Khao Lak stretches for some thirty kilometres of beaches lining the Andaman Sea, 80 km north of Phuket. This coastal resort in Phang Nga province serves as a gateway to the Similan Islands and Khao Sok National Park, while cultivating a more peaceful atmosphere than its popular neighbouring resort.

At a glance

• Location: southwest Thailand, Phang Nga province, Andaman Sea
• Access: 80 km from Phuket (2h by bus), 750 km from Bangkok
• Ideal season: November to May (dry season)
• Recommended duration: 4 to 7 days to combine beaches, Similan and Khao Sok
• Highlights: diving at the Similan Islands, long and peaceful beaches, Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park
• Average budget: €40 to €150/day depending on accommodation standard

Why visit Khao Lak

Khao Lak attracts travellers seeking the Andaman Sea without the tourist density of Phuket or Krabi. The resort features several distinct beaches — Nang Thong, Bang Niang, Khuk Khak, Pakarang — separated by rocky headlands and lined with coconut palms. Inland, the landscape rises steeply: Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park protects dense jungle crisscrossed with waterfalls.

The destination also serves as the main departure point for the Similan Islands, an archipelago renowned for the clarity of its waters and diving sites. Nature enthusiasts often combine Khao Lak with an excursion to Khao Sok National Park, an hour's drive away.

History and identity

Khao Lak was formed by the grouping of neighbouring hamlets whose inhabitants have shared beliefs and traditions for decades. The community honours Chao Por, a protective deity of the city, still revered during local festivals.

An ancient trading hub

The region was an active commercial outpost. Archaeological sites dating back 1,400 years bear witness to this ancient activity. Khao Lak also owes its past fame to its tin and lead deposits, which attracted entrepreneurs and miners from several continents in the 19th and 20th centuries. Once the ore veins were exhausted, agriculture and rubber plantation took over.

The creation of the national park in 1991

Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park was established on 30 August 1991 to preserve coastal and mountainous biodiversity. The city takes its name from a mountain sheltered within this reserve. This protection laid the foundations for nature tourism in the region.

The tsunami of 26 December 2004

On 26 December 2004, a tidal wave devastates the coast. More than 4,000 deaths are recorded in Khao Lak, including the grandson of the King of Siam. A memorial plaque and a patrol boat run aground at Bang Niang commemorate the event. The film The Impossible recounts the tragedy of a family caught in the disaster. Since then, the city has rebuilt with tsunami warning systems and evacuation instructions visible everywhere along the coast.

Must-sees

The beaches

• Nang Thong Beach: the most central, lively but not overcrowded, ideal for a first visit
• Bang Niang Beach: long stretch of clear sand, near the tsunami museum and patrol boat 813
• Khuk Khak and Pakarang: quieter, perfect for families
• White Sand Beach and Pak Weep: peaceful coves in the north

The Similan Islands for diving and snorkelling

The Similan archipelago, about 60 km offshore, ranks among Southeast Asia's finest dive sites. Day trips typically include two or three snorkelling stops and lunch on board. Certified divers opt for two to four-day cruises. The archipelago closes from May to mid-October to preserve the coral.

Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park

Behind the resort, the park is home to Ton Chong Fa waterfall, accessible after an hour's walk through the forest. Trails cross dense jungle where hornbills, macaques and flying squirrels live. The entrance is located south of Nang Thong.

Excursions nearby

• Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island, accessible by boat for the day
• Khao Sok National Park and its Cheow Lan Lake, an hour's drive away
• Wat Suwan Khuha cave temple with its large reclining Buddha
• Takua Pa, an old trading town, and its navigable "little Amazon" by kayak
• Than Bok Khorani National Park

Where to stay in Khao Lak

Accommodation stretches along the coast, from family guesthouses to five-star resorts. Choose your beach according to your pace: Nang Thong for the action, Bang Niang for balance, Pakarang or Pak Weep for peace and quiet.

• Budget (€15-30/night): guesthouses and bungalows inland from Nang Thong, fan or air conditioning, backpacker atmosphere
• Mid-range (€60-120/night): boutique hotels and small beachfront resorts, pool, restaurant, complimentary bikes
• Upmarket (€150+/night): lodges and spa resorts such as The Sarojin, Eden Beach Khao Lak Resort & Spa, Bangsak Village or Seaview Resort, with direct beach access and full services

Selection of partner accommodations being updated for this destination.

When to visit

Khao Lak follows the rhythm of the southwest monsoon. The dry season, from November to April, offers the best conditions: clear skies, calm seas, temperatures of 26 to 32°C.

• November-February: ideal period, flat seas, Similan trips open, peak crowds around holidays
• March-April: stronger heat (32-34°C), water at 29°C, more moderate visitor numbers
• May to mid-October: rainy season, rough seas, Similan Islands closed, hotel rates reduced by 30 to 50%
• September-November: rains more spaced out than June-August, possible for those accepting short showers

How to get there

• From Phuket: 75 km from the international airport. Buses heading to Takua Pa, Ranong or Surat Thani—all pass through Khao Lak. Allow 2 hours and 150-200 baht. Private transfers cost around €50-70.
• From Bangkok: overnight bus from Saï Taï Mai station to Surat Thani, then minivan to Khao Lak (10 to 12 hours total). Domestic flight to Phuket more economical in time.
• By train: Bangkok-Surat Thani line (10 to 12 hours), then 3 hours by minivan to Khao Lak. A slow but scenic option.

Getting around locally

The resort stretches for some thirty kilometres: a means of transport is useful to explore several beaches.

• Scooter: 200-300 baht/day, most practical for short distances (international driving permit recommended)
• Car rental: 1,000-1,500 baht/day, useful for excursions to Khao Sok or Phang Nga
• Songthaews and taxis: available on the main road, price to be negotiated before departure
• Bicycle: suitable for beach-to-beach trips, often lent by hotels

Insider tips

• Book your Similan trips one to two days in advance in high season; boats depart early (departure around 7:30am from Tap Lamu)
• Visit the tsunami museum and patrol boat 813 at Bang Niang in late afternoon, when raking light softens the sites
• For Khao Sok, leave early and plan an overnight on Cheow Lan Lake rather than a day trip—the experience is incomparable
• Look for tsunami evacuation signs: they indicate gathering areas in higher ground, useful to know
• Bang Niang's night market (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday) remains the most authentic place to dine locally
• In the rainy season, mornings are often clear: arrange activities in the morning and relaxation in the afternoon

For whom?

• Families: calm beaches, weak currents, resort facilities and gentle excursions (Khao Sok, Wat Suwan Khuha)
• Divers and snorkelling enthusiasts: direct access to Similan and Surin, numerous diving schools
• Couples: beachfront boutique hotels, northern beaches more intimate, dinners with sandy feet
• Nature travellers: combination of Khao Lak-Lam Ru and Khao Sok national parks to blend coast and jungle
• Travellers seeking peace and quiet: a tranquil alternative to Phuket and Krabi, without sacrificing the Andaman Sea

Also discover

• The Similan Islands — diving archipelago 67 km away
• Khao Sok National Park — jungle and Cheow Lan Lake, 52 km
• Phang Nga Bay — karst peaks and James Bond Island, 61 km
• Ko Phra Thong — wild island 50 km away
• Khura Buri — departure point for Surin Islands, 61 km
• Koh Yao Noi — peaceful island in Phang Nga Bay, 75 km
• Talae Nok Beach — authentic coastal village, 86 km
• Surat Thani — gateway to Koh Samui, 86 km

Build your trip to Khao Lak with our local agency

Our local destination expert helps you combine Khao Lak with the Similan Islands, Khao Sok or Phang Nga Bay according to your pace and the season. Several itineraries pass through Khao Lak: Southern Islands for Couples (14 days, from €1,490), Splendours of South Thailand on a Budget (14 days, from €890), Thai Delights (10 days, from €1,390) or Freedom Journey from the Golden Triangle to the Shores of Khao Lak (14 days, from €1,090). Each itinerary is customisable based on your wishes, budget and available time.

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