Explore The Beaches

Khao Lak boasts an impressive 20-kilometer stretch of coastline dotted with picturesque beaches:

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• White Sand Beach: Renowned for its powdery white sands and tranquil ambiance, it's an ideal spot for sunbathing and swimming.

• Coconut Beach: Fringed with coconut palms, this beach offers a serene environment perfect for relaxation.

• Pak Weep Beach: Great restaurants and pop-up food trucks in high season.

National Parks

• Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park: Open 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. Features waterfalls (e.g., Lam Ru and Ton Chong Fa), hiking trails, and coastal viewpoints. Bring insect repellent and hiking shoes.

• Khao Sok National Park: A 1.5-hour drive inland, known for Cheow Lan Lake, limestone cliffs, and wildlife (elephants, hornbills). Day tours from Khao Lak include rafting and longtail boat rides.

• Little Amazon (Khlong Sang Neh): Mangrove kayaking in Takua Pa, 20 km north. Spot monkeys and birds.

Island Day Trips

• Similan Islands: A marine park 70 km offshore, renowned for diving and snorkeling. Day trips via speedboat include gear and lunch. Highlights: turquoise waters, coral reefs, and abundant marine life.

• Surin Islands: 40 km west, less crowded than Similan, with pristine reefs. Snorkeling trips depart from Khao Lak’s piers.

• Koh Phra Thong: Known as “Golden Buddha Island,” a 40-minute boat ride from Ban Nam Khem pier.

• Koh Pah: A small sand bar just  20 minutes from Ban Nam Khem pier.

Adventure Tourism

• Bamboo Rafting: Drift along calm rivers like Khao Lak’s Sai Rung. Tours include swimming stops.

• Thai Boxing Lessons: Learn Muay Thai basics or hone your skills at local gyms.

• Diving: Khao Lak is a gateway to the Andaman Sea’s best dive sites. Everything from PADI courses to fun dives are available via local operators.

• Jungle Trekking: Explore the dense jungles with guided treks, discovering diverse flora and fauna.

Cultural Experiences

• Bang Niang Market: Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings. Sample street food (e.g., pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and souvenirs.

• Wat Bo Chet Luk: A temple with seven sacred wells and Buddha statues, offering a spiritual stop. Free entry; donations welcome.

• Old Town Takua Pa: 30 km north, a historic area with Sino-Portuguese architecture and Sunday markets. Half-day trips combine well with Little Amazon.

Conservation Tourism

• Royal Thai Navy Third Fleet Turtle Nursery: Near Thai Muang Beach, 30 km south. See and learn about endangered turtles; entry by donation, open daily.

• Elephant Sanctuaries: Ethical options like Phuket Elephant Sanctuary (1-hour drive) focus on observation and bathing, not riding.

• Eco-Tours: Operators like Green Andaman Travel offer low-impact Similan trips avoiding over-touristed snorkeling spots and supporting marine conservation.