season in Khao Lak begins in mid-November. The weather usually becomes clear at the end of October, but statistically speaking, October is the month with the highest rainfall of the year, with an average precipitation of 352mm.

The dry season in Khao Lak means a significant increase in sunshine hours. Therefore, the climate in this region is delightful and very suitable for Europeans to vacation in Thailand. The warmest month of the year is February at an average temperature of 29℃.

Weather in Khao Lak

Best time to visit Khao Lak

As mentioned earlier, the dry season in this area starts in November, while the rainstorm comes in early May. The best time to visit Khao Lak is from mid-November to the end of April, during the travel period between Christmas and Easter, when the weather conditions are ideal.

Thailand is a holiday destination with high demand during the Christmas season in Europe. During this peak season, flight and hotel prices are particularly high. Those who do not rely on school holidays will find the best weather conditions at a lower price in early March.

Getting to Khao Lak

Plane

The easiest way to get to Khao Lak is to fly to Phuket (the closest alternative) or Krabi and travel to Khao Lak from there. Both airports serve international and domestic destinations. A taxi from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak costs around $30. If you find it too expensive and prefer to take a bus (only possible during the day), you will have to take the main road, Highway 4, about 5 km from the airport. If you can reach the highway, you can take a bus to Takua Pa, Ranong, or Surat Thani. They all stop on request at Khao Lak or wherever you indicate along the route. It is approximately 80 km between Phuket Airport and Khao Lak.

Train

The nearest train station is in Surat Thani on the east coast. If you want to take the train from Khao Lak, take a bus to Surat Thani for a 4-hour journey. The first bus stop in Surat will be at the railway station, which is about 13 km from the city center. To get to Khao Lak from Bangkok, it’s the opposite. Take a train to Surat Thani, then continue the journey by taking a bus to Khao Lak. Prepare for a 12-hour journey.

Bus

No buses start or end at Khao Lak. However, buses departing from Bangkok, Chumphon, Phuket, Lanon, Suratani, and Takupa provide excellent service to the region, with all buses passing through Khao Lak on RT 4.

The bus from Bangkok to Phuket and Khao Lak departs from Sai Tai Mai, the southern bus station. The itinerary lasts for 10 hours and lasts for one night.

• The bus from Chumphon to Phuket takes about 5 hours to reach Khao Lak and stops in front of Nang Thong supermarket.
• Starting from Krabi City, there is a minibus heading to Khao Lak every day. All travel agencies in Krabi sell airline tickets.
• Departing from Hua Hin: The VIP bus departs from Hua Hin Bus Station south of the city center at 10:30 pm and arrives at 7:30 am.

Bus from Phuket to Khao Lak

Getting around Khao Lak

Walk

At the southern end of Bang La On, walking is both convenient and enjoyable, but any distance between Bang Niang and Khuk Khak is quite unpleasant and very dangerous between towns. If you have to walk on the highway at night, ahead of traffic, use a flashlight or phone light to warn approaching motorcycles.

Bicycle

Most hotels and guesthouses rent bicycles or can arrange for you to rent one or more bicycles. Bicycles are more expensive than motorcycles. Bicycles are not a practical solution for nighttime because none of them are equipped with lights.

Motorcycle

Motorcycles can be rented in almost any hotel, guesthouse, or bar in the area without any qualifications. The price depends on the lease term and motorcycle type. There is only one gas station within the Khao Lak boundary.

Songthaew

Many locals use Songthaew to move around. These are four-wheeled pickup trucks in different colors, with two rows of seats on the bed at the back, covered with a metal roof and plastic side curtains. You must make the payment first. After dark, Songthaews will only take you away at a high price.

Explore Khao Lak by Songthaew

Taxi & Private Car

The most practical way to get around is by taxi. There are no taxis in Khao Lak and taxi fares are generally quite high. However, you can be proactive in your plans. If you have difficulty finding a taxi and are worried about the reputation of the driver, you can use the car rental service with a private driver offered by IDC Travel.

Where to go & Things to do in Khao Lak

Magnificient beaches of Khao Lak

Khao Lak Beach

Khao Lak Beach is surrounded by palm groves, with long golden beaches and sunset views. Khao Lak Beach is popular for family activities, kayaking, rafting, sunbathing, and late-night parties, with bars, restaurants, and seaside bungalows.

Khao Lak Beach

Nang Thong Beach

Nang Thong Beach is located near La On Village in Lake Kao. Although only two kilometers long, this narrow piece of land is packed with restaurants, bars, diving centers, and many activities. Nang Thong Beach has many private venues (due to the resorts along the beach), making it a peaceful place for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying a wonderful day.

Nang Thong Beach

Coconut Beach

The white sandy beach in Khao Lak has given way to the coconut beach in the northern part of the Pakarang Peninsula. On both sides of the beach are coconut trees, providing a beneficial shade for tanning and picnic enthusiasts. Coconut Beach is almost empty, with only remnants of fallen branches adorning the beach. A few hundred meters completely deserted, you can hike on the beach.

Coconut Beach

Baisha Beach

Baisha Beach is located in the northern part of the Pakarang Cape Peninsula in Khao Lak and is a pristine area 2.6 kilometers from the Pak Weep Coast. Truly deserving of its name, Baisha Beach offers a warm and sparkling white sandy beach, sheltered by palm trees and other local wildlife species. It is very suitable for sunbathing in tranquility, as the coral reefs near the sea make it unsuitable for swimming.

Baisha Beach

Bang Niang Beach

Bang Niang Beach is located in the northern part of Nang Thong in Khao Lak and is one of the most popular destinations for backpackers and surfers. It is known for its simple activities and peaceful environment, with the calm and warm waters of the Andaman Sea. The peaceful golden beach makes it an ideal place to walk to the nearby Nang Thong Beach.

Bang Niang Beach

Pak Weep Beach

Pak Weep Beach is a 15-minute drive from Nang Thong Beach in the center of Khao Lak, making it an ideal destination for families with children. The clear blue Andaman Sea is calm and safe, while the beach is equipped with slides, swings, and climbing structures. Renting sun beds and umbrellas at Pak Weep Beach is prohibited.

Pak Weep Beach

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is an idyllic destination for those seeking seclusion on Khao Lak’s private beach. This beach borders the lush hills of Lam Ru National Park, overlooking a stunning and rarely visited coastline lined with water bodies of ephedra, rocks, and turquoise. Sunset Beach truly lives up to its name, where you can enjoy panoramic sunset views from luxurious bungalows, resorts, or beach lounges.

Sunset Beach

Wonderful islands of Khao Lak

Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are an archipelago of nine islands considered to be the best diving sites in Thailand. There are coral reefs over 5,000 years old and abundant marine life, including sea turtles, rays, moray eels, and whale sharks, as well as a large community of tropical fish. Of the nine islands, visitors are only allowed on two of them, Ko Miang and Ko Similan.

Similan Island

Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island

Located between southern mainland Thailand and the island of Phuket, Phang Nga Bay is a fantastic excursion destination for tourists from Khao Lak. With its spectacular karst landscapes, magnificent caves, and turquoise lagoons, this archipelago is dotted with coral reefs and mangrove forests. Among the small islets of Phang Nga, James Bond Island, and National Park is a pilgrimage for 007 fans, with its picturesque 66-foot-high limestone cliffs.

James Bond Island

Spectacular Khao Lak Waterfalls

Tong Chong Fa Waterfall

Tong Chong Fa Waterfall is 7 kilometers away from Bang Niang Main Road and there is a turning sign in front of Zantika Nightclub. This road is 7 kilometers downhill, be careful of potholes. There is a small parking lot and a cabin at the entrance of the national park. The road to the waterfall is steep. On one side of the path, you will find a small pool where you can soak your feet and take a free foot bath with a clean fish (a bit itchy). At the top of the trail, you will reach the main swimming pool where you can swim, and then a walk or rock climbing will take you to other swimming pools, which is a five-story waterfall.

Lampi Waterfall

Lampi Waterfall is very popular among Thai families who come here to swim on weekends. The waterfall is located 30 minutes south of Khao Lak, just in front of Thai Mueang village. Thai Mueang Turtle Farm is also nearby. The three-tiered waterfall is part of Khao Lam Pi Hat Thai Mueang National Park. The main swimming pool can be reached directly by walking from the parking lot. The main swimming pool is wide and deep, very suitable for swimming. Nearby, you can also head to Thai Mueang Beach, where there are lovely restaurants.

Khao Lak Tsunami Museums

International Tsunami Museum

The mission of the International Tsunami Museum is to preserve the tragic history of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami for future generations. It is located in a two-story house on Phetkasem Road. The exhibition showcases photos and videos of the Khao Lak tsunami and a truly stranded police car, explaining how tsunamis are formed and showcasing cultural and psychological responses to disasters.

International Tsunami Museum

Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Center

The Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Center is the focal point for Thailand to commemorate the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Ban Nam Khem is one of the most severely affected areas in the country. The museum provides historical knowledge about the local community and how life in this picturesque fishing village has changed after this tragic natural disaster.

Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Centre

Sports & Adventure Activities in Khao Lak

Diving and snorkeling

Khao Lak is located opposite the world-renowned scuba diving destination of Similan Island. In addition to West Milan Island and Sulin Island, there are several other places in the region known for their marine life. Similan Islands, Boonsang shipwreck, Premchai shipwreck, and Koh Bon are all very popular diving sites.

Khao Lak Bay has pristine marine habitats surrounded by three national parks, making it an ideal place to explore the underwater world. Khao Lak Bay is home to eels, cockroaches, dolphins, rays, and many other marine species. Khao Lak Coast offers many diving spots with masks and snorkeling. Bang Niang, Khao Na Yak, Baisha, and Nang Thong are just some of them.

Sports and Adventure Activities in Khao Lak

Drifting

Drifting and whitewater drifting are perfect for exploring the jungles of southern Thailand’s Khao Lak. Take a traditional or modern bamboo raft and drift downstream along the Wangqinggu River and Ton Pling Waterfall between the tropics, granite, and hills. The package prices for water sports centers such as Sea Turtle Conservation Centre, Sutingroup Bamboo Rafting, and Green Andaman start at $60. The local bamboo raft costs about $8.

Animal Conservation in Khao Lak

Turtle Conservation Center

The Royal Thai Navy Third Fleet Sea Turtle Conservation Center, located in Khao Lak, is a bamboo rafting center and turtle breeding farm. It saves turtles who are at risk of losing their lives in fishing industries when they are trapped in nets or hunted for their meat. This center includes tanks for newly hatched or injured sea turtles, anemones, and fish. Visitors can enjoy full-day or half-day visits to the incubators or go bamboo rafting on-site.

Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center

Elephant Conservation Area

The Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary aims to create a peaceful paradise for elephants and allow people to learn about them. In addition, they provide tourists with rare opportunities to feed Asian elephants, take walks with them, give them mud baths, and even participate in friendly water battles. Panya Elephant Park, Elephant Welfare Center, and Kaolak Ecological Elephant are the largest protected areas in Khao Lak.

Elephant Retreat and Rehabilitation in Khao Lak

Fascinating Vegetarian Festival in Khao Lak

The Vegetarian Festival is an annual event held in cities where Chinese people reside. Thai people celebrate this festival for ten days, determined by the Chinese lunar calendar. Participants will only eat vegetarian food for 10 days. The parade and firecrackers mark the beginning of the Takua Festival in Pennsylvania, with special arrangements available on the vegetarian menu.

Vegetarian Festival in Khao Lak

Spas & Massages in Khao Lak

What’s better than relaxing at a spa after a day of diving, beach, or waterfall climbing? Thai massage has ancient roots and is even believed to have spiritual origins. In Khao Lak and its surrounding areas, many spa centers offer massages and other relaxation treatments. One of the advantages of these spa centers is that they combine Western and Thai healing traditions. The calming and relaxing nature of Thai massage combined with the tranquil spa environment, can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. By promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension, Thai massage can help you fall asleep easier and sleep more soundly. Moreover, some Thai spa treatments incorporate scrubs, masks, and other techniques that can improve your skin’s health and appearance. It is obvious that Thai massage and spa treatments offer a variety of benefits for your physical and mental health.

Spa & Massage at Beach Hotel

Cooking Classes in Khao Lak

If you’re not yet in love with Thai food, you will be by the end of your first week in Thailand. The best way to capture some of the magic of Thai cuisine and bring it home is to take part in one of the many cooking classes offered in Khao Lak. Most of these classes teach authentic Thai cuisine and are held in private residences. By the end of your course, you will certainly have learned how to prepare some delicious dishes. What better way to bring back some of the magic of Thai cuisine with you?

Cooking class in Khao Lak

Accommodation in Khao Lak

Nang Thong and Phuket directions

Nang Thong Beach (commonly known as Khao Lak) is the main center of the region, where you can find the most concentrated diving shops, nightclubs, and accommodation for various budgets. A few kilometers further south is Khao Lak Beach, which has some high-end resorts, and Thap Lamu Pier, the starting point of West Milan National Park.

Best accommodation location:

• Khao Lak Green Beach Resort 4.5*
• Banana Villa 4*
• Baan Noen Thong 4*

Banana Villa

Bang Niang

Bang Niang Beach and its surrounding areas are located two kilometers north of Nang Thong, offering a more relaxed atmosphere, some well-equipped high-end resorts, and some affordable family gems.

Best accommodation location:

• Chong Fah Resort 4*
• Sandy House 4*
• Shambhala Resort 4*

Sandy House

Bang Sak and surroundings

The northern part of Bang Niang is Khuk Khak Beach, Pakarang Point, and Bang Sak Beach, which offer fantastic accommodation options despite being more isolated. There are no tourist centers like Nang Thong, only a few villages and very relaxing scenery. There are also some good bamboo house restaurants along the road of Bang Sak Beach.

Best accommodation location:

• Lakeview bungalow 4.5 *
• Tea Sarojin 4.5*
• Amunat’s Place 4*

Tea Sarojin

Food & Drink in Khao Lak

Khao Lak Night Market

For food lovers, a great starting point is the night market, located near 7-Eleven and the taxi station, at the entrance of the road leading to Bang Niang Beach. Although most stalls sell souvenirs and beachwear to tourists, many offer authentic Thai specialties such as moo-ping (grilled pork skewers) with sticky rice, sweet wisteria with or without bananas, and mango with coconut sticky rice. Right on the street, there is another market behind the bus station, which is more suitable for locals. Therefore, this is a great place to find spicy southern curry and take photos of bright red Asian chili peppers in the real Thai market.

Moo-ping at the night market in Khao Lak

Best Restaurants in Khao Lak

• Sarah Restaurant or Khao Lak Seafood is located near Phet Kasem Rd in Bang Thong. They are expensive, but they offer plenty of fresh seafood with Thai sauce, and they all have a complete bar.
• The restaurant and bar are located on the beach near Chong Fah Resort. Grilled giant shrimp, steamed fish, cashew chicken, and soup are all perfect preparations, generous parts, and very delicious.
• Sangthawn Restaurant is located on the main road between Bang Niang and Khuk Khak Beach. The spicy and delicious Clapaud chicken plate is served with Thai fried eggs, and their homemade tropical fruit cake is also very attractive.
• On the road of Phet Kasem, ten-star coffee and food have become the only place for Thai food and coffee. Their Tom Tom lacks something, but the curry and jumping we tried are delicious, although they may be a little spicy to our taste.
• Curry and noodle shops, which are so common in other parts of Thailand, are rare in Kau Lake, but there is a good traditional noodle stall that provides English menus and is very popular among locals and tourists, just in front of Kau Lake seafood in Bang Thong.
• Tiffy’s is located in the north of Bang Thong, along the route of Phet Kasem, offering rich French fries and beef nets. It is open all day from 8 am to 11 pm if you need to treat a hangover.
• Bread and More German Bakery in Bang Niang serves delicious sandwiches, German-style bread and cakes, and first-class coffee.
• Pizza shops offer delicious brick-baked pies, thin crusts, and plenty of salads, pasta, and good wine. Most pasta is homemade. You can mix them with a series of delicious homemade sauces.
• In Bang Niang, Pinocchio restaurant serves the same delicious brick pizza, but the shell is thicker and stronger. Pinocchio also offers a solid wine menu, as well as equally delicious pasta, salads, and tiramisu.
• Dolce Vitta Argentinian Grill, located in the south of Phet Kasem in Bang Thong, is an expensive air-conditioned hotel with white groundwater, but it looks promising.
• Kinnaree Bakery, located in the center of Bang Thong, is a good European-style cafe.

Italian Fine Dining Beachfront Restaurant in Khao Lak

Shopping in Khao Lak

7 – Elevens

7-Elevens in Thailand is a ubiquitous convenience store experience, boasting the second-highest concentration of stores globally after Japan. There are six 7-Elevens in the Khao Lak area. You can get all the kinds of stuff you need, from products such as freshly prepared food, packed snacks, and drinks to services like ATMs, bill payments for utilities, and phone top-ups. They are very useful for locating and purchasing SIM cards for mobile phones, extra talk time for mobile phones, alcohol and beer, and various items.

7-Elevens Convenience Store

Bang Niang Market

An open-air market is held three days a week. Some markets sell fresh fish, meat, vegetables, and fruits. The other part sells prepared dishes such as roasted chicken and corn cobs. Other stalls in the market sell clothing, luggage, DVDs, games, kitchenware, souvenirs, sunglasses, and more. If you walk as expected, all of these are sold at unparalleled prices. There are at least three bars in the market area where you can buy beer and enjoy the parade scene.

Bang Niang Night Market

Fresh Market

This is the market of all small restaurants in this area, serving food: fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and so on. Some small shops around the market specialize in foreign foods, such as sausages, butter, cheese, frozen products, and olive oil, as well as selling frozen steaks, mutton, lobsters, and other exotic products. The government bus stop, BKS, is located in the northwest corner of the square.

Fresh Market in Khao Lak

Tourism is of course Khao Lak’s main activity area, but the city is quieter and more local than some more complicated resorts in Phuket or Koh Samui. Khao Lak is mainly for families and couples of all ages.

Do you want to spend your honeymoon or family holiday in this exciting ocean? Contact us and arrange the best trip!