If this is your first time in Khao Lak, you may find this page helpful. Part of the province of Phang Nga, just north of Phuket, Khao Lak is the name of the 20 km coastline between Tap Lamu and Takua Pa. Khao Lak is famous for several reasons, including its splendid deserted beaches, a verdant hinterland and some pristine islands lying a short distance off the coast.
Our Khao Lak survival guide is here to introduce you to this growing area of Thailand, and to suggest a few venues and places you should visit during your holiday here. Our experience of Khao Lak, and of the popular places it houses, will surely come in handy when you arrive at your hotel after a long and tiring trip.
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Khao Lak at a Glance
Khao Lak is the perfect holiday destination for beach lovers. The 20 km of coastline mentioned above is 20 km of beaches interspersed with occasional small rocky capes. The coastal road that links Phuket to Ranong is named Phetkasem Road. Most of the restaurants, shops and nightspots are on this road, or in the gap between the road and the sea (a gap that can be of up to 5 km, at some points).
WHAT'S GOOD ABOUT KHAO LAK:
Long and unspoilt beaches
Good choice of dining and nightlife entertainment options in Nang Thong (La On) and Bang Niang
Some areas are barely developed and far from everything
Few shopping opportunities
Renting a vehicle is necessary to get around, but Phetkasem Road can be difficult to cross at times due to heavy traffic
Things You Can Do in Khao Lak
Despite its relatively slow development and remoteness, Khao Lak features some of the most renowned natural sites of Thailand. These sites offer exciting leisure activities from snorkelling and scuba diving to kayaking and hiking. If this is your first time in Khao Lak, the following things to do should be on your bucket-list.
Similan Islands
For six months every year, the Similan Islands welcome guests with beach scenes on par with anything the wildest ofRead More»
Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay is certainly the crown of all the must-visit sites in the province of Phang Nga. Located roughly a Read More»
International Tsunami Museum
The International Tsunami Museum is a well thought-out informative place to learn all about tsunamis in general – how Read More»
Best Places to Go at Night in Khao Lak
Khao Lak offers a good choice of places to spend the evening. From attractive beachfront venues to roadside bars, nightlife entertainment options in Khao Lak have a family-friendly touch. Khao Lak’s most popular nightspots often feature live music and cheerful ambience. If you come for the first time to Khao Lak,the following venues are not to be missed.
Happy Snapper Bar in Khao Lak
Happy Snapper is the most popular venue in the Khao Lak area after dark. Established in 2002, Happy Snapper is the baby Read More»
Bang Niang Market
Bang Niang Market is the shopping epicentre in Khao Lak. Always a colourful and lively sight, Thai markets are a must-do Read More»
Khao Lak Monkey Bar
Located in the centre of La On Village, Khao Lak Monkey Bar can be described in a flash as following: excellent Read More»
Great Restaurants We Like in Khao Lak
Khao Lak’s dining scene is similar to many of the favourite holiday resorts in south Thailand. You’ll find a great choice of restaurants serving food from all around the world for any type of budget. We’ve picked out three absolute must-try restaurants for your first time in Khao Lak. One is an unpretentious yet delectable Thai restaurant, one is a cool beachfront venue just south of Pakarang Cape and one is a stylish hotel eatery serving outstanding five-star food.
Ficus Restaurant
If anyone could explain just exactly what it is that makes a successful restaurant they’d be able to retire a very rich Read More»
Smile Khaolak Restaurant
Smile Khaolak Restaurant is among the most recommendable places to dine in La On Village. This simple restaurant located Read More»
Memories Beach Bar & Restaurant
Memories Beach Bar & Restaurant is one of these successful businesses that owe their prosperity to different Read More»
Hotels in Khao Lak We Recommend to Our Friends
Khao Lak is home to a lively accommodation scene that can take care of all types of travellers. At one end of the scale, cheap guesthouses and hostels in La On and Bang Niang offer young scuba divers affordable places to stay. At the other, high-end beachfront resorts are the last word in luxury. Everyone can find a place to stay in Khao Lak that suits their taste and budget. We’ve selected three hotels, one in each budget category, which we recommend to our friends and family when they come to Khao Lak.
We try to provide free information that is as up-to-date and accurate as possible. However, if you are planning to travel it's a good idea to double check specific dates and information to avoid surprises.
