Is Khao Lak worth visiting?

30 Aug Is Khao Lak worth visiting?

Is Khao Lak worth visiting?

Simply answered, yes, yes and yes. Khao lak has plenty to offer to everybody. 

Khao Lak spans over 30 km of white sand laden coastline. 

Ban Khao Lak is actually a small village located on the south side of the Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park. 

Made up of a mix of resorts, untouched beaches and estuaries, the geography is very interesting. Running parallel the whole length of the coast behind most of the villages, there is a mountainous ridge, which is the entrance to Khao Sok National Park and Phang Nga town.

Which is better, Khao Lak or Phuket?

A question often asked and difficult to answer as they are very different places. 

Phuket is the modern day second city of Thailand, Khao Lak is much smaller and laid back. 

Phuket offers international shopping and cuisine, air conditioned mega stores and shopping complexes. All the major international brands can be found inside Phuket’s Central Festival Shopping center.  The hustle and bustle of Phuket and the surrounding area attract a diverse crowd of visitors.

Old town Phuket has a very boutique feel about it, small shops, coffee bars and cafe style eateries are fast growing in popularity.

Old style architecture and colorful painted buildings adorn the sides of the streets. Quint arched walkways cover the pavements offering a little shade, and making it a very pleasant place to walk around even in the afternoon heat.  

High class restaurants, (several Michelin recommended) are dotted all over the city. In the more central area many international chains can be found too. Phuket hasn’t lost its roots. The city is home to 1000’s of street vendors and food stalls. Delicious Thai food can be bought from these at cheaply and eaten there and then.

What is Khao Lak like in Thailand?

As mentioned above Khao lak has stunning geography and beaches. 

Khao Lak has a varied range of accommodation and activities on offer. From well known resorts to boutique style hotels to guest houses, everybody can stay in Khao Lak.

Khao lak has a vibrant food scene. A bit of research you can stumble across some real gems.  Michelin recommended restaurants are scattered up the coast.  

From the beach side all the way to the lower parts of the mountain, Khao Lak’s food scene is varied. The local population is made people from all corners of  Thailand who have come to work. Bringing their food with them means you can get Issan food to southern style and everything in between. 

Khao Lak,  known as the gateway to The Similan and Surin islands. Its location makes it the perfect  for day-trippers. The neighbouring ports of Thap Lamu and Ban Nam Kien being popular hubs for local businesses offer much shorter journeys to the respective parks.

A number of Similan Liveaboard’s leave from here making Khao lak a great place to prepare, or relax either side of your trip. 

How many days do you need in Khao Lak?

You could plan to use Khao Lak as a hub. Phuket,Takua Pa, Phang Nga, Khao Sok, Similan and Surin national parks are all within reach of Khao Lak. 

Khao lak can offer a bit of everything. Cheap guest houses to beach side luxury resorts are all on offer. 

Most trips that run from Phuket are often in Phang Nga province anyway, the home of Khao Lak.  

A minimum of 4 days would cover the basic west coast attractions.

(The Similan islands, Phang Nga, James Bond island and a day on the beach).

It’s easy to lose track of time in Khao lak, especially for the more laid back traveler. People often stay for a month and slowly explore the area. Finding the hidden gems that it has to offer.