Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a quiet laid back destination. An hour or so north and south of Khao Lak are the piers that feed the dive industry. Liveaboards to the Similan Islands reside here but free transfers are included from Khao Lak to get the customers to the boats.

When staying in Khao Lak, it’s recommended to visit Khao Sok National park which is just an hour away, and go on a snorkel or dive trip to the Similan Islands to complete your love of this region.

There are many high-class resorts in Khao Lak serving the European and Scandinavian markets but for backpackers and low-cost travelers there are many beach bungalows and guesthouses around Nang Thong beach, which is the most busy place, with rates to suit most pockets.

Scuba dive trips to the Similan Islands include cabin accommodation onboard the liveaboards for between two and seven nights depending on which trip you choose.

Contents

Attractions in Khao Lak

The main activities in Khao Lak involve water sports such as scuba diving & snorkel trips but there are other activities such as visiting the national parks and beaches. There are also Yoga & Massage, Golf Courses, and Kayaking in the area and of course Scuba Diving & Snorkeling trips to the Similan Islands.

A must-see list includes:

Khao Lak Lamru National Park.
Bang Niang Market.
Sai Rung waterfall.
Turtle sanctuary.
Ton Pling Waterfall.
Police boat which in the 2004 Asian Tsunami landed 2Km inland on a hillside by the big waves. It’s now a museum to the memories of those lost in the horrific disaster.
Numerous beaches.

Snorkeling

Khao Lak is known for its long straight beaches and is popular with snorkelers and divers heading to the Similan islands to dive the amazing reefs and pinnacles.

Koh Bon is one of the most popular dive sites in the Similan Islands as there are regular sightings of Manta Rays and for the more adventurous divers, take a liveaboard heading north up to the Surin Islands to the famous Richelieu Rock.

Social Life

Khao Lak itself is rather quiet with a few restaurants and bars in the town itself, but most people head 2 km north to Nang Thong with its bustling restaurants and nightlife providing something for everyone! It has chilled out beach bars for the younger generation and great food for everyone on the road leading down to the beach.

Khao Lak Beaches

Center

Hat Khao Lak (Khao Lak beach ) is a very pretty 8Km long beach of pristine sand littered with granite boulders and shaded by tall pine trees.

North

Nang Thong Beach is located in the local village of Bang La On
Bang Niang Beach is located in the village of Bang Niang about 3Km north of Bang La On
Khuk Khak Beach, in the village of Khuk Khak is located about 3Km north of Bang Niang.
Cape Pakarang is located north of Khuk Khak beach
Bang Sak is located north of Cape Pakarang

South

Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park is located just south of Hat Khao Lak and is 125 SqKm of beaches, cliffs, estuaries, mangroves, and forests.

Similan Islands Beaches

The Similan Islands are a small archipelago in the Andaman Ocean consisting of nine small islands and rocky enclaves. Most are uninhabited and have amazing pristine white sandy beaches that you may visit on snorkel and dive trips. It is also possible for some to walk through the jungle interior and visit viewpoints to see the most breathtaking panoramic views.

Climate

It’s always between 28 and 38 degrees! November to April is a High Season and the weather is normally excellent. May to November is seen as a low season with some heavy rainfall, possible strong winds and rough seas but many sunny days too!

The Similan Islands are closed from May to October due to rough seas and high waves.

Liveaboards do not operate in the low season but it is still possible to snorkel and scuba dive locally. Khao Lak is located on the Andaman Ocean so it gets a similar weather pattern to India especially during its monsoon. Everything is changeable and unpredictable, but don’t worry about the weather, come and visit this lovely region anyway, as every season has its benefits.

Transportation

The most popular way to get here is to take a taxi from Phuket.

The most popular type of transport around Khao Lak is Songthaew taxis. Many people rent small moped taxi drivers too. Please note that fares should be fixed BUT if the taxi is not full they will often charge you more! If you are on your own expect to pay very high prices! There are local buses operating from place to place and also across to Surat Thani and down to Phuket, but the schedules rarely run on time so don’t depend upon them if you have a deadline to keep or flight to catch.

Useful Information

ATM’s

There are ATM’s and banks located in Khao Lak and nearby at Nang Thong. There are also facilities for international money transfer via Western Union.

For those heading to the Similan Islands the only money you will need is for the extras that are not included in the trips i.e. beer and soda drinks as there are no banks or ATMs on any of the Similan Islands.

Police

There is a small Police Station in Khao Lak. There are no main hospitals so you must be transferred to either Krabi or Phuket.

For diver related injuries call 555 Ambulance which takes injured divers to Phuket.

The main Post Office is a couple of kilometers south of Khao Lak town.

Important Numbers

Police Emergency: 191
Fire Department: 199
Tourist Police: 1699
Helicopter Emergency Service: 1719
Diving Emergency Service (SSS Recompression Hyperbaric Chamber Network): 081 081 9444
Police station Khao Lak: 076420558
Police station Khuk Khak: 076420519
General Hospital (Phang Nga town): 076 412 032, 076 411 616-9

If you are looking for scuba diving or just wish to relax on the beautiful stretches of long white sandy beaches, then Khao Lak is the gateway to these wonderful experiences.