Khao Lak Travel Guide (Northern Andaman Coast/Southern Thailand/Thailand/Southeast Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Khao Lak
List of Places to Visit in Khao Lak
Hiking/Biking Routes of Khao Lak
Best Things to Do in Khao Lak: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Khao Lak
Food and Drink Scene of Khao Lak
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Khao Lak: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Khao Lak: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Khao Lak
Best Time to Visit Khao Lak
Do’s and Don’ts of Khao Lak
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Khao Lak
- Health in Khao Lak
Getting to Khao Lak: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Khao Lak
Where to Go Next from Khao Lak: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Khao Lak

Located in the Northern Andaman Coast in Southern Thailand, Khao Lak is a tranquil seaside town that offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of some of Thailand’s more popular destinations. With its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and natural waterfalls, Khao Lak is the perfect destination for those looking to relax and connect with nature. In this tour guide, we’ll take you through some of the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Khao Lak.

List of Places to Visit in Khao Lak

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Khao Lak has a rich history with ancient roots dating back to prehistoric times. The following are some of the culturally significant attractions in Khao Lak:

Tsunami Memorial Park

The Tsunami Memorial Park serves as a touching tribute to the thousands of people who lost their lives during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The park is home to a beautiful garden, statues, and a museum that documents the harrowing event and pays tribute to the victims.

Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Center

Another landmark that pays homage to the tragic events of 2004 is the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Center. Here visitors can learn more about the natural disaster and the resilience of the local community that overcame it.

Natural Attractions of Khao Lak: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Khao Lak’s natural beauty is unspoilt and breathtaking, with activities for every adventurer, and sites for all nature enthusiasts. Here are some of the most popular natural attractions in Khao Lak:

Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park

Stretching over more than 100 square kilometres, the Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers. The park encompasses mountain ranges, rainforests, and waterfalls, making it an ideal spot for hiking, bird watching, and wildlife spotting.

Similan Islands

Khao Lak is the gateway to the Similan Islands, a group of nine uninhabited islands. The Similan Islands boast crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and stunning coral reefs, making it a perfect destination for diving and snorkelling.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Khao Lak

For those who love exploring on foot or wheels, Khao Lak offers excellent opportunities for hiking and biking. The following are some of the best routes to take:

Ton Chong Fa Waterfall
Khao Sok National Park
Lampi Waterfall

Best Things to Do in Khao Lak: Activities and Tours

If you’re looking for amazing experiences in Khao Lak, consider these suggestions:

Elephant Trekking
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
Kayaking in the Mangroves
Sailing and Island Hopping Tours
Off-road Motorbike Tours

Week-Long Itinerary for Khao Lak

Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Khao Lak that covers the main attractions and activities:

Day	Activity
Day 1	Visit the Tsunami Memorial Park and the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Center
Day 2	Visit Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park for hiking or bird watching
Day 3	Go for a scuba diving or snorkelling excursion to the Similan Islands
Day 4	Try elephant trekking in a nearby national park
Day 5	Take a kayaking tour through the mangroves
Day 6	Join a sailing and island hopping tour
Day 7	Relax on the beach or do some shopping for souvenirs.

Food and Drink Scene of Khao Lak

Must-Try Dishes

No trip to Khao Lak would be complete without sampling some of the delicious local cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes:

Pad Thai
Green Curry
Tom Yum Soup
Massaman Curry
Som Tam (Papaya Salad)

Local Beverages

Chang Beer
Singha Beer
Fresh Coconut Juice
Thai Iced Tea
Lemongrass Tea

Where to Stay in Khao Lak: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Khao Lak offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious beach resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. Here are some of the top picks for every budget:

The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani
Ramada Khao Lak Resort
Khaolak Palm Hill Resort
Siam Seaside Resort
To Zleep Hotel

What to Buy in Khao Lak: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Keep the memory of Khao Lak alive with these local souvenirs:

Thai Silk
Handmade Soap
Coffee from Thai Beans
Local Handicrafts
Thai Snacks

Local Culture and Customs of Khao Lak

Thai culture is a significant part of the community in Khao Lak, and tourists are expected to respect it. Here are some cultural dos and don’ts in Khao Lak:

Do dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites.
Don’t touch people’s heads, it is considered disrespectful.
Do remove your shoes when entering a house or temple.
Don’t raise your voice or get angry in public; avoiding confrontation is considered a virtue.

Best Time to Visit Khao Lak

The best time to visit Khao Lak is between December and April when the weather is warm and dry. The off-peak season from May to November usually brings heavy rains and high humidity.

Do’s and Don’ts of Khao Lak

Do:

Do drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Do wear comfortable shoes and clothing when sightseeing or trekking.
Do use mosquito repellent.
Do bargain when shopping at markets.

Don’t:

Don’t swim in the sea if there is a red flag.
Don’t get overly intoxicated in public.
Don’t leave your valuables unattended in public areas.
Don’t disrespect the monarchy or the national flag.

Safety and Health

Safety in Khao Lak

Khao Lak is relatively safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, visitors should still be wary of pickpockets, scams, and avoid carrying valuables around in public.

Health in Khao Lak

Visitors should be up to date with their vaccines and seek medical attention if feeling unwell. Khao Lak does not have the best medical facilities, so it is essential to have travel insurance.

Getting to Khao Lak: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Khao Lak

The closest airport to Khao Lak is the Phuket International Airport, which is approximately 80 kilometres away.

Bus Stations Near Khao Lak

Tourists can take a bus from Bangkok or other nearby locations to the Phuket Bus Terminal in Phuket. From there, take a taxi or mini-bus to Khao Lak.

Other Options

Alternatively, travellers can take a taxi or private car to Khao Lak from Phuket or Krabi.

How to Get Around in Khao Lak

Getting around Khao Lak is relatively easy and affordable. Options include:

Renting Scooters
Taxis
Tuk-tuks
Bicycles

Where to Go Next from Khao Lak: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Khao Lak is an excellent base for exploring some of the surrounding areas, including:

Phuket Island
Phi Phi Island
Khao Sok National Park
Krabi Province

Conclusion

Khao Lak offers visitors a chance to experience the stunning natural beauty of Thailand without the crowds. With a range of activities, attractions and accommodation options, it is no wonder that many travellers now consider Khao Lak a hidden gem in Thailand. We hope this travel guide has inspired you to visit Khao Lak and experience it for yourself.