Bangkok to Khao Lak

Khao Lak, nestled in the Phang Nga Province of southern Thailand, is a hidden gem that attracts travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. This 20-kilometer-long coastal haven is nothing short of paradise. Its pristine shores are lapped by the Andaman Sea and a lush, emerald backdrop of rainforests. It’s a perfect choice for travelers seeking a peaceful and family-friendly destination. If you need to get there from Bangkok, below we will describe all the options to get from Bangkok to Khao Lak: direct bus, flight and bus, train and bus, and a taxi.

How to Get from Bangkok to Khao Lak

Direct Bus: The most popular and cost-effective way to reach Khao Lak is by taking a direct bus operated by Montanatip. The bus journey spans approximately 13-15 hours, covering a distance of about 770 km, and the ticket price is around 1,030 baht. This budget-friendly option is suitable for travelers who don’t mind a longer road trip.

Flight and Bus/Minivan: For a quicker but slightly pricier route, you can opt to fly from Bangkok to Phuket Airport, which is approximately 87 km from Khao Lak. From Phuket Airport, you can continue your journey to Khao Lak by bus, minivan, or taxi. The entire journey, including the flight and ground transportation, takes roughly 5-6 hours, with costs ranging from 1,800 to 7,000 baht.

Train and Minivan/Bus: While there is no direct train service to Khao Lak, there is a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani, located approximately 160 km from Khao Lak. From Surat Thani, you can complete the journey from Surat Thani to Khao Lak by bus. This option takes approximately 13-16 hours and costs around 1,200-6,000 baht per person.

Taxi via Khao Sok National Park: The most expensive but most comfortable choice is to book a private taxi from Bangkok to Khao Lak. This option provides a direct and convenient transfer but comes at a higher cost, starting at 9,850 baht per car. Traveling by taxi, you can get to Khao Lak in around 11 hours.

Bangkok to Khao Lak by Bus

• Price: 1,030 THB
• Transport type: bus+van
• Companies: Montanatip
• Travel time: 16.5 hours

Taking a direct bus from bustling Bangkok to Khao Lak is convenient, affordable, and has a taste of adventure. You’ll be taking a direct bus operated by Montanatip, a reputable company that has been working on this route for many years.

Bangkok	Khao Lak	Company	Service
19:00	11:30	Montanatip	Express

At a ticket price of 1,030 THB, this bus and van combination ensures a smooth transition from the urban hustle and bustle to the tranquil beauty of Khao Lak. Yes, it’s a bit of a trek, with an estimated travel time of around 16.5 hours, but trust us, the scenic rewards are worth it.

Your journey starts at the iconic Khao San Montanatip office in Bangkok, located at 22 Tani, Khwaeng Talat Yot, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand.  To make sure you get on the bus on time, we recommend checking in at their office an hour ahead of the scheduled time to ensure a smooth boarding process.

Buses arrive at the Khao Lak McDonalds, where you can savor the first taste of the coastal paradise that awaits.

Montanatip buses come equipped with air conditioning, making your lengthy journey a breeze. However, air conditioning might get cold, so we always recommend our readers bring a jacket onboard.

Bangkok to Khao Lak by Flight and Bus

• Price: 1,800-7,000 THB
• Transport type: flight+bus
• Companies: Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, Thai Air Asia, Bangkok Air, Thai Smile/Bangkok Taxi24, Andaman Taxis, Phuket Transfer Travel Andaman
• Travel time: 5-6 hours

Since there is no airport in Khao Lak, you can fly from Bangkok to the nearby Phuket airport. Khao Lank is located 80-90 kilometers to the north of Phuket International Airport.

Part 1: Take a flight from Bangkok to Phuket

Flight duration is around 1.5 hours, and flights depart from both Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport.

Part 2: Take a bus or a minivan from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak

This trip takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.

Bangkok to Khao Lak by Train and Bus

• Price: 1,200-6,000 THB
• Transport type: train+bus
• Companies: Thai Railways, 465 Surat Thani Phuket Transport
• Travel time: 13-16 hours

This combo travel option also consists of two parts, which you can book separately.

Part 1: Take a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani

We recommend taking train #167 or #85, which arrive at Surat Thani Train Station at 07:48 and 08:42 respectively. This way you’ll have enough time for the transfer to the bus.

Part 2: Take a bus from Surat Thani Train Station

The distance between Surat Thani Train Station and Khao Lak is around 160 kilometers. There is a daily bus at 10:00. It goes directly from Surat Thani Train station to Khao Lak Nang Thong Center. The route is operated by 465 Surat Thani Phuket Transport. These are large buses that have air conditioning.

There are frequent delays on the way, so even though the trip is scheduled to last 3.5 hours, it usually makes it to Khao Lak in around 4 hours.

Bangkok to Khao Lak by Taxi

• Price: from 9,850 THB
• Transport type: economy, SUV, van
• Companies: Glassflower, Kim Transfers Thailand
• Travel time: 11 hours

While a taxi transfer may come at a higher cost, starting from 9,850 THB, the added comfort and convenience make it a great choice.

There is a range of vehicles to choose from, including economy cars, SUVs, and vans. You can select the vehicle that best suits your group size and how much luggage you have. Traveling by taxi, you’ll enjoy a private and air-conditioned vehicle and a relaxed and enjoyable ride. They also have spacious seating and ample legroom.

The total travel time by taxi from Bangkok to Khao Lak is around 11 hours. This is a customizable, relatively fast, and direct route compared to other transportation options.