Things to Do in Khao Lak: Top Highlights, Hidden Gems & Practical Tips

Facts About Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a popular vacation region on the west coast of the Andaman Sea on the Thai mainland, north of the island of Phuket.

Based on our time in Khao Lak, a vacation here gives you a great mix of beach relaxation, mostly luxurious resorts, genuine natural highlights, and fascinating history.

Beyond the stunning beaches, you’ll find dense jungle and many places that commemorate the 2004 tsunami.

In the evenings, you can stroll through the streets and linger at a bar or restaurant. Adrenaline rushes or all-night parties, however, are pretty hard to come by here.

The Top 16 Khao Lak Sights on a Map

Before we share our best travel tips, let us show you the 16 best attractions in Khao Lak and the surrounding area.

So you know exactly where everything is, we’ve marked all the highlights on a map — for a perfect overview.

The Most Beautiful Natural Highlights in and around Khao Lak

Let’s start with the most beautiful natural highlights around Khao Lak. Admittedly, some of them require a bit of a drive, but we promise you: it’s absolutely worth it!

Here are our eight favorite natural must-sees in and around Khao Lak.

Lam Ru National Park

What you need to know: Lam Ru National Park is an untouched, dense rainforest covering about 125 square kilometers — and it’s only about ten kilometers from Khao Lak. You can spot exotic animals, explore secluded beaches, or take a dip under waterfalls.

Is it worth it? Yes! The national park offers a genuinely varied day out. There are several hiking trails you can explore on your own. One great route is the Khao Lak–Lam Ru Nature Trail, which winds through the rainforest and offers impressive views of the sea.

Our tip: Make sure to wear sturdy footwear — the paths are very slippery and often covered with smooth roots. You should be in decent shape and bring plenty of mosquito repellent and sun protection.

Entrance fee: 100 Baht (approx. $3) — this also covers a visit to the Ton Chong Fa Waterfall (sight number 2).

Ton Chong Fa Waterfall

What you need to know: Lam Ru National Park pairs perfectly with a side trip to the Ton Chong Fa Waterfall. You’ll need to take a different trail — just follow the signs for Ton Chong Fa Waterfall. The waterfall has five tiers that you can discover along the loop trail.

Is it worth it? The hike can be quite a workout in the tropical heat — but that makes the natural pools at the bottom all the more rewarding. The waterfall is really cool and more exciting than many other advertised waterfalls in Thailand.

Our tip: If we had to choose between the Khao Lak–Lam Ru Nature Trail and the waterfall, we’d skip the waterfall and walk along the coast instead.

Ton Pling Waterfall

What you need to know: Ton Pling is an easily accessible waterfall in Khao Lak. From the parking lot, it’s only about a one-kilometer easy walk. The waterfall isn’t particularly tall, but it’s completely free — and we actually found it especially beautiful in the rain, when drops patter onto the jungle leaves all around you.

Is it worth it? If you have plenty of time in Khao Lak, a short detour is worth it — it makes a welcome change from the beaches. Be sure to bring sturdy water shoes, as the rocks are either sharp-edged or completely slippery.

Our tip: Come early in the morning and you’ll have the waterfall mostly to yourself. Tour buses don’t arrive until later.

Little Amazon

What you need to know: The Little Amazon is known for its dense mangrove forests. Along the Khlong Sung Nae River, you can experience a real little jungle adventure — various canoe and kayak tours are available.

Is it worth it? Yes! We spotted a yellow-and-black krait and a python curled up sleeping together. A spider web the size of a child — complete with its resident — hung about a meter above our heads. You can even climb between tangled lianas for a few snapshots.

Canoe trip on the Little Amazon and Tam Nang Waterfall

Similan Islands

What you need to know: The Similan Islands consist of 11 islands and are among the most beautiful islands in Thailand. They lie about 70 kilometers off the coast of Khao Lak and are part of Mu Ko Similan National Park. Here you’ll discover colorful coral reefs, white dream beaches, and an almost untouched jungle landscape.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. The Similan Islands are especially popular with divers, snorkelers, and nature lovers — this area is one of the best diving destinations in the world. The beaches strongly remind us of the Caribbean, and the underwater world will blow you away. A genuine must-see.

Our tip: The Similan Islands can only be visited on a guided tour.

Early Bird Day Trip to the Similan Islands
Note: Every year between May and October, the park is closed due to the rainy season.

Khao Sok National Park

What you need to know: The standout feature of Khao Sok National Park is the man-made Cheow Lan Lake, surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts that remind us somewhat of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. It’s framed by dense jungle that is among the oldest rainforests on Earth.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! We’ll be honest: Khao Sok National Park was the main reason we stopped in Khao Lak on our last road trip through Thailand. Since we wanted to explore the park at a more relaxed pace, we booked a guided tour from Khao Lak.

Our tip: On a day trip, you unfortunately have to choose between a lake tour and a jungle tour. We did the lake tour and can recommend it wholeheartedly.

Day trip to the lake in Khao Sok National Park with lunch
Read all our tips for visiting Khao Sok National Park:

Khao Sok Viewpoint

What you need to know: From the official Khao Sok Viewpoint, you have a breathtaking panorama over the national park’s jungle. Fun fact: this exact image is featured on the movie poster for the 2016 film Gold starring Matthew McConaughey.

Is it worth it? If you’re already heading to Khao Sok National Park, a quick stop is worth it — most tours stop here anyway. But don’t make a special trip just for this; it’s too far out of the way.

Khao Sok Viewpoint on Google Maps

Ban Nam Rad Watershed Forest (Emerald Pool)

What you need to know: The Ban Nam Rad Watershed Forest (Emerald Pool) is an under-the-radar natural gem near Khao Lak. What makes it special are the crystal-clear, emerald-green pools surrounded by forest waterways you can explore in your own small boat.

Is it worth it? The Emerald Pool was part of our Khao Sok National Park tour and a genuine surprise. This place is so beautiful and magical — and on hot days, those pools are a wonderful way to cool off. There were just the two of us on the boat. Definitely worth it!

Our tip: You can also visit the Emerald Pool independently; it’s about an hour from Khao Sok National Park. During peak season, arrive early — it can get crowded later in the day.

Entrance fee: 150 Baht (approx. $4), boat rental 50 Baht (approx. $1.50)

Khao Sok National Park and Emerald Pool with lunch

Historical and Cultural Highlights in Khao Lak

Alongside the natural attractions in Khao Lak, there are also some historical and cultural highlights — the 2004 tsunami still shapes the area deeply — and a few great markets that are well worth your time.

Here are five historical and cultural points of interest where we had particularly memorable experiences in Khao Lak.

Tsunami Museum and Police Boat 813

What you need to know: The Khao Lak tsunami on Christmas 2004 left a profound mark on the region’s history. The Tsunami Museum contains a wealth of information about the destructive force of the massive wave, plus photos that never made it into the media at the time. The museum also includes a stone monument in the shape of a wave, showing the original height of the water.

Is it worth it? It’s a small museum with emotional impressions — admittedly, much of the information and even the documentary shown there can now be found online. Still, the site remains an important memorial and is always worth a visit if you’re interested in history.

Our tip: Combine your visit with Police Boat 813. It was swept two kilometers inland by the wave and left in its original condition at that location.

Good to know: Admission to the Tsunami Museum costs 300 Baht (approx. $8). The proceeds go to a foundation that benefits tsunami victims. The police boat and the wave monument can be viewed independently of the museum, free of charge.

Tsunami Memorial Park

What you need to know: In the northern part of Khao Lak near the town of Takua Pa, there’s another memorial for the victims of the tsunami. On a wall of dark blue mosaics, the names of tourists who lost their lives are inscribed. Family members have left words here for their loved ones.

Is it worth it? Even if you’ve already visited the Tsunami Museum, this place deserves a stop. We think it’s important to keep remembering the people who, just like us, simply wanted to enjoy a wonderful vacation in Khao Lak. You’ll often see remnants of fireworks lying around — Thais use them at religious sites to communicate with the deceased.

Big Buddha of Khao Lak

What you need to know: On the rural road to Takua Pa, you’ll pass the Big Buddha of Khao Lak. The golden, seated Buddha statue symbolizes serenity and wisdom — central values in Buddhism. Admission is free.

Is it worth it? You can’t compare the temple complex to Wat Pho, one of the highlights of Bangkok — but a stop is still worth it. Below the Buddha you’ll find small shrines, and with the scent of incense in the air, you can soak in a peaceful Buddhist atmosphere before moving on.

Bang Niang Market

What you need to know: The Bang Niang Market is the place in Khao Lak for true foodies! Right at the entrance you’ll find typical snacks like meat skewers, grilled squid on a stick, various desserts, and fresh fruit. If you’re still looking for a souvenir, you can also pick up bags, clothing, silk scarves, and spices.

Is it worth it? We love Thai markets — whether in Chiang Mai, on Koh Phangan, or here in Khao Lak. For the adventurous, there’s an insect stall with fried cockroaches, scorpions, and small frogs. But there are also regular dishes like curries and Pad Thai. Everything is seriously delicious!

Opening hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 2 PM to 10 PM

Good to know: Many hotels in Khao Lak offer a shuttle there. Right in front of the market there’s a taxi stand, so getting back to your accommodation is cheap and easy.

Bang Niang Fresh Market

What you need to know: Not to be confused with the touristy Bang Niang Market, the Bang Niang Fresh Market is the classic weekly market in Khao Lak. Here you’ll find all kinds of fresh produce: vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, and various types of noodles. Locals love to do their weekly shopping here.

Is it worth it? Absolutely — the market is worth a visit for tourists too. You can try typical fruits or buy delicious curry pastes as souvenirs. There are also a few stalls with typical Thai street food. At one stall, we got to watch coconut milk being made fresh.

Opening hours: daily from 6 AM to 12 PM

The Most Beautiful Beaches in Khao Lak

Of course, the dream beaches are among the biggest draws and most beautiful things to see in Khao Lak. There are so many great ones that we’ve dedicated a separate article to them.

Our 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Khao Lak

But as a little preview, here are our top three beaches in Khao Lak.

Coconut Beach

What you need to know: At Coconut Beach, you’ll immediately feel like you’ve been transported to the Caribbean. The water is wonderfully clear and a gorgeous turquoise-green. Coconut palms line the beach, giving this stretch its name. Beach bars and small restaurants with reasonable prices make sure you want for nothing during a beach day.

Is it worth it? Haven’t you always wanted to sip cocktails with your feet in the sand? Then Coconut Beach is your place. It might just be THE most beautiful spot right in Khao Lak.

Bang Sak Beach

What you need to know: Bang Sak Beach is located in the north of Khao Lak, far from the hustle and bustle and tourist infrastructure. There are only a few resorts nearby, and it’s mostly locals who come here. A few small food stalls serve freshly caught fish — really delicious!

Is it worth it? Yes! Our hotel, the Outrigger Resort, is located right on Bang Sak Beach. It was super peaceful here — perfect for a relaxing beach day with a tasty cocktail in hand. The beach is also long and great for collecting shells.

Pakarang Beach

What you need to know: Pakarang Beach is special because it has many small lagoons where you can swim. The wind is also consistently steady there, making it perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The Memories Bar is very popular, and you can even rent boards there.

Is it worth it? If you love beach walks, definitely come here — this stretch is almost seven kilometers long. Walk all the way to the northernmost section of Pakarang Beach, where the waves wash up lots of coral and shells. Browsing around is a lot of fun.

Restaurants and Food Markets in Khao Lak

Thai food is not only incredibly good and diverse, but (mostly) also healthy and very affordable. Whatever you choose, you’ll never eat badly in Thailand.

Our Favorite Restaurants in Khao Lak

• Master BBQ Buffet: For 259 Baht ($7), you choose your own ingredients and have them grilled at the table — super convivial and authentic.
• Chill Lay: A cozy little restaurant right on the beach serving traditional Thai cuisine.
• Krua Thai: Dine with your feet in the sand and sip great cocktails. We had some really delicious fish here.
• BeFriend: Another beachside spot. Make sure to order a freshly squeezed juice made from pineapple, watermelon, or papaya!
• Lomlay Seafood: A family-run, affordable restaurant at Bang Sak Beach. The Pad Thai was seriously good.
• Khong Suu: A very authentic Thai restaurant with sea views. Recommended to us by our cooking instructor.
• Garang Café: A laid-back, modern café with delicious specialty coffees.

The Best Food Markets in Khao Lak

• Bang Niang Market: At the entrance you’ll find small snacks like fruit smoothies, Thai crepes, and fried larvae. Further in, there are stalls with dishes such as Pad Thai, fried rice, seafood, and various meat skewers.
• Build Market: Here you’ll find the popular mango with sticky rice and many colorful Thai sweets. Besides food, you’ll also find clothing, Thai medicine, and a curious assortment of odds and ends. It takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
• Walking Street Market: A market in Takua Pa featuring quite different Thai dishes — think Massaman curries with whole crabs or sweet rice wrapped in banana leaves. Sundays only.
• Roumjai Market: A real local favorite! This is where the locals shop. Vegetables, fruit, small snacks — all at local prices.

Our Hotel Recommendations for Khao Lak

Khao Lak is the perfect spot in Thailand to stay at a beautiful beachfront resort. Especially during peak season, that comes at a price.

But don’t worry — there are also small, budget-friendly hotels and resorts in Khao Lak. You might just have to walk a few minutes to the beach.

We’ve written a separate article with recommendations on which areas (and beach sections) we suggest for your stay, along with our best hotel tips.

The 15 Most Beautiful Hotels and Resorts in Khao Lak

On our last trip to Thailand, we stayed at the gorgeous Outrigger Resort. During the off-season, we got a real bargain here.

An absolute highlight is the pool area, framed by tall palm trees and right on the beach. The rooms are super spacious with a clean, modern design.

Our second heartfelt recommendation is the Bangsak Village — also right on the beach. The rooms are designed in a modern boho style with lots of warm wood elements.

The value for money at Bangsak Village is simply outstanding. During peak season, you can get a double room for under $160.

And here are 3 more hotel picks for Khao Lak:
Hotel Gahn: An affordable boutique hotel with a pool and delicious breakfast. The rooms have a minimalist-rustic design.

The Sands Khao Lak: A great family hotel with lots of slides and a diverse kids’ club. Breakfast buffet included.

Light Khao Lak Resort: An affordable resort in the heart of the popular town. Ten lovely bungalows, a pool, and breakfast included.

Getting Around Khao Lak

To get from A to B in Khao Lak, there are several options: taxis, tuk-tuks, scooters, and even a public bus.

Tuk-tuks in Khao Lak

A private tuk-tuk ride is unbeatable value. They’re best suited for short distances or evening outings to the center of Khao Lak.

Taxis in Khao Lak

On every corner in Khao Lak you’ll find modified pick-up trucks serving as taxis. Just walk up to a driver and tell them where you want to go — but make sure to agree on a fixed price upfront.

Even cheaper are shared taxis, known as songthaews, which are also modified pick-up trucks. They take you along with other passengers to central stops. Once you’ve flagged one down, negotiate the price before getting in.

Riding a scooter in Khao Lak

If you want complete flexibility, you can rent a scooter starting from about $8 per day. The longer you rent it, the cheaper it gets. That’s how we got around Khao Lak.

Officially, you need an international driver’s license for this. Many rental shops will ask you to leave your passport as a deposit. We recommend negotiating a deposit of 3,000 Baht instead — most operators will accept that.

Public bus in Khao Lak

Along Khao Lak’s main road, a public bus runs hourly in both directions — north and south. To board, just signal the driver with a hand gesture.

Since there are no fixed schedules, we personally find the bus more hassle than it’s worth.

Getting to Khao Lak

Khao Lak does not have its own airport — the nearest one is Phuket Airport. Some airlines fly to Phuket directly during peak season.

Find flights to Phuket on Skyscanner

From Phuket to Khao Lak

From Phuket, your best options are a private taxi or minivan from around $42 or a shared transfer for about $15 — either way, it takes approximately one hour to reach Khao Lak.

There are good connections both from central Phuket and directly from the airport. Our ride in a private minivan was super relaxed.

There’s also a public bus from Phuket. It’s cheaper, but takes a very long time. We’ve taken it once and didn’t have a great experience.

Find connections from Phuket to Khao Lak on 12Go

From Bangkok to Khao Lak

If you land in Bangkok, you have several options. You can fly on to Phuket and then travel to Khao Lak from there.

Alternatively, you can fly to the city of Surat Thani or take a train. An overnight train ride takes 9 to 13 hours and tickets are available from as little as $7.

Find connections from Bangkok to Surat Thani
Our tip: Domestic flights in Thailand are comparatively very affordable, and we’ve never experienced delays. If you’re only in Thailand for a short vacation, we recommend flying.

From Surat Thani, you can then reach Khao Lak by bus in another four hours. Tickets start at $10.

Find connections from Surat Thani to Khao Lak
By bus from Bangkok to Khao Lak

You can also travel from Bangkok to Khao Lak by bus every day. The journey takes at least 11 hours and is pretty exhausting even at the highest comfort level available. The overnight bus is the smart move if you want to save a vacation day.

Find buses from Bangkok to Khao Lak on 12Go

From the Eastern Islands to Khao Lak

If you want to travel from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao directly to Khao Lak, you’ll first take the ferry to Surat Thani and then continue by bus or minivan.

These connections are available as ferry-bus/minivan combos and can be booked through 12Go.

From the Western Islands to Khao Lak

If you want to travel from Koh Lanta to Khao Lak, you’ll travel the entire route by minivan.

From Koh Phi Phi to Khao Lak, you’ll first take the ferry to Phuket, then continue by minivan or bus.

Both connections can also be booked through 12Go.

More Practical Tips for Your Khao Lak Vacation

Here are three more practical tips for your trip to Khao Lak.

How Many Days Should You Plan for Khao Lak?

If you want enough time for everything in Khao Lak, plan for at least five full days. A whole week would be even better.

That gives you enough time to relax on the beach, see a few sights, and do at least one day trip.

On our last visit, we were in Khao Lak mainly for the day trip to Khao Sok National Park and had two days in total.

During that time, we visited Khao Sok National Park, took a great cooking class in Khao Lak, and relaxed on the beach. We had no time for the many other things to do in Khao Lak.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Khao Lak?

The best time to visit Khao Lak is from December to April. The sun shines almost constantly and temperatures range between 79°F and 93°F. This is also the best time to visit all of Thailand.

For detailed information about the weather in Khao Lak, read our Khao Lak best time to visit article.

During the off-season, the weather can sometimes be really bad. Sunny beach days are rare, and popular excursion destinations like the Similan Islands and the Surin Islands are closed.

Costs: Is Khao Lak Expensive?

How expensive your vacation in Khao Lak will be depends mainly on where you stay. The beautiful resorts right on the beach can be quite pricey during peak season.

The Bangsak Village, one of our top picks, is available during peak season from around $160, but most other resorts are more expensive.

You’ll also find simpler, more affordable accommodation from about $55 — you just won’t be right on the beach. The Light Khao Lak Resort is a good example.

Food at the resorts is also more expensive, but in town and along the beaches you’ll find plenty of small, authentic restaurants with similar prices to the rest of Thailand.

Prices for activities and excursions are on a similar level to the rest of Thailand too.

Our day trip to Khao Sok National Park at around $105 is a bit pricey for a single day, but the tour was significantly more comfortable and private than many others we’ve done.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vacationing in Khao Lak