Khao Lak
Quiet resort coast north of Phuket — gateway to the Similan Islands and Khao Sok's jungle lake
Listing data updated
About Khao Lak
Khao Lak is the quiet counterweight to Phuket, 60 kilometres up the Andaman coast: a 20-kilometre string of low-rise resorts behind long, casuarina-backed beaches, with a national park of jungled headlands stitched between them. There is no walking street and almost no nightlife — the crowd is families and divers, and the resorts lean into it with some of Thailand's best-value beachfront pools. The 2004 tsunami hit this coast harder than anywhere else in Thailand, and the memorials — including police boat 813, carried two kilometres inland — are moving, low-key stops.
What makes Khao Lak a base rather than just a beach is what it opens up. The Similan Islands, Thailand's most celebrated diving and snorkelling, are 70 minutes by speedboat from Tap Lamu pier and effectively a Khao Lak day trip (the islands close every May to mid-October). Inland, an hour east, Khao Sok National Park delivers the other bucket-list day: limestone karsts rising out of Cheow Lan Lake, floating raft-house bungalows, and some of the oldest rainforest on earth. Doing both from one unhurried beach base is the Khao Lak formula.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April (Similan season Oct 15 – May 15)
Avoid: May – October (rough seas, Similans closed)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February (strong European family season)
Getting there
Phuket International Airport (HKT) is 60–75 minutes south by taxi or shared minivan (฿700–1,500). Buses from Bangkok's Southern Terminal reach Khao Lak town in 10–12 hours; most stop on request along the resort strip.
Getting around
- •Songthaews along the main coastal road (Phetkasem highway)
- •Motorbike rental (฿250–300/day; the resort areas string along one road)
- •Hotel shuttles and taxis — no Grab coverage to speak of
- •Tour transfers to Khao Sok and the Similan piers are hotel-pickup based
Where to stay in Khao Lak
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Things to Do in Khao Lak
Khao Lak offers 220 curated places to explore across 10 categories. Choose from 53 hotels and resorts for your stay. Discover 43 restaurants and dining spots. Visit 16 temples and cultural landmarks. Explore 13 beaches and islands. Book from 36 activities and tours.
Browse by category below or scroll down to see top-rated picks in each category. Every listing includes Google ratings from verified visitors, price ranges, and direct booking links where available.
Pick where to stay in Khao Lak
Browse live hotel rates across the major booking sites.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Asia-focused selection
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
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Hotels & Resorts
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JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa
Upscale beachfront resort in Khao Lak offering spacious rooms, villas, a lagoon pool, and a full-service spa.
The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani
A well-regarded beachfront resort in Khao Lak offering a relaxed tropical escape on Thailand's Andaman coast.
SENTIDO Khao Lak
Beachfront resort in Khao Lak with 2 restaurants, 3 bars, 5 pools, and a fitness centre.
Kalima Resort and Villa Khao Lak
A chic beachside resort in Khao Lak offering stylish rooms, a pool, spa, and free breakfast.
Restaurants & Food
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White Sand Beach Khao Lak
A mid-range beachside restaurant in Khao Lak, open daily and well-regarded by locals and tourists alike.
Cappadocia Turkish Restaurant Khao lak
Authentic Turkish cuisine in the heart of Khao Lak, open daily for lunch and dinner.
Pawn's Resturant
A budget-friendly local restaurant in Khlong Sok, open daily with long hours to suit all schedules.
Waankarn Khao Lak - วันคาร ร้านอาหารเขาหลัก
A well-regarded mid-range Thai restaurant in Khao Lak, open daily with a strong local following.
Temples & Culture
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Wat Thettharamnawa (Wat Tha Sai)
A peaceful riverside temple in Phang-nga's Thai Mueang district, offering an authentic glimpse into local Buddhist life.
Khao Sam Kloe
A sacred hilltop temple near Cheow Lan Lake, offering cultural insight and sweeping natural views.
Khao Sok National Park HQ
Gateway to one of Thailand's oldest rainforests, this national park HQ is your starting point for jungle adventures.
KHAO SOK ATV ADVENTURE
Thrilling ATV tours through Khao Sok's jungle landscapes, open daily for adventurers of all experience levels.
Beaches
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Donald Duck Bay (Similan)
Donald Duck Bay — Ao Kuerk on Koh Similan, named for a duck-shaped granite boulder — is the Similan Islands' signature stop and recently cracked the top 10 of the World's 50 Best Beaches ranking. The scene is unmistakable: giant smooth granite boulders stacked at the headland (climb the Sail Rock vi
Coconut beach
A laid-back stretch of white sand lined with coconut palms, sun loungers, and casual beachside dining.
Bang Sak Beach
A quiet, unspoiled beach near Khao Lak offering soft sand and calm waters away from the tourist crowds.
Khao Lak Beach
A long, palm-backed sandy beach in Phang Nga, known for scenic sunsets and peaceful coastal walking.
Islands
View allMu Ko Similan National Park
A remote national park archipelago off Phuket's coast, famed for turquoise waters, white sand, and world-class diving.
Markets & Shopping
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Bang Niang Market
A popular open-air night market in Khao Lak offering local street food, handicrafts, and a relaxed evening atmosphere.
Nang Thong Supermarket
A well-stocked local supermarket in Khao Lak, open daily for all your holiday essentials.
Mother Marche Supermarket 10 มาเธอร์ เขาหลัก
A well-stocked local supermarket in Khao Lak, open daily for groceries, snacks, and everyday essentials.
Bang Niang Fresh Market
A lively morning fresh market in Khao Lak, open daily from dawn until noon with local produce and street food.
Activities & Tours
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Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park protects one of the world's oldest rainforests — older than the Amazon — draped over dramatic limestone karsts in southern Thailand between Phuket and Surat Thani.
Khaolak Ethical Elephant Sanctuary (KES)
Khaolak Ethical Elephant Sanctuary — KES to its many repeat admirers — is a small, walk-with-the-herd sanctuary in the forest behind Khao Lak, about an hour north of Phuket, and one of the most consistently praised ethical operations in southern Thailand.
Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park
A tropical national park near Khao Lak offering jungle trails, wildlife, and secluded beaches.
Khaolak Elephant Conservation
An ethical elephant sanctuary in Khao Lak offering hands-on wildlife experiences focused on conservation.
Nightlife & Bars
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Memories Beach Bar
A beachfront bar on Pakarang Beach serving drinks and good vibes from morning until night.
Monkey Bar khao lak
A lively mid-range bar in Khao Lak open daily from 3pm, drawing a loyal crowd of locals and travellers.
Mr. Chay Bar
A well-loved mid-range bar in Khao Lak open evenings, perfect for winding down after a day at the beach.
Fat Shark Bar
A laid-back bar in Khao Lak open daily from afternoon until late, with a strong local following.
Wellness & Spas
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Bhandari Wellness & Spa
A resort spa in Khao Lak offering daily wellness treatments in a tranquil tropical setting.
Aunchalee Thai Massage Khao Sok
A well-regarded traditional Thai massage studio nestled in the heart of Khao Sok, open daily until 11pm.
Nature’s Touch Massage Khao Sok
A highly rated massage retreat nestled in the lush rainforest surrounds of Khao Sok, Surat Thani.
NAREE Massage
A highly regarded massage venue in Khao Lak, open late daily for post-beach relaxation.
Transportation
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Cheow Lan Pier (Ratchaprapha Pier)
Gateway pier for boat access into Khao Sok National Park's Cheow Lan Lake reservoir.
Frequently Asked Questions about Khao Lak
Khao Lak or Phuket?
Khao Lak for calm: fewer crowds, cheaper beachfront resorts, and no go-go bar scene — but also no shopping malls and limited nightlife. Phuket for infrastructure: the airport, hospitals, restaurants of every kind, and beach variety. Many families fly into Phuket and transfer straight up the coast; divers pick Khao Lak outright because Similan boats leave from here.
How do you get from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak?
It's 60–75 minutes north along Highway 4. Shared minivans cost around ฿300–400 per person, a private taxi ฿1,200–1,500, and most resorts arrange transfers. There's no need to go into Phuket town — the airport sits at the island's northern end, so Khao Lak is closer than most of Phuket's own beaches.
When can you visit the Similan Islands?
The park opens roughly October 15 to May 15 and closes entirely for the monsoon. In season, day trips run daily from Tap Lamu and Thap Lamu piers (about ฿2,500–3,500 with lunch and snorkel gear). February to April brings the calmest seas and best visibility. Liveaboard dive boats also depart Khao Lak for multi-day Similan and Richelieu Rock itineraries.
Is Khao Lak worth it in the rainy season?
Partly. May to October brings heavy showers, red-flag swimming days, and the Similans are closed — but Khao Sok is arguably better in the green season (full waterfalls, active wildlife), resort prices halve, and the beaches are near-empty between storms. If your trip is beach-first, come in season; if it's Khao Sok-first, the monsoon months are fine.
Planning your trip to Khao Lak?
Essential planning guides for every Thailand trip — costs, timing, visas, and safety.