When a holiday in Thailand comes calling, a stunning destination must be considered when seeking that ideal vacation in paradise, with many things to do in Khao Lak and beyond.
Khao Lak is one of Thailand’s most popular beach destinations, and it’s easy to see why. You can relax in your resort’s poolside deck chairs, go for a swim in the crystal-clear waters, or explore the many things to do in Khao Lak. The Town has everything you could want, from a tropical vacation, from stunning white sand beaches to refreshing cocktails by the shore.
Plenty of activities keep you busy, whether you’re interested in exploring the jungle or finding the best shopping spots. And when you’re ready to unwind, there are plenty of spas and massage therapists ready to provide a truly relaxing experience. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder Khao Lak is one of Thailand’s most sought-after vacation spots.
Need to find accommodation in the laidback coastal city of Thailand? Find lodging at Booking.com!
Awesome. The very best Things to do in Khao Lak and beyond in Thailand.
Where is Khao Lak Thailand
Khao Lak is a beautiful destination in the Phang Nga Province of Southern Thailand. This hidden gem is only an hour’s drive from the famous tourist island of Phuket, making it the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy peace.
The best way to get to Khao Lak from Phuket International Airport is by organised transport through your hotel or public transportation such as a bus or taxi. Once you arrive in Khao Lak, you’ll be greeted by stunning scenery, friendly locals, and plenty of activities to keep you busy.
Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, go for a swim, or explore the jungle, Khao Lak has something for everyone.
Sit back and relax; you’re on vacation.
Where to Stay in Khao Lak
Khao Lak accommodation comes in all types and ranges from budget hotels to luxury beachside resorts, ultimately leading to your perfect paradise vacation. Whether looking for a secluded getaway or a bustling resort town, Khao Lak has something for everyone.
Many budget hotels in the town centre offer excellent value if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option. The Mai Khao Lak Beach Resort is a perfect family resort option, with plenty of Khao Lak activities inside the resort for the whole family to enjoy within and around the resort grounds. Ultimately, no matter your budget, there will surely be the perfect accommodation.
Family fun resorts are waiting for you.
Quickly get your Money Exchanged.
Suppose you need to change a small amount of cash upon arrival in Thailand. You can change the minimum required amount at the Phuket International Airport because, as usual, the rates are extreme at international airports.
Save any significant money exchanges for the banks; the rates are better, which means more baht for you to spend in the Khao Lak markets.
You will find many official exchange places along the streets of the Town Centre or even at the remote beach towns near significant resorts.
Save the extra baht for a few different cocktails by the beach.
Top Things to do in Khao Lak and Beyond
There is an abundance of activities, dining options, fun at the beach and shopping in the region, including popular day trips, eating local Thai cuisines and going on a shopping spree at the busy night markets in the Khao Lak Town Centre.
Let’s look at some fun things to do in Khao Lak and help create a list of activities for your next adventure in this vibrant tourist hotspot of Thailand.
Khao Lak attractions are plenty.
Go to a Khao Lak Beach or two.
Khao Lak is a beautiful place with plenty of beaches to explore along the Andaman Sea. The beaches have clean white sand and are perfect for a relaxing day by the water. There are plenty of bars and restaurants near the beaches, so you can enjoy a cold drink or a Thai meal while you’re here.
The best beaches to visit are Nan Thong Beach, White Sand beach, and Khuk Khak Beach. However, there are also many secluded beaches along the coast where you can enjoy the quiet, laid-back atmosphere of the Town.
Check out this excellent related article on 7 of the best beaches in the area.
Go on, take a dip; it’s the Andaman Sea.
Zip-Lining at Great Heights
Are you looking for a bit of adrenaline on your vacation? Then check out the Elephant Fly Zip-line course. You’ll be flowing at great heights while zip-lining high at speeds, with nothing but air between you and the ground. This thrilling experience is not for the faint of heart, but it’s perfect if you’re looking for a wild rush.
If you’re interested in other zip-line or flying fox adventures, several more miniature courses are available in the region. So check them out and see which one is right for you. And remember, when in doubt, always go for the biggest thrill! It’s an incredible feeling and one you won’t soon forget.
Zip-lining across the wild river, this is not at the Elephant Fly Zip-line.
Explore the Khao Lak Town Centre
Whenever visiting any destination worldwide, the town centre or city needs to be a priority on any list of activities to do on your holiday. Exploring a town on foot is a great way to explore any destination, and It’s no different in Khao Lak.
The boutique town centre is less crowded than its busy neighbour in Phuket, but it doesn’t mean it lacks entertainment.
What to do in Khao Lak town includes drinking cold beer at various bars, enjoying a delicious Thai meal at a nice restaurant, exploring the unique markets, street shopping, and more for the tourist. It even has a Mcdonald’s Restaurant to purchase your favourite burger.
Explore the town centre and purchase some goods at the vibrant street markets.
Experience the Khao Lak Markets and save some money
The Khao Lak markets are the perfect place to find a bargain. There is something for everyone, with a range of goods on offer, from fresh tropical juices to superb Thai food.
When purchasing products to take home with you, wide varieties of clothing, accessories, and souvenirs are up for grabs in the Khao Lak markets. It is a great chance to spend some coins and find a real bargain.
It’s also an excellent way to work on your bartering skills with friendly shop owners as you negotiate a price for a shirt that doesn’t cost a lot. So if you’re looking for a fun and affordable shopping experience, head to the markets!
Having some fun and eating a few bugs in the Bang Niang Markets.
The Tsunami Museum from 2004
The 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami was one of the deadliest natural disasters in history, devastating coastal communities in Southeast Asia and killing more than 230,000 people. Among the hardest hit areas was Khao Lak, Thailand, where many towns were destroyed, and thousands of people lost their lives.
Khao Lak has been rebuilt and is once again a thriving beach community. However, the memory of the 2004 Tsunami remains fresh in the minds of those who lived through it. As a reminder of that fateful day, the Town has built a museum dedicated to the event.
The museum displays photos, videos, and information about the Tsunami and its aftermath. It is a sobering reminder of the devastation that Mother Nature can cause – but also a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
Better days have been seen in Khao Lak since the tragic Tsunami.
Take a stroll through Hidden Beach Towns.
The chances are when you are strolling along the beautiful beaches and looking for different Khao Lak things to do.
You’ll stumble across these unique little beach towns right on the beach’s edge and have a lovely atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
The only access to these bubbly towns is by foot unless you are a local using the back roads.
These little beach towns contain popular amenities in restaurants, markets, tour agencies, money exchange banks, and even massage parlours situated on the beach’s edge, with the waves acting as the soothing noise during your relaxing therapy.
The beach towns are worth your attention when looking for things to do around Khao Lak and wishing to chill for a few hours in the tranquil surroundings of the Andaman Sea.
Enjoy the atmosphere at the beach towns.
Dine and Drink in various Restaurants and Bars along the beach
If you want to escape the top-quality food at your resort and the heavy price that goes with it, you never have to venture far to find a much cheaper dinner option. Khao Lak offers affordable Thai/Western foods and drinks throughout the town centre.
For example, if you walk down the main street towards Bang Niang Beach, you will find restaurants and bars on either side of the road offering pizza, burgers, tacos, curry, noodles, steak and more at a fraction of what you would pay at your resort.
You won’t be disappointed! Local markets also sell fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood, which make for a delicious and cheap meal. So if you’re looking for a change of scenery and a more affordable meal option, check out the town centre.
Check out Khao Lak’s only rooftop bar, The Sky Bar.
Great food in Khao Lak.
Enjoy the thrills of White Water Rafting.
A white-water rafting adventure is a little out of the centre but needs to be on the agenda during your stay. For those inexperienced on the rough waters, this adventure will give you great excitement as the guides navigate the river in style and you take in the surrounding scenery, which is gorgeous.
White water rafting is a great family-fun adventure, as the grades are never too extreme. You may even see a few elephants during your experience. Check with tour agencies in Khao Lak if unsure at any time.
Enjoy a White Water rafting adventure with Get your Guide!
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Enjoy the raft.
Discover the Magnificent Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay may be a good 90-minute bus ride from the town centre to the docks where you are aboard the longboats.
However, this adventure must be number one on the list of Khao Lak or Phuket attractions during your vacation in Thailand.
The beautiful Phang Nga Bay will dazzle with several islands, islets, mangroves, the remarkable Panyee Island floating Village and the world-famous James Bond Island.
Viewing these fantastic attractions and taking many pictures will make this day on the Bay a journey to remember.
Have a day tour of Phang Nga Bay with Get Your Guide!
Explore Phang Nga Bay.
Have a fulfilling day with affordable Khao Lak Tours
Thailand is a country that is rich in culture and history, and there is no better way to explore it than by booking a tour with a reputable agency. You will never have to wander far from your hotel to find a tour agency, which is generally the case in any part of Thailand. From Bangkok to Chiang Mai, you will be able to find an agency that can take you on a tour of the country’s highlights.
Suppose you are looking for an affordable day trip from Khao Lak. In that case, there are many beautiful locations in the surrounding area that you can visit, such as National Parks, bamboo rafting and stunning waterfalls. An epic day tour will discover the best of Khao Lak and the Phang Nga Province. You’re bound to take great photos and enjoy a crazy adventure during your Khao Lak Holidays.
Now all you need to do is book a flight to Phuket and get to the vibrant beach town of Thailand, which will dazzle you from start to finish.
Come and See this gorgeous Thai Town; you won’t regret it!
Khao Lak is a genuinely mesmerising coastal city with much to explore here. From the beautiful beaches to the lush rainforests, there’s something for everyone in Khao Lak. And, of course, no visit to Khao Lak would be complete without spending some time in one of the many spas or taking a boat trip out to see the amazing coral reefs.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or an adventure-filled getaway, Khao Lak is sure to disappoint, and it promises to be an incredible getaway.
What is your favourite destination in Thailand? I would love to know; please tell me in the comments below.
All smiles on vacation.
A Gallery of Khao Lak Thailand
Below is a gallery of beautiful things to do, and book your next plane ticket to this fabulous destination in Thailand.
See more of Khao Lak with these travel diaries. Edition 1 Edition 2
Looks like loads of fun with the family Anthony. I dig that cocktail truck too; never seen anything quite like that in Thailand. We tend to just drive by Khao Lak – from a distance – when we did the visa run thing to Myanmar. Back when that was a thing. I feel a visit in in order on our next Thailand trip.
Ryan
Thanks for the comment Ryan.