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Khao Lak
Khao Lak is a top destination in Thailand.
About Khao Lak
Khao Lak, north of Phuket along the Andaman coast, offers a noticeably quieter resort scene than its neighbor, popular with repeat visitors and Thai travelers who prefer long, uncrowded beaches over Phuket's more developed nightlife areas.
Essential Info
Estimated Daily Budget
| Accommodation | $30-100/night |
| Food | $10-25/day |
| Diving Trips | $100-200 (day trip to Similan Islands) |
| Transport | $10-20/day |
Best Time to Visit
- Nov-Apr — Dry season and the only period the Similan Islands National Park is open for diving trips.
- May-Oct — Wet season with rougher seas; the Similan Islands are closed to visitors during this period.
Getting Around
- Getting There — Phuket International Airport (HKT) is the nearest gateway, about 1-1.5 hours south of Khao Lak by car or shared van.
- Getting Around — A rented scooter or car is useful, as Khao Lak's beaches and resorts are spread along a long stretch of coastline.
Cultural & Heritage Sites in Khao Lak
- International Tsunami Museum (Ban Nam Khem) — A memorial museum near Khao Lak documenting the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which struck this coastline severely.
Hiking Trails near Khao Lak
- Khao Sok National Park Jungle Trails — Rainforest trails through one of Thailand's oldest evergreen rainforests, often combined with a stay on Cheow Lan Lake's floating raft houses, about 1.5 hours from Khao Lak.
Cycling Routes near Khao Lak
- Khao Lak Beach Road Cycling — A flat coastal route connecting Khao Lak's beaches, quieter and less trafficked than equivalent roads in Phuket.
Local Food to Try in Khao Lak
- Khao Lak Beachfront Seafood — A relaxed selection of beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood, generally less crowded and lower-priced than in Phuket.
Seasonal Highlights in Khao Lak
- Similan Islands Diving Season (Nov-Apr (park closed May-Oct)) — The Similan Islands National Park closes annually during the monsoon season, making the dry season the only window for liveaboard diving trips.
Where to Stay in Khao Lak
- Nang Thong Beach — The main resort strip with the widest choice of hotels, dive shops and restaurants.
- Bang Niang — A quieter northern area with a well-known weekly market and boutique resorts.
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