By Kylian Dev
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 10 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
Top 10 things to do in Khao Lak
Peaceful beaches and the gateway to the Similan Islands
Nang Thong & Bang Niang beaches
Golden-sand beaches lined with hotels, with a night market in Bang Niang several evenings a week.
Tsunami memorial (police boat T.813)
A patrol boat swept 2 km inland in 2004, now a place of remembrance.
More things to do in Khao Lak
- 4
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.
- 6
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.
- 8
Takua Pa Old Town
CultureAbout 1 hThe old Sino-Portuguese quarter of Takua Pa, with a Sunday walking street.
- 9
A day trip to Khao Sok
NatureFull dayKhao Sok National Park is just over an hour away, easy for a day trip.
- 10
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
~620 km
Nearest destinations
Khao Lak → Khao Sok
Road
~44 km · ~1 h by road
Khao Lak → Koh Yao Noi
Road
~70 km · ~1.5 h by road
Khao Lak → Phuket
Road
~86 km · ~1.5 h by road
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.
Nang Thong
Central Khao Lak, shops and dive centres.
Khuk Khak / Pakarang
Further north, quiet resorts on long beaches.
See hotels in Khao LakPartner
Full guide: where to stay in Khao LakFood
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
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Khao Lak
What are the best things to do in Khao Lak?
The must-sees are Similan Islands, Nang Thong & Bang Niang beaches, Tsunami memorial (police boat T.813). Also worth your time: Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park, Ton Chong Fa waterfall, Koh Surin, Laem Pakarang (Pakarang Cape).
How many days should I spend in Khao Lak?
4 to 6 days
Build an itinerary with Khao LakWhat is the best time to visit Khao Lak?
The best season is November to April. 29°C • Calm sea and top visibility from November to April. Where possible, avoid the monsoon months shown in the calendar above.
Thailand weather month by monthWhat daily budget should I plan for Khao Lak?
Plan on roughly €40 - 85 / day per person (Mid-range), excluding international flights. Use the budget calculator to fine-tune it to your travel style.
Estimate my budget for Khao LakHow do I get to Khao Lak?
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 is about 620 km away as the crow flies.
Bangkok to PhuketWhich area should I stay in, in Khao Lak?
The most popular areas are Bang Niang, Nang Thong, Khuk Khak / Pakarang. The choice mostly depends on the vibe you want: lively, family-friendly or quiet.
Full guide: where to stay in Khao LakPlan your trip