Khao Lak
Go to Khao Lak for a beach stay on Thailand's Andaman coast, with rainforest walks inland and day boats to the Similan Islands in the dry season.
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Khao Lak is a stretch of coast in Takua Pa District, Phang-Nga Province, on Thailand's Andaman side, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by road north of Phuket. Travelers use it as a quieter base than the Phuket resort towns. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami hit this coast hard. Memorials and a museum at nearby Ban Nam Khem mark that history, and they are worth a visit alongside the beaches.
Most trips center on the beaches, a walk through Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park, and day boats to the Similan Islands, known for diving and snorkeling. The Similan Islands close during the monsoon, roughly May to October, so check the schedule before you plan around them. The best months are December to February, when the sea is usually calmer. Three to four nights covers the beach, the park and one island trip.
Khao Lak in five
- Book a transfer from Phuket airportKhao Lak is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by road from Phuket International Airport (HKT), depending on traffic. Book a transfer before you land, so you do not have to negotiate at the arrivals door.Getting around
- Set up an eSIM before you landMaps, booking confirmations and transfer messages need data as soon as you arrive. Install the eSIM before the flight so you can use it in the arrivals hall.Phones and eSIM
- Carry baht for beach stalls and marketsBeach restaurants, roadside stalls and many guesthouses take only cash. Cards work mostly in hotels and larger restaurants in town.
- Check the flags before you swimThe southwest monsoon, roughly May to October, brings rough seas and strong currents to the Andaman coast. Swim only where lifeguards are on duty and follow the flags.
- Dress for temples and check your scooter licenceCover shoulders and knees at temples. Riding a scooter needs a valid motorcycle licence, so check with your insurer before you hire one.Travel insurance
Need to know
- Currency
- Baht (THB)
- Entry
- Visa exemption for many passports; check entry rules before you fly Read more
- Emergency
- 191 police, 1669 ambulance, 199 fire
- Tipping
- Not required; round up or leave about 10% at sit-down restaurants
- Time
- UTC+7, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry, cool
- FebruaryDry, pleasant
- MarchHot, dry
- AprilSongkran, hot
- MayMonsoon starts
- JuneRough seas
- JulyRainy, rough
- AugustRainy, rough
- SeptemberRainy, rough
- OctoberRough seas
- NovemberRains easing
- DecemberDry, busy
Right now in Khao Lak
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
26
- Feels like
- 29°
- Humidity
- 84%
- Wind
- 4 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Khao Lak
06:26 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today31°23°100%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 31°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed31°23°100%Wednesday: Rain. High 31°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Thu29°23°98%Thursday: Thunderstorms. High 29°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 98%.
- Fri29°23°100%Friday: Rain. High 29°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Sat31°23°98%Saturday: Rain. High 31°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 98%.
- Sun30°23°98%Sunday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 98%.
Updated 02:59 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 33.76 THB
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Similan Islandsabout 1.5 hours by speedboatSnorkeling and diving by boat, mainly in the dry season.
- Phang-Nga Bayabout 1.5 hours by roadLimestone islands and sea caves by longtail boat or kayak.Read the guide
- Phuketabout 1.5 to 2 hours by roadThe island's airport, shops and nightlife, a long day trip from Khao Lak.
Before you go to Khao Lak
Rules for Khao Lak, checked
- Thai drug laws are strict and cannabis rules have changed. Check the current rules with your embassy before buying or carrying any cannabis product.
- Cover shoulders and knees when you enter temples, and remove your shoes before entering a shrine hall.
- Criticism of the monarchy is a serious crime in Thailand under lèse-majesté law. Keep it out of public comments and posts.
- Riding a motorbike needs a valid motorcycle licence. Ask your insurer which licence it accepts before you hire a scooter.
Plan around Khao Lak
Regions, entry rules, transport and money for a Thailand trip
Read the guidePhang-Nga ProvinceBays, national parks and the coast around Khao Lak
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical prices on the coast
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs a visa and how to check entry rules
Read the guideWhere to stayBeach, town and quieter stays compared
Read the guideGetting aroundTransfers from Phuket airport and moving along the coast
Read the guideKhao Lak FAQ
Is Khao Lak worth visiting?
Yes, for a beach stay with boat trips to the Similan Islands and Phang-Nga Bay. It is quieter than Phuket and has less nightlife. It is a poor choice if you want bars and clubs until late.
How many days do you need in Khao Lak?
Three to four nights covers the beach, one boat day and a walk in the national park. Add a night if you want a full Similan trip, which runs mainly in the dry season.
How do you get from Phuket airport to Khao Lak?
By pre-booked transfer or minivan, about 1.5 to 2 hours by road. A rental car makes sense if you want to stop at Phang-Nga Bay or the national park on the way.
When is the best time to visit Khao Lak?
December to February has dry, calm weather, and March is also workable. The monsoon from May to October brings rough seas, and boat trips to the Similan Islands are limited during those months.
Is Khao Lak the same as Phuket?
No. Khao Lak is a stretch of coast north of Phuket, with a slower pace, smaller hotels and fewer nightlife venues.
Can you visit tsunami memorials in Khao Lak?
Yes. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami hit this coast hard, and several memorials along the coast mark the losses. Visit them in daylight and treat them as places of mourning.