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Khao Lak itself is a petite coastal village on Thailand’s west coast, but the name tends to encircle the surrounding jungle and a long stretch of blonde sand that runs alongside the Andaman Sea. An hour and a half by car from Phuket International Airport, Khao Lak gives you a more tranquil alternative to Phuket or Krabi, with a small string of coastal hotels dotted between river estuaries and rocky outcrops.
There’s almost 30 km (18 miles) of secluded coves and long, sweeping beaches to explore. Some, including the jungle-fringed Pak Weep Beach, are relatively undeveloped. Others are busier with amenities such as beachside restaurants, shops and weekly markets.
Stay in Khao Lak and you’re within close proximity to a range of national parks. The Similan Islands lie about an hour and a half’s speedboat ride from the coast, an archipelago of 11 small islands that, at first glance, look like huge piles of jungle-topped boulders. These boulder formations continue deep into the surrounding ocean, creating arguably some of the best dive sites in Thailand.
To the west side of the islands, experienced divers can swim through the maze of granite boulders, where you might see zebra sharks, moray eels and turtles. To the east, newer divers can explore the coral reef that lines the gently sloping seafloor.
If you’re more interested in snorkeling, the islands of nearby Mu Ko Surin National Park have a shallower coastal shelf that’s decorated with a flourishing coral reef and supports a healthy population of leatherback turtles.
Inland, you have Khao Lak/Lam Ru National Park, tropical evergreen forest that’s punctuated by twin mountainous peaks and the Phang Nga River. You can take a guided trek through the jungle, where you might happen upon one of the many waterfalls, rare orchids or the Malayan tapir. With patience, you might spot some of the park’s birdlife, including the oriental pied hornbill and petite scarlet minivet.
About an hour’s drive away is the larger Khao Sok National Park, which boasts the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world. You can journey along its network of lakes, which link together between deep valley walls, by kayak or on a guided boat tour, looking for water monitors basking on the waterside or a crested serpent eagle hunting above.
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Suggested itinerary featuring Khao Lak
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Khao Lak, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Khao Lak
- Khao Sok National Park 31 miles away
- Koh Yao 47 miles away
- Phuket 58 miles away
- Krabi 64 miles away
- Koh Phi Phi Don 76 miles away
- Koh Lanta 99 miles away
- Khanom 116 miles away
- Koh Samui 132 miles away
- Koh Phangan 140 miles away
- Koh Tao 145 miles away
Photos of Khao Lak
Accommodation choices for Khao Lak
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Khao Lak. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Ramada
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Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.
The Sarojin
Khao Lak -
Bangsak Village
Khao Lak -
Khao Lak Paradise Resort
Khao Lak