Why Khao Lak?
Khao Lak is set in the tropical paradise of Phang-Nga province, in the south of Thailand. With kilometers of unspoiled white sandy beaches kissing the Andaman Sea, you feel like you've walked into a holiday brochure.
The town has its own unique, laid back, vibes, totally unlike the hustle and bustle of busy places like Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya. Krabi and Koh Samui can't match the feel-good, safe atmosphere, and small-town vibe of Khao Lak. It’s a place you easily fall in love with; it's safe, cozy, and it becomes the “home away from home” for many.
The beaches are world-famous for their unspoiled beauty, breathtaking scenery, and unmatched sunset spots. After a heavy training session, nothing beats the relaxing moments of digging your toes in the white sands of Memories Beach or Coconut Beach, and a refreshing dip in the bath-warm Andaman Sea.
Surrounded by lush rainforest with a plethora of wildlife, rivers, and waterfalls as well, Khao Lak, truly is paradise on earth.
Top 10 Things To Do In Khao Lak
1. Try Muay Thai: Muay Thai is such an integral part of Thai culture, it’s almost mandatory to make it a part of your Thai holiday, even if you are a complete beginner. There are small gyms in Khaolak, but Khao Lak Muay Thai is famous for its welcoming atmosphere, and friendly, humble, but very skilled trainers, They offer family introductory classes, and private group classes too.
2. Snorkeling/dive: at different, popular spots such as Similan Islands, Surin Islands or Richelieu Rock. Day trips and liveabord trips are available from October 15th to May 15th.
3. Fishing trips: The Andaman Sea is a great place for fishing, since it is a stunning location. It is also full of the most sought after and exciting fish and sea life around.
4. Elephant Sanctuaries: There are many protected elephants in Khao Lak! Many places stopped offering elephant riding, but there are several places where you can meet and feed these giants within appropriate limits.
5. Sea Turtle Conservation Center: Sea turtles have lived on this planet for approximately 130 million years, most species are in decline. You can see and take care of them right here in Khao Lak, at the Turtle Conservation Center in Lam Kaen, 15 minutes South of Khao Lak Center
6. Visiting waterfalls: There are several waterfalls in the area, such as Ton Chongfa Waterfall in Bang Niang, Rainbow Waterfall (Sai Rung) in Pakweep, or Lampi Waterfall south of Khao Lak in Thai Mueang. Some are close by and some are 30 minutes or an hour away. They are all safe to swim in.
7. Jungle adventures in the rainforests of Khao Sok National Park: It is one of the oldest rainforests on the planet. The exotic wildlife combined with the majestic lake set you up for an unforgettable trip.
8. Local markets: here are the most popular ones:
- Build Market: a small but charming market located in Bang Niang. It is named after the BUILD Variety Night Club next to it. It opens four days a week—Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday—from 4 PM to 9 PM
- Bang Niang Market: the most popular market accessible from the main road with all sorts of easy-to-grab snacks, sweets, and BBQ grills, then walk through the fashion and souvenir shops. You find everything and anything here. It’s open on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 till 23:00.
- Fresh Morning Market: officially located in the Khuekkhak area, and it’s open daily from around 6:00 am to around 12:00 pm. Visitors can expect to find a wide variety of fresh produce, including tropical fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, as well as meats, poultry, and seafood. There are also stalls selling Thai snacks, street food, and beverages.
9. 5 National Parks: Khao Lak is not just about its stunning beaches; it also offers the allure of nearby national parks for an exciting day trip. Each park has its own unique charm and adventures to offer, whether you’re into jungle treks, bamboo rafting, wildlife spotting, or just soaking in the natural beauty.
- Khao Sok National Park near Khao Lak
- Khao Lak- Lam Ru National park
- Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park
10. Breathtaking, quiet, soft sandy beaches: Khao Lak has some of the most beautiful beaches on the west coast of Thailand. Facing the Andaman Sea, the beaches are all perfectly placed for sunset, and many are protected by national park status, keeping them pristine. Khao Lak is also considered home to the premier surf beaches in Thailand. The most popular ones:
- White Sand Beach
- Coconut Beach
- Memories Beach
- Bang Niang Beach
- Nang Thong Beach
- Pak Weep Beach
The Best Places to Eat, Drink and Have Fun
1. Buffalo Bar & Restaurant: a great Thai restaurant with a nice ambience. Extensive menu and selection of food, quality ingredients, lovely, English-speaking staff, and the friendliest owners ever!
2. Gecko Bar: a quirky and fun little bar, it's the absolute go-to place to meet easy-going people and have some fun. Play pool, foosballl, or jenga, create your own playlist on Spotify at the counter, get to know locals, expats and other visitors, learn that everyone has an interesting story, and make friends for life.
3. Krua Mae Pa: an authentic Thai restaurant right on the main road between Bang Niang and Nang Thong. Big portions, extensive menu, irresistible flavors, nice staff. A restaurant that’s packed with locals is always a good sign, Mae Pa is one of them.
4. The Snapper: a symphony of experiences: a great selection of Thai and International meals in a breathtaking, beautifully lit garden where soft sand meets rhythmic tunes of live music under starlit skies
5. Let's Eat: right on Soi Bang Niang. If you are looking to take a break from Thai cuisine, try the mouthwatering dishes of this authentic Hungarian restaurant in the heart of Bang Niang, that’s always packed during high season.
The Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is from December to March, these are the driest months. Although celebrating Songkran, the water festival here in April is worth getting wet for.
The rainy season is officially from May 1st to October 31st. Although it is hard to predict when it actually starts and ends.
How to Get There
The nearest airport is Phuket Airport (HKT), and Khaolak is about an hour drive north of Phuket. You can grab a taxi for about 1500 baht (give or take), or the bus for less than 200 baht.
Feel free to email your flight confirmation to info@khaolakmuaythai.com a few days before your arrival, we'll arrange a taxi for you, and send you every detail you need to know.