By Kylian Dev
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Similan Islands
Marine park open from 15 October to 15 May: crystal-clear water, granite boulders and outstanding snorkelling.
Destination guide · Andaman Sea
Khao Lak: the best things to do, where to stay and budget
A coast of long, quiet beaches north of Phuket, backed by the jungle of Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park. Above all, it's the best base for the Similan and Surin Islands, among Thailand's finest dive sites.
- Best: November to April
- €40 - 85 / day
In short
Khao Lak (Andaman Sea) — Peaceful beaches and the gateway to the Similan Islands. Best time to go: November to April; average temperatures 29°C. Budget: about €40 - 85 / day. Weather: 29°C • Calm sea and top visibility from November to April
RegionAndaman Sea
TypeNature & park
Best seasonNovember to April
Avg. temperature29°C
Budget / day€40 - 85 / day
Suggested stay4 to 6 days
Thai nameเขาหลัก
Must-sees
Things to do in Khao Lak
Peaceful beaches and the gateway to the Similan Islands
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Khao Lak's long beaches (Nang Thong & Bang Niang)
Long golden-sand beaches lined with hotels, with a night market in Bang Niang several evenings a week.
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A day trip to Khao Sok (Cheow Lan Lake)
Khao Sok National Park and its Cheow Lan Lake, just over an hour away: limestone karsts, dense jungle and longtail boats on emerald water.
More things to do in Khao Lak
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Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park
Nature2 to 3 hA small coastal park with a trail to a hidden beach and a waterfall.
- 5
Ton Chong Fa waterfall
Nature2 to 3 hA forest waterfall reached by a short walk, with several pools for a swim.
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Koh Surin
Sea & islandsFull dayFurther north, the Surin Islands offer exceptional snorkelling and a Moken sea gypsy village (open in the dry season).
- 7
Laem Pakarang (Pakarang Cape)
Beach2 to 3 hA headland of coral stones and sand north of the main beaches, known for its sunsets and its beach bars.
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Takua Pa Old Town
CultureAbout 1 hThe old Sino-Portuguese quarter of Takua Pa, with a Sunday walking street.
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Tsunami memorial (police boat T.813)
CultureAbout 1 hA patrol boat swept 2 km inland in 2004, now a place of remembrance.
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Seafood at Bang Niang market
FoodEveningThe Bang Niang market (a few days a week) has fresh seafood and street food.
Great forDiving & ReefsBeaches & RelaxingJungle & Hiking
Weather
When to go to Khao Lak?
29°C • Calm sea and top visibility from November to April. Month-by-month outlook:
- JanIdeal
- FebIdeal
- MarIdeal
- AprIdeal
- MayRain / monsoon
- JunRain / monsoon
- JulRain / monsoon
- AugRain / monsoon
- SepRain / monsoon
- OctRain / monsoon
- NovIdeal
- DecIdeal
IdealFairRain / monsoon
Budget
Budget in Khao Lak: how much per day?
Plan on roughly €40 - 85 / day per person, excluding international flights.
Mid-range
40–85 € / day
Indicative split of a typical day (estimate)
Accommodation
~25 €
Food
~16 €
Activities
~13 €
Local transport
~9 €
Transport
How to get to Khao Lak
Transport tip
About 1 h 15 by road from Phuket airport (taxi or minivan). Similan trips leave from Thap Lamu pier (1–1.5 h by speedboat), with daily visitor quotas.
From Bangkok → Khao Lak
Long haul: a domestic flight or night bus/train is usually easier
Flight
~806 km
Nearest destinations
Khao Lak → Khao Sok
Road
~57 km · ~1 h by road
Khao Lak → Koh Yao Noi
Road
~91 km · ~2.5 h by road
Khao Lak → Phuket
Road
~112 km · ~1.5 h by road
Times and tickets Bangkok → Khao LakPartner link
Where is Khao Lak?
Accommodation
Where to stay in Khao Lak
The best-known areas to base yourself:
Bang Niang
Night market, restaurants and beach: the most convenient area, at the southern end of Khao Lak. Simple guesthouse: 500-900 THB; 3-star hotel with pool: 1,500-3,000 THB.
Nang Thong
Khao Lak's town centre, shops, restaurants and dive centres within walking distance. Mid-range air-con room: 1,200-2,500 THB; beachfront resorts from 3,500 THB up.
Khuk Khak / Pakarang
Further north, long quiet beaches and family resorts, often all-inclusive. From 2,000 THB in low season, 4,000 THB and up in high season; without a scooter or car, Bang Niang's restaurants and centre are a haul.
Food
What to eat in Khao Lak
Steamed fish with lime (pla neung manao)
Southern Thai kua kling curry
Seafood from Bang Niang night market
Combine with
Similar destinations
Health and safety
Healthcare and useful numbers in Khao Lak
The numbers to call, the hospitals and clinics on site and, when the nearest hospital is elsewhere, how long the transfer takes. Save this before you go.
Hospitals and clinics
- Takua Pa HospitalPublic hospitalDirections
Serious cases are transferred to Phuket, about 2 h by road.
Dive destination: a recompression chamber is available on site or nearby. After a diving accident, alert your dive centre straight away.
Private hospitals ask for a payment guarantee on admission: keep your insurance certificate and assistance number on your phone.
Choose your travel insuranceFAQ
Frequently asked questions about Khao Lak
What are the best things to do in Khao Lak?
How do you get to Khao Lak from Phuket or Bangkok?
How much does a Similan Islands trip cost?
The national park fee is 500 THB per adult (250 THB per child), usually included in tour packages. A full-day speedboat trip with lunch and snorkelling gear runs 2,000-3,400 THB depending on the operator and season. The park is closed from 16 May to 14 October.
When should you go to Khao Lak?
The dry season runs November to April, with calm seas ideal for diving and snorkelling. From May to October, the monsoon brings rain and rough seas on the Andaman coast, and Similan trips stop entirely.
Do you need a scooter in Khao Lak?
Khao Lak stretches over 15 km: a scooter (200-300 THB a day) makes it easy to move between Bang Niang, Nang Thong and the northern beaches. Songthaews and hotel shuttles cover short trips.
How many days should you spend in Khao Lak?
Three to four days allow for one Similan day trip, a day of diving or rest, and time on the beaches. For a diving-focused stay with several outings, plan five to six days.
Plan your trip
Tools to plan your stay in Khao Lak
Compare with the other destinations
Khao Lak is one of the 28 destinations covered in detail on the site. The destinations hub sorts them by traveler profile, by month of travel and by daily budget, to help you decide where to go and how many days to stay.