Khao Lak is not one town but a 20 km run of beaches along the mainland coast of Phang Nga province, about 80 km north of Phuket airport. Long, wide strands — Nang Thong, Bang Niang, Khuk Khak, Pakarang, Bang Sak — are backed by low-rise resorts and, behind them, the forested hills of Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park.
It is calmer and greener than Phuket and popular with families and divers. Above all, it is the closest base for the Similan and Surin Islands: the Similan boats leave from Thap Lamu Pier just to the south.
Top things to do: Khao Lak
Go to the Similans or Surin
From Khao Lak the Similan Islands are a comfortable day trip, and almost all Similan liveaboards start here. Dive centres line the main road in Bang La On and Bang Niang.
Remember 2004
Khao Lak was the part of Thailand hit hardest by the Indian Ocean tsunami of 26 December 2004. Police Boat 813, carried well over a kilometre inland by the wave, has been left where it came to rest in Bang Niang as a memorial, and there is a memorial park at Ban Nam Khem to the north.
Head inland
Khao Sok National Park and the limestone-ringed Cheow Lan Lake are about 1–1.5 hours away — a rainforest counterpoint to the beach. Closer by are small waterfalls and bamboo rafting on quiet rivers.
Phang Nga Bay by longtail
Khao Lak is well placed for the northern end of Phang Nga Bay, including James Bond Island.
How to get to Khao Lak
- From Phuket airport: around 1–1.5 hours by taxi or pre-booked transfer over the Sarasin Bridge.
- By bus: buses between Phuket and Ranong, Surat Thani or Bangkok stop along the main highway.
Insider tips
- Khao Lak is very seasonal. From roughly May to October the sea is rough, red flags are common, the island parks are closed and many restaurants shut.
- The area is spread out along the highway. Choose a beach close to what you want to do, or plan on taxis.
- Swim only where the flags allow; currents can be strong even on calm-looking days.
Best tours & tickets for Khao Lak
These well-reviewed experiences are the easiest way to see Khao Lak:
Speedboat snorkelling trip from €108 Similan Islands Early-Bird Tour from Phuket and Khao Lak
The best-reviewed way to see the Similans in a day. An early boat from Thap Lamu pier gets you onto the beaches and reefs before most groups arrive. Runs only while the park is open, roughly mid-October to mid-May.
- Three snorkelling stops in the national park
- Sail Rock viewpoint on island No. 8
- Hotel transfers from Phuket or Khao Lak
Longtail boat tour from €65 Khao Lak: Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island by Longtail Boat
Khao Lak is closer to the northern end of Phang Nga Bay than Phuket’s beaches are, and this tour uses a longtail rather than a big boat. Rated 4.7 by more than two thousand travellers.
- Traditional longtail through the mangroves and karst
- James Bond Island
- Suwan Khuha cave temple
Speedboat snorkelling trip from €101 From Khao Lak: Full-Day Snorkeling in the Surin Islands
A long day, but the Surin Islands reward it with some of the best shallow-water snorkelling in Thailand. Runs only in the park’s open season, about mid-October to mid-May.
- Shallow hard-coral reefs
- Far fewer boats than the Similans
- Lunch at the national park station
Speedboat or catamaran trip from €95 Khao Lak: Surin Island & Moken Village Day Tour with Snorkel
Pairs the Surin reefs with a visit to the Moken community that lives inside the park. Go respectfully: ask before photographing people and buy handicrafts directly if you want a souvenir.
- Visit the Moken sea-people’s village
- Several snorkelling stops
- Speedboat or catamaran options
