Khao Lak

Khao Lak (Thai: เขาหลัก) is a 20 km long strip of coastal resorts along the Andaman Sea in Phang Nga Province, 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. The region is set against a backdrop of jungle-covered mountains with expansive, uncrowded beaches.

The name "Khao Lak" translates as "Lak Mountain", which plunges into the sea near the southern end of the region. The headland roughly marks the southern boundary of Khao Lak. The area is laid out like a long strip mall along Phetkasem Road (Route 4), with three main population centres spaced along the beaches: Bang La On (the most tourist-oriented), Bang Niang (more Thai and less tourist, known for its market and nightlife), and Khuk Khak (the regional centre for hardware and daily needs, with a fresh market and the area's only bus station). Navigation can be confusing because many businesses use mailing addresses that say "Khuk Khak, Takua Pa, Phang Nga" regardless of their actual physical location.

In 2004, the Khao Lak region was the hardest-hit area in Thailand during the Boxing Day tsunami, with over 4,000 fatalities. It has since made an impressive recovery and is once again a popular tourist destination. The 2012 film The Impossible was filmed on location at the Orchid Beach Resort and recounts the events of that day.

The climate is tropical monsoon. The high season runs from November to April, when the weather is dry and the sea calm. Low season (April–November) brings heavy rain and rougher seas, making some activities unavailable.

By Plane

Phuket International Airport (HKT) is 76 km south (about 1 hr by car). A taxi from the airport to Khao Lak costs 1,200–1,500 baht. Shared minivans are available for around 250–350 baht per person.

By Car / Road

Khao Lak straddles Route 4 (Phetkasem Road), the main highway connecting Bangkok to the southern provinces. Regular buses from Phuket's bus terminal run north along Route 4 and pass through Khao Lak (ask the conductor for Bang La On, Bang Niang, or Khuk Khak). Buses from Bangkok to Phuket also stop on request. A minivan from Phuket costs around 200–300 baht and takes 1–1.5 hr.

The Khao Lak strip is long and not walkable end-to-end, but each centre (Bang La On, Bang Niang, Khuk Khak) is compact enough to explore on foot. Motorbike rental is the most flexible option at 250–400 baht per day. Tuk-tuks and songthaews connect the villages for short hops (50–100 baht within a few kilometres). Taxis to nearby beaches or attractions cost 200–600 baht depending on distance.

• Bang Niang Tsunami Memorial Park (Nam Khem) — A memorial wall with photos and tributes to the 2004 tsunami victims, plus a golden Buddha statue at Ban Nam Khem fishing village.

• Lak Mountain (Khao Lak) — The headland that gives the area its name; scenic viewpoint where the mountain meets the sea.

• Bang Niang Market (outdoor intermittent market M/W/Sa, ~13:00 until dark) — Local crafts, clothes, snacks.

• Khuk Khak Fresh Market (daily) — A real local food market with produce, meat, and prepared dishes.

• Pak Weep, Pakarang, and Bang Sak Beaches — Quieter, less developed beaches north of the main centres.

• Diving and snorkelling — Khao Lak is the primary departure point for day trips and liveaboards to the Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Ko Bon, Ko Tachai, Boonsung Wreck, and Richelieu Rock. Numerous dive shops operate along the strip.

• Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park — Jungle trekking, waterfalls, and wildlife at the mountain behind the resorts.

• Kayaking and longtail boat trips along the coastline and mangrove estuaries.

• Nightlife — Concentrated in Bang Niang, with bars, discos, and cabaret shows. More subdued than Patong.

Khao Lak has a wide range of Thai and international restaurants, particularly in Bang La On and Bang Niang. Signature dishes include tom yam goong, green curry, pad Thai, and fresh seafood (grilled snapper, prawns, squid). Many resort restaurants serve international fare. Several local eateries offer affordable Thai food for 60–150 baht.

Bars are concentrated in Bang Niang, with a mix of quiet beachfront spots and livelier venues. Most resorts have bars serving cocktails, beer, and spirits. Stick to bottled or filtered water; avoid tap water.

• Budget: Simple bungalows and guesthouses in Bang La On and Khuk Khak from 500–1,000 baht per night.
• Mid-range: The Haven Resort, Bang La On (~1,500–2,500 baht). Ausara Hadyai Hotel, Bang Niang (~1,200–2,000 baht).
• Upscale: JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, Khuk Khak (from 5,000 baht). Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort, Bang Sak (from 4,000 baht).

Shopping is limited to souvenir and tailor shops in Bang La On, the intermittent Bang Niang market, and a few minimarts. Serious shopping can be found in Phuket. Bargaining is expected at markets.

• Similan Islands — 50 km west; world-class diving, white-sand beaches, closed mid-May to mid-Oct
• Mu Ko Surin National Park — 60 km west; pristine snorkelling, sea gypsy communities, closed May–Oct
• Khao Sok National Park — 45 km north; ancient rainforest, Cheow Lan Lake, cave exploration
• Takua Pa — 20 km north; old town with Sino-Portuguese shophouses, gateway to Khao Sok
• Phuket — 76 km south; international airport, nightlife, cultural attractions
• Ko Phra Thong and Ko Kho Khao — undeveloped islands accessed from Nam Khem; peaceful beaches, sea turtle nesting