11 TOP Things to Do in Khao Lak, Thailand & Is It Worth Visiting?
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand and wondering if Khao Lak is worth a stop—Let’s figure it out together!
This coastal town is split between a northern and southern area (about 10 minutes apart by car), and it’s best known as a gateway to the stunning Similan and Surin Islands.
There are plenty of things to do in Khao Lak, so if you’re into snorkeling, diving, or just beach bumming with a coconut in hand, it might be your kind of place!
After living in Thailand for years, I finally got to visit and spend a good few days checking it out. Here’s what to do, where to eat, and what to know about Khao Lak, Thailand.
Planning Your Khao Lak Trip NOW?
Here is the quick lowdown!
🗺️ Top Experiences and Tours
- Snorkel or dive trip to Similan Islands and Surin Islands
- Drink coconuts on the beach all day
- Take a bamboo rafting trip through a jungle
- Walk out to the Khao Lak lighthouse
- Day trip to Khao Sok
🏨 Where to Stay
There are two main areas of Khao Lak (about a 10-minute drive between the two):
- Nang Thong – The “center” of Khao Lak
- Bang Niang – The chiller area (imo)
🚘 How to Get Here?
You can book cheap buses and shuttles ahead of time!
🛟 Safety
Travel insurance is a must, and it doesn’t have to cost much—Here’s what I use.
Table of Contents
- 1. Visit Similan and Surin Islands (Most Popular Thing to Do in Khao Lak)
- 2. Beach Bum Like a Pro
- 3. Get a Massage on the Beach
- 4. Grab a Coconut (or Three)
- 5. Sunset Drinks Beachside
- 6. Eat All the Seafood
- 7. Take a Bamboo Rafting + Turtle Conservation Tour
- 8. Catch a Muay Thai Fight (Or Train For One!)
- 9. Walk Out to the Khao Lak Lighthouse
- 10. Wander the Local Markets
- 11. Visit the Police Boat 813 Tsunami Memorial
- Other Day Trips From Khao Lak
- Where to Stay in Khao Lak
- How to Get to Khao Lak
- Getting Around Khao Lak
- Where to Eat & Drink in Khao Lak
- When To Visit
- So… Is Khao Lak Worth Visiting?
1. Visit Similan and Surin Islands (Most Popular Thing to Do in Khao Lak)
This is the reason most travelers end up in Khao Lak—and fair warning, these islands are popular for a reason.
Both the Similan and Surin Islands are national parks known for their crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and some of the best underwater visibility in Thailand.

You can visit either on a day trip from Khao Lak, or if you’re a diver, consider booking a liveaboard boat and spending a few nights at sea.
So which one should you pick? The Similan Islands are better known and more crowded, but offer dramatic granite rock formations and a chance to dive with manta rays and whale sharks if you’re lucky.
The Surin Islands are further out, less touristy, and known for shallower coral gardens—better for snorkeling. Bonus: you can sometimes visit the Moken Sea Gypsy village here too.

Tours typically run from mid-October to early May, as the islands close during monsoon season. Booking is easy—there are agencies all over Khao Lak, or you can book ahead online if you want to guarantee a spot.
Most trips include hotel pickup, snorkel/dive gear, lunch, and park fees. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag, and a pair of sunnies!
👉 BOOK IT: Similan Islands | Surin Islands
2. Beach Bum Like a Pro
Let’s be honest—you’re probably coming to Khao Lak to do a whole lot of nothing, and the beaches are perfect for that. There are two main stretches of sand to know about: Khao Lak Beach (north) and Nang Thong Beach (south).
Khao Lak Beach is the more relaxed option. It’s quieter, wider, and tends to have more space even during high tide. Nang Thong Beach, on the other hand, is a bit more built up.

In some parts of this beach, especially near the center, the resorts are so close to the water that there’s barely any sand left when the tide comes in.
This may just be a high tide issue, but it does make the beach feel a bit cramped in certain spots. Walk further south, though, and it gets better—wider sand, fewer crowds, and some cool rocky areas to explore.

Beyond these two, there are other lovely beaches nearby worth checking out. White Sand Beach, Coconut Beach, and Pak Weep Beach are all a quick drive north and offer calm, shallow waters and quieter vibes. Perfect for a beach hop kind of day.
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3. Get a Massage on the Beach
You haven’t truly embraced the Khao Lak lifestyle until you’ve gotten a Thai massage with the sound of waves crashing in the background.
We snagged the last available spots at Green Beach Massage one afternoon, and it was exactly what we needed after a long day in the sun (oh, life is so hard here…).
No fancy spa setup here—just simple beds set up under a shady canopy, with the waves splashing just a few feet away.

There are several of these beach massage spots along the coast, but Green Beach had a peaceful vibe and fair prices (around 300–400 baht/hour at the time of our visit).
Whether you go for a traditional Thai massage, a foot rub, or an oil massage, this is one of the most relaxing things to do in Khao Lak.
4. Grab a Coconut (or Three)
There’s no shortage of places to sip something tropical, but Hippie Fish Beach Cafe was one of our faves. It’s right on the beach, super chill, and serves fresh coconuts, smoothies, coffee, and cocktails with a view.

You can post up here with a drink in hand and watch the waves roll in while planning your next beach walk—or doing absolutely nothing, which is also a solid plan.
5. Sunset Drinks Beachside
Sunsets in Khao Lak are next-level, and grabbing a drink while the sky lights up is a must.
Many beachfront bars and restaurants set out bean bags or low tables right on the sand, so you can sip a cold Chang or a mojito with your toes in the sand.

There are a ton of casual spots lining the coast where you can wander in and grab a drink at golden hour.
No need to overthink it—just head to the beach, walk until something catches your eye, and enjoy the view. The vibes are chill, and the beers are cold.
6. Eat All the Seafood
Seafood lovers, you’re in for a treat. Khao Lak is packed with local restaurants serving up ridiculously fresh dishes—grilled fish, garlicky prawns, spicy seafood soups, and more.
Some of our best meals were at casual open-air spots with plastic chairs and handwritten menus, and we’re not mad about it.

You’ll find tons of seafood restaurants scattered throughout both the north and south areas.
We’ll list some of our favorites further down in this post, but honestly? You could close your eyes, point to a random local place, and probably still have an amazing meal.
7. Take a Bamboo Rafting + Turtle Conservation Tour
This half-day tour is a fun mix of nature, chill vibes, and a bit of wildlife spotting—all with zero stress thanks to hotel pickup.
You’ll float down a peaceful river on a bamboo raft with a local guide (keep an eye out for monkeys and colorful birds), visit the Sea Turtle Conservation Center to learn about marine rescue efforts, and finish off with a refreshing swim at Ton Pling Waterfall.

The rafting section is mellow and scenic—perfect for snapping pics or just kicking back while your guide paddles. It’s a great option if you want to squeeze a bit of soft adventure into your beach trip without spending the whole day out.
👉 BOOK IT: Bamboo Rafting Adventure
8. Catch a Muay Thai Fight (Or Train For One!)
Go to a live Muay Thai fight! You’ll know it’s happening when you hear the local advertising truck rolling through town, megaphone blaring: “Muay Thai fight tonight!”
We even saw a fighter doing pad work on top of the truck with their coach, just casually training in the parking lot. Welcome to Thailand.

The fights are held in a small local stadium and are usually on a couple of nights a week—ask your hotel or check the flyers around town for details.
Of course, if you’re up for it, you can train Muay Thai at the gyms here too! Staying long term? You can even train for an upcoming fight (or just get a solid workout in, that’s cool too)!
9. Walk Out to the Khao Lak Lighthouse
If you’re staying near Nang Thong Beach, you’ll spot the Khao Lak Lighthouse sitting out on a rocky little point just offshore.

It’s a cute photo op and a fun mini adventure if you’re nearby during low tide—when the water recedes, you can actually walk right out to it on the rocks and sand.
You don’t need to make a special trip just for this, but if you’re already beach strolling in the area or catching a sunset nearby, it’s a nice little detour. Just keep an eye on the tide—at high tide, it’s totally surrounded by water.
10. Wander the Local Markets
For a taste of local life (and a few souvenirs), head to one of Khao Lak’s two main markets.
These spots are great for snacking on Thai street food, picking up beach clothes, or grabbing a few last-minute gifts for your friends back home.

Bang Niang Market is in the north and is the bigger, livelier of the two. It’s open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 2–10pm and has everything from grilled skewers and fruit shakes to handmade soaps, woven bags, and knock-off sunglasses.
It’s a good mix of touristy and local and a fun place to wander in the evening.
Alive Market Khaolak is further south and a lot smaller. It sits just off the beach and runs every night from 3–10pm. There’s more food than anything else—fried snacks, Thai curries, seafood-on-a-stick—and a few souvenir stands. It’s low-key and small, but worth stopping by if you’re nearby.
11. Visit the Police Boat 813 Tsunami Memorial
Khao Lak was one of the areas hit hardest by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and this memorial site helps tell that story.
Police Boat 813 is a massive navy vessel that was swept inland nearly 2 kilometers by the waves—and it still sits where it landed, surrounded by a small park and a few exhibits honoring the lives lost.

It’s a powerful, sobering place that adds context to the region’s history and the resilience of the local community. You’ll learn how the wave came in, how people responded, and how the area rebuilt in the aftermath.
It’s not a long stop, but it’s worth visiting, especially if you’re already heading to the Bang Niang Market nearby.
Other Day Trips From Khao Lak

- Phang Nga Bay Twilight Sea Canoe & Glowing Plankton Tour – Spend the afternoon kayaking through sea caves, visiting James Bond Island, and spotting wildlife like monkeys, kingfishers, limestone karsts, and hidden lagoons of Phang Nga Bay. After sunset, paddle through glowing bioluminescent plankton for a surreal experience.
- Cheow Lan Lake & Emerald Pool Tour – Head into Khao Sok National Park for a full day of jungle, caves, and chill lake time. You’ll explore caves, take a longtail boat across Cheow Lan Lake, and enjoy lunch on a floating raft house. There’s also swimming, kayaking, and panoramic views from the Khao Sok Viewpoint on the way back.
- Phi Phi Islands Early Bird Speedboat Tour – Beat the crowds with this early morning tour to Maya Bay, Phi Phi Viewpoint, and Bamboo Island. Includes beach time, snorkeling, swimming in turquoise lagoons, and a solid lunch on the beach. An excellent option for seeing the famous islands if you’re low on time.
Where to Stay in Khao Lak
I stayed in both areas of Khao Lak, and here are the two hotels I stayed at:
The Chu’s Boutique Hotel
If you’re looking for something quiet and affordable, this place ticks all the boxes. It’s set back from the road, so it’s peaceful at night, and the small pool is a nice touch after a hot beach day.
The rooms are modern and clean, with all the basics you need, and the backdrop of the lush green hill gives it a little extra charm.

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Khao Lak
Ready to splurge a little? This place is the move. The property is gorgeous, with spacious rooms, a beachfront pool, a swim-up bar (yes please), and a massive breakfast spread that’ll make you want to set an alarm.
It’s walkable to shops and restaurants but still feels like its own little resort bubble. Perfect if you want a touch of luxury without breaking the bank.

TRANSPORTATION TIP
If you’re looking for bus, boat, or train tickets around Asia, you can easily book them online! Check Availability
How to Get to Khao Lak
The easiest way to get to Khao Lak is to fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT), which is about 75–90 minutes away, depending on traffic.
From there, it’s a straight shot north up the coast—no island-hopping or ferry transfers required.

Once you land, you’ve got a few options:
- Taxi or private transfer: This is the easiest and fastest way to get there. Expect to pay around 1,200–1,800 baht, depending on your drop-off location in Khao Lak and whether you pre-book or not. DO NOT use Grab at Phuket airport to go to Khao Lak, it sucked and they are weird about taking us and tried to get us to cancel and pay cash.
- Shared minivan: A more budget-friendly option, usually around 300–500 baht per person. These can be booked at the airport counters or online in advance, but they may take longer with multiple drop-offs along the way.
- Public bus: There’s a local bus that runs from Phuket to Takua Pa and stops near Khao Lak. It’s cheap (about 100–150 baht) but takes longer and doesn’t drop you directly at your hotel.
TIP: If you’re arriving late in the day, it’s best to book a private transfer ahead of time to avoid waiting around. And if you’re traveling with a group, splitting a taxi is often the most convenient option anyway.
Getting Around Khao Lak
Khao Lak is a little different from other Thai beach towns—it’s more spread out and has some quirks worth knowing before you arrive.

First off, the main areas are split into two main zones:
- Nang Thong – The “center” of Khao Lak
- Bang Niang – The chiller area
They are about 10 minutes apart by car or songthaew. The north has a nicer beach (in our opinion), with more restaurants and cafes located right on the “beach side” of the highway.

The south has a rougher stretch of sand, and most places to eat and shop are across the big highway, meaning you’ll be crossing it a lot if you’re walking.
The easiest way to bounce between the two areas is to hop on a songthaew (the open-air local trucks).
It cost us 200 baht for two people to go from north to south. You can also rent a scooter if you’re comfortable driving—it gives you the most flexibility.
The one thing that wasn’t our favorite is the massive highway that you kinda need to cross more often than you might want, and it kinda takes away from the chill beach town vibe.
Where to Eat & Drink in Khao Lak

- Give Me Five – Chill spot just off the main road serving fresh, flavorful Thai seafood. Quiet, affordable, and not as touristy. One of our favs!
- Tiew Son – Popular and fast-paced with excellent seafood dishes!
- Mao Mao Craft Beer Camp – Tiny, low-key beer bar with a surprisingly awesome craft beer menu. Outdoor seating and a great place to nerd out on hops. (Garrett’s fav spot) Business hours are kinda random.
- Sook Siam Khaolak – Classy but casual Thai restaurant with upscale dishes and more craft beer options. A solid date-night or splurge dinner spot.
- Delicacy Khaolak – Shares space with Sook and serves amazing breakfast, pastries, and pizza. Great for slow mornings or cozy dinners.
- Orchid Restaurant Khaolak – Always packed but worth it. Fresh seafood, fast service, and the rare-to-find shrimp laab was insanely good!
When To Visit

- Best time to visit is between November and April, when the weather is dry and the seas are calm. This is also high season for diving and island tours.
- Rainy season runs from May to October, and some tours (especially to the Similan and Surin Islands) don’t operate during this time.
So… Is Khao Lak Worth Visiting?

That depends on what you’re looking for. Khao Lak is low-key and all about the beach + island day trips.
It’s not a party town or a cafe-hopping kind of place, and most things quiet down early at night.
But if you want to chill by the beach, get a massage steps from the ocean, eat tons of seafood, and spend your days snorkeling, diving, or rafting through jungle rivers—Khao Lak is absolutely worth a few days.
I hope this guide to things to do in Khao Lak helped you decide!