Discover Khao Lak – one of Thailand’s top holiday destinations. Khao Lak offers kilometres of wide golden-sand beaches, lush jungle-covered hills, national parks and an excellent choice of beachside resorts.
The coastal region of Khao Lak is one of Thailand’s top beach destinations – just perfect for a lazy, romantic honeymoon.
Facing west, Khao Lak's casuarina- and palm-fringed golden-sand beaches are perfectly positioned for sunset strolls or for relaxing poolside with a cocktail.
The coastal region of Khao Lak is one of Thailand’s top beach destinations and offers kilometres of wide golden-sand beaches fronting lush jungle-covered hills, national parks and an excellent choice of beachside resorts.
Located just south of an impassable rocky headland and the busy centre of Nang Thong lies Khao Lak’s southernmost beach, a stretch of fine golden sand framed by sea-washed boulders.
Here large stately trees provide a respite from the hot Thai sun while beachside resorts, including the Briza Beach Resort and Khao Lak Merlin Resort, nestle in tropical gardens and provide a range of creature comforts.
Go swimming, sunbathe or wander the nearby national park trail to Tong Pling waterfall.
This stunning several kilometre-long stretch of beach is protected to the south by Laem Pakarang (Coral Cape), thereby providing sheltered swimming conditions for much of the beach.
Here you can choose from two of Khao Lak’s most luxurious resorts – the 5-star Le Meridien Khao Lak Resort and The Sarojin. Both resorts nestle in manicured tropical gardens and overlook two secluded stretches of the pristine beach.
Be spoilt with an array of creature comforts and sporting activities, go swimming, visit the nearby Baan Pakweeb Monastery or take a leisurely forest walk to the picturesque Sai Rai Rung and Bor Hin waterfalls.
With national park status, motorboats are banned, so you won’t have to worry about noisy longtails disturbing your peace.
This 4km-long stretch of gorgeous palm-fringed white sand is one of Khao Lak's quieter beaches and is home to the Khao Lak Bay Front Resort and the Khao Lak Bhandari Resort & Spa (photo).
Sunbathe on the white sand, go swimming or make footprints on the beach in blissful isolation, where the only people you may come across are local fishermen going about their daily work.
Discover a beautiful long stretch of fine golden sand that offers good swimming and sunsets.
Relax in the shade beneath swaying palm fronds and the branches of casuarina trees that stretch over the powder-white sand above the high-tide mark.
Stroll inland to visit the nearby Bang Niang snake farm and the picturesque Chong Fah waterfalls.
Several beachfront resorts such as La Flora Resort & Spa, the Khao lak Orchid Beach Resort and Khaolak Palm Beach Resort, offer an array of amenities and creature comforts.
This wide golden-sand beach is perfect for swimming and is backed by a choice of beach resorts where it’s easy to relax in comfort while admiring sea views over a refreshing cocktail.
This is probably the busiest beach in Khao Lak (although it never looks it) as it runs parallel to the bustling centre of Nang Thong, which offers an array of shopping, nightlife and dining options.
Beachcomb the southern end, better known locally as Sunset Beach and featuring tiny shells that rest in rocks and crannies. Slip on a mask and snorkel among the sea-lapped rocks that frame this magnificent beach.
Relax on this 13km-long stretch of golden sand that shelves into clear water just perfect for swimming. Join the locals on moonlit nights from November to February to watch sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in the soft sand.
Khao Lak offers a choice of must-see attractions for adventurous newlyweds… go diving and snorkelling in the offshore Similan Islands and Koh Surin.
Or explore by foot, 4WD, elephant or raft the lush natural jungle of Khao Lak Lam Ru National Marine Park.
The Park is bisected by streams and sparkling waterfalls such as Lam Phi Falls and Chong Fah Falls, where you can cool off with a swim in the nature-sculpted rock pools beneath the cascades.
To the north of Khao Lak lies this mainly grassy island that is home to an endless casuarina-fringed white-sand beach.
Unwind at the Kib Resort & Spa (photo), and watch out for the sea turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs in the island’s sands between November and February every year.
Explore on foot or by elephant this 125km² national park that embraces a diverse landscape including beach, sea cliff and estuary, mangrove, waterfall, rolling green hills and a pristine tropical evergreen forest.
Follow the easy 3km round-trip nature trail that winds along the shoreline to Hat Lek Beach or choose from a series of trails to visit cascades that plunge into natural rock pools that are perfect for a refreshing swim.
Along the way, look out for wildlife including hornbills, drongos, tapirs, gibbons, monkeys, Asiatic black bears, wild pigs, barking deer, macaques and pythons.
Once the site of several tin mining enterprises, this 72km² national park offers a network of scenic trails that wind through tropical jungle filled with wildlife including more than 180 species of birds, 64 species of mammals and 57 types of reptiles.
Hike through the pristine jungle to picturesque waterfalls such as Tohn Prai Falls and try to spot tapirs, sun bears and pythons as oriental honey buzzards and black-thighed falcons soar overhead.
Along the coast lie the 13km-long casuarina-fringed white sands of Hat Thai Mueang, a favourite nesting ground for Ridley and leatherback turtles who arrive annually between November and April; ask the park ranger if you can watch the nesting.
The Department of Fisheries protects the raising of sea turtles and in March there is a seven-day festival at Hat Tai Mueang where rangers release the young turtles.
Unwind in hot natural spring water said to be good for the relief of arthritis as well as mental and physical stress, among other benefits. Try the mineral-rich Ban Bor Dan Hot Springs or Kapong Hot Springs, located just 40km north and southwest of Phang Nga town respectively.
Surrounded by rice fields and plantations of rubber, palm and coconut, Khao Lak offers a choice of beachside resorts to suit all budgets, including two of Khao Lak’s most luxurious 5-star resorts: Pullman Khao Lak Katiliya Resort and Spa (photo) and The Sarojin, which are ideal for honeymoon couples.
The Sarojin
Location: Laem Pakarang Beach
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD277 per room
Description: The Sarojin is located in Khaolak overlooking the white beaches and beautiful Andaman Sea. Surrounded by national parks and rainforests, it offers a tropical retreat 1-hour by car from Phuket. Rooms at The Sarojin are set within landscaped gardens of local flowers and exotic fruits. Each room is equipped with a DVD player and free Wi-Fi. Afternoons can be spent lazing at the Thai-style outdoor pavilion while enjoying coffee from the minibar. Relaxing massage treatments can be enjoyed at Sarojin’s spa or by the outdoor pool. Every day is an experience at The Sarojin, where staff can easily arrange Thai cooking classes orprivate boat charters to visit neraby islands. Ficus Restaurant serves modern international cuisine, while The Edge serves fresh seafood by the beach. This luxurious resort is less than 1-hour by boat from the famous diving spots at Similan and Surin Islands. Magnificent natural limestone caves and lagoons at Phang Nga Bay are just 40-minutes by boat away.
X2 Khao Lak Anda Mani Resort
Location: Khao Lak Beach
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD265 per room
Description: Set within spacious tropical gardens on Khao Lak Beach, X2 Khao Lak Anda Mani Resort boasts a private beach area, an outdoor pool, and an entertainment room with a 120-inch cinema screen. Fitted with teak and palm wood furniture, the well-appointed rooms have a flat-screen TV and a DVD player. Each room has a bathroom with a spa bath, and a terrace with views of the beach, pool, or mountains. X2 Khao Lak Anda Mani Resort has a 24-hour reception and a travel desk. Concierge assistance, airport transfers, and laundry services are available. A variety of restaurants are located within 2 minutes’ walk of the resort. The resort is just 5 minutes’ drive from Khao Lak National Park and the town centre of Khao Lak. It is a 10-minute drive from the pier servicing boats to the Similan and Surin Islands. Phuket Airport is a 50-minute drive away.
Ramada Khao Lak Resort
Location: Bang Niang Beach
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD143 per room
Description: Offering 4-star comfort with well-designed rooms and attentive service, Ramada Khao Lak Resort is located on peaceful Bang Niang Beach. It boasts an outdoor pool, spa and beachfront bar and restaurant. Spacious rooms with modern furnishings are housed in low-rise buildings set in tropical landscapes. They come with a 32-inch flat-screen cable TV, balcony and a bathtub. Leisurely afternoons can be spent in the library or with a variety of water sports. There is also a fitness centre, children’s playroom and a business centre. Hearty buffet breakfasts are served at The Kitchen while Sassi’s Beach Club offers beachfront grills and refreshing cocktails. Mellow Bean provides internet facilities and light refreshments. Ramada Khao Lak Resort is an hour-long drive from Phuket International Airport. Free parking is available.
JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort and Spa
Location: Khuk Khak Beach
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD123 per room
Description: Situated on the Andaman Sea’s white-sand Khao Lak Beach, this Thai-style resort offers bright rooms with free WiFi access. Five restaurants and three bars are located on site. The resort boasts a 3.2 km lagoon pool. The JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort’s spacious guest rooms feature large windows, a separate sitting area and a private balcony. Each is equipped with an LCD TV. Guests can relax in a sun lounger by Southeast Asia's largest lagoon-inspired swimming pool while enjoying a tropical drink. Quan Spa offers a variety of treatments including traditional Thai massage. Ta-Krai serves traditional Thai cuisine. Teppanyaki and Japanese dishes are offered at Sakura. Waterfront, which offers al fresco dining overlooking the Andaman Sea, serves a variety of international dishes. JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort is located a 15-minute drive from Khao Lak Town. Guests can reach Phuket International Airport with a 1.5 hours’ drive.
Pullman Khao Lak Katiliya Resort and Spa
Location: Amphur Takua Pa
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD115 per room
Description: Situated by the clear waters of the Andaman Sea, this 5-star property features a full-service spa and 3 outdoor pools set in peaceful tropical landscapes. Buffet breakfast and 6 dining options are available. Featuring classic wood fittings, large rooms and suites open out to a private balcony with garden or pool views. They feature a flat-screen TV and spacious bathroom with rain shower. The spa offers relaxing menus of traditional massages as well as private treatment villas. Other leisure options include a fitness centre and numerous water sports. Dining highlights include refreshing cocktails at Vista, which features panoramic views of the ocean and the resort’s grounds. Thai specialities can be enjoyed at the Baan Thai restaurant. Pullman Khao Lak Katiliya Resort and Spa is a 30-minute drive from Tublamu Navy Golf Course. It is 19 km from Takua Pa market town and 83 km from Phuket International Airport. Free parking is available.
Chong Fah Resort Khaolak
Location: Bang Niang Beach
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD140 per room
Description: Chong Fah Resort Khaolak houses an infinity pool and a restaurant. This boutique resort offers spacious accommodation with free Wi-Fi and a private terrace or balcony. Fitted with wooden flooring, Chong Fah’s rooms and bungalows feature contemporary Thai furnishings. They are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a minibar. Some rooms offer a spa bath and an outdoor rain shower. The resort provides relaxing Thai massages and free bicycle rentals. Travel arrangements can be made at the tour desk. Car rentals and an airport shuttle service are available. Situated alongside Andaman Sea, Seaborn Restaurant serves a variety of Thai and international dishes along with panoramic sea view. Chong Fah Resort Khaolak is a short 5-minute drive from Khao Lak Town and an hour’s drive from Phuket International Airport.
Although enjoyable at any time of the year, Khao Lak is probably best from December through to February, with cooling sea breezes and temperatures ranging between 24°C (75°F) and 32°C (89°F).
April through May is hot, with temperatures often peaking at 36°C (96°F).
For more climate info: Khao Lak Weather Guide…
Khao Lak is located on the Andaman coast of Thailand around 70km (43mi) north of Phuket, and around 760km (470mi) southwest of Bangkok.
The most convenient route to Khao Lak is by air to Phuket Airport (HKT), located in the north of Phuket Island around 32km (20mi) from the town centre.
From some overseas destinations this requires first flying into Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), or Singapore's Changi Airport (SIN), followed by a connecting flight to Phuket.
From Phuket, it's a one-hour drive to Khao Lak. Typically, resorts provide guest pick-up from Phuket Airport by prior arrangement.
More information about how to get to Khao Lak…
Latest update: Khao Lak: 9 June, 2022
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