sunset in khao lak

Khao Lak, Thailand

by Claudio Pedegejczukin Destinationson Posted on

Khao Lak, located in Thailand’s southern province of Phang Nga, facing the Andaman Sea, is a peaceful beach destination since the nearest airport (in Phuket) is an hour away, making it harder to get for big flocks of tourists.

Surrounded by national parks, mountains and forests, and a stunning bay, the province’s symbol and landmark is Khao Chang, a big mountain in the shape of a crouching elephant.

Khao Lak features expansive beaches that recovered from the 2004 tsunami and it offers a magnificent karst landscape underlain by limestone that has been eroded, on the northern part of the bay.

It’s worth visiting Mu Koh Similan and Mu Koh Surin National Marine Parks when in Khao Lak, as their unspoiled beaches and stunning underwater reef make it a unique place in Thailand.

What to Do

  • Island hopping

    Similan (“Nine”) Islands, Surin Islands, Koh Tapu (James Bond Island), Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai

  • Water sports

    kayaking, standup paddle, swimming

  • Birdwatching

  • Waterfalls

Attractions

  • Natural attractions

    Ruesi Sawan cave, Luk Suea cave, Phang Nga Bay National Park (a landscape filled with islets, sunken caverns, and interesting rock formations rising out of the sea).

Dining

Food in the South of Thailand receives more influence from Malay, Indonesian, and Indian cuisines, so expect the food to be slightly different than in the rest of Thailand and to find a lot of Massaman curry and Khanom Jeen, rice noodles in fish curry sauce. Restaurants in the area also offer international cuisine. Seafood is also a staple in Phang Nga, including shellfish and fresh fish, which will probably be grilled a la minute.

Nightlife

Khao Lak is rather quiet when it comes to nightlife, but you might find good amusement at your hotel’s bar or at the local market.

Shopping

As it is more difficult to reach Phang Nga, shopping opportunities are also scarcer, but clothing (including custom-made), accessories, food products (such as dried seafood shrimp paste), and souvenirs (such as rubber tree leaves artificial flowers made by groups of female farmers) can be found in local shops around Phang Nga town and along Highway 4, near Khao Lak.

Insider Tips

  • The hottest months in Phang Nga are from April to June, being mid-April at its peak and there is a chance of rain throughout the whole year.

  • The turtle release fair is held annually for seven days in March, and it is a unique opportunity to see young turtle hatchlings.

Getting There

The closest airport to Phang Nga is Phuket, receiving flights from other cities in Thailand as well as international destinations in Europe, Middles East, and Asia. Phang Nga is around 90 kilometers away from Phuket and it can be reached via bus, rent-a-car, or taxi. It’s also possible to fly to Krabi and then go to Phang Nga by land. Flight availability may change due to COVID-19 travel restrictions; please call the airlines directly for more information.