Once confused with neighbouring Phuket, which has its own long established mass tourism reputation, Khao Lak has regenerated itself magnificently after the Tsunami disaster of 2004. It has firmly established its own distinct identity and appeal. Khao Lak is now a major tourist destination located in the province of Phang Nga some 788 km from Bangkok.
Khao Lak is a coastal park full of birds, mammals, beautiful flowers and scenic waterfalls. However, it is most famous for its 25km of uninterrupted beautiful beaches. There is accommodation to suit all budgets and restaurants with cuisines to suit all palates. Many visitors come to Khao Lak during the High Season from November to April but an increasing number come in ‘Green Season’ when it is much quieter and accommodation rates are very attractive.
Phang Nga province has two distinct characters; “land and sea”. It has many national parks with magnificent scenery and immensely different attractions. Ao Phang Nga National Park, south of Khao Lak, is one of the most famous. A huge bay and geological wonder filled with islets, sunken caverns and startling rock formations rising sheer out of the sea. The most famous of which (but by no means the most memorable) is ‘James Bond Island’.
North of Khao Lak is the natural wonder of Khao Sok National Park. It contains the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world! The stunningly massive Rachaphrapha Dam and Lake is the largest civil engineering project in Thailand and the area has become a real wildlife haven. Phang Nga’s Andaman coast offers parks of a different kind. The Surin and Similan Islands are renowned for their spectacular underwater scenery, marine life and beautiful unspoiled beaches.
Khao Lak is about 65 km, or just over an hour, from the main entry point of Phuket International Airport. Visitors arriving from Phuket Airport are transferred to their accommodation either by their resort’s own transfer service or by taxi. Rates can be a little more expensive if you do not prebook, so its best to arrange something beforehand. We arrange private transfers with competitive rates
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You can also get to Khao Lak by train, bus & car from other destinations around Thailand. Island hoppers often stop off at Khao Lak on their journey through the South of Thailand. The nearest train station is in Surat Thani and you can take a bus from there. For all your travel needs or to arrange a private transfer please take a look here to find out more.
Khao Lak has a wealth of attractions on its doorstep. There are a variety of destinations all within comfortable travelling distance to suit a wide range of visitors with all kinds of interests.
From North to South, from East over the mountains to West out to sea, there are opportunities to explore and enjoy the magnificent attributes of Phang Nga Province using Khao Lak as a base.
Although having a coastline of over 25 km of glorious beaches, Khao Lak is much more than a just beach destination.
As well as offering relaxation, excellent restaurants, bars and shops, it is also an ideal base for a wide range of activities. If you are a thrill seeker, a shopaholic, a fan of nature, food, culture or travelling with young children, we can find the perfect day out for you.
Here are some of the best activities around Khao Lak:
Khao Lak offers accommodation in every price range. Some of the most beautiful resorts in Thailand are located in Khao Lak. Fine dining restaurants and beautifully designed swimming pools situated right next to the ocean. The 25km of beach all face out west, making it possible to see the sun setting over the Andaman sea, from inside your bungalow.
If that’s out of your price range, don’t worry. There are many mid range bungalows close to the beach, and as usual in Thailand, even the most inexpensive food can be amazing. If you are prepared to stay a bit further from the beach then you can find even greater accommodation deals. Dorm rooms in hostels, guests houses, lake view bungalows, boutique style hotels, mountain resorts and more. Khao Lak has it all.
Shopping in Khao Lak is very much small and local. There are no department stores, shopping malls or large supermarkets. Instead there are numerous small shops mainly selling tourist souvenirs, clothing and footwear. The main shopping area is either side of the dual highway that runs through the main township of Bang la On and in Bang Niang.
A large and very lively market, selling everything from souvenirs and clothing to fresh fruit vegetables, meat, fish and seafood is open from 1pm to 7pm every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Food stalls selling delicious Thai street food and local delicacies are an added attraction. There are several other Thai style markets in Khuk Khak and Takua Pa.
Dining opportunities in Khao Lak are incredibly diverse, ranging from simple, cheap and delicious street food to the finest dining options. You will find a growing number of independently owned restaurants serving Southern Thai cuisine. But there are a growing number of international options, such as Italian, Indian, German, Swiss, Thai Fusion and regional Thai cuisine from Issan and Chiang Mai.
As would be expected of a coastal location, fish and seafood features prominently on most menus. Most of the restaurants are to be found in the townships of Bang La On and Bang Niang. Also, resorts in and around Khao Lak have their own dining facilities which are open to non-residents. On the more remote beaches, you can find a local Thai restaurants with delicious fresh seafood.
Although Khao Lak has many attractions the main appeal to most visitors is its 25 km of glorious beaches, the great majority of which remain unspoiled in comparison with other major destinations in Thailand. Quiet enjoyment of the sandy beaches, ranging from gold to white, and the turquoise sea under a mostly azure sky is the order of the day for most visitors in High Season.
Motorized water sports are not allowed, thus ensuring peace and tranquillity even at the busiest spots. The typical endless rows of loungers on the beach down to the waterline are not allowed, even near the main resort locations thus making walking & swimming the most strenuous activities. Khao Lak is the perfect spot for relaxation and tranquillity.
We are a modestly sized company with a personal touch. We like to handle small groups (max 10 pax). We aim to provide the highest quality service to guarantee your satisfaction.
Khao Lak is in close proximity to an abundance of stunning snorkeling sites. The Similan and Surin Islands and increasingly popular Koh Tachai are teeming with marine life and beautiful corals.
Our Specialised tours are run by highly qualified & experienced guides. Provided in several languages. Tours include Hotel transfers, fees, insurance, Lunch, fruit, drinks & guide.
We provide regularly serviced limousines & minivans in the Khao Lak area. Safety belts, baby seats, 1st class insurance & most importantly, an experienced English-speaking driver