Khao Lak might not have the blinding white sand or the crystal-clear waters of Phuket or Phi Phi, but after visiting twice in the last four years, I can confidently say it has its own charm. What makes Khao Lak special is its relaxed vibe, fewer crowds, and the fact that it attracts more locals than mass tourism.
Nestled along the Andaman Sea and backed by mountains, Khao Lak is named after its main mountain—’Khao’ means mountain in Thai, and ‘Lak’ refers to the very peak that towers over the area.
This unique landscape creates a peaceful coastal retreat that feels worlds away from the bustle of Phuket or Koh Samui.
The beaches here are quiet, spacious, and perfect for long walks at sunset. Plus, the resorts in Khao Lak are some of the best you’ll find—big, luxurious, and often a fraction of the price you’d pay in Phuket or Koh Samui.
Beyond the beaches, Khao Lak is a gateway to some incredible experiences. From exploring lush national parks to taking boat trips to the Similan Islands, there’s no shortage of adventures waiting for you. Whether you’re into diving, jungle trekking, or just lounging by the pool with a cocktail, Khao Lak has got it.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up the absolute best things to do in Khao Lak.
Table of Contents
THINGS TO DO IN KHAO LAK
Enjoy the Beaches of Khao Lak
No trip to Thailand is complete without quality beach time, and that just happens to be the main activity in Khao Lak as most people visit for a relaxing holiday.
Bangsak Beach is one of the best beaches, with 3 miles of powdery sand and access to turquoise waters that are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and kid-friendly. You’ll find massage huts, beach bars, and cafés along the beach.
Nang Thong Beach is a stunning beach with a wilder, untamed sort of appeal located in the center of Khao Lak. You’ll find plenty of resorts and restaurants near the beach, so you can spend the entire day on the beach and have your needs covered.
Other remarkable Khao Lak beaches include the relatively quiet Bang Niang Beach, Poseidon Beach, a less-visited location with massive rocks and a lovely café, and the expansive Khuk Khak Beach, dotted with restaurants and massage huts. Coconut Beach is quite popular as well.
Stay at a Luxury Resort in Khao Lak
Hand in hand with traveling to a paradise-looking destination is staying in a luxury resort where you’ll be able to get pampered, eat scrumptiously, and truly rest.
Besides, most hotels in Khao Lak boast amenities that will make it hard to ever want to leave… even if it’s to the beach! (I’m not speaking from personal experience or anything).
Eden Beach Resort & Spa is a 5-star beachfront resort that offers the best of both worlds: top-notch facilities ranging from spa treatments to world-class cuisine, and ready access to the beach.
You’ll sleep in a spacious room, likely overlooking the sea, and have access to lush gardens, various swimming pools, international cuisine, a fitness center to work out, and a full-service spa to unwind.
As far as resorts in Khao Lak go, this one stands out for offering family rooms and villas, being centrally located, and arranging activities or entertainment for guests of all ages.
Take a Day Trip to the Similan Islands
Khao Lak is a great place to base yourself for day trips, as it’s close to many iconic destinations in Southern Thailand.
The Similan Islands is one of them, located off the coast of Phang Nga Province in the Andaman Sea. They boast picture-perfect coves and beaches, and it’s a sought-after destination for snorkeling and diving.
The archipelago, comprised of 11 spectacular islands, is part of a protected national park. The islands are surrounded by an impossibly blue sea, and feature staggering rock formations, mountains covered in vegetation, and the whitest beach stretches in the area.
Aside from working a tan, the main attractions are snorkeling with the rich marine life and corals, and hiking to the various viewpoints through the jungle.
▶️ Book a Similan Islands Early Bird Day Trip for a hassle-free experience. The tour includes hotel roundtrip transfers, entrance fees, snorkel gear for your time on the islands, lunch, and snacks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Stroll Around the Bang Niang Night Market
Arguably the best place to spend your evening is the Bang Niang Night Market, a buzzing local market with stalls taking over the streets, selling everything from local street food to clothes, crafts, souvenirs, spices, and fresh seafood and produce.
Wandering around Khao Lak’s market is a picturesque experience to say the least, and the lively atmosphere is only topped by the delicious mango sticky rice (which always tastes better in local markets!), and the smell of grilled skewers from the various food stalls.
It’s one of the most popular places for shopping, as it’s usually cheap plus bargaining is encouraged, so don’t forget to take some baht with you!
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 2 PM to 10 PM.
Chase Waterfalls
As you probably gathered by now, Khao Lak offers lush, diverse vegetation in the area, and is no stranger to waterfalls. How about spending an afternoon chasing them, swimming in crystal clear water, and taking all those Insta-worthy holiday shots?
One of the prettiest waterfalls, located 20 minutes from Khao Lak, is Ton Chong Fa Waterfall, accessed after a short hike.
From there, you could continue to Sai Rung Waterfall, also known as the Rainbow Waterfall, which is immersed in vegetation.
South of Khao Lak you’ll find Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park, home to two lovely falls: Ton Prai Waterfall, and Lampi Waterfall.
Remember that if you’re visiting during the dry season, waterfalls might not be as strong. The best time to visit Khao Lak for its lush scenery is during the rainy months.
▶️ The Khao Lak: Little Amazon Canoe Ride & Tam Nang Waterfall Tour offers a great opportunity to go waterfall chasing without doing any planning. You’ll visit Si Phang-nga National Park, and canoe through a swamp forest, looking for birds and reptiles. Swim under a waterfall, and hike in the rainforest. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Head to the Most Beautiful Viewpoint in Thailand
I know, it’s a big statement. Thailand is, after all, full of jaw-dropping landscapes and viewpoints from which to admire them. But Samet Nangshe is arguably the most beautiful of them all.
The hilltop viewpoint is located 46 miles (75 km) from the town of Khao Lak, about an hour’s drive away, and it faces the astounding Phang Nga Bay.
Surrounded by the Andaman Sea, this iconic bay was made famous by the dramatic limestone karsts that emerge from the turquoise waters. Tranquil lagoons, lush vegetation, and mangroves are also part of the landscape, of which you’ll have prime views from Samet Nangshe.
To reach the top of the viewpoint there’s a short, though relatively steep hike, so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. There’s a small café and restrooms up there, as well as wooden decks and boardwalks, and a couple of artistic interventions that offer great photo opportunities, such as heart-shaped seats.
While it would mean a very early start, sunrise might be the best time to visit the viewpoint, because everything is tinted in soft pink hues, becoming even more magical.
Go on a Phang Nga Bay Boat Trip
Speaking of Phang Nga Bay, how about making a day trip there? If you visit Khao Lak with time to spare, I highly recommend heading to this gem of a destination.
Nestled between Phuket and Thailand’s mainland in the Andaman Sea, the bay is renowned for its shimmering turquoise waters, and the massive limestone karsts that come out of the sea. It’s a scene straight out of a fantasy book!
Add sea caves, lagoons, and a rich marine ecosystem, and you have adventures galore waiting for you in the bay. It’s a great place to visit with family or friends.
The most famous attractions include James Bond Island, the floating village of Koh Panyee, while the activities you’ll get to enjoy range from snorkeling and swimming to kayaking through sea grottoes.
▶️ The Khao Lak: Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island by Longtail Boat takes you to the famous bay, where you’ll canoe through caves, get up close to the James Bond karst, visit the floating village, and stop by the Buddha Cave Temple. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Visit the Tsunami Museum
In December 2004, a tsunami hit Khao Lak, triggered by a 9.1-magnitude earthquake in Sumatra, and took the lives of 5 thousand people, besides causing major destructions.
The Tsunami Museum is one of the many memorials found throughout the city, and it showcases various exhibits, providing insights into the tragedy and showcasing recovered artifacts and photographs.
It’s not exactly a happy visit, but I think it’s important to learn about the past, and what has shaped a place when you’re spending time in it. To be fair, it’s not very well maintained and I wouldn’t go out of my way to see it, but it’s close to Bang Niang Market so you can pop in for a quick visit.
Opening Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 8 PM.
Entrance Fee: It’s unclear if it’s free or it costs 300 baht (9 USD).
Walk Around Takua Pa
The Takua Pa district, located north of Khao Lak, is a charming destination that offers a glimpse into local lifestyle. Steeped in history, Takua Pa is an old mining town that thrived in the early 20th century, and as you stroll along its streets you’ll be able to see remnants of that past.
The Old Town is home to colorful Sino-Portuguese houses, plenty of shops, art galleries, and restaurants. There’s also a lively street market on Sundays where you can sample street food and shop for handicrafts, and Buddhist temples.
Check out the local library to see photos from the old mining days, and learn a bit more about the town’s history.
Go Snorkeling in the Surin Islands
The Surin Islands is an archipelago of 5 islands located in the Andaman Sea, which you probably know very well by now! This iconic destination is especially popular among divers and snorkel enthusiasts, as its vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life are a dream for underwater explorations.
You have to join a tour to visit the islands, as there are no public ferries to reach them.
▶️ The Full-day Snorkeling in the Surin Islands From Khao Lak is a great option. It covers all transfers, as well as activities on the islands, including snorkeling in prime spots, and swimming. You’ll also meet the locals at Moken village, and have lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Kayak at the Little Amazon
Located in Takua Pa, the Little Amazon is a natural wonder featuring dense mangrove forests and meandering waterways that will propel you straight into your favorite Tarzan scene.
The jungle-like ecosystem is home to monkeys, snakes, and monitor lizards, as well as countless species of birds, and offers astounding photo opportunities. The main attraction are the canals, enclosed by vines, and it’s the perfect place to go kayaking or canoeing.
Psst! The tour listed in the waterfalls section takes you to Little Amazon, if you want to check it out.
Hike at Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park
Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, as it borders the Andaman Sea, offering rocky coastlines and beaches, and it’s home to dense jungles, wildlife, and waterfalls of all sizes.
The National Park, established in 1991, is not massively big but you can have fun on hiking trails that lead to viewpoints and waterfalls, exploring mangroves, birdwatching, and looking out for monkeys and monitor lizards.
Drop By the Turtle Conservation Center
Khao Lak is home to the Turtle Conservation Center, dedicated to preserving and rehabilitating sea turtles in the region.
The Center was founded by Queen Sirikit, and it’s managed by the Royal Thai Navy and volunteers, focusing on nurturing hatchlings before releasing them to the sea and acting as a sanctuary for injured turtles.
They also run a breeding program to repopulate endangered species and ensure a higher survival rate for hatchlings. Visiting is an educational experience, and you’ll get to see the turtles living in the center.
I didn’t manage to come here last time I was in Khao Lak but I will definitely try on my next visit. If you have children, they’ll have a blast!
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Entrance Fee: 200 baht (6 USD).
Head Further to Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park is one of the most astounding locations in Thailand, located in the nearby province of Surat Thani. This park is home to great biodiversity, with ancient rainforests, lakes, rivers, caves, and rich wildlife.
Elephants, monkeys, reptiles, and gibbons are a few of the creatures that live in this natural haven, where you can enjoy jungle trekking, kayaking, and a longtail cruise around the limestone cliffs. If you have extra time, you could even spend the night in floating cabins over the lake like I did!
▶️ This Cheow Lan Lake and Emerald Pool Tour From Khao Lak covers the transfers, as well as all the activities on a jam-packed day. You’ll swim in a crystal-clear lake, enjoy a boat ride, explore caves, and stop by a raft house for lunch. Kayaking, and checking out viewpoints are also part of the deal. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
HOW TO GET TO KHAO LAK
Khao Lak is located in the Phang Nga Province in Southern Thailand, and the closest airport is Phuket International Airport, 51 miles (82 km) south of Khao Lak.
If you’re already in Thailand, you’ll probably be traveling from one of these major destinations, so here’s all the info on how to get there.
From Bangkok
Bangkok is 474 miles (764 km) north of Khao Lak, and the drive takes close to 11 hours. There are a couple of ways to make the journey.
▶️ By bus: The easiest way to get there from Bangkok is by bus. It’s a 16-hour journey, but you can take the overnight bus and arrive the following morning. Overnight buses are usually comfortable in Thailand and are a great budget-friendly option.
▶️ By train: There’s no direct train to Khao Lak, so you would need to travel to Surat Thani, and from there take a shuttle or private transfer to Khao Lak. It’s more of a hassle than taking the bus, but it’s an option.
▶️ By plane: The fastest way to travel is to fly into Phuket Airport. Find how to reach Khao Lak from the airport below.
From Phuket Airport
Phuket Airport is 51 miles (82 km) south of Khao Lak, slightly over an hour’s drive.
▶️ By private transfer: The best way to get to Khao Lak is to pre-book a private transfer that will pick you up from the airport and drive you straight to your hotel.
▶️ By taxi: If you choose to take a taxi, make sure to arrange one at the taxi stands that have fixed rates, or else check that your taxi has a meter to avoid getting scammed.
▶️ By bus: The bus station isn’t at the airport, so you’ll have to take the airport shuttle to the station (around 3 miles away) before hopping on the bus to Khao Lak. Tell the driver where you’re going before getting in to make sure the bus goes to Khao Lak.
From Phuket Town
Coming to Khao Lak from Phuket Town? At 67 miles (108 km), the drive takes close to 2 hours.
▶️ By bus: You’ll take bus 465, which departs from Phuket Bus Terminal 2 quite frequently throughout the day, and takes 2 hours and 2 minutes.
▶️ By shuttle: You can book a shuttle, which has the added benefit of picking you up from your hotel in Phuket, though it’s pricier than the bus.
From Krabi
Krabi is the capital city of its namesake region, located 86 miles (138 km) southeast of Khao Lak. If you’re coming from there, these are your transportation options:
▶️ By bus: You can take a bus or a minivan from Krabi Bus Terminal, or the Van Terminal that’s right next to it, throughout the day. The trip takes 2.5 hours.
▶️ By taxi: A more comfortable, though pricier option is to book a private transfer or a taxi.
BEST TIME TO VISIT KHAO LAK
Khao Lak has a tropical climate, so while temperatures are usually high throughout the year, it’s divided into two main seasons: dry, and wet.
The best time of year to visit Khao Lak is between December and April, as the weather is usually pretty stable during these months. It’s also the high season for tourists, so there might be “crowds”, although never to the extent of Phuket or Koh Samui. Both times we visited it was during the high season, and the beaches were quite empty and there was plenty of space for everyone.
Is Khao Lak worth visiting in the wet season? I think so! While this period is known for its heavy showers, they’re often short and sporadic (usually in the late afternoon), so you could still enjoy a good beach day and avoid the crowds. You might also find hotel deals during this season.
