What to Do in Khao Lak?
Khao Lak is where I send people who want beaches without the crowds. It’s about an hour north of Phuket airport, on the mainland, and the difference in atmosphere is noticeable from the moment you arrive. No traffic jams, no touts, no Bangla Road. Just long, quiet beaches backed by green hills and a handful of small towns with local restaurants and night markets.
The coastline stretches for kilometres, and most of it is empty even in high season. Khao Lak is also the departure point for the Similan Islands, which have some of the best diving and snorkelling in Thailand. The 2004 tsunami hit this area hard, and you can still visit the memorials, but the region has rebuilt beautifully. If Phuket feels too busy and you want a slower pace without sacrificing good hotels and easy access to the islands, Khao Lak is the answer.
Khao Lak Beaches
The coastline in Khao Lak is one long stretch of sand, broken up by rivers and headlands. It looks different from Phuket. The beaches are wider, the sand is a bit darker in places, and the water is calm during high season. Bang Niang and Khuk Khak are the busiest areas, with the most restaurants, shops, and hotels.
Nang Thong is smaller and has a village feel. If you want something quieter, head north to White Sand Beach or Ban Thap Tawan, which are beautiful and much less developed. The distances between beaches are longer than you might expect, so choosing the right location matters. If you want nightlife and convenience, stay near Bang Niang. If you want peace and empty sand, go further north.
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What to Do in Khao Lak?
Khao Lak is more about relaxation than sightseeing, but there’s still plenty to do if you want to explore. The Similan Islands are the main draw, open from November to May, with crystal-clear water and incredible marine life. Phang Nga Bay is an easy day trip, and Samet Nangshe Viewpoint offers one of the most stunning sunrise views in southern Thailand.
Closer to town, the Bang Niang Night Market is worth a visit for cheap food and local atmosphere. Takua Pa, the old tin-mining town nearby, has a quiet Sunday market and some interesting Sino-Portuguese architecture. And if you want to do something meaningful, the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre and the tsunami memorials are both worth your time.
Most Popular Things to Do
New in Khaolak
Where to Stay in Khao Lak?
Most hotels in Khao Lak are right on the beach or very close to it. That’s one of the big advantages here. Unlike Phuket, where true beachfront resorts are rare and expensive, Khao Lak has dozens of them at reasonable prices. Bang Niang Beach has the widest selection, from budget guesthouses to large family resorts.
Khuk Khak Beach has some excellent mid-range and upscale options. If you want luxury and seclusion, the northern beaches like Pak Weep and Bang Sak have boutique resorts with almost private stretches of sand. The main thing to consider is how close you want to be to restaurants and shops. The more remote beaches are beautiful but quiet, so you’ll be eating at your hotel most nights.
Popular Hotel in Khao Lak
X10 Khaolak Resort
Nestled in the heart of Khao Lak, Waankarn is a culinary gem that seamlessly blends the rich flavors of Southern Thai cuisine with modern architectural elegance ... Read More
