Discover the Amazing Beaches on the Khao Lak Coast
Khao Lak is an endless tranquil coastal area in southern Thailand, about 100 km north of Phuket Island. Khao Lak is famous for its pristine beaches, fringed by lush greenery and clear waters, offering a peaceful retreat and an alternative to busy Phuket during the high season.
Khao Lak is also an ideal base for exploring the nearby Similan Islands, renowned for their stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life, perfect for snorkelling and diving. Beyond the beaches, Khao Lak’s nature trails, waterfalls, bamboo rafting and elephant sanctuary experiences provide opportunities for adventure and relaxation. The amazing Phang Nga Bay is also near James Bond Island and Samet Nangshe‘s iconic viewpoint.
It is also worth mentioning that while the entire coast is an immense beach just interrupted by rivers flowing into the ocean, the distances appear a lot greater than in Phuket. In Phuket, there are enough beach access and things to do to walk between them, or ideally, rent a scooter to go from place to place. In Khao Lak, distances are a lot greater and the main road is far from the beach. Most people pick a beach to stay and spend a lot of time in the same area. They usually pick a couple of tours, but there is not so much difference between the beaches that they decide to spend a day on another one. The difference is more about dining, shopping and what to do at night.
Therefore, it is important to know what each beach looks like before booking your hotel. The busiest beaches are Bang Niang and Khu Khak beaches, both next to each other and roughly located in the centre of the Khao Lak coastline. The most beautiful are White Sand Beach and Ban Thap Tawan Beach.
Khao Lak Beaches, from North to South:
-
-
- Bang Thap Thawan Beach
- Bang Sak Beach
- White Sand Beach
- Pak Week Beach
- Khuk Khak Beach
- Bang Niang Beach
- Nang Thong Beach
- Sunset Beach
- Lam Kaen Beach
- Khao Lak Beach
-
Ban Thap Tawan Beach
Distance from Bang Niang city centre: 18 km (20 mn)
Ban Thap Thawan is at the top of the coastline and is blessed with amazingly white sand and clear shallow waters. Le Meridien is a large resort designed to offer everything guests need to spend their entire holiday in the hotel. There are some restaurants and bars on the beach that give you a bit of a tropical feel and cheaper prices, too.
Bang Sak Beach
Distance from Bang Niang city centre: 14.5 km (15 mn)
Bang Sak Beach offers a serene escape with its long stretch of golden sand and clear waters. Unlike some of the more bustling beaches in the area, Bang Sak is relatively quiet and peaceful, ideal for those seeking a tranquil getaway. The beach is lined with a few resorts and restaurants, but overall, it maintains a laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the calm sea during the high season, taking leisurely walks along the shore, or simply relaxing and soaking up the sun.
Pak Weep Beach
Distance from Bang Niang city centre: 11 km (14 mn)
Pak Weep Beach is a serene and lesser-known beach with a few hotels and beachfront restaurants. It offers visitors a peaceful retreat with its soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing. The lush greenery of casuarina trees lines the beach, so typical of Khao Lak. Pak Weep Beach is ideal for those seeking a tranquil escape away from the crowds, with its laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural beauty.
White Sand Beach
Distance from Bang Niang city centre: 10.3 km (12 mn)
The White Sand Beach is superb, with soft sand and a lot of trees to provide a welcome shade on hot days. Several small local hotels share the beachfront, with a very welcoming setting for their restaurants and bars. They even rent loungers on the beach, which is a rare feature in Khao Lak since it is not allowed on most beaches. The hotels are quite basic.
Bang Niang Beach
Distance from Bang Niang city centre: 10.3 km (12 mn)
Bang Niang Beach, the busiest part of Khao Lak, Thailand, is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and array of attractions. The beach is a hotspot for tourists, thanks to its bustling Bang Niang Night Market, numerous bars and restaurants along the roadside, and a selection of beach clubs and restaurants offering stunning sunset views. Despite its popularity, the beach maintains a laid-back vibe, making it a favourite among travellers seeking both excitement and relaxation.
Nang Thong Beach
Nang Thong Beach is a picturesque destination known for its stunning scenery and tranquil atmosphere. The beach boasts a long stretch of soft golden sand and lined casuarina trees, offering visitors a serene setting in which to relax and unwind. Unlike some of the busier beaches in the area, Nang Thong Beach is relatively quiet, making it perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape. The beach is also home to a few resorts and restaurants, where visitors can enjoy lunch or dinner while taking in the breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea.
Distance from Bang Niang city centre: 10.3 km (12 mn)
Khuk Khak Beach
Distance from Bang Niang city centre: 10.3 km (12 mn)
Khuk Khak Beach, the second busiest area in Khao Lak, after Bang Niang, offers a vibrant coastal experience. Known for its lively beachfront bars and restaurants, Khuk Khak Beach provides a lively atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. The road leading from the main road to the beach is lined with colourful bars, adding to the area’s energetic ambience. Despite its popularity, the beach retains a relaxed vibe, making it a popular choice for travellers looking for a mix of excitement and tranquillity.
Sunset Beach
Distance from Bang Niang city centre: 10.3 km (12 mn)
Sunset Beach is a charming and laid-back beach in the southern part of Khao Lak. The beach offers a tranquil setting, with soft golden sand and clear blue waters perfect for swimming and relaxing. Sunset Beach is quieter than some of the more popular beaches in Khao Lak, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful escape. The beach is lined with a few casual resorts and restaurants, where visitors can enjoy meals and drinks while admiring views of the Andaman Sea.
Maps of Khao Lak Beaches
Best Hotels in Khao Lak
More about Khao Lak
