Khao Lak (Thailand) Travel Guide
Reading Time: 4 minsThinking about visiting Khao Lak, Thailand? Great choice — it’s quieter and less touristy than Phuket but just as beautiful. Here’s your compact guide to organize your trip easily.
Table of Contents:
Flights to Thailand
How to get there?
Airports
- Phuket International Airport (HKT) – 1 hour 20 min drive to Khao Lak.
- Krabi International Airport (KBV) – about 2.5–3 hours’ drive
- Surat Thani – forget about it, it is like 3 hours away
Book your flights at Trip.com or MyTrip.com both are good but I always check the prices in case they have a special deal. Phuket is the easiest and closest option. We did fly there and then had a hotel transfer, which took like 2.5 hours, so it would be much faster with a car.
If you’re flying into Krabi, you can also rent a car or use a shuttle, but expect longer travel times. Check for private transfers or shared shuttle options at GetTransfer.com for a more budget-friendly choice.
Airport Lounge Access
For lounge access: Priority Pass if you have Amex card or some other from flight company then you may have some lounge access included or discounts.
Compensation claims
Compensair and AirHelp are good options. Not many people know but you can get compensation up to 600$ for delays or cancellations. Lost baggage and other problems as well.
Getting to Khao Lak
From Phuket airport:
Taxi
Private transfers are fastest (about €30–€50). Kiwitaxi for a taxi with englsh-speaking driver. Available but pricier over long distances.
Shuttle
Prebooked shuttles are cheaper. GetTransfer – we had one from hotel but it should work.
Rental Car
Ideal for flexibility. You are required to hold an international driving license and drive on the left side. DiscoverCars, Economybookings, Rentalcars some may have a good deal. Perfect for exploring beaches and nearby national parks. When renting a car in Thailand, make sure to inspect the car for any existing damage and take photos before driving off. This will help avoid any disputes later.
Scooter Rental
BikesBooking for short distances (make sure you have a motorbike license and wear a helmet).
Accommodation in Khao Lak
Let’s talk about where to live.
Popular areas
- Bang Niang Beach: Trendy, lively, many restaurants and bars.
- Nang Thong Beach: Central, good balance of nightlife and quiet.
- Khao Lak South (Khuk Khak Beach): More secluded, luxury resorts.
Where to stay
- Budget to mid-range: look in Bang Niang.
- Luxury resorts: Khuk Khak Beach and beyond.
Hotels and Resorts
Bang Niang – Ideal if you want to be close to markets, cafes, and massage spots. It’s lively here, but not too noisy.
- La Vela Khao Lak – A modern 5-star beachfront hotel with a large pool, stylish design, and excellent breakfast.
- Casa de La Flora – A high-end boutique hotel with minimalist design, private villas, and pools. Perfect for a romantic getaway.
- Chongfah Beach Resort Khaolak – A cozy boutique hotel with sea views, an infinity pool, and a calm atmosphere, ideal for a relaxing stay.
Nang Thong – The main tourist area with a good range of hotels. Great balance overall.
- The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani – A modern 5-star resort with a water park, spacious rooms, and a great selection of restaurants. Family-friendly.
- Khaolak Bhandari Resort & Spa – A charming hotel in traditional Thai style with a beautiful garden, spa center, and pool. Great for a peaceful stay.
- Khaolak Oriental Resort – Adults-only hotel with elegant interior and relaxing vibes. Perfect for couples and a quiet retreat.
Khuk Khak – Seclusion and luxury. Great for those who enjoy “Bounty-style” holidays with a cocktail by the pool.
- Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort & Villas – A luxury beachfront boutique resort with villas and suites, private pools, a Michelin-rated restaurant, and a peaceful atmosphere.
- JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa – A 5-star resort with a massive 3.2 km pool, multiple restaurants, kid-friendly areas, and top-notch service. Family-friendly.
- The Haven Khao Lak – Adults-only resort (12+), with a romantic vibe, jacuzzi, and the largest saltwater pool in Thailand. Ideal for couples.
Hostels
- DKaYa Hostel – From $3.75 per bed. A modern and clean hostel with a friendly vibe. Offers free Wi-Fi, shared kitchen, bike rental, and a cozy lounge. Located near Bang Niang Beach and the Tsunami Memorial.
- Theppahrak Hostel Khaolak – From $3.90 per bed. Budget-friendly hostel with colorful decor and welcoming staff. Includes free Wi-Fi, shared kitchen, and bike rentals. Close to the Tsunami Memorial and night market.
- Freedom Hostel – From $6.60 per bed. Cozy hostel with a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for beachgoers. Features free Wi-Fi, shared kitchen, and tour services. Centrally located in Khao Lak, within walking distance of Nang Thong Beach.
Where to book?
Booking.com – largest with any accommodations
Agoda – specialises in Asia so there can be some nice deals
Vrbo – is more like if you need a villa
Geography: Know Before You Go
Khao Lak isn’t one town — it’s a coastal stretch made up of small villages and beaches over 20–30 km.
Distances matter! Renting a scooter or car is very useful for getting around. But there are also tuk tuk and buses.
Internet & SIM Cards
Do smart here (don’t buy a roaming package from your phone company).
Better option
- Local SIM cards (AIS, Dtac) at Phuket Airport or 7-Eleven stores.
- Or order an eSIM before arrival — perfect for European travelers.
Airalo or Yesim – roaming is expensive so I recommend getting an eSim that works everywhere. What we do is we get a global but with just internet (no calls or SMS) so we can basically use internet for surfing, navigation, calls via viber or whatsapp. Much cheaper and works everywhere. Well maybe not in North Korea…
Travel Insurance
Thailand requires good insurance for emergencies and there is no hospital in Khao Lak. Don’t skip it — hospital visits can be very expensive. Check your credit card which you used for payment of the trip. It may already have a travel insurance.
Good: VisitorsCoverage or Insurance from EKTA – as always scan the prices and check for deals.
Parking, Shops & Essentials
- Parking: Easy and mostly free at beaches, markets, malls.
- Supermarkets: Big C Market, Tesco Lotus, 7-Eleven.
- ATMs: Widely available but often charge a withdrawal fee (~220 THB).
- Bang Niang market: Popular night market (very touristy)
- Fresh food markets: They are everywhere and usually marked as “fresh food market” on map. We were at “Roumjai Market Khaolak” in the video.
Bring cash because cards are not accepted in small stores and markets. Prices are pretty low so 5000 baht is enough for 1 week or more. 1 USD = 33 baht
Activities & Tours
Popular
- Similan Islands Snorkeling Trips
- Khao Sok National Park Tours
- Elephant Sanctuaries
- Cooking Classes and Muay Thai Lessons
- Bamboo rafting
GetYourGuide, Viator or Klook – you will find a lot of there check what you like. Don’t miss out on visiting the Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park for breathtaking views and wildlife. If you love adventure, you could try a jungle trek or visit Khao Sok for its stunning lakes.
