About Khao Lak
Khao Lak is a strip of about 20 km along the coast of Phang Nga province, more than 100 km north of Phuket. The place is calmer than Phuket and attracts families and travellers wanting a beach holiday without the crowds. Long beaches with gentle waves alternate with small resorts and simple eateries. Khao Lak is best known as the departure point for boat trips to the Similan Islands, which are accessible from mid-October to mid-May. In the surroundings lies Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park with waterfalls and hiking routes. The region was hit hard by the 2004 tsunami, and there are memorial sites. In the rainy season the sea is rough and many trips are closed. The main road runs parallel to the beach, so the resorts are spread out and a rented scooter or taxi is useful for getting around.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to April: dry, sunny and calm seas. September and October are the wettest months; from May to October the sea is often rough and some boat trips do not run. The Similan Islands are accessible from mid-October to mid-May. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Phuket Airport it is about 1 to 1.25 hours (roughly 70 km) to Khao Lak; also by bus from Phuket or Surat Thani. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Khao Lak
- Similan Islands Boat trips to the islands run from mid-October to mid-May.
- Long beaches Such as Bang Niang and Nang Thong, with gentle waves and few crowds.
- Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park A park with waterfalls and trails just behind the coast.
- Memorial sites Places that commemorate the 2004 tsunami.
