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Human settlement in Phang Nga Province, Thailand
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Khao Lak (Thai: เขาหลัก) is a 20 km long strip of coastal resorts in Phang Nga Province on the Andaman Sea beaches of Southern Thailand, about 100 km north of Phuket Town. Unlike Phuket, the many resorts in the Khao Lak area cater mainly to families and those looking for peace, quiet, and nature.
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About 30 minutes south of Khao Lak just off Hwy 4. A very nice waterfall, best viewed in the early morning as the sun rises from behind the mountains and the rays shine through the mist. The falls are only a short walk from the car park, making access easy for all. There is a small shop on-site where you can buy drinks (including tea and coffee), ice cream and souvenirs. There are also toilets on-site. Swimming in the water below the falls is permitted and appears reasonably safe.
The Thai Mueang National Park ticket combines a coastal part on the sea and the Ton Phrai Waterfalls that can be visited only on the same day. Driving south of the Khao Lak area for some 40 km you will reach Thai Mueang Town, not a very interesting place to visit but good to buy food and drinks to visit the park where no shops or restaurants are available. After driving along the coast for some 3 km you will find the entrance (ticket 100 Baht per person and 20 Baht for the motorbike as of Dec 2022). Soon after the entrance there is an unattended visitor centre and some nice bungalows that can be rented through the park office(only Thai spoken, 700 Baht a day for the whole bungalow). There is a BBQ area and good toilets are available, all in the shade under a very large tree area. While tourist boats to the coral reef some 1/2 a mile off the coast are offered online we were not able to get any information at the entrance of the park. You keep driving on a straight road for some 3 km and reach the end where there is a parking place for your motorbike. From there a some 10 km long beach is available for long and lonely walks. Apart from some locals near the parking area you will be on your own the whole day. The water is here crystal clear compared to Khao Lak beaches because the coral reef off the coast blocks the waves. Every now and then there are some trees offering shelter from the scorching sun, but do not await anything more. Absolutely bring water and food if you plan to stay the whole day. On the way back to Khao Lak your ticket includes the entry to the Ton Prai Waterfalls. Turn right on the National Road 4 at the sign and drive some 7 km to reach the entrance and parking place. There is also a bar with food and drinks. Be there at least one hour before closing time (5 pm) as the way to the waterfalls is a well marked track of 700 m in the forest, it has several informations regarding plants and animals and it is worth taking it easy to reach the waterfall. The waterfall had in January 2023 still a lot of water, it is some 20 m high and very nice to see. It is also possible to bath but this is not the main reason to visit it.
Nice walks and a restaurant. Entrance on the headland between Nang Thong and Khao Lak beaches. Walkable from the resorts in Bang La On. Across the road from park headquarters there is a Buddhist shrine to the Khao Lak (Khao Lak mountain) god.
Great for hot days. Enjoy a short swim. Very scenic and accessible to all.
Just 2 hr north of Khao Lak off Hwy 401. Superb views over the lake to the limestone ridges. Boat trips are available to rafts (for overnight accommodation you will need to pre book at Khao Sok National Park HQ or book the trip via a tour agency).
Nature activities including jungle trekking on foot or elephant, visiting waterfalls & river rafting/canoeing. Park HQ incorporates small natural history displays of local flora and fauna. A good day out. Accommodations near park HQ available for extended visits.
A women's workshop which develops its own textile designs after a Japanese monk showed tsunami survivors how to weave and earn a living. Visitors are welcome M-Sa.
Takua (ตะกั่ว) in Thai means lead, the metal. Which is odd, because the town was a centre for tin--not lead-- mining in the 1920s and 1930s. Little remains of that era except for some old photos in the Takua Pa Library.
In the old quarter of Takua Pa you will find Sino-Portuguese architecture and have the chance to wander around the quaint shops (best in the early morning). About 30 minutes drive north of Khao Lak. Takua Pa market and River Plaza are in the new town, near the bus station. There is a typical local market. The plaza has some good shops and a few riverside restaurants.
On a macabre note, Takua Pa was the centre for relief efforts following the tsunami. The collection/identification point for recovered bodies was located here, and there is reputed to be a cemetery holding the remains of unidentified foreign victims of the disaster.
A great, alternative way to get to Takua Pa is to turn right at km784 following the signs to the Sai Rung waterfall. The next 17 km will take you on one of Thailand's most lovely roads--no traffic, perfect tarmac, and no hills to speak of (perfect for bicycling). You will come to a T-junction. Turn left to old town Takua Pa, 1 km.
Ko Kho Khao is a less visited albeit interesting island connected to the mainland with small boats. It can be reached with a moped from the Khao Lak area in 30 minutes, some 25 km. From the national road 4 turn left at the Takua Pa Highway Police Unit and reach the local harbour, not the largest harbour used by tourist Seastar speedboats. Once there you will find one or two boats waiting for passengers, the boat man will take care of taking your motorbike to the boat, that is something you should not attempt to do it yourself. The one way trip is only some ten minutes and costs 20 Baht per person plus 20 Baht for the motorbike. Once on the island follow the main road and reach first the Riversand Camping Place that has also a cheap and friendly restaurant. The beach is very nice and you will be virtually alone there. There are a few sunbeds to use for free if you drink or eat something at the restaurant. Onwards you will find the Hapla Beach Cottage that has also accommodation and a bar/restaurant on the beach. While this place looks nicer and better organized, it is run by foreigners, food and drinks are definitely more expensive. This beach is as nice and as lonely as the one you have visited before. Continue north on a nice and at the end fast idyllic road through some rice fields and reach the Hula Beach. The restaurant there was closed at the time we visited the island (Feb. 2023). The other side of the island is less interesting and only the Ban Muang Mai Pier can be reached. While the pier is not interesting at all, just 300 m before there is a local community definitely worth seeing. It is not possible to do a loop on the island, from there you backtrack to the harbour and catch the ferry back to the main land. While there is no fixed schedule it is safe to return not after 6 pm to avoid long waiting times and probably a more expensive ferry fare.
Diving & snorkelling in Khao Lak, visiting the Similan Islands, tin barge wrecks, and local sites. Small or large groups, safety focused and family-friendly.
High quality dive centre, providing liveaboards and daytrips to the Similans, Ko Phi Phi and all dive sites in the area.
Established in 1996, offering daily dive trips, PADI dive education and liveaboards.
5 Star PADI IDC centre specialising in liveaboards and day trips to the Similan Islands, Ko Bon, Richelieu Rock, and local reefs and wrecks. Established in 1993, Khao Lak's original dive centre now offers 6 different boats and 10 different diving and snorkelling trips. All ages, tastes, styles and budgets catered for. Many languages spoken and small diving groups guaranteed.
Khao Lak Dive Centre
Reliable, independent information and booking services for scuba diving, snorkelling and sailing trips to the Similan Islands.
7Seas
Providing flexible multi days liveaboards (2, 3, 4 days) and day trips to the Similans, Koh Bon, Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock.
PADI 5-star dive center.
Beautiful mountain valley setting and modern facility. Its remoteness means it does not see a lot of activity. You may have to struggle to find someone to take your money.
Offers a 3 day/3 night snorkelling liveaboard trip to Similan Islands & Ko Bon & Ko Tachai & Surin Islands. This mix is absolutely unique for snorkellers.
A popular and well-organised company offering snorkelling to the Similan Islands with a fleet of 4 boats. Thai-owned and managed with good reviews on travel forums. Bookable through the website or at tour shops locally.
Professionally operated and guided snorkelling tours (day trips and overnight) to Similan and Surin Islands with German, Swedish, and English guides.
Specialised in snorkelling in the Tachai Islands.
Surf shop in Khao Lak. Board rental and good surf spot. 3 breaks on Cape Pakarang plus good beach breaks around Khao Lak.
Thai-run gym featuring most of the equipment one expects. Includes a small cafe serving healthy drinks and coffee. No air-conditioning. No Wi-Fi. Just south of the gym there is a small reservoir with surrounding 1 km hard surface path that is great for walking/jogging.
Grassroots Human Rights and Education
FED, a Burmese/Thai NGO, came to Khao Lak to help the many thousands of displaced Burmese migrant workers in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami. The organisation has been doing stellar work in the area ever since: educating children, supporting women's rights, providing medical and legal assistance. If you have at least a month to give, helping this group help others might prove to be the highlight of your stay in Thailand.
Thai and French cuisine with a big choice of international dishes, nice atmosphere and multilingual service. The place also serves as a bar with a local expatriate crowd, offering a variety of music including soul/jazz/lounge in the early hours. Cocktails, free Wi-Fi and shisha. Closed in low season.
Thai seafood and western cuisine. Also cooking classes where you can accompany instructors to the market and select the food that you will cook personally.
Thai food including dishes from north Thailand. Decorated with original items from Chiang Rai.
Traditional Thai food in an ultra-modern, chic, open-air setting.
Very clean restaurant with an extensive Thai/Western menu. Run by a Thai lady along with her Swedish husband and her sisters. Excellent, ample portions. Prices typical for Thai restaurants serving a tourist clientèle. Full bar. No Wi-Fi. Open most of the year.
Italian restaurant open all year.
Home-made Mexican cuisine using the freshest ingredients available. Full bar, frozen cocktails, and ice-cold beer. Family friendly with good music and a free pool table.
Decorated with many items brought from the owners home town in northern Thailand. Open most of the year.
Cute, clean, and pleasant spot with Thai and Western food and an accommodating staff.
formerly Mr. Kon's Family, Phen's Place
Thai and seafood beach restaurant with a wide range of tasty dishes. It has very nice sunset views and an informal and friendly atmosphere. Tour information from the owner, Mrs. Phen. Sunchairs, parasols, shower, traditional Thai massage, and taxi service available.
Small restaurant run by Thai couple, one of whom is a former chef at Le Meridien. Pasta made on the premises. Portions are small by Western standards, but so are the prices: the most expensive thing on the menu is T-bone steak 180 baht. Pizzas, albeit tiny, (120 baht) and salads are terrific. No Wi-Fi. Caveat: there is a restaurant of the same name almost directly across the road.
Hosts Joo and Andy run this commodious bar-restaurant-lodging house that feels more like being in your living room than in south Thailand. Free pool table, Wi-Fi. Motorbikes for rent for 200-250 baht per day depending on model. Five rooms with air-conditioning are available at 650 baht. Dorm bunks for 150 baht. The restaurant employs a great cook. Representative prices: burger/fries, 150 baht; pizza, 250 baht; pad Thai, 80 baht; khao pat, 90 baht; full English breakfast, 195 baht. Clientèle includes many knowledgeable expats, so this place is great for making connections, asking questions, learning of new places.
Small hostess bar with one pool table.
ดีกรี
Thai open-air nightclub featuring live music most nights, if not every night. All will be made to feel welcome. Very casual, come as you are kind of place. No cover charge. Serves beer, drinks, and bottles of whisky. No sign in English, just follow the sound of the music.
Great late-night bar, run by a very gracious Thai couple, Black and Lin. Pool table, professional Foosball table, a rarity in Thailand, excellent Wi-Fi. Clientèle is a mix of expats and vacationers. Open year-round.
Great restaurant for Western and Thai fare at reasonable prices. Serves high quality cocktails. Open year-round.
It's hard to miss the Mars Bar, with its bright orange exterior. And you would not want to miss it. The English proprietor, Mars, runs a great establishment with his Thai partner, Mem. Best coffee in the area and a broad menu that includes home made bread, British staples like bangers & mash, as well as Thai food. Beer & cocktails at very reasonable prices. Great, free Wi-Fi. A favourite feature is the Mars Bar "lending library", a wide collection of mostly thrillers in English, German, Nordic, and other languages. You won't find a more welcoming place in Khao Lak. Open year-round.
Mondays, Wednesdays, & Saturdays, are market days in Bang Niang. Vendors sell everything from clothing to fresh shrimp. There are lots of prepared food stalls to choose from too. On the south side of the market, under a large tamarind tree, you will find this very pleasant and reasonable bar, run by Mr. Chay, who speaks serviceable English and German. A good place to stop to enjoy the passing scene. No Wi-Fi. Open year-round.
Khao Lak's original (tasteful) cabaret show performed exclusively by lady boys. Cocktails, beer, and soft drinks served. Daily show in high season. No entrance charge. Show time 21:45. Closed low-season.
Nachos, fajitas, frozen margaritas, and ice cold beer. Tacos, burritos and children's menu. Great music and pool table (competition every Friday night, 20:00). Open for lunch and dinner every day. Free Wi-Fi.
Funky, open air bar run by Wan. Good music, largely expat clientèle. Very popular, especially on market days (M-W-Sa). Serves bar snacks. Stays open as long as there are customers. No Wi-Fi.
Small hostess bar on Rte 4.
Small, fun bar run by a Thai lady named Tha. Very accommodating and friendly. Entertaining bar hostesses. Snooker table. No Wi-Fi. Closed during low season (May-Oct).
The person who came up with the name of this place obviously doesn't know what a pub is, for this place is a disco for sure. State of the art music system and lighting make this place rock out. Popular with young Thais, but always with a solid contingent of farangs present. No entrance charge. Prices are reasonable. Best fun is to go with a group and buy a bottle instead of individual drinks.
Modern, Thai-designed resort on Khao Lak Beach.
Located 5 or so kilometres south of Bang La On. Adjacent to a small, secluded beach. 2-person bungalow is 900 baht per night, a 4-person bungalow is 1,400 baht per night (for 2-persons, 1,200 baht and for 3-persons, 1,300 baht). Arranges snorkelling trips to the Similan Islands.
Comfortable, unpretentious homey place. Air-conditioning, TV, pool, Wi-Fi, motorbike rental, restaurant on premises. Airport transfer to Phuket: 1,500 baht (1-6 persons).
Modern, duplex brick bungalows in a pleasant garden setting with no pool. On-premises bar and restaurant has prices similar to those on the main road. Hot water in the bathrooms. Car parking spaces opposite reception. Is about 200 m to the beach.
Convenient location in the thick of Bang La On. A modern and friendly place to stay.
Luxury resort on lovely grounds. Rooms and bungalows finished throughout in rich, exotic wood. Nice pool. Staff great. Off-season rates can be bargained down considerably, don't be afraid to haggle. Two peculiarities of the place: room numbers in Thai numerals, not Arabic, which can lead to some initial confusion. Poor bathroom lighting means that shaving is essentially done in the dark. Wi-Fi available only in the area of the lobby/restaurant, not in rooms.
14 room bed & breakfast. Clean rooms, cosy common area. Free Wi-Fi, complimentary coffee/tea and cookies and great continental breakfast. Delicious European bread: dark and multi-grain. Great mix of Western and touch of Thai with local breakfast dishes and tropical fruit at a very reasonable price. 5 minute walk to Nang Thong Beach and Bang La On's central shopping and entertainment district. English spoken, staff very helpful.
Free Wi-Fi. Restaurant and bicycle rentals on-site.
One of the Best New Hotels by Conde Nast Traveler’s Hot List 2012, located directly on the beautiful, palm-fringed Bang Niang beach. Free mini-bar.
Chongfah Resort
70 rooms and villas. The resort is located on Bang Niang Beach.
Simple resort located in the middle of Bang Niang. 10 minute walk to the beach. Free Wi-Fi.
Clean, reasonably priced guesthouse conveniently located across the highway from the thrice-weekly market (M-W-Sa). Run by the English-speaking Appun (Thai for "Apple")and her husband. Both are very accommodating and helpful. Motorbike rentals possible also. Rooms range from fan-only to air-conditioning. All rooms with bath en suite. Prices shown are starting prices, longer stays negotiable. Free Wi-Fi.
All rooms offer air-conditioning, fridge, balcony, safe. Swimming pool. Wi-Fi.
Voted "one of the world's top new hotels in 2010" by Condé Nast. Known for its beach, high-end facilities, and the longest swimming pool in Southeast Asia.
Quiet, off-the-beaten-track clean, modern bungalows in a park-like setting well off the main road in Khuk Khak. On the site of a golf driving range which is free for the use of bungalow residents. 10 bungalows in two different sizes: 47 m2 and 62 m2. Each includes weekly cleaning & linen service, TV, air-conditioning. microwave, refrigerator. Daily, weekly, monthly rates. Larger units are 1,000 baht per day or 12,000 baht per month. Smaller are 800 baht/day, or 10,000 baht/month. Discounted if you stay longer. Internet connection is intermittent and mobile phone signal can be poor.
Modern Thai-style beach retreat. This is perhaps the northernmost "Khao Lak" hotel.
There are six 7-Elevens in the Khao Lak region. They are very useful as navigational aids as well as convenient places to purchase mobile phone SIM cards, additional airtime for your mobile phone, liquor and beer, and sundry items.
There are two 7-Elevens in Bang La On, one in Bang Niang (km793.3), two in Khuk Khak (km791.2), and one at the turn for Parkarang Cape (km787). Several things are worth noting: 1) 7-Elevens will sell alcohol only between the hours of 11:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 24:00. This is irregularly enforced. On religious holidays there will be no alcohol sales at any time. Holidays can last for several days. Smaller corner shops will be happy to sell you alcohol anytime they are open. 2) The northern Khuk Khak 7-Eleven, located at the PTT gas station (km790.5), does not sell any alcohol. This is true for all convenience stores adjacent to gas stations in Thailand. 3) All 7-Elevens have ATMs adjacent to their entrance. Doubly convenient, as you will get 1,000 baht notes from the machine. Use them for purchases in the 7-Eleven, as smaller shops frequently have difficulty making change.
(talat nat ตลาดนัด)
Outdoor market held 3 days per week. One section of the market sells fresh fish, meat, vegetables, and fruit. Another section sells prepared foods like barbecued chicken and corn on the cob. The remainder of the market stalls sell clothing, luggage, DVDs, games, kitchen ware, souvenirs, sunglasses, etc. All at knock down prices if you haggle, as is expected. There are at least three bars on the market grounds where you can buy a beer and take in the passing scene.
talat sot ตลาดสด)
This is the market where all the smaller restaurateurs from the area procure their foodstuffs: fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, and so forth. Some small storefronts around the market specialise in foreign foods such as salami, butter, cheese, frozen foods, olive oil, as well as sell frozen beef steaks, lamb, lobsters, and other exotics. On M-W-Sa, when the Bang Niang Market takes place, this market appears to shut down about 13:00, when the vendors move to the other marketplace. The government bus station, BKS, is located here at the NW corner of the square.
By train
The nearest train station is at Surat Thani on the east coast, making this a less convenient option than just hopping on bus.
By bus
No buses have Khao Lak as their starting or ending point, but the region is well-served by buses originating in Bangkok, Chumphon, Phuket, Ranong, Surat Thani, and Takua Pa.
Given that the Khao Lak region is about 20 km in length, knowing how to get around is important.
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