Khao Lak

Khao Lak is the handy destination for travelers seeking relaxation away from mass tourism. The region consists of a series of coastal villages with wide, golden beaches bordering directly on dense rainforest. Khao Lak is best known as the gateway to the Similan and Surin Islands, which are among the best diving and snorkeling areas in the world. The crystal-clear water and colorful coral reefs attract underwater enthusiasts from all over the globe. On land, the Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park has spectacular cliffs, waterfalls, and hiking trails through the jungle. A moving site is the Tsunami Memorial with Police Boat 813, which commemorates the events of 2004. In the evenings, local markets like the Bang Niang Market invite you to feast. Here you will find fresh seafood, Thai classics, and local handicrafts in a relaxed atmosphere. Getting there is easy: Khao Lak is located about 80 kilometers north of Phuket Airport and can be reached in just over an hour by taxi or bus. The best time to travel is from November to April, when the sea is calm and the island national parks are open. During the off-season (May to October), swimming in the sea is often dangerous, but the lush nature is at its greenest.

Nearby cities

Wichit

A peaceful district in southeast Phuket, famous for Cape Panwa, the Phuket Aquarium, and the scenic Ao Yon Bay.

Ratsada

A busy coastal district in Phuket, known for its important port and proximity to pristine stretches of coastline.

Phuket City

Phuket City is the capital of Phuket island province, known for its old town with Sino-Portuguese architecture.

Kamala

A relaxed coastal village on Phuket's west coast, known for its golden sands and family-friendly atmosphere.

Ban Bang Thao

An idyllic coastal village in Phuket, famous for Surin Beach and the exclusive Pansea Bay.

Choeng Thale

An upscale area in Phuket, home to the expansive Bang Tao Beach and high-end luxury resorts.

Pa Tong

The vibrant heart of Phuket, famous for its exciting nightlife and the expansive Patong Beach.

Rawai

A laid-back coastal area in southern Phuket, famous for its seafood market, colorful longtail boats, and beautiful nearby beaches.

Ban Khuk Khak

A peaceful coastal village in Khao Lak, known for its endless golden sand beaches, pine groves, and relaxed atmosphere.

Ban Ta Din Daeng

An authentic fishing village in Phang Nga, famous for its mangrove forests and the pristine Khao Na Yak Beach.

Thai Mueang

A peaceful coastal town in Phang Nga, known for Tai Muang Beach and sea turtle conservation.

Baan Nam Kem

A historic fishing village known for its Tsunami Memorial Park and the tranquil Nam Kem and Bang Lud beaches.

Ban Khao Pi Lai

A quiet coastal spot in Phang Nga, known for its iconic old wooden pier and miles of nearly empty sandy beaches just north of Phuket.

Ban Li On

A small village on the unique island of Koh Phra Thong, known for its savanna-like landscape and secluded golden beaches.

Hat Praphat

An untouched beach in the Ranong National Park, lined with pine trees and mangrove forests.

Nature

Phi Phi Islands Coast

The coasts of a world-famous island group, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs.

Tenasserim Coast

The southernmost coastal region of Myanmar facing the Andaman Sea, known for its intricate archipelago and coral reefs.

Cheow Lan Lake

An artificial lake with the appearance of a lost world.

More places

Big Buddha of Phuket

A giant seated marble Buddha statue on Nakkerd Hill in Phuket, visible from anywhere in the south of Phuket.

Ao Phang Nga National Park

A bay dotted with emerald limestone towers rising vertically from the water.

Lampi Island Marine National Park

Myanmar's first marine national park, located in the Mergui Archipelago, protecting rich coral reefs and mangroves.

Ranong Port

A port on the Andaman Sea coast, strategically located for trade with South Asia and the Middle East, part of the southern economic corri…

Mu Ko Similan National Park

An archipelago of islands in the Andaman Sea, scattered like jewels on a blue cloth.

Khao Sok National Park

A landscape of towering limestone karsts and ancient rainforest older than the Amazon.

Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)

A Buddhist temple complex in Krabi, known for its tiger paw prints in the cave, tall Buddha statues, and a strenuous climb to a summit sh…

Tenasserim Hills

A long mountain range that forms the backbone of the Malay Peninsula, running along the border between Myanmar and Thailand.