Khao Lak in Thailand has its own kind of magic – it retains a small-town vibe, yet still offers many things to see and do. It boasts secluded beaches, breathtaking scenery, unmatched sunset spots, and amazing nightlife, eateries, and markets.
Its coastal location means it’s lined with beautiful sandy shores, with easy access to clear waters. Compared to other Thai beach destinations, Khao Lak offers a more rural Thai experience, away from the hustle and bustle of busy cities. It’s a town that’s easy to fall in love with – in fact, I loved it so much I now live here!
Khao Lak, Thailand – Backpacking Guide
Khao Lak Map & Resources
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- 🇹🇭 Thailand Travel Guide
- 🗺️ Top Itineraries for Thailand
- 🚗 Nearby places: Koh Lanta | Railay and Tonsai | Ao Nang
- 🥊 Must-do activity: Muay Thai Training Camp
Best Time to Visit Khao Lak, Thailand
The best time to visit Khao Lak is from December to March, which are the driest months. That said, Songkran, the Thai New Year Water Festival, takes place in April and is definitely worth getting wet for!
The rainy season officially begins May 1st and finishes on October 31st, although it is getting harder to predict when it actually starts and ends due to the warming climate.
Where to Stay in Khao Lak, Thailand
As a general rule, the northern part of Khao Lak is where you can find the most budget-friendly accommodation. The southern part of the town is more expensive, however, there are still wallet-friendly options if you know where to look. Both have access to beautiful beaches.
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If you’re travelling on a budget and looking for a clean and comfortable place to stay at a good price point, look no further than Banana Lodge. They offer private air-conditioned rooms, each with its own hot water bathroom.
If you’re looking for more privacy, check out the bungalows and affordable rooms offered by Suklsompong Resort. Ideal for families, there is a pool and sauna available for guest use, and the owner, Mr. Ek, will treat you to a delicious breakfast every morning!
This small resort has 19 bungalows and is known for its incredibly friendly staff who will do everything they can to make your stay truly unforgettable. Palm Garden Resort is often fully booked during high season, so make sure you book ahead of time to avoid missing out.
It’s no secret that in Thailand, you can get a lot of bang for your buck. Kokotel Khao Lak Lighthouse is ideal for those craving a bit of comfort and luxury in a beachfront setting. As well as plush accommodation, there are also plenty of facilities nearby, making it a convenient base in town.
This tropical beachfront escape offers luxury and charm in spades. The rooms are comfortable and functional, not to mention incredibly aesthetically pleasing. There is an on-site wellness centre complete with spa so this is the perfect place if you are looking to pamper yourself. Breathtaking sunsets and happy hour make for the perfect combo.
Things to Do in Khao Lak, Thailand
1. Try Muay Thai
Muay Thai is such an integral part of Thai culture that it’s almost mandatory to make it a part of your visit to Thailand, even if you are a complete beginner! There are a few gyms in towns which offer a range of classes and packages.
Khao Lak Muay Thai is well known for its convenient location and welcoming atmosphere. Beginners shouldn’t be intimidated by a lack of experience, the gym is famous for its friendly and skilled (yet patient) trainers! Khao Lak Muay Thai offers a range of classes including family introduction sessions, plus private and group classes. Why not break up that lazy beach holiday with a Muay Thai session or two!?
- Hone your Muay Thai skills, in beautiful Phang Nga.
- Choose from budget rooms to luxury beachfront resorts.
- Unique opportunity to learn the ancient art of Muay Boran.
2. Go Snorkeling or Diving
There is a range of places where it is possible to enjoy the wealth of underwater life close to Khao Lak. The Similan Islands are a popular choice and it is possible to see leopard sharks, barracudas and even sea turtles if you’re lucky! Day trips and liveabords are available from mid-October to mid-May.
3. Take a Fishing Trip
The Andaman Sea is a great place for fishing and plenty of enthusiasts can’t wait to get out on a boat and try for a catch. The Khao Lak fishing season commences in October and runs through until May.
4. See Elephants at a Sanctuary
Did you even go to Thailand if you didn’t see an elephant up close? Over recent years, elephant riding has been recognised as a cruel practice and has largely fallen out of favour, but in its place, many sanctuaries have sprung up which allow you to get close to these magnificent animals in a more ethical way.
READ 👉 Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand
5. Help at the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre
Sea turtles have lived on this planet for approximately 130 million years and, sadly, most species are now in decline. You can see and take care of them right here in Khao Lak, at the Turtle Conservation Center in Lam Kaen, 15 minutes south of Khao Lak centre. This is a nice way to give back while you travel and make unforgettable memories.
6. Stay in a Floating Bungalow at Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park is home to one of the oldest rainforests on the planet. Spanning 738 square kilometres, this diverse area is a haven for hikers and wildlife spotters hoping to get a glimpse of exotic animals. The rainforest buts up against the beautiful Cheow Lan Lake, most famous for its floating bungalows. A stay in one of these offers a unique base from which to explore the park and its wonders.
- Thrilling activities include kayaking, caving and jungle trekking.
- Overnight in a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake.
- Explore rainforests and spot exotic wildlife like langurs, hornbills, and gibbons.
7. Tour the Local Markets
There is more to Khao Lak than just beaches… why not pick up a few unique items or souvenirs at one of Khao Lak’s interesting markets?
Build Market is a small but charming market located in Bang Niang. Named after the BUILD nightclub, it operates four days a week (16:00-21:00 on Tue, Thur, Sat, and Sun).
Bang Niang Market is accessible from the main road with all sorts of easy-to-grab snacks, sweets, and BBQ grills, as well as fashion and souvenir shops. You find everything and anything here! Khao Lak’s most popular market is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:00 to 23:00.
Officially located in the Khuk Khak area, the Fresh Morning Market is open daily from 06:00-12:00. A whole range of fresh produce is on offer here with everything you need to rustle up a local feast! As well as fruit and veg, visitors will also find a range of Thai snacks and street food.
Alive Market Nang Thong is a vibrant night market, located in Khao Lak center (La On). It’s open every day except Wednesdays from 15:00-22:00.
8. Visit a Waterfall
There are several waterfalls in the area around Khao Lak, such as Ton Chongfa Waterfall in Bang Niang, Rainbow Waterfall (Sai Rung) in Pakweep, and Lampi Waterfall, south of Khao Lak in Thai Mueang.
Although some require a drive to get access, the journey is well worth it to enjoy a quick dip on a sweltering day. The waterfalls get particularly busy with locals over the weekend, so visit during the week and preferably during the morning for the most agreeable temperatures and fewer crowds.
9. Explore the Nearby National Parks
If you’ve had your fill of beach time, you’ll be delighted to hear that there are a range of wonderful adventures to enjoy just a stone’s throw from Khao Lak. The five nearby national parks offer fantastic opportunities for day trips with each offering a variety of activities from bamboo rafting, jungle hiking or bird watching. Add the following national parks to your itinerary!
- Si Phang Nga National Park
- Khlong Phanom National Park
- Khao Lak- Lam Ru National park
- Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park
10. Laze on the Soft Sandy Beaches
Khao Lak boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. Their location on the west coast of the country means they are primed for sunset-watching – what could be better than finishing a long day exploring with a beer and an epic view?!
With many of these beaches protected by their national park status, they are also exceptionally clean. Khao Lak is also a great place to catch some waves, with the following spots home to great beach breaks:
- White Sand Beach
- Coconut Beach
- Memories Beach
- Bang Niang Beach
- Nang Thong Beach
- Pak Weep Beach
Food and Drink in Khao Lak, Thailand
- Buffalo Bar & Restaurant is a great Thai restaurant with a nice vibe. They have an extensive menu made with quality ingredients and can cater to dietary requirements if requested. It’s known for the lovely English-speaking staff, and the friendliest owners ever!
- Mae Pa is an authentic Thai restaurant right on the main road between Bang Niang and Nang Thong. They offer big portions, an extensive menu, irresistible flavours and friendly staff. A restaurant that’s packed with locals is always a good sign and Mae Pa is one of them!
- Set in a beautifully lit garden where soft sand meets live music, The Snapper offers a range of Thai and international cuisine in a starlit setting.
- Right on Soi Bang Niang, Let’s Eat is the place to go if you are looking to take a break from Thai cuisine. Enjoy the mouthwatering Hungarian dishes, but get there early as it is always packed during high season.
- Indigo Restaurant, located at Ocean Breeze Resort, is a great upmarket eatery. Even if you are not staying here, you can experience the cuisine and service, complete with the most amazing sunset in town. They offer a selection of barbecue and seafood specials, plus great cocktails and live music to make everything perfect.
Getting Around Khao Lak, Thailand
There are no local buses in Khao Lak so the best way to get around is by taxi or scooter. Depending on how long you rent a scooter for, the price ranges between 150 and 250THB (approx. $4.50-7.50USD) a day.
How to Get to Khao Lak, Thailand
The nearest airport to Khao Lak is Phuket Airport (HKT). It takes around an hour to make the journey to Khao Lak. It is possible to grab a taxi for around 1,500THB (approx. $45USD), or there is a bus which services the route for less than 200THB (approx $6USD).
Where to Go Next:
- Krabi: Famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, Krabi town is a great base for accessing some of Thailand’s most popular beaches and attractions, including Railay and Tonsai, Ao Nang and James Bond Island.
- Phuket: The nearby holiday island of Phuket is a popular arrival point in the south of Thailand, with good international air links. Explore its wonderful Old Town and get a taste of tourist-tacky Thailand on the strip.
- Khao Sok National Park: The beautiful Cheow Lan Lake’s floating bungalows steal the show here. Trips to the national park usually include a mix of wildlife spotting, kayaking and hiking.
Zee | Khao Lak Muay Thai
Zee is the operations manager at Khao Lak Muay Thai. They offer a range of classes and retreats in both Muay Thai and Muay Boran to students of all abilities. Muay Thai offers a great opportunity to stay fit while you travel and become immersed in Thai culture.