During my second trip to Thailand, I decided I wanted a quieter beach getaway. After all, the first time I traveled to Thailand, I based myself on the ultra-touristy island of Phuket (and while I loved it), I also love walking around with fewer people around. When I stumbled upon Khao Lak, I was hooked. With its white sand beaches, clear ocean waters, and fewer visitors (in 2019 Phuket saw 14 million visitors, and Khao Lak just 4.8 million) – I booked a hotel and set off to the Phang Nga Province.
I spent one week exploring the area; this is everything you need to know about visiting Khao Lak, Thailand.
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, don’t miss:
- The Ultimate Thailand Bucket List
- The Most Important Things to Know Before Traveling to Thailand
- The Best Packing List for Thailand
Is Khao Lak Worth Visiting?
If you’re looking for a laidback vacation (while not compromising on beauty) then yes, I would absolutely say Khao Lak is worth visiting. Its a bit quieter than other places in Thailand (like Phuket) so if you’re looking for a nightlife scene or in general, tons of things to do – then Khao Lak probably isn’t for you.
Some reasons that you should visit Khao Lak include…
- Interest in visiting Similan Islands
- Visiting Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park or Khao Sok National Park
- Pristine diving
- Quiet beaches
Where is Khao Lak?
Khao Lak is located north of Phuket, and sits on the west coast of Thailand on the Andaman Sea. Khao Lak is not an island, it’s part of mainland Thailand in the Takua Pa District and the Thai Mueang District of the Phang Nga Province. (Although Khao Lak is not an island, it is in Southern Thailand).
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How Long Should You Spend in Khao Lak?
When deciding how long you want to spend in Khao Lak, I think the most important question to answer is – are you coming to relax on the beach and hang low? Or do you want to see everything, go-go-go and then move on?
If you’re coming to Khao Lak for a relaxing, beach vacation, I would say you could spend four days here. Enough time to enjoy your hotel, relax on the beach, and maybe take a day trip. But if you’re limited on time and don’t want to lay around, I would say you only need 2-3 days in Khao Lak.
How to Get to Khao Lak
Depending on where you’re coming from in Thailand, you can fly or take a bus to Khao Lak. The closest airport to Khao Lak is Phuket International Airport, so if you fly, you’ll need to get a taxi or bus from the airport to Khao Lak. The distance from the Phuket airport to Khao Lak is about 50 miles and will take around an hour to get there depending on where you’re going in Khao Lak.
If you’re traveling from Bangkok, the distance is 470+ miles and will take you 10+ hours to get to Khao Lak by bus.
BOOK A FLIGHT TO KHAO LAK HERE!
How to Get to Khao Lak from Phuket International Airport
Chances are you’ll be arriving to Khao Lak by way of Phuket International Airport. If that’s the case, the easiest way to get to Khao Lak is by hiring a taxi. In 2023, when I did this, the cost was around 1,400 Baht. Know that the first price your driver quotes to you will be higher than what you should actually be paying. Taxi prices in Thailand are negotiable so be prepared to negotiate and don’t accept the first offer. If you’re not up for negotiating, you can also download the “Grab” app (a ride sharing app similar to Uber) and get a ride from there.
If you want to save money, the cheaper option will be to take a bus from the airport to Khao Lak. You can check times and book a bus ticket here.
BOOK A BUS TICKET FROM PHUKET INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KHAO LAK HERE!
How to Get Around Khao Lak
If you’re staying in the town of Khao Lak, you’ll be able to walk around to different bars, restaurants, and beaches. However, if you stay further outside of town (arguably where there are more beautiful beaches but things are much quieter), Khao Lak isn’t as walkable.
The easiest and most convenient way to get around Khao Lak is by motorbike; in 2023, the price of a motorbike rental in Khao Lak was 300 Baht (not including gas). You can ask your hotel to help you rent one or you can stop by one of the many stores that rent motorbikes. Another way to get around is by bike – most hotels in Khao Lak have free bike rentals for guests staying on property. And lastly, there are taxi’s in town. I did not have any luck with Grab once I got to Khao Lak.
Best Time to Visit Khao Lak
The best time to visit Khao Lak is between November-April when it’s considered to be dry season. Monsoon season lasts from May-October, so I would advise avoiding Khao Lak during these months (although it will be much less crowded).
Temperature throughout the year stay pretty steady averaging around 80 F.
Where to Stay in Khao Lak
Personally, I think that there are two different areas to base yourself in Khao Lak. The first would be in town, where you have access to tons of different bars and restaurants within walking distance. The second would be just north of Khao Lak town near some of the beaches, where its much quieter.
Below you’ll find my hotel recommendations across a range of budgets!
- Khaolak Palm Galleria Resort – North of town near the beach; 3-star hotel
- Aspara Beachfront Resort and Villa – North of town on the beach; 4-star hotel
- The Sarojin – North of town on the beach; 5-star hotel
- Eden Beach Khaolak Resort & Spa – In town on the beach; 5-star hotel
- MJ Boutique Hotel Khao Lak – South of town near the beach; 3-star hotel
BOOK YOUR STAY IN KHAO LAK HERE!
The Best Things to do in Khao Lak
Khao Lak is an outdoor lovers paradise! Famous for its pristine beaches, top dive sites, and jungle adventures – there are tons of things to do when you visit Khao Lak!
The Best Beaches in Khao Lak
Khao Lak has beautiful, white sand beaches that go on as far as they eye can see. Not only are there beaches that are completely empty – nothing but sand and sea; but there are also beaches with fun beach bars, restaurants, and lounge chairs. These are my favorite beaches in Khao Lak…
- Coconut Beach
- Pakarang Beach
- White Sand Beach
Day Trip from Khao Lak to Similan Islands
There are tons of great day trips you can take from Khao Lak, but my personal favorite is to Similan Islands. Located just an 1.5 boat ride from Khao Lak, Similan Islands are a protected park in Thailand. The waters are turquoise blue, the sand is white, fine, and easy to walk on, and there are great places to snorkel and dive around the islands too.
If you’re wanting to visit the Similan Islands, don’t miss:
Bars & Restaurants in Khao Lak
With tons of bars and restaurants in Khao Lak – you really can’t go wrong. Below you’ll find some of my favorite finds from casual and beachy to nicer and in town.
- Bussaba Thai Restaurant
- Memories Beach Bar
- Zest
FAQ
Q: “Is Khao Lak safe?”
- A: I felt very safe visiting Khao Lak. There were several days where I went out by myself and did my own thing, and never felt in danger. Of course, if you’re a female traveling alone – take you’ll want to take the same basic safety precautions that you would anywhere else you travel to.
Q: “Is Khao Lak too touristy?”
- A: Khao Lak is beautiful and part of its beauty is that it sees fewer tourists than many other areas in Thailand. Like I mentioned earlier, in 2019 Phuket welcomes 14 million visitors and in the same year, Khao Lak welcomed 4.8 million visitors.
Q: “Is Khao Lak nicer than Phuket?”
- A: Khao Lak has beautiful beaches and luxury hotels, but I wouldn’t necessarily classify it as being “nicer than Phuket”. Phuket has had tons of work done to support the millions of tourists that visit each year, so in Phuket you’re able to find many more luxury experiences. However, if your idea of “nicer than” is just that its not as crowded, then yes – Khao Lak is nicer than Phuket.
Q: “Why is Khao Lak famous?”
- A: Khao Lak is known for its pristine diving, national parks, ability to visit Similan Islands, and for its pristine beaches.
Thailand Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Thailand
TRAVELING THROUGH THAILAND
- The easiest way to book bus tickets in Thailand is through Bookaway or 12Go
- Download Grab to get a taxi or motorbike
- To book a flight to Thailand, I recommend Expedia or Skyscanner to compare options
- Thailand does require a visa if you’re planning to stay longer than 30 days, you can purchase one through iVisa
- I highly recommend travel insurance when traveling through Thailand – I use and recommend SafetyWing
- If you want an English speaking driver waiting to pick you up at the airport, use Welcome Pickups (select cities only)
- If you need a SIM card, aloSIM for an easy and affordable e-SIM.
ACCOMODATION IN THAILAND
- To easiest way to book hotels in Thailand is through Booking.com or Expedia
- The easiest way to book rentals in Thailand is through VRBO
TOURS IN THAILAND
- To save money on attractions throughout Thailand, make sure to purchase a day pass via TAGTHAi ahead of time (select cities only)
- For tours and activities in Thailand, I recommend using Viator
- For cooking classes in Thailand, I recommend using Cookly
WHAT TO BRING TO THAILAND
- Don’t forget a Thailand guide book to help plan your travels
- I recommend bringing a reusable water bottle to keep your water cold on hot days and to cut down on plastic waste
- Don’t forget to travel with bug spray and sunscreen (face, body)
Visiting Khao Lak was such a treat. If you’re looking for a relaxing, beach stay – I highly recommend looking into Khao Lak. If you have any questions, please let me know in a comment below!
For more travel ideas through Thailand, don’t miss:
- The Best 3 Day Bangkok Itinerary
- Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Koh Lanta, Thailand
- 3 Ways to Have the Ultimate Chiang Mai Vacation
For more information on things to see and do in Thailand, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinthailand” or under my highlights for “Thailand”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “Thailand” highlight
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Founded by Kylee, a NICU nurse with nine years of experience, including seven years as a travel nurse; Passports and Preemies was created in 2017 and is now the go-to travel and lifestyle channel for nurses who crave adventure beyond the bedside. Whether you’re a staff nurse looking for your next getaway or a travel nurse navigating life on the road, this space is designed to help you maximize your time off, explore the world, and prevent nurse burnout.
On Passports and Preemies, you’ll find everything from travel nursing insights – how to get started, land the best assignments, and thrive on the road – to expert travel tips, destination guides, and real-talk about balancing nursing with a life well-traveled. Passports and Preemies also includes Beyond the Bedside – group trips for nurses around the world; as well as the podcast, Passports and Preemies Talks.
Your article on visiting Khao Lak is a delightful read! The way you blend personal experience with practical tips creates a vivid picture of the destination. Your vivid descriptions of the scenery and heartfelt recommendations for activities make me feel like I’m already there, exploring alongside you. Keep sharing your adventures and insights – they’re truly inspiring!
Author
Thank you for the kind comment!
Hello, I have a flight to Phuket international 18/11 and have booked Khoi Sok for two nights 24/25th. I had planned to stay Phuket Kara Beach before heading to Khoi Sok but the trip seems quite lengthy so I am now considering Khoi Lak. My concern is will there be enough o do? Do you have any suggestions. It’s 6 nights so could split it in two. Really struggling to decide best course action.
Author
Hi Susan! In my experience, Khao Lak is quieter than Phuket and not as much going on. So if you’re worried about not having enough to do, you might want to stick with Phuket. However, Khao Lak was much less touristy and quiet which is also a plus!