Khao Lak: Tips & Attractions for Thailand’s Beach Paradise

On Thailand’s west coast, along the turquoise Andaman Sea with its endless fine sandy beaches, stretches Khao Lak, one of the country’s most beautiful vacation regions.

You may already know Khao Lak from the media, as it was one of the areas most affected by the devastating 2004 tsunami.
However, Khao Lak has since recovered well from this tragic natural disaster and offers tourists a complete relaxation package with stunning beaches, comfortable hotels, and a variety of culinary delights.

Khao Lak attracts numerous diving enthusiasts every year, as some of Thailand’s best diving and snorkeling spots are easily accessible from here.
The famous Similan Islands and Surin Islands, which are among Thailand’s most renowned national parks, as well as the nearby Khao Sok National Park, also draw many tourists.

In this post, you’ll learn more about other attractions that Khao Lak has to offer, along with useful information to make your stay even more enjoyable.

For better orientation: Khao Lak is not a city but a region along the Andaman coast in western Thailand. Tourism is mainly concentrated around the beaches of Bang La On and Bang Niang, where you’ll find most supermarkets, hotels, and shops. The nearest airport is about 80 kilometers away on the Phuket peninsula.

1. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN KHAO LAK

The beautiful beaches in the region are one of the main reasons many tourists come to Khao Lak. Along the approximately 25-kilometer-long picturesque coastline, numerous stunning, silky sand beaches surrounded by towering coconut palms and impressive bays invite you to swim, sunbathe, and relax. Here’s a selection of the best-known beaches and bays.

NANG THONG BEACH / SUNSET BEACH

Let’s start with our second favorite beach: Nang Thong Beach. Due to its location in the region’s main tourist area, Bang La On, this golden sandy beach, surrounded by a lovely backdrop of palms, is often called the main beach of Khao Lak. Thanks to its highly developed tourist infrastructure, you’ll find numerous hotels, restaurants, and bars right on the beach.

With a length of 3 kilometers, the lively activity is well spread out, so there’s always a quiet spot for those seeking relaxation.
The southern part of the beach, also known as Sunset Beach, is located close to Lam Ru National Park.
During low tide, you can walk directly from the southern end of Nang Thong Beach to the park.
However, note that most of this beach area is reserved exclusively for guests of the Khao Lak Sunset Resort.
Nonetheless, a long beach walk is definitely worth it, as the view is simply breathtaking.

In the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to witness stunning sunsets at Nang Thong Beach that you definitely shouldn’t miss.
Our tip: If you’re looking for a top-notch hotel at this gorgeous beach section, the Khao Lak Laguna Resort might be perfect for you. We had a wonderful time there.

BANG NIANG BEACH

Also very popular with beachgoers is Bang Niang Beach, the second largest beach in the Khao Lak region. Like Nang Thong Beach, it also boasts excellent tourist infrastructure.
You’ll find hotels, restaurants, bars, and small shops right on the beach here.

Due to the larger hotel complexes, Bang Niang Beach is somewhat livelier than other beach sections of Khao Lak.
However, thanks to its 2-kilometer length, it doesn’t feel crowded, and everyone can find a peaceful spot.

In the evening, you can enjoy beautiful sunsets here, just like at Nang Thong Beach.

COCONUT BEACH

Coconut Beach is a picture-perfect beach and one of the most beautiful beaches in Khao Lak.
The northern section of the beach stands out due to its fine, light sand, crystal-clear water, and idyllic atmosphere, setting it apart from the other golden-yellow beaches in the region.

Along Coconut Beach, you’ll find some good restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal with a wonderful view of the sea.

An extended beach walk here is especially beautiful at sunset.

WHITE SAND BEACH

Our absolute favorite beach is White Sand Beach. This beach, like Coconut Beach, features fine, light sand surrounded by tall palms and the turquoise-blue Andaman Sea.
Whether you want to swim, take a relaxing walk, or enjoy a cool drink at one of the cozy beach bars, White Sand Beach should definitely be on your sightseeing list for Khao Lak.

Our hotel tip for families: At the northern end of the beach, you’ll find the ROBINSON KHAO LAK, a great hotel that’s particularly popular with families due to its various activities for children.

KHUK KHAK BEACH

Located in the town of the same name, Khuk Khak Beach has fine sand and very shallow water, making it the most family-friendly beach in the region.
This picturesque beach actually consists of two main sections: Khuk Khak 1 and Khuk Khak 2.
During low tide, you can walk from one section to the other, while they’re separated during high tide. Both sections are absolutely stunning!

Although there are some hotel resorts and beach bars here, they are far fewer in number compared to Nang Thong Beach, leading to a generally quieter atmosphere.
This makes Khuk Khak Beach a real insider tip for those seeking peace and quiet.

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2. SNORKELING & DIVING AROUND KHAO LAK

For snorkeling beginners, it’s worth trying your first experiences at one of Khao Lak’s beaches.
However, to truly experience the colorful underwater world, it’s best to join a snorkeling day trip. The same goes for divers. There’s nothing to explore directly in Khao Lak.
However, the coastal region is only a short distance from some of Thailand’s best dive spots, making it an ideal starting point for day diving tours.

This refers to both the Mu Ko Similan National Park (Similan Islands) and the Mu Ko Surin National Park (Surin Islands) with Richelieu Rock, which are about 90 kilometers off the coast of Khao Lak and only accessible by boat.

To protect the environment, individual tourism on the islands is largely restricted.
Therefore, snorkelers and divers must book a tour through one of the many tour operators or dive centers to explore the islands and their diverse underwater world.

The underwater world there is still breathtaking despite the unfortunate massive coral die-off.
If you want to see it for yourself, however, be aware that the islands are no longer a hidden gem, and you’ll likely have to share the boat with many other tourists.

Additionally, you should know that it’s not possible to visit both islands in one day, whether you’re a snorkeler or diver. So, if you enjoy diving and/or snorkeling, plan for at least two full days.

You can already book the snorkeling tour in advance here: Full-Day Snorkel Tour to the Surin Islands.

It’s best to discuss and book your dives with your dive base on-site due to currents, etc.
If you’re looking for a top-notch diving school, we recommend Jörg’s small diving school Flippers Dive, renowned for its personalized instruction and internationally recognized certifications.

3. THE NATIONAL PARKS OF THE REGION

KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK

About an hour’s drive from Khao Lak is one of Thailand’s most beautiful and largest national parks – Khao Sok National Park.
This unique nature reserve is home to a rainforest that is even older than the Amazon and features numerous picturesque tropical waterfalls.
It also provides a habitat for a variety of animal and plant species, including rare and sometimes endangered species like elephants, kingfishers, hornbills, gibbons, and tigers.
A special attraction is the Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world, hidden in the jungle.

The absolute highlight is, without a doubt, the stunning Chiao Lan Reservoir with its impressive karst formations in the middle of the jungle.
On Chiao Lan, you can enjoy spectacular boat tours or even spend the night on it. We recommend planning at least a day, if not two or three, for your visit to the National Park.
If you don’t have time for an overnight stay on the lake, at least a boat tour is highly recommended. The scenery is not only beautiful, but you’ll also learn a lot about the flora and fauna.

We generally recommend visiting Khao Sok as part of a guided tour. This way, you’ll see numerous highlights and learn a lot about nature.
You can book the guided tour on-site or, better yet, online in advance to be on the safe side. Here’s the link to the tour: Khao Sok Nationalpark Tour.

To get from Khao Lak to the National Park, you have several options. Most visitors choose the bus, minibus, or a taxi for their journey.
Transfers can be organized both locally and online without hassle.

Our tip: A low-cost transfer from Khao Lak to Khao Sok is available online at 12Go.Asia.

GOOD TO KNOW

• In many areas of Khao Sok National Park, there is no internet connection, and not all accommodations offer Wi-Fi.
• Consequently, credit card payments are often not possible. Therefore, make sure to bring enough cash with you.
• In most wooden huts around Khao Sok National Park, electricity is available but often only during specific times, such as in the evening when generators are running. However, it’s a good idea to bring a power bank, as the electricity supply can be limited or unreliable. A power bank is also useful for longer day trips where access to power may not be available.
• The entrance fee for the National Park is 300 Baht, payable upon entering Khao Sok National Park.

KHAO LAK LAM RU NATIONAL PARK

Another, much smaller but still very scenic National Park can be found south of Khao Lak, practically right on the Andaman Coast – the beautiful Lam Ru National Park.
Lam Ru is home to a rich variety of bird and insect species as well as a number of small mammals like Malayan flying lemurs and goat antelopes.

You can explore Lam Ru on your own along various trails or book a guided tour online. The National Park is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm all year round.
The entrance fee is 200 Baht per person, which includes the small but charming Ton Chong Fa Waterfall, where you can also take a swim.

4. THE TEMPLE COMPLEX WAT KHUEK KHAK

For a spiritual change from sunbathing, visit the Buddhist temple complex Wat Khuek Khak.

This colorful temple is located in Khuk Khak, near the beach.
Since most tourists prefer to spend their time at the beach, the entire temple complex is mainly visited by locals, making it an absolute oasis of tranquility.
Entry is free. Don’t forget to cover your shoulders and knees during your visit!

GOOD TO KNOW

For your trip to Thailand, you’ll need a power adapter, as plug types A and B are used. These are different from the plug types commonly used in many countries around the world.
You can find a suitable adapter here: Thailand Travel Adapter Reiseadapter.

5. SEA TURTLE NAVY CONSERVATION CENTER

Each year, the military around the Similan Islands rescues countless sea turtle eggs from monitors and other wildlife, as well as severely injured animals.
The eggs and injured animals are brought to the Conservation Center, where the baby turtles are safely hatched, and injured animals are cared for.
Once they’re ready, they’re released back into the Andaman Sea.

If you expect a large facility, you’ll be disappointed. It’s a small setup with the sole purpose of temporarily ensuring the survival of the small or injured animals.
You won’t need more than an hour to visit, but we still think it’s a nice alternative to the beach, especially for kids.

The turtle hatchery is located on military grounds. You’ll need to leave your passport at the entrance, and it will be returned to you when you leave.

6. ELEPHANT BATHING AT ELEPHANT HOME KHAO LAK

If you want to get close to elephants and even bathe with them, Khao Lak Elephant Home is the perfect place.
You can also help the caretakers prepare food for the elephants, which you can then feed to them.

In our opinion, Elephant Home can be visited with a clear conscience, as it focuses on animal welfare rather than tourist entertainment.
For example, riding the elephants is not allowed.

There’s a small 45-minute elephant program and a half-day program lasting 4 hours. Both can be booked with or without transfer from Khao Lak.
You can book the tours here: Elephant Bathing at Elephant Home.

7. TAKE A THAI COOKING CLASS

This isn’t a typical sightseeing activity, but for lovers of good, traditional cuisine, it’s an unforgettable experience.
After all, where better to dive into the art of Thai cuisine than on-site?

The culinary adventure doesn’t start at the stove but with a visit to the market, where all the ingredients needed for the dishes are purchased.
You then head to the cooking school, where you’ll learn how to prepare Thai dishes under expert guidance.
You’ll become familiar with the sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors that characterize these delicacies.
From the well-known Pad Thai to the aromatic Tom Yum Goong, there’s sure to be a dish for every taste.

The highlight, of course, comes at the end when you get to taste your own cooked meals.

A Thai cooking class isn’t just about cooking; it also allows you to interact directly with locals, letting you immerse yourself in their culture.
So, what are you waiting for? Here’s the link to the cooking class: Traditional Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak.

8. INDULGE IN A (THAI) MASSAGE

Also not a classic attraction, but in our opinion, a must-do on any trip to Thailand – an invigorating massage.
Fortunately, there are plenty of massage parlors throughout Khao Lak, so you don’t even need to make an appointment in advance.
Most massages are not only incredibly relaxing but also very affordable, so feel free to treat yourself to this service multiple times during your vacation.

To give you an idea of the reasonable prices, here’s a small overview of the CASI Thai-Massage on the main road near Bang Niang Beach.
This is our preferred massage studio, where we always felt very comfortable.

• 1-hour traditional Thai massage: 250 Baht (approx. $7)
• 1-hour foot massage: 250 Baht (approx. $7)
• 1-hour neck & shoulder massage: 300 Baht (approx. $9)

Note: If you choose a traditional Thai massage, don’t be alarmed if it’s performed with full body strength. Additionally, don’t be surprised if your masseuse ends up standing on your back.

MORE TIPS & INFORMATION ABOUT KHAO LAK

IS KHAO LAK TOURISTY?

For some reason, we were convinced before our stay that Khao Lak would be a tourist hub like Chaweng on Koh Samui or Phuket, heavily influenced by mass tourism.
Thankfully, we were wrong! Upon arrival, we quickly realized that while the region is tourist-friendly, it’s not crowded at all. In fact, it has a relaxed atmosphere.
How Khao Lak achieves this remains a mystery to us, as people should be flocking to the wonderful beaches.

Perhaps it’s the endless expanse of beaches that helps distribute tourists, allowing everyone to find a quiet spot.
Another reason could be that the region has regulated the number of accommodations.
Unlike places like Ao Nang, there aren’t new hotels popping up constantly, which keeps prices stable and slightly higher than in mass-tourism areas.

For now, this means Khao Lak has reached a certain level of tourism that’s being maintained.
This is particularly pleasing for those who aren’t interested in crowded beaches and cheap tourism. What it’ll look like in a few years, of course, can’t be predicted.

FINDING THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATION IN KHAO LAK

The variety of hotels and accommodations in Khao Lak is extremely diverse and extensive.
It ranges from affordable budget hotels to mid-range accommodations and even luxurious all-inclusive hotels, so there’s something for everyone.

Apart from the many hotels, there are also plenty of self-catering accommodations (houses or villas).
You’ll definitely find the right accommodation for you on well-known platforms like Airbnb or booking.com.

We spent seven nights at the Khao Lak Laguna Resort and were thoroughly satisfied. The extremely friendly and accommodating staff welcomed us warmly.
The resort is impressively well-maintained – it’s large but not so big that you might get lost.
The spacious rooms are equipped with everything you need for a pleasant vacation. The Khao Lak Laguna Resort features a large pool near the beach.
Our personal highlight was the direct access to the golden sandy beach. There are plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas available for all guests both at the beach and pool.
In the evening, you can experience breathtaking sunsets right at the beach.

The resort is also great for families. It has two small splash pools for babies/toddlers and a playground. Children under two stay for free.
Upon request, a baby crib can be provided in the room.

During our stay, we lacked nothing, making for a fantastic and relaxing experience. We would definitely stay at the Khao Lak Laguna Resort again.

KHAO LAK WITH BABY OR TODDLER

Is Khao Lak a recommended travel destination for families with babies or small children? Absolutely!
The region has a good infrastructure, is not overcrowded with tourists, most accommodations are very child-friendly, the beach is often right outside the door, the journey is easy, traffic is mostly limited to the main road, and the most important factor for parents – medical care is available.
Although Khao Lak doesn’t have its own hospital, there is a branch of the Phuket Hospital available, including an ambulance for emergencies that can transfer you quickly to the main hospital in Phuket. Most health issues can, however, be handled in one of the many clinics on-site.

Our tip: To ensure your entire family is well-covered in case of emergencies during your trip, make sure to take out travel health insurance in advance.
This insurance will cover the costs for doctor visits and medications after you pay upfront. You can compare the best offers for travel health insurance on check24.de.

We spent a week of our parental leave with our then 8-month-old daughter in Khao Lak. We were completely satisfied and thoroughly enjoyed the pleasant time.
It was also a pleasant surprise to see how many other families with even younger babies we encountered there.

If you want more information for traveling to Thailand with a baby, check out our post, "Traveling Thailand with a Baby – Tips, Information & Our Experiences".
You’ll find useful information and experiences to help you plan and carry out your trip.

In our post, “Packing List for Traveling with a Baby to Asia", you’ll find all the important details, as well as a list of items that should definitely be in your suitcase and things you can leave at home.

GETTING AROUND IN THE KHAO LAK REGION

The most popular means of transportation in Khao Lak is the scooter or motorcycle. If you want to be flexible and explore the region on your own, consider renting a scooter.
You can rent a scooter for an affordable daily or weekly rate from one of the many rental companies.

Compared to other tourist regions in Thailand, Khao Lak has relatively calm traffic. The roads are mostly in good condition.

For those who don’t want to drive a scooter, there’s the option to use the public bus. However, bus schedules and stops aren’t always easy for tourists to figure out.
A much easier alternative is taxis or shared taxis, also called songthaews. You can book these conveniently on 12.Go.Asia.

KHAO LAK: ARRIVAL & FURTHER TRAVEL

BY PLANE

Khao Lak doesn’t have its own airport, but this isn’t an issue. Thanks to the popular tourist destination Phuket, one of Thailand’s largest airports is just a 1.5-hour drive from Khao Lak.
Direct flights to Phuket from many Western countries are relatively rare, with most routes including a stopover in Bangkok.
However, depending on your departure location, direct flights to Phuket may be available. To find and compare the best flights, visit skyscanner.com.

For the transfer from Phuket to Khao Lak, we paid 1,200 THB. If you need a child seat, you should request it in advance.

Our tip: To hit two birds with one stone, consider a layover in Thailand's capital, Bangkok, as flights directly to Phuket from many countries can often be expensive.
This gives you the chance to get a feel for Bangkok and its sights before continuing your journey with one of the affordable local airlines.

Airlines such as Air Asia, ThaiSmile, or NOK Air depart from Bangkok's smaller Don Mueang Airport.
Tickets start at around $50, and the flight time for onward travel is just under one and a half hours.
For your return flight, you can repeat the same process or pay a bit more for the more expensive flight option without a stopover in Bangkok.

Travel time to Thailand depends on your starting location. For example, flights from North America or Europe typically take 15-20 hours, including layovers.
From Australia, direct flights to Thailand usually take 7-10 hours, while flights from neighboring Asian countries average 2-6 hours. Layovers can significantly affect the total travel time.

Entry requirements vary by nationality. Most travelers need a valid passport that remains valid for the duration of their stay.
Temporary travel documents may be accepted, but it is advisable to confirm this in advance with Thai immigration authorities.

Tourist visas are not required for citizens of many countries for stays of up to 30 days.
For longer visits or specific requirements, consult the Thai immigration website or your country's foreign ministry for up-to-date information.

BY BUS/MINIBUS

For those already in the country, it is also possible to conveniently reach Khao Lak by bus or minibus in addition to flying.
From popular tourist regions like Krabi and Phuket, there are several daily bus connections to Khao Lak. You can find the right connection for you on 12.Go.Asia.

If you have enough time, you can also travel from Bangkok, which is 780 kilometers away, by bus to Khao Lak.
The journey takes around 11-12 hours. For this route, there is a range of options, from simple and inexpensive buses to luxurious coaches.
You can also find the right connection on 12.Go.Asia.

PRIVATE TRANSFER/TAXI

For those who want to travel flexibly, individually, and without stops, and are willing to pay a higher price, there is, of course, the option of traveling with a private driver or taxi.
Since we wanted to travel from Ao Nang (Krabi) to Khao Lak with our then 8-month-old daughter and didn’t want to squeeze into a rather cramped bus for this somewhat longer journey of two to three hours with luggage, we opted for this option.
We had already booked the taxi in advance via 12.Go.Asia. For the trip, we paid around 70 dollars.

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Find affordable Transfers with 12Go.com
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Discover the best accommodations
• The best Travel Guides for Thailand
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Thailand

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Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we earn a small commission. There is absolutely no change to the price for you.