Khao Lak
Serene gateway to the Similan Islands
About Khao Lak
Khao Lak is the quiet alternative to Phuket — long uncrowded beaches, genuine Thai hospitality, and the launch point for Similan Islands diving. Popular with families and couples who want beach resort vibes without the party scene.
Watch Before You Go
Travel Day to KHAO LAK — A Beautiful Place with a Tragic History (Paddy Doyle)
Is It WORTH Visiting Khao Lak? Everything You Need to Know
Visiting Khao Lak? Mini Travel Guide to the Best Beaches, Food & Day Trips
Price Breakdown
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ฿500 | ฿1,500 | ฿5,000 |
| Food & Drink | ฿300 | ฿600 | ฿1,200 |
| Transport | ฿150 | ฿400 | ฿800 |
| Activities | ฿250 | ฿500 | ฿1,000 |
| Total / day | ฿1,200 | ฿3,000 | ฿8,000 |
Where to Stay
2 areas in Khao Lak — each with a different vibe and price range
Bang Niang
The most developed area with the best night market in Khao Lak. Good beach, lots of restaurants, diving shops for Similan trips. The practical base.
฿800–4,000/night
Khuk Khak Beach
Long empty beach north of Bang Niang. Where the big resorts are — Banyan Tree, JW Marriott. Wide sand, powerful waves, hardly anyone on it. Need transport to restaurants.
฿1,500–8,000/night
Things to Do
via GetYourGuideMore Activities & Prices
Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park
Hiking, waterfalls, monkey spotting.
Tsunami Memorial
Free. Sobering 2004 memorial with beached police boat.
PADI Open Water course
฿12,000–16,000. West coast pricing.
Tourist Traps to Skip
- ×Rainy season (May-Oct) — most dive operators close, Similans inaccessible.
- ×Expecting nightlife — Khao Lak is peaceful, not a party destination.
How to Get There
Phuket Airport →
1.5h
฿1,500 – ฿2,500
Bangkok →
3h total
฿3,000 – ฿5,000
Surat Thani →
3h
฿200 – ฿400
Local Tips
Book Similan Islands trips well ahead in high season — boats fill up.
Rent a scooter (฿250/day) — attractions are spread along a 20km coast.
Best restaurants are the local seafood places in Khao Lak town, not resort restaurants.
Khao Sok makes an excellent 2-day side trip with lake floating bungalows.
Similan Islands are open Nov–May only. Best visibility: Feb–Apr.
Related Destinations
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