Khao Lak Travel Guide
Khao Lak is an upscale beach resort area along Thailand's Andaman Sea coast just north of Phuket. Although it was razed during the 2004 tsunami, it is back and snazzier than ever.
- Worth It?
- If Phuket starts to feel too busy, head north and find a bit of peace.
- What to Do
- walk the long beach, swim in crystal clear water, scuba off the Similans or walk through the jungle at Lam Ru National Park.
- Best Time to Go
- the seas are calmest from December until April.
- How Long?
- How long can you spare?
Claiming there is an actual town in Khao Lak is overstating the clutch of tour shops, minimarts and restaurants scattered along the main coastal road above Khao Lak Beach. This is a beach resort destination pure and simple. But the beach is long, clean and great for swimming.
Since the tsunami, Khao Lak has gone upscale. Most beach resorts here are a bit pricey, but it's a nice area considered ripe for development. The beach is the main attraction. It has soft sand studded by granite boulders.
Nearby are some excellent national parks if you want to get off the beach for a day. Lam Ru National Park is the closest, combining a remote cape with jungle hikes, waterfalls and stunning viewpoints.
Khao Lak is also the jumping off point for boats to the beautiful Similan Islands, a national marine park with arguably the best scuba diving in Thailand.
Travel to Khao Lak - Getting There
The easiest way to reach Khao Lak is to fly to the nearest airport, Phuket International, and catch a direct taxi or minivan shuttle north to the beach; approximately 90 minute away. There are daily flights to Phuket from most major cities in Thailand. Otherwise, you can take the bus from Bangkok to Phuket which runs right past Khao Lak.
Khao Lak Things to Do
Khao Lak Attractions
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