from 1 100 THBTakua Pa Old Town and Sunday Market · Late-Afternoon Trip from Khao Lak
3 h
Similan Islands, elephants, jungle and tranquil beaches
Tours and Excursions in Khao Lak
Tours in Khao Lak· 25Tours in Khao Lak
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Discover Khao Lak, with its long tranquil beaches and trips to the Similan Islands, Phang Nga Bay and the jungle. Book snorkelling, diving, safaris and tours with Phi Phi Paradise.
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About Khao Lak
North of Phuket, in Phang Nga province, Khao Lak stretches out long sandy beaches facing the Andaman Sea, backed by forested hills. The vibe here is far more laid-back than Phuket: few high-rise buildings, beachfront resorts and sunsets over the sea. Khao Lak is mainly known as the gateway to the Similan Islands, one of Thailand's finest diving and snorkelling spots, reached by speedboat from Thap Lamu pier. Inland, waterfalls, temples, bamboo rafting canals and the Khao Sok jungle are all within easy reach for a day trip. As a travel agency based on Koh Phi Phi, we've handpicked tours run by local teams, with hotel pick-up included from your accommodation in Khao Lak.
When to Visit Khao Lak
Khao Lak follows the rhythm of the Andaman Sea. The dry season, from November to April, brings calm seas, clear water and plenty of sunshine: this is the best time to visit, and the only period for the Similan and Surin Islands, where our trips run from November to April, as the national parks close during the monsoon. December and January are the busiest months, so book early. From May to October, the south-west monsoon brings rain showers, sometimes heavy but rarely constant, along with rougher seas that limit boat trips. It's actually a lovely season for the inland areas though: lush green jungle, waterfalls in full flow, and safaris, the Little Amazon or Cheow Lan Lake can be visited year-round. It's warm all year, around 30°C.
Top Tours & Experiences in Khao Lak
From the Similan Islands to the rivers inland, Khao Lak suits both days at sea and nature trips. Here are our favourite excursions departing from Khao Lak, most including hotel pick-up.
Similan Islands Snorkelling · Speedboat & Catamaran Day Trip
Speedboat from Thap Lamu pier out to a large catamaran anchored at the Similan Islands, then snorkelling in crystal-clear water among the granite boulders and white sand coves. Buffet on board and hotel transfer included, November to April only.
Khao Lak Safari · Elephant Bathing, Bamboo Rafting & Sea Turtles
The flagship day out from Khao Lak: walking and bathing with elephants, no riding, bamboo rafting down a canal, a sea turtle conservation centre and a swim at Ton Pring Waterfall. Thai lunch and a stop at the 2004 tsunami memorial boat are also on the programme.
Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island by Longtail Boat
A day among the limestone karsts of Ao Phang Nga National Park: canoeing through the caves, James Bond Island and lunch at the stilted village of Koh Panyee. Join a group, or book a private longtail boat for your family or friends.
Diving at Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai or Richelieu Rock
Two one-hour dives at the top sites of the northern Andaman, from a dive catamaran reached by speedboat. For certified divers, with guide, tanks and meals on board, November to April.
Similan & Surin Diving Liveaboards · 2 to 7 Days
For diving enthusiasts, several days aboard with morning, afternoon and night dives, air-conditioned cabins and meals included. Choose between an 8-person catamaran you can join and leave on your chosen day, or a 12-diver liveaboard all the way to Richelieu Rock and the Surin Islands.
Na Yak Island · Snorkelling & Mangrove Canoeing
The closest reef to Khao Lak, reached by longtail boat: canoeing through the mangroves at the foot of the cliffs, two snorkelling stops on a shallow reef, and lunch on the island's beach. A gentle outing, perfect for families, groups or private bookings.
Little Amazon by Canoe · Waterfall or Takua Pa Old Town
Paddle beneath century-old banyan trees along this river channel nicknamed the 'Little Amazon', near Takua Pa. Choose a half-day trip with a swim at Sai Rung Waterfall, or a full day including the market, temple and Sino-Portuguese houses of the old town.
Discover Scuba Diving & Diving Courses in Khao Lak
Never dived before? Your discover scuba dive takes place at sea with an instructor, on an artificial reef 30 minutes from Thap Lamu pier. To go further, SSI Scuba Diver, Open Water and Advanced courses are available, with certification recognised worldwide.
How to Get to Khao Lak
Khao Lak has no airport of its own: the nearest is Phuket International Airport, around 1 to 1.5 hours' drive to the south, served by direct flights from Bangkok and many cities abroad. The simplest option is a private car or minivan transfer to your hotel; buses also connect Phuket bus terminal to Khao Lak along the coastal road. From Krabi, allow around three hours by road. From Koh Phi Phi, you first reach Phuket by ferry, then Khao Lak by road: let us know your dates and we can help arrange the journey. From Bangkok, flying to Phuket remains the fastest option. Locally, most of our tours include hotel pick-up; for everything else, taxis, scooters and songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) do the job.
Where to Stay in Khao Lak
Khao Lak is made up of several beaches, each with its own character. To the south, near Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park, hotels cling to the hills above small, quiet coves. Nang Thong, in the centre, is where you'll find restaurants, shops and bars along the main road, with the beach just steps away. Bang Niang is often the best all-rounder: a lovely beach, a market and plenty of restaurants. Further north, Khuk Khak and Pakarang offer large resorts on very peaceful beaches, perfect for unwinding. Wherever you stay, the sea is never far, and divers will find dive centres in every area. Our tours pick up travellers from most hotels in Khao Lak, from Pakarang down to the southern end of the resort area: just let us know your hotel when booking.
Khao Lak Tours · Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the best time to visit Khao Lak?
- From November to April: calm seas, clear water and trips to the Similan Islands, which only run during this season. From May to October, the monsoon brings rougher seas, but land-based tours (elephants, jungle, waterfalls, Cheow Lan Lake) continue all year.
- How do I get to Khao Lak from Phuket or Koh Phi Phi?
- From Phuket Airport, allow around 1 to 1.5 hours by road with a private transfer or taxi. From Koh Phi Phi, take the ferry to Phuket, then head north by road. Let us know your dates and we can help organise the journey with you.
- How many days should I plan for Khao Lak?
- Three to five days lets you combine a day at the Similan Islands, a nature trip (safari, Little Amazon or Khao Sok) and some beach time. Divers often stay longer, or head off on a multi-day diving liveaboard.
- Are the Similan Islands accessible all year round?
- No. Our Similan Islands trips, both snorkelling and diving, run from November to April, as the national park closes during the monsoon. The rest of the year, go for land-based tours: the elephant safari, Little Amazon, temples or a day at Cheow Lan Lake.
- Which tours shouldn't I miss in Khao Lak?
- The Similan Islands snorkelling or diving day trip in season, the elephant bathing and bamboo rafting safari, and Phang Nga Bay by longtail boat. For families, the Little Amazon canoe trip and Na Yak Island are big hits; most group tours have a child rate, listed on each tour page.
- How do I book and pay for a tour in Khao Lak?
- Book online on the tour page, at least 48 hours in advance. You pay a deposit online to secure your spot, with the balance paid in cash on the day of the tour. Your hotel pick-up time is confirmed at the time of booking.