Last Updated: January 8, 2024
Khao Lak is a town in Thailand known for its beautiful beaches and national parks. It is located in the Phang Nga province, about an hour’s drive north of Phuket. Khao Lak is a popular destination for tourists due to its stunning natural surroundings, including lush rainforests, waterfalls, and mangrove forests. Its beautiful nature makes it a perfect destination for outdoorsy travelers. The area is also home to several marine national parks, including the Similan Islands and Surin Islands, known for their diverse marine life and coral reefs.
Many people visit Khao Lak to enjoy water sports such as snorkeling and diving, and the area is also popular with hikers and nature enthusiasts. We spent a few days in Khao Lak and in this article, we will share with you some of the best things to do. We’ve also compiled a list of the top attractions to not miss out on during your visit.
HOW TO GET TO KHAO LAK
Khao Lak is a popular tourist destination located in Phang Nga Province, Thailand. There are several ways you can get to Khao Lak from various locations:
By plane
The nearest airport to Khao Lak is Phuket International Airport, which is located about an hour’s drive away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to get to Khao Lak.
By bus
There are several bus companies that operate regular services to Khao Lak from various locations in Thailand, such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi.
By car
If you are coming from Bangkok or another nearby city, you can rent a car and drive to Khao Lak. The journey takes about 8-10 hours by car.
By boat
If you are coming from the islands, such as Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta, you can take a ferry to the mainland and then get a bus or taxi to Khao Lak.
Regardless of how you choose to travel, it is advisable to book your transport in advance to avoid any delays or last-minute issues.
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN KHAO LAK?
It depends on what you want to do and see in Khao Lak. If you just want to relax on the beach and enjoy the sun, you could probably spend a few days in Khao Lak. However, if you want to explore the surrounding areas and participate in activities such as snorkeling, diving, or hiking, you might want to spend a week or more in the region. Ultimately, the amount of time you spend in Khao Lak will depend on your interests and how much time you have available. We spent 4 days in Khao Lak and it was more than enough time to explore the attractions we were interested in.
WHAT ARE THE BEST OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN KHAO LAK?
There are many great outdoor activities to enjoy in Khao Lak, Thailand. From kayaking to snorkeling and from island hopping to simply enjoying its wonderful beaches, there’s definitely something for everyone. Some popular options include:
Snorkeling and diving
Khao Lak is home to some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in Thailand, with crystal-clear waters and an abundance of marine life to explore.
Rafting and kayaking
The nearby rivers offer excellent opportunities for white water rafting and kayaking, and with a range of trips available, there is something for everyone.
Rock climbing
Khao Lak is home to several rock climbing spots, including the famous Khao Sok National Park.
Trekking
There are many beautiful hiking trails in the area, ranging from easy to challenging and offering stunning views of the surrounding rainforests and mountains.
Island Hopping
Visit the nearby islands of Koh Tapu and Koh Panyee for breathtaking views and a fun day out on the water.
Beaches Khao Lak
Khao Lak is known for its beautiful beaches, and you can spend a day relaxing on the sand, swimming in the sea, or trying out water sports such as stand-up paddling or kiteboarding.
Temples and cultural attractions
There are several temples and cultural attractions to visit in Khao Lak, including Wat Bang Niang, a temple with a large golden Buddha, and the Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park, which is home to a number of waterfalls and natural pools.
Boating & Sailing
Renting a boat or sailing across the Andaman Sea is one of the best ways to explore Khao Lak’s stunning coastline from the water.
Fishing
Go fishing in some of Khao Lak’s picturesque bays and coves, or try your luck on an organized deep-sea fishing tour.
Waterfalls Khao Lak
Visit the Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park to explore its stunning waterfalls and lush jungle scenery.
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10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN KHAO LAK
Khao Lak is a beautiful beach destination located in Thailand. Here are some suggestions for things to do while you’re there:
Visit Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park
This national park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, stunning beaches, tropical jungles, and waterfalls. This protected area is a great place for sightseeing and wildlife spotting.
Relax on the beach
Khao Lak has several beautiful beaches where you can sunbathe, swim, or snorkel.
Explore the Similan Islands
A boat tour of the nearby Similan islands is an excellent way to explore the region’s natural beauty. These islands are known for their crystal clear waters and beautiful coral reefs. You can go snorkeling or diving to see marine life up close.
Visit the Tsunami Museum
The Tsunami Museum in Khao Lak is a tribute to the victims of the 2004 tsunami and serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness.
Take a cooking class
Thailand is known for its delicious cuisine, and Khao Lak has several cooking schools where you can learn how to make traditional Thai dishes.
Sample Local Cuisine
Enjoy some delicious Thai food, from street vendors to high-end restaurants, Khao Lak is known for its culinary delights.
Visit the local temples
Khao Lak has several Buddhist temples that are worth visiting, including Wat Si Bun Rueang, Wat Bang Niang, and Wat Suwan Khuha Temple – a stunning temple complex and one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Phang Nga province, dating back more than 400 years ago.
Go shopping
Khao Lak has several markets and shops where you can find souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Enjoy Water Sports
From snorkeling and scuba diving to kayaking and fishing, there are plenty of ways to enjoy time on the water in Khao Lak. If you have spare time, we recommend that you snorkel at Koh Khai Nok. Snorkeling off this stunning island is some of the best in Thailand and a great way to explore the colorful coral reefs below.
Explore Bang Niang Market Khao Lak
This bustling night market offers up plenty of souvenirs and local treats to take home with you after your visit to Khao Lak.
BEST PLACE TO STAY IN KHAO LAK
If you are looking for a more luxurious experience, there are many upscale resorts and hotels in the area. We stayed at Devasom Khao Lak and we had an amazing experience! The hotel is located in an idyllic setting, surrounded by nature and with wonderful sea views. Our room was perfect with sweeping views of the lagoon and the sea. We particularly enjoyed our private pool where we had our morning coffee every day while taking in the beautiful views.
The resort has everything you need for the ideal beach getaway, including two charming restaurants serving delectable Thai and Western cuisine, a beach grill and bar, a beautiful spa, a gym, and a kids club.
Be sure to try their exceptional spa. We received a traditional Thai massage during our visit, and we were treated like kings and queens by a team of experts who made sure the experience would leave us feeling rejuvenated and at ease.
If you like to stay active during your holiday, fear not because Devasom has covered that. Besides the well-equipped gym, the hotel also offers paddle boarding, kayaking, and bicycles, all free of charge!
It was truly the best place to spend time unwinding and we can’t recommend it enough.
IS KHAO LAK WORTH VISITING?
It depends on your personal preferences and interests. Khao Lak is a beach town located in the Phang Nga province of Thailand, known for its beautiful beaches, national parks, and water activities such as diving and snorkeling. It is also a popular gateway to the Similan Islands, which are known for their crystal clear waters and coral reefs.
If you enjoy beach vacations, nature, and water sports, then Khao Lak may be worth visiting for you. It is a relatively quiet and laid-back town, with a mix of local and international tourists. However, if you prefer more bustling and vibrant destinations, or are looking for a city atmosphere, Khao Lak may not be the best fit for you.
