The Ultimate Travel Guide to Khao Lak in Thailand

Located South of the main mountain in the Takua Pa district, Khao Lak is a 20-kilometre stretch of incredible beaches along the Andaman Sea coastline. It’s set against a backdrop of jungle-covered mountains and dotted with many resorts and tourist facilities.
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The name Khao Lak essentially translates to Lak Mountain, which is the centrepiece of the Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park. Compared to tourist attractions like Patong or Phuket, Khao Lak is much more laidback and uncrowded. Depending on the type of vacation you’re looking for, that could be a great benefit or drawback.
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Khao Lak is home to many attractions, including parks, mountains, beaches, waterfalls, hot springs, and unspoiled nature. What’s more, it’s an excellent place to go off-shore diving or snorkelling because of the clear waters and fewer crowds.
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The three most popular centres in Khao Lak are:

Bang La On
Bang Niang
Khuk Khak
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Khao Lak used to be a booming tourist destination until the 2004 tsunami. Most of the coastal landscape was destroyed then, but there are new replanting initiatives that hope to rejuvenate the landscapes and bring tourists back in.
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Fun Fact: The movie The Impossibles, released in 2012, was filmed in Khao Lak and based on the true story of a family who survived the 2004 tsunami.

Khao Lak’s (and Thailand’s) climate is under the influence of two seasonal monsoon winds. There is the southwest monsoon and the northeast one.
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The southwest monsoon begins in April when a stream of warm air from the Indian Ocean moves inland, resulting in frequent downpours. The southwest monsoon peaks in October, the wettest month, and typically sees rain almost every day.
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On the other hand, the northeast monsoon season lasts from November to March when dry air moves into the area from China. There’s usually very little rain during this period and March is the hottest month, with the average temperature being around 35°C.
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If you prefer the warmer and drier weather, consider visiting Khao Lak between November and March. Even though the prices for accommodations are a bit higher, the weather in Khao Lak offers the perfect opportunity to go diving, snorkelling, and enjoy the white, sandy beaches.
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However, consider going during the rainy season for a more budget-friendly stay in Khao Lak. Not only is it more affordable, but there are also fewer crowds, allowing you to explore the beaches and attractions more easily.

The easiest way to get to Khao Lak is to fly into Phuket International Airport or Krabi Airport and visit the destination from there. Both airports serve domestic and international destinations.
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Another way to get to Khao Lak is by catching the train at the Surat Thani train station and you can travel from Bangkok. Buses are another option, but keep in mind that no buses have Khao Lak as the starting or ending point. That said, the entire region is well-served by buses going from Bangkok, Chumphon, Phuket, Takua Pa, Ranong, and Surat Thani.
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Once you’re there, you’ll have access to a variety of travelling options and be able to explore the destination by walking, bicycling, motorbiking, taking a taxi, or the songthaew. One of the most popular ways both locals and tourists get around is by motorbike, which you can likely rent at any Khao Lak resort.
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If you decide to rent a motorbike, keep in mind you might be asked for your passport for security reasons. Also, make sure you’re always wearing a helmet while driving and that you practice before driving.
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Another thing to remember is that motorbike rentals don’t come with insurance of any kind. If you are in an accident or damage the bike in any way, you are liable for damages and medical charges. That’s why it’s a good idea to take photos of the bike when taking possession and always wearing a helmet

Located halfway between the Gulf Coast and the Andaman Coast, the Khao Sok National Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Perfect for all adventurers, you can take a longtail boat ride along the Cheow Larn Lake and admire the incredibly lush scenery or hike a trail that will take you to some of the oldest evergreen forests on the planet.
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Khao Sok National Park is home to diverse wildlife, including wild elephants, bears, marbled cats, hornbills, and dusky langurs. To make the most of your time at this scenic National Park, you can take a longtail boat ride, which will take you around Cheow Larn Lake and give you a chance to visit at least one cave.

Unlike many other popular tourist destinations in Thailand, Khao Lak isn’t known for its bustling street food vendors. That said, there are plenty of laidback and upscale restaurants scattered around the coastline where you can try out some delicious dishes.
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What’s more, there are eight Michelin-recommended restaurants in Khao Lak and the Phang Nga area. There, you can sample local Thai delicacies or find more international dishes. For an even better insight into Thai cuisine, you can head to the Bang Niang market, where you can find many delicious and spicy treats.

The Phang-nga Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Center, also known as “Turtle Heaven,” has been around since 1985. Nestled along the picturesque Thai Muang Beach in Phang-nga Province, about 30 kilometres south of downtown Khao Lak, this 37-acre haven is a must-visit.
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At Turtle Heaven, they focus on innovative research and conservation efforts, welcoming visitors of all ages. There, you can see the four endangered turtle species, including the Green Turtle, Ridley Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, and Leatherback Turtle.

Celebrated nationwide from April 12th to April 15th each year, Songkran marks the beginning of the Thai New Year. The modern-day festival in Thailand begins with a house-cleaning ritual where people burn their refuse.
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The next day, locals visit temples for the Buddha’s bathing ceremony. After prayers, worshipers pour water over the Buddha’s hands, and this ritual is often extended to the elderly and monks, who are highly respected and serve as community mediators.
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Then, the real fun begins! Younger Thais lead the charge in nationwide water fights, and everyone gets in on the action, daubing each other with coloured chalk for several days. It is one of (if not) the biggest celebrations in Thailand and if it overlaps with your Khao Lak day trip or holiday, make sure you visit for an unforgettable experience.

Khao Lak beaches are arguably some of the most beautiful in the world and some of the most popular spots include:

White Sand Beach
Khuk Khak Beach
Bang Niang Beach
Nang Thong Beach
Bangsak Beach
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Even though they’re somewhat secluded, the Khao Lak beaches are far less crowded than in Phuket or Krabi but still feature wonderful facilities, including bars and restaurants.

Surrounded by stunning mountains and countryside, Khao Lak is a paradise for waterfall lovers. The best time to visit these natural wonders is from July to December when the rain turns them into majestic cascades. During the dry season, from November to May, the waterfalls may shrink, and some may even dry up by May if there’s a drought.
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Most of these beautiful waterfalls are nestled within national parks like Lam Ru National Park, Khao Sok, and other smaller parks. After a short trek through the jungle, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views. Just remember to bring water, closed shoes, and insect repellent for a comfortable visit.
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Also, waterfall hours are typically from 08:00 to 16:30. Since the days can get quite hot, the best time to explore is in the morning.

Khao Lak boasts a few delightful hot springs in Kapong, Thai Muang, and Rommanee. These hot springs feature natural underground water heated to a soothing 65°C, either in natural or man-made pools. For the best experience, visit in the evening or on a cool, cloudy day to avoid the midday sun.
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Located on Route 3090, Kapong Hot Springs is perfect for a half-day trip, especially if you’re also visiting Lam Ru and Hin Lad waterfalls in Khao Lak Lamru National Park. There’s also Ban Bo Dan, located south of Thai Muang city. These mineral-rich springs are excellent for pain relief and skin treatments, thanks to their high content of calcium, sodium, potassium sulphate, and various iodides and chlorides.

Khao Lak is the perfect starting point for exploring the outstanding dive sites around the Similan and Surin Islands. The Similan and Surin Islands can be visited as day trips from Khao Lak, but if you want more scuba diving time, opt for a liveaboard trip, which usually involves at least three nights away.
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Marine life that can frequently be seen around the Similan Islands includes moray eels, leopard sharks, sea turtles, snappers, and barracudas. In the waters around the Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock, you might even spot whale sharks swimming among the angelfish and parrotfish.

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