Khao Lak is a beautiful coastal destination in southern Thailand, renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful atmosphere. Located just north of Phuket, Khao Lak offers a perfect escape from the bustling crowds. This travel guide will give you all the information you need for your trip to Khao Lak.

The area boasts numerous luxury resorts, quaint beachfront bungalows, and a range of outdoor activities such as snorkelling, diving, and jungle trekking. There is more to this area than meets the eye, and here are tours that will allow you to discover the best things to do in Khao Lak and surrounding areas.

What tours are in and around Khao Lak?

Khao Lak is home to stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters and soft white sand, providing the perfect escape for relaxation and sunbathing. But this area is unique because there is so much more than this on offer.

The region is adorned with mesmerising national parks like Khao Sok, featuring lush rainforests, vibrant wildlife, and captivating waterfalls that delight nature enthusiasts.

Khao Lak is a gateway to Similan Islands, one of the World’s premier dive sites, offering exceptional underwater adventures and the opportunity to witness marine life in its natural habitat.

Exploring around Khao Lak guarantees remarkable experiences, from engaging in water sports to discovering local culture and cuisine, making it an ideal destination to explore.

Five of the best tours in and around Khao Lak

Rafting, Elephant Bathing & Sea Turtle Center Tour

Yes, you heard right; this fantastic tour will have you up close and personal with elephants, sea turtles, and much more. Spend the day river rafting, bathing and feeding elephants and be educated about the sea turtles in the area.

Visit Sai Rung Waterfall and enjoy your time floating down the river in the rainforest, mesmerised by its calming effect. The Rafting, elephant bathing, and Sea Turtle centre tour is suitable for ages four and up, which makes it the perfect tour for your Khao Lak vacation. 

Khao Sok National Park Overnight Treehouse Trip

Khao Sok National Park is a breathtaking and pristine rainforest in southern Thailand, offering stunning limestone cliffs, emerald-green lakes, and diverse wildlife. You will have an unforgettable experience staying at the treehouse accommodation in Khao Sok National Park, surrounded by lush greenery and waking up to the sounds of exotic wildlife every morning.

The Khao Sok National Park Overnight Treehouse Trip is an all-inclusive tour includes an overnight stay in a treehouse. You will have some time feeding the elephants, exploring in a longtail boat and visiting a cave, with some extra time to swim and play while you are there. 

Full-Day Temple Tour, Including Dragon Cave from Khao Lak

Both Suwan Khuha Cave Temple and Bang Rieng Temple, are stunning Buddhist temples, along with the and Dragon Caves are all located near Khao Lak. They are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Nestled amidst lush greenery and towering cliffs, this enchanting cave offers a mystical experience for those seeking excitement and exploration.

Both the temples and Dragon Cave are adorned with ancient stalactite and stalagmite formations resembling the mythical creatures that the Dragon Cave is named after. The Full Day Temple tour, including Dragon Cave From Lak is the perfect little day out to truly immerse yourself in the Thai culture. 

Full-Day Snorkeling in the Surin Islands

Surin Islands are a hidden gem in the southwestern part of Thailand. These protected islands boast untouched natural beauty, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. There are five main islands: Ko Surin Nuea, Ko Surin Tai, Ko Ri, Ko Khai, and Ko Klang.

The Surin Islands are famous for their thriving marine life, making them a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers. Colorful fish, turtles, and even manta rays can be spotted in the surrounding waters. The islands are also home to the indigenous Moken people, known as the “Sea Gypsies,” who have preserved their traditional way of life for generations. The Full day snorkeling in the Surin Islands tour will have you sun kissed and loving this part of Thailand. 

Helpful information about Khao Lak

Visa for Thailand

Check that you do not require a visa for Thailand. The visa website is a quick and easy way to check whether your passport requires a permit.

Travel Insurance for Thailand

SafetyWing is the World’s first International Travel Medical Insurance developed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and remote workers travelling or living abroad. However, if you do not fall under this category, do not worry; SafetyWing also suits all vacation types.

The best time to travel to Khao Lak

The best time to travel to Khao Lak, a beautiful coastal town in Thailand, is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. This period offers ideal weather conditions with lots of sunshine, perfect for enjoying the stunning beaches and outdoor activities.

The cool, dry season also coincides with the peak tourist season, ensuring that all amenities and services are accessible and there are plenty of options for accommodations, dining, and entertainment. Also, the calm waters during this time make it perfect for diving and snorkelling, allowing visitors to explore the vibrant marine life and coral reefs that Khao Lak is renowned for.

Travelling to Khao Lak during the dry season guarantees a beautiful experience with optimum weather and a vibrant tourist scene. 

Tipping in Thailand

Tipping in Thailand is not typically expected or customary, but it is appreciated for exceptional service or in tourist-heavy areas.

Currency in Thailand 

The currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht, denoted by the symbol ฿ or THB. The Thai Baht is Thailand’s official currency and is widely accepted nationwide. The Baht is divided into 100 satangs, although the satang coins are not commonly used. Banknotes are available in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 Baht.

The Thai Baht is known for its vibrant and colourful banknotes, featuring images of the Thai King, historical monuments, and influential figures. Although major hotels, restaurants and boutiques use credit cards, many local tuk-tuks, shops and smaller restaurants accept cash only. At the time this article was released, for $1SGD, 26.35 Thai Baht.

How to To get to Khao Lak from Singapore

Take a flight from Singapore Changi Airport to Phuket International Airport. Several airlines operate this route, and the flight lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. 

 Several airlines offer flights from Singapore to Phuket. Some major airlines operating this route are Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, Scoot, and Jetstar Asia. 

Once you arrive in Phuket, you have a few options to get to Khao Lak.

Hire a taxi, which can be quickly sought after when arriving at Phuket International Airport. There are many drivers outside looking for passengers.

Order a Grab on your Grab app; although this might be the most cost-effective way, it is not the most convenient as Grab drivers are not per 

Take a shared minivan– Or you can pre-book your shared minibus here to save costs. It’s an excellent option for families or those wanting to save a few dollars.  

Hire a Private Transfer – The most convenient way to get to Khao Lak is by private transfer, where a driver will have a sign plaque at the terminal exit. Many drivers are waiting, so you must have a good, careful look to find your name board. 

The journey from Phuket to Khao Lak usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the traffic conditions.

Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we may receive a commission at no extra cost if you purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.

Check out my Instagram page or join the Truly Expat Facebook group.

Pin it for later.

You may also like these

Visa – If you looking for an easy way to get a visa, or if you aren’t sure if you really need one in the first place.  Ivisa makes the process easy, with a click of a button and few simple steps you will be able to sort out your visa requirements in a flash!

Insurance -We all know how important travel insurance is when you are abroad, but we also know how expensive it can be as well, right? Well, I am here to help solve both those problems. Safetywings is both affordable and reliable and better still easy to purchase. There are no hidden agendas, just choose the dates you will be away and check the coverage you need. It is that simple.

Car Hire– If you are planning to hire a car on your next trip, DiscoverCars is the perfect solution, why? Because you will find it in most countries around the world and all mandatory fees are included in the price, so there are no hidden surprises.

E-sim– If you want to know the most affordable way to be connected when travelling, it is with an e-sim. I have to admit I have come late to the party on this one, and I wish I had known earlier as it would have saved me hundreds of dollars in the past. I have been using Airalo for the past few months now and it has been so easy to set up and use while I am away. 

Airline Tickets– CheapOair is a leading provider of airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars and vacation packages with top travel brands to choose from globally. The CheapOair brand provides diversified travel services, however I highly recommend checking out their airline ticket options for best prices.