Khao Lak is one of the unforgettable places in Thailand

Introduction

Khao Lak is a resort area that unites several villages and has become popular due to its beautiful nature and calm atmosphere. Its area is about 2170 km², the population is about 20 thousand people. The main feature of the place is white beaches, crystal clear water and sparse crowds. Even at the peak of the season there are few vacationers here. All conditions for relaxation have been created here: walks through iconic places and attractions, diverse excursions, exciting shopping, amazing food, etc.

Like varnish on cards

Khao Lak is located 80 km north of Phuket and 130 km south of Krabi. The resort is washed by the warm waters of the Andaman Sea, covered with dense forests and surrounded by cliffs. The resort consists of 7 areas, but vacationers are recommended to settle in 4 of them: Nang Tong, Bang Niang, Khuk Khak and Khao Lak. There are more benefits of civilization, well-built infrastructure and a large selection of entertainment.

Beaches

All 7 areas of the resort have their own beach, choose according to your preferences.

1. Bang Niang (Bang Niang).
2. Nang Thong (Nang Thong).
3. Pakarang (Pakarang).
4. Pak Weeb Beach (Pak Weeb).
5. Bang Sak Beach (Bang Sak).
6. Sunset Beach (Sunset Beach).
7. Khuk Khak (Khuk Khak).

Nang Thong Beach and Bang Niang Beach

Nang Tong and Bang Niang are the most popular among foreigners.

1. Nang Thong is one of the largest beach areas in the city. It is wide, clean, with soft sand and warm water. Here you can surf or snorkel during the day, enjoy romantic sunsets and dine in one of the cozy restaurants in the evening.
2. Bang Niang is located very close to Nang Thong and is famous for its beautiful landscapes, peaceful atmosphere and developed infrastructure. It is famous for its markets where you can buy souvenirs, clothes and fresh fruits. You can have a snack in a nearby cafe.

Gun Beach

Pakarang Beach, also known as Pakarang, is located in the Khao Lak area on the western side of the coast. It is located near Khuk Khak and is also surrounded by dense forests and silent mountains. Twice a day during high tide, the water rises and can completely cover the sandy beach, creating ideal conditions for swimming and water sports. During low tide, the beach strip is exposed, you can walk on the wet sand, admire the beautiful views, look for shells or play beach football, volleyball.

Pak Weeb Beach

Pak Weeb Beach is one of the most secluded and quietest in the area. A great place for romance or family vacations, when you can just lie on a sun lounger listening to the whisper of the waves, swim in the crystal clear water or dream of a cloudless future. Activities include diving and surfing, and there are cafes and small shops around.

Bang Sak Beach

Bang Sak Beach is located in the western part of Thailand. On one side it is surrounded by blue sea water, on the other – gorgeous green forests with mountain tops peeking out from behind them. Complete relaxation away from the city noise, daily rush and fuss, just you and the incredibly beautiful nature. The beach is one of the least crowded, so there are few shops here.

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach got its name from its amazing sunsets. It is located next to Pakarang and every evening attracts crowds of tourists watching the sun go down over the horizon. It is as beautiful and calm as other city beaches: high mountains, luxurious forests, turquoise sea water and lots of entertainment around. There are cafes and shops nearby.

Khuk Khak Beach

Khuk Khak Beach, or Khuk Khak, is located on the west coast of Thailand. The coastal strip stretches for several kilometers, distinguished by its extraordinary beauty and solitude. The coast is surrounded by picturesque mountains and green forests, the water in the sea is clean and warm. Tourists here surf, dive, go on rented kayaks, ride jet skis.

Weather

Khao Lak has a tropical monsoon climate with 2 alternating seasons – dry and rainy. From November to April it is sunny and there is almost no precipitation. The air is warmed up to +32-35ºC, the water in the ocean – up to +27-28ºC. In May-October there is a rainy season, humidity increases, thunderstorms are frequent. The air remains warm, but there are fewer entertainments due to bad weather.

Hotels

There are places to stay at Khao Lak resort – you can choose budget or more comfortable accommodation. You can stay in luxury hotels with all the amenities, for example, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani (family), Ramada Resort by Wyndham Khao Lak (family), etc. There is an adults-only hotel located on a secluded beach. The Haven Khao Lak is a mid-range hotel located near the beach, has a spa and a swimming pool.

Entertainment and attractions

In the city of Khao Lak you can study the culture and life of the local population, or you can have fun at night, walk under the starry sky or wander around the shops during the day, buying memorable souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones.

Cultural programs

Khao Lak is a great place to get acquainted with Thai culture, traditions and customs. Visit the local market with delicious Thai dishes, buy gifts for friends and family. Also in Khao Lak you can see elephants, ride them and feed them bananas.

Want to learn more about Buddhism and Thai religion? Take a stroll through temples and sacred sites, such as Wat Bang Niang or Wat Tham Phra Nang Sang. If you’re interested in history and culture, check out the Tsunami Museum. It tells the story of the huge wave that hit the area in 2004.

Attractions

Khao Lak has a lot to see and do in your free time.

1. Lamru National Park. Situated on the west coast of Thailand, in Phang Nga Province, 20 km from Khao Lak. Tourists visiting Khao Lak take excursions and trips to Lamru to enjoy its natural beauty and beaches. The area of ​​the park is 125 km².
2. Waterfalls. One of the most beautiful is the 3-tiered Lam Prao waterfall. Swimming is allowed in it, the water here is clean but cool. No less interesting is the 5-tiered Ton Chong Fa waterfall, located 7 km from Bang Niang beach.
3. Similan Islands. Khao Lak is the starting point for the Similans. The islands are attractive for their excellent diving and snorkeling with magnificent coral reefs and rich marine fauna.
4. Tsunami Museum. In 2004, a powerful tsunami hit Khao Lak, killing several thousand people. The museum tells about this terrible day in the lives of Thais.

These are just a few of the attractions of Khao Lak. The region has many more natural and cultural locations with a lot of interesting things to do.

Shops and shopping

Shopping in Thailand mainly consists of going to the central market. Here you can buy everything from clothes to exotic fruits. There are also shops with souvenirs, quality clothes, shoes. If you want to buy something special, go to local workshops for handicrafts: jewelry, dishes, textiles, etc.

Entertainment

Active recreation in Khao Lak is, of course, water activities such as:

• surfing;
• windsurfing;
• boating and kayaking;
• excursions from Khao Lak to nearby islands;
• jungle walks;
• elephant riding.

Kitchen

Khao Lak’s gastronomy is a combination of traditional Thai, Chinese and Malay cuisines. Try classic Thai curry and pad thai, try freshly caught seafood dishes and Western gastronomic delights of Japanese, Italian and French cuisines. One of the main products in Thailand is rice. It is served everywhere as a side dish or a main course.

Fresh vegetables, herbs and spices are also popular: lemon grass, basil, coriander, chili. Treat yourself to fresh oysters, shrimp, squid and fish cooked in various ways: fried, baked, in soups, salads. Be sure to try fresh mango, durian, passion fruit and coconut – their taste is very different from the taste of fruits sold in stores in Russia and other countries.

Transport

You can move around Khao Lak by several types of transport: bus, taxi, motorcycle taxi. You can get to the nearby areas by renting a scooter or by boat.

How to get there from Phuket or Bangkok

You can get from Phuket to Khao Lak by bus or taxi. Travel time and distance depend on the departure point. If this is the northern point of the island, then the distance to Khao Lak will be about 60 km. If the route lies from Phuket Town, then its length will increase by another 110 km.

There is a bus from Bangkok to Khao Lak. The trip takes about 10-12 hours. You can also take a plane ticket from Bangkok to Phuket Airport (in Phuket City) and then get to Khao Lak by bus or taxi.

Taxi in Kao Lak

Taxis to Khao Lak can be booked in advance through a hotel, travel agency or hailed on the street. The fare depends on the distance and the quality of the road.

Buses to Khao Lak

There are many buses of different comfort levels in the city, including standard and VIP-class. Because of this, tickets cost differently. The average price of a trip from Phuket to Khao Lak is about 150-200 baht (4.5-6$), from Bangkok to Khao Lak – about 400-600 baht (12-18$).

Who should go to Khao Lak

Khao Lak is suitable for singles or families who love beaches, nature, active water recreation and those who want to enjoy a calm and secluded atmosphere. This is an excellent place for relaxation, swimming, sunbathing under the hot Thai sun. Fans of festivals and historical monuments will also find much to interest them here. For travelers who want to explore the Andaman Sea coast in detail, island excursions with a visit to caves and waterfalls are suitable.

Excursions in Khao Lak

The organizers offer a lot of exciting excursions in Khao Lak for any age and budget.

1. Khao Sok National Park Tour. A fascinating journey from Khao Lak to Khao Sok, where you will walk through the jungle, visit wonderful waterfalls, go on bamboo rafts on Cheow Lan Lake and see many other interesting things.
2. Island excursions. From Khao Lak you can go on an excursion to the islands in the Andaman Sea – Similan, Koh Tachai and Koh Surin. Be sure to swim in the warm, clear water, bask on the white sand beaches or dive into the mysterious underwater world.
3. Elephant Rides: In Khao Lak you can go on an elephant trek and ride through the jungle.
4. Visiting local markets and temples. Do you like to study the history of different countries and cities? You should definitely take a tour of the markets and temples. You will get acquainted with the local culture and traditions, try Thai street food, and see religious monuments.
5. Diving and snorkeling: Khao Lak is a favorite place for divers and snorkelers. It has incredibly colorful, rich underwater fauna, fantastic thickets of corals and seaweed.

FAQ

We answer the most frequently asked questions from travel enthusiasts.

1. What to take on a trip to Khao Lak? Be sure to take sunglasses and cream, necessary medications, a hat, beachwear, comfortable shoes (for hiking in the jungle), money/bank card, smartphone, camera, container for storing valuables, mosquito repellent, chargers for gadgets, a flashlight for night walks. The rest is optional.
2. What language is spoken in the city? In the resort of Khao Lak they speak Thai, in tourist areas and hotels – English, for communication with foreign visitors.
3. What is prohibited in Khao Lak? In the city, it is prohibited to violate public order and local laws, harm nature, swim in prohibited areas, insult local residents, photograph local people (without their permission) and sacred places, import/export prohibited goods, store and sell drugs, etc.
4. Are there any cafes or restaurants with a children’s menu at the resort? Yes, there are, but not everywhere, so we recommend that you check with the establishment’s staff in advance about the availability of such a service.
5. Is there a babysitting service in Khao Lak? Yes, babysitting services are available at the resort, so parents can relax and enjoy their holiday knowing their children are in safe custody.

Conclusion

Khao Lak is a great place for a family holiday with children. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, clean sea and magnificent nature. People come here for privacy and a quiet pastime. But this does not mean that you can only sunbathe and swim here or wander along the deserted shore. The resort has a lot of entertainment and all kinds of excursions to nearby islands and attractions where you can have an interesting time.