Khao Lak
Long empty beaches north of Phuket, and the gateway to the Similan Islands. Khao Lak is what Phuket was thirty years ago — low-rise, family-run, and quiet after dark.
Beaches and the park
Nang Thong, Bang Niang and Khuk Khak run into each other along the main road. Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park has a short cliff trail and a beach where turtles still nest.
The Similans
The best diving in Thailand is 90 minutes offshore, and liveaboards leave from Thap Lamu. Day trips are possible but long; two nights on a boat is the better version.
Getting there
Phuket airport is 75 minutes south by road, and most of our trips include the transfer. Khao Lak has no airport of its own, which keeps the package-tour crowd smaller than Phuket's.
Who it suits
Divers heading for the Similans, couples who want a quiet beach, and families with children old enough to snorkel. It is not for nightlife — after 10pm the main road is asleep.
Things to see in Khao Lak
National park
Similan Islands
Eleven granite islands with some of the clearest water in Thailand and the best diving in the country.…
Beach
Bang Niang Beach
Khao Lak's central beach: long, low-rise and quiet, with restaurants on the sand.…
National park
Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park
A small coastal park with a cliff trail, a waterfall and a beach where turtles still nest.…
Tours that include Khao Lak
Experiences here
Add Khao Lak to a longer trip
Most travellers combine it with two or three other places. Tell us your dates and we will suggest the route.