Nestled along the Andaman Sea coast in southern Thailand, Khao Lak is a serene beach destination known for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, miles of beaches, and lush tropical landscapes.

Khao Lak, Thailand

Located a little over an hour by car from Phuket’s international airport, Khao Lak offers everything it’s bigger neighbour does but in a more relaxed and less crowded setting. And like Phuket, Khao Lak boasts of pristine white sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and a variety of luxury resorts and boutique hotels.

A lovely afternoon at Pak Weep Beach in Khao Lak

But unlike Phuket, its tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for families, retirees, and those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Pak Weep Beach in Khao Lak

Things to know before you head to Khao Lak

How to get to Khao Lak

Khao Lak is located approximately 100 km from Phuket and is served by Phuket’s international airport. Most visitors land in Phuket and take a taxi to their accommodation in Khao Lak. To avoid any unexpected surprises, we recommend that you ask accommodation to help arrange a pickup from the airport, if possible.

Khao Lak offers many beaches to unwind and relax

Once in Khao Lak, it’s good to know that many of the attractions and beaches are in proximity and lie on either side of the Phet Kasem Road. The town runs along the coastline and Phet Kasem Road serves as the main artery of the town.

The area around Khao Lak Center

Getting around Khao Lak

The most economical mode of transportation in Khao Lak is a scooter. Renting a scooter should cost you around 200-300 THB a day, and is the easiest way to get around the town and its beaches.

If renting a scooter isn’t an option for you, then local taxis are available at most beaches, hotels, and touristy areas. Prices are usually fixed and there is no room to bargain.

Taking taxis in Khao Lak is a fun experience

During our stay, none of the major taxi apps, such as Grab and Bolt, were not available in Khao Lak.

Accommodation in Khao Lak

Accommodation in Khao Lak is spread across the town, with most of the bigger resorts located by or on the beach. There is something for everyone’s budget available, and here are some of our top accommodation options in Khao Lak.

Le Meridien, Ban Thap Tawan Beach, Khao Lak

Luxury Resorts

• JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort and Spa
• The Waters Khao Lak by Katathani
• The Sarojin
• Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort & Villas
• Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort

Beautiful Coconut Beach, Khao Lak

Budget-friendly options

• KhaoLak Chill Out
• Sunflowerbungalow
• Dachatorn Village
• Tuaprodhome
• Phukhaolak Resort

Top things to do in Khao Lak

Khao Lak is known for its diverse range of activities, from beach hopping and waterfall chasing to exploring national parks, and vibrant markets. And not to mention, if you enjoy Thai food, you’re in for a treat!

A beautiful day at White Sand Beach, Khao Lak

During our stay we were fortunate to have discovered some of the best things that the area offers. In this post, we’ll share some of the must-do experiences in Khao Lak which will make it an unforgettable experience for you.

Go Beach Hopping

Khao Lak’s incredible coastline features numerous beaches that stretch over 30 km (what I heard from locals, not verified). From north to south, these beautiful beaches offer visitors breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea and some of the best spots to catch the sunset.

Here is the list of the main beaches in Khao Lak, from north to south:

1. Bang Thap Thawan Beach
2. Bang Sak Beach
3. White Sand Beach
4. Pak Weep Beach
5. Khuk Khak Beach
6. Bang Niang Beach
7. Nang Thong Beach
8. Sunset Beach
9. Lam Kaen Beach
10. Khao Lak Beach

There are additional smaller beaches in Khao Lak not included in this list.

Each beach we visited had its own unique charm and something special to offer, but they all shared common amenities. Each beach features beachside restaurants, sun lounging chairs (available for a fee or as part of the restaurant service), and massage stations, creating the perfect setting for a relaxing day by the sea.

More on the best restaurants we ate at on the beaches below.

Visit the Bang Niang Night Market

Bang Niang Market is the most popular market in Khao Lak. Located in Bang Niang (which is tourist central), the open-air market features hundreds of stalls selling clothes, souvenirs, food and beverages, trinkets, cosmetics, jewellery, household items, and more.

The market operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM (hours subject to change). While the market might appear deserted during the day due to the heat, it truly comes to life after dark.

In our opinion, Bang Niang Market is a fantastic spot to spend an evening in Khao Lak, soak in the vibe while combining shopping and dining in one convenient location. Although the food may be average and pricey, and the souvenirs possibly available for less elsewhere, the unique atmosphere of the market remains charming.

In addition to the market, be sure to explore the surrounding streets of the market. This area reveals a vibrant scene with a variety of restaurants, bars, and hotels. Be sure to take a stroll around the Bang Niang area, particularly Chai Hat Bang Niang Road, to fully immerse yourself in the local experience.

Or Visit the Build Market

For those who appreciate night markets, make sure to visit the Build Market as well. Smaller compared to the Bang Niang Market, the Build Market provides a delightful variety of street food and beverages in a unique setting.

The Build Market in Khao Lak

One distinctive feature of the market is that certain shops are housed within old containers, adding to its charm. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the sight of a toy train that runs around the market, enhancing the overall ambiance.

During our visit to the Build Market, we noticed a minimal number of tourists, creating a more laid-back atmosphere compared to its larger counterpart.

Snorkel at Similan Islands (or Surin Island)

One of the main reasons people visit Khao Lak is because of its proximity to the Similan Islands. If you haven’t heard of or seen photos, I highly recommend you check out our Similan Islands photo gallery.

Koh Similan is highly distinguishable because of the strange Donald Duck look-a-like rock overlooking the famous Donald Duck Bay

The Similan Islands, located off the coast of Khao Lak, Thailand, are renowned for their outstanding natural beauty and pristine marine ecosystems.

This group of nine islands is a paradise for divers and snorkellers, offering crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of diverse marine life, including colourful fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks.

The islands are also characterized by stunning white sandy beaches, towering granite rock formations, and lush jungle landscapes.

The only way to visit the islands is with a tour operator. Most tour operators leave Khao Lak early in the morning and spend the day visiting 3 to 4 of the islands.

Make sure to take a tour operator that also stops in the most popular snorkelling locations. Snorkelling around the Similan Islands is an incredible experience, as is visiting the islands.

Visiting the Similan Islands was the highlight of my trip to Khao Lak. But if you’re unable to visit Similan or want an equally beautiful location to go snorkelling, I also recommend Surin Islands.

Pay a Visit to the International Tsunami Museum

The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami devastated Khao Lak, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The towering waves engulfed hotels, homes, and businesses, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.

The International Tsunami Museum, Khao Lak

The disaster claimed the lives of thousands of locals and tourists, and the community faced a long and painful recovery process. Khao Lak has since rebuilt and memorialized the lives lost in the disaster.

Although there are many tsunami museums located in and around Khao Lak, the International Tsunami Museum in Bang Niang is worth visiting. Although the museum has numerous photos and videos on display, the main exhibit is the police boat 813.

Police boat 813 at the International Tsunami Museum, Khao Lak

The boat was carried 2 km inland by one of the biggest waves that hit the area. The boat was guarding Prince Poom Jensen as he was jet skiing in front of the La Flora Resort.

The infamous police boat 813 that was carried 2 km inland by a tsunami wave

Next to the boat is the memorial, which is also a must-visit.

Eat Delicious Food (and not just Thai food)

As food lovers, we remember our trips not just through the experiences but also the food we ate. And we remember the food we ate in Khao Lak with fond memories!

Although the food in the night markets and tourist centre was average, we soon discovered the restaurants around Khao Lak Center, which were some of the best in my opinion.

Best Restaurants in Khao Lak city

Here are the best restaurants we ate at in the city:

• Nom’s Family Restaurant & Bungalows
• My Friend
• Sun Star Siam Restaurant
• Peter Pan (delicious homemade pastas)
• La Piccola Maria (Below Tarzan Bar. Amazing pizzas)

Amazing Restaurants on Beaches in Khao Lak

Apart from the restaurants above, some of our most memorable lunches were on the beaches in Khao Lak.

Enjoying another delicious lunch at White Sand Beach

• Happy Beach Bar & Restaurant at Bang Thap Thawan Beach
• White Sand Beach Restaurant at White Sand Beach
• KruaThai at Pak Weep Beach

Chase Waterfalls

Khao Lak’s natural topography and forests make it an ideal location to find waterfalls. But if you had to choose one waterfall to visit, make it the Ton Chongfa Waterfall.

1st Waterfall – Ton Maliton, Ton Chong Fa Waterfall

Located 10 km from Bang Niang, this waterfall is made up of five levels that include four waterfalls and a fish spa. Although visiting all the waterfalls requires you to hike 1.3 km one way, the Ton Chongfa Waterfall is a beautiful excursion and retreat away from the city.

You can read our detailed guide to exploring the Ton Chongfa Waterfall to learn more.

Other than the Ton Chongfa Waterfall, the Sai Rung Waterfall (Rainbow Waterfall) is another popular waterfall located in Pak Weep.

Sai Rung Waterfall is one of the easiest waterfalls to visit in Khao Lak

Explore Khao Sok National Park

Visiting the Khao Sok National Park offers a truly immersive experience in the heart of Thailand’s lush wilderness. This ancient rainforest is a haven for wildlife that boasts of diverse flora and fauna.

Khao Lak’s lush and verdant topography

Most locals recommend spending at least 2 nights at Khao Sok National Park to really experience what the park has to offer. Accommodations range from rustic jungle bungalows to luxury tented camps, providing a range of options for every traveller.

But it is also possible to make a day-trip from Khao Lak. Activities at Khao Sok include jungle trekking, wildlife spotting, kayaking on the stunning Cheow Lan Lake, and exploring the captivating limestone cliffs and caves.

Embark on an Off-road Safari

If you haven’t budgeted enough time to spend a night or two at the Khao Sok National Park, one of the best ways to discover the rain forest around Khao Lak is via an off-road safari.

Off-road safaris offer visitors a chance to venture into territory they wouldn’t otherwise, to encounter secluded wildlife in their natural habitat, to seek out hidden waterfalls, and even canoe down a river.

Unfortunately, I fell sick the day I had my safari planned. It was rather unfortunate as I was really looking forward to it.

Take a day trip to explore Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island

Phang Nga Bay is a stunning natural wonder famous for its towering limestone karsts jutting out of the emerald-green waters. The bay is extremely popular for its numerous of islands that showcase the natural and cultural history of the region.

Although exploring the bay’s natural wonders is more popular from Phuket, it is also possible to explore the area from Khao Lak.

Among the many picturesque islands in the bay, James Bond Island stands out as an iconic landmark, named after its appearance in the James Bond film, “The Man with the Golden Gun.”

However, the highlight during our visit to Phang Nga Bay was the visit to Koh Panyee, a fishing village known as the village built on stilts by Malay fishermen.

The beautiful mosque at Koh Panyee (Ko Panyi)

The island was established at the end of the 18th century and receives hundreds of tourists a day, who come to admire its beautiful school, floating football field and mosque. The floating football field was inspired by the 1986 FIFA World Cup. The children built the pitch from old scraps of wood and fishing rafts!

Visit an Elephant Sanctuary

Khao Lak is home to several elephant sanctuaries, where you can learn about these magnificent creatures.

This is when we all got to feed the elephants

These sanctuaries also offer educational programs and conservation efforts to protect these incredible animals, that are a symbol of Thailand.

Discover Khao Lak

We hope you enjoyed reading our guide to uncovering the best activities Khao Lak has to offer.

Before my visit, I spoke to a friend of mine who’s been living in Thailand for almost two decades, and he told me that Khao Lak is his favourite city in the country. For us, the trip was extremely memorable as we thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful and beautiful beaches, delicious food, and exploring the natural beauty of the region.

The beautiful Pak Weep Beach, Khao Lak

It’s hard not to keep comparing Khao Lak to Phuket. If you haven’t been to Phuket, we recommend visiting it first. But if you prefer a small town vibe, that offers the same natural wonders and attractions as Phuket, then you must definitely visit Khao Lak.