Khao Lak
Long empty beaches north of Phuket, and the gateway to the Similan Islands. Khao Lak is what Phuket was thirty years ago — low-rise, family-run, and quiet after dark.
Khao Lak is a 25km stretch of Andaman coast beaches 70km north of Phuket airport, and the main departure point for the Similan and Surin islands. Five nights suits divers and families; three is enough for a beach stop.
Beaches and the park
Nang Thong, Bang Niang and Khuk Khak run into each other along the main road. Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park has a short cliff trail and a beach where turtles still nest.
The Similans
The best diving in Thailand is 90 minutes offshore, and liveaboards leave from Thap Lamu. Day trips are possible but long; two nights on a boat is the better version.
Getting there
Phuket airport is 75 minutes south by road, and most of our trips include the transfer. Khao Lak has no airport of its own, which keeps the package-tour crowd smaller than Phuket's.
Who it suits
Divers heading for the Similans, couples who want a quiet beach, and families with children old enough to snorkel. It is not for nightlife — after 10pm the main road is asleep.
Where to stay in Khao Lak
Khao Lak is a 25km strip of coast rather than a town, and the highway runs behind it. Stay on the beach side of the road, and choose the stretch by how much you want within walking distance.
- Bang Niang$$–$$$
Best for: Restaurants, the market, first visits
The most walkable stretch, with the Monday/Wednesday/Saturday market.
- Khuk Khak & Bang Sak$$$
Best for: Quiet beaches, families
Long empty sand between the resorts; you need a car for dinner.
- Pakarang & La On$$$–$$$$
Best for: Snorkelling, dive boats
Closest to the reef at Pakarang Cape and the Similan-bound speedboats.
Price bands are for a double room per night in high season: $ under THB 1,800 · $$ 1,800–4,500 · $$$ 4,500–10,000 · $$$$ above 10,000. We book hotels in every band and inspect them in person.
Mistakes worth avoiding
- Coming in the monsoon season when the sea is rough and the Similans are closed
- Booking a hotel inland and discovering the beach is a highway crossing away
- Expecting Phuket's nightlife — Khao Lak is quiet by design
Is it worth it?
Worth five nights if you dive or want a quiet beach with good day trips. It is far calmer than Phuket, considerably cheaper, and the Similans are on the doorstep. It is not a place for nightlife or shopping.
Things to see in Khao Lak
National park
Similan Islands
Eleven granite islands with some of the clearest water in Thailand and the best diving in the country.…
Beach
Bang Niang Beach
Khao Lak's central beach: long, low-rise and quiet, with restaurants on the sand.…
National park
Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park
A small coastal park with a cliff trail, a waterfall and a beach where turtles still nest.…
Tours that include Khao Lak
Experiences here
Common questions
About 1 hour 15 minutes by car from Phuket airport, or 2 hours from Surat Thani. Most hotels arrange transfers.
November to April. The Similan Islands close from mid-May to mid-October and many hotels shut in the low season.
Bang Niang for restaurants and the market, Khuk Khak for a quieter stretch, Pakarang for snorkelling at the south reef.
Yes — wide beaches, shallow water in the season, and lots of space. The tsunami memorial is worth explaining to older children.
Last updated: October 2026 · JoyoTour editorial team
Add Khao Lak to a longer trip
Most travellers combine it with two or three other places. Tell us your dates and we will suggest the route.