The second most populous beach, Bang Niang, like Nang Thong, is still nowhere near crowded. A few longtails putter about in the sea, a small assembly of resorts overlook the beach, and basic-but-cheap Thai restaurants and massage huts – with paradise-perfect views – perch on the small sand hill that slopes down to meet the incoming surf. Read More...

Woods and waves come together at the southernmost beach in Khao Lak. Quite possibly the area’s most shaded stretch of sand, stately trees line the edge of the beach, their branches reaching for the sea. A headland, impassable on foot, blocks this beach from it’s neighbours to the north, resulting in periods of absolute vacancy.

Please note that there are no beach chairs for rent, no wandering vendors, and not much nearby but a few resorts. Read More...

Khuk Khak Beach, with only a couple resorts tucked among the pine trees and palm groves, marks the end of civilization and the beginning of endless stretches of near-nothingness.

Following the signs from Khuk Khak Village to the beach of the same name, jump off the main road on any trail that leads to toward the water and enjoy the tranquility of isolation. Here, you’re more likely to encounter local fisherman going about their business than other travelers.

The most peopled beach is by no means crowded; that adjective is laughable in Khao Lak. The half-dozen resorts that front the beach explain the presence of people, and the sea view pools at those resorts explain why most guests don’t quite make it all the way to the sand. Check out the Nang Thong’s hotel restaurants for late afternoon drinks under the massive canopy of orange sky. Read More...

Natai Beach is a quiet, peaceful and exclusive escape in Khao Lak, just 6km north of Phuket. It is a 10km-long strip of unspoilt beach, with strict building regulations and numerous protected zones ensuring that it retains its special feeling of isolation, giving visitors a sense of complete separation from the troubles of the world, with only the sand between your toes and the gentle swishing of the waves to disturb you. Read More...

While nobody actually calls Pakarang Cape the Horn of Khao Lak, they could. Jutting into the sea, it provides a great vantage point to view the beaches to both the north and south.

Sparsely treed and littered with shells and broken coral, it’s not the most sun-bather-friendly, but it’s definitely interesting, easily accessed by car or motorbike, and amazingly unpopulated.

Some of Khao Laks most sumptuous resorts are spread out on Pakweeb (pronounce Pakweep) Beach’s several kilometers worth of prime coastline, and for good reason.

The beach is lovely, though it may take a moment to realize what sets this beach apart. National park status means no motorboats; a fact so refreshing you’ll be hard pressed to find a more peaceful location. As an added bonus, resorts here know how important a clean beach is, and go to great lengths to keep the sand in tip-top shape.

Thai Muang Beach a very large slice of largely undeveloped tropical bliss, just north of Natai Beach and about halfway between Phuket and Khao Lak. Home to a couple of small local villages, a golf course, a sea turtle sanctuary and a national park, it is one of the most natural and quiet beaches in southern Thailand. With its powdery white sands, which stretch well out into the warm, clear sea, it is also among the most attractive. Read More...

White Sand Beach (aka White Sandy Beach and Ao Thong – Golden Bay – in Thai) is a 2,600m-long strip of sand located between Pakarang Cape and Pak Weep Beach, some 15 minute-drive from La On Village, the main urban centre in Khao Lak.

To say that White Sand Beach is beautiful would not do it justice as the place is stunning: the colours of the sea blend turquoise and emerald green, the sand is soft and powdery with light yellow tones, and the lush tropical vegetation that fringes the beach covers wide shades of green. The only slightly down side of White Sand Beach is a row of Read More...