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Khao Lak travel guide
Guide me around Khao Lak
Located on the Andaman Sea in Phang Nga province, Khao Lak is a serene tropical paradise with stunning beauty, beautiful beaches, and delicious authentic food, all surrounded by impressive nature. There are accommodation options available for every budget, exciting day trip offers, and emerald waters, making it one of the best places to visit in Thailand.
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best beaches around Khao Lak
beaches & bays
Khao Lak is a tropical paradise with turquoise waters and kilometers of laid-back, sandy beaches. You might feel inspired to do a little beach hopping along the 20 km coast of the Andaman Sea to find your favorite spot to relax in powdery sand and soft waves, or to enjoy a stunning sunset.
Here’s a collection of beaches you might want to visit:
- Hat Nang Thong Beach
- Hat Bang Niang Beach
- Hat Khuk Khak Beach
- Leam Pakarang Beach
- Hat Pakweep Beach
- Poseidon Beach
Stunning nature around Khao Lak
Stuning nature
Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the leisurely atmosphere of the region and explore the Chong Fah Waterfall by going on a hike, or extend the adventure by trekking through the jungle in Khao Lak’s Lam Ru National Park. You can cool off in the crystal-clear pools of Sri Phang Nga or Sai Rung Waterfall, offering a refreshing escape from the heat and aching feet.
For a tranquil sunset experience away from the beach, you can visit the Andaman viewpoint, accessible by tuk-tuk or your own vehicle.
Best day trips to do from Khao Lak
best Day trips
With its white sand and emerald waters, Khao Lak is most certainly a paradise for beach lovers. It may be hard to peel yourself away from your beach towel, but there is plenty to keep you busy in the region. Day tours are offered to Khao Sok National Park, Phang Nga Bay, and the famous James Bond Rock or take the 3 temple tour (Dragon Cave, Bang Riang Pagoda, Suwanakuha Temple) for some cultural impact.
more activities to do around Khao Lak
more activities
Mesmerizing coral reefs and the sound of the ocean are calling divers to the spectacular marine national park of Similan and Surin Island lying offshore of Khao Lak. By offering some of Thailand’s best diving opportunities, joining a liveaboard or an excursion to the HTMS Prathong, Premchai, MV Sea Chart, and Boonsung wreck can be an adventure you won’t forget. Keep in mind that both parks of Similan and Surin Island are only open between November and April and can be reached from Tab Lamu pier.
Still not getting enough of Khao Lak’s clear waters? Go bamboo rafting in the jungle and discover lush nature while being maneuvered through rapids and soft water by a local specialist. Don’t forget to listen to the sound of nature or spot wild animals while aboard.
For a personal treat, visit Father & Son’s spa to get a relaxing massage or try authentic Thai food at Khao Lak’s markets. Bang Niang Night Market is taking place on the main road every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday night. Build Market made of old ship containers offers shops, music, and food on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 5 PM to 11 PM.
And if you’re feeling like doing something off the beaten track, visit the Muslim Baan Sam Chong Nua Village and stay in one of the homestays for a local experience.
travel information about Khao Lak
Good to know
To get to Khao Lak, you can take a bus from Bangkok or other destinations in Thailand, or catch a train to Surat Thani Station, where you will need to switch to a bus for a 3-hour ride to reach Khao Lak. When planning a visit, keep the seasons in mind. The high and dry season runs from November to April, while the wet season lasts from May to October.