Map of Khao Lak in Russian. Khao Lak in Thailand. Entertainment and attractions of the island
Every year the popularity of Thailand among the Russian population increases several times. Paradise islands, picturesque nature, snow-white beaches with turquoise seas turn the country into a resort of world significance. In addition to crowded places, there are still quiet and secluded resorts in Thailand. And one of these places can be called Khao Lak, which is located in the southern part of the Kingdom.
Khao Lak is one of the few Thai resorts that impresses with its tranquility and comfort. Even at the height of the season there are few people here. Maybe it is precisely because of this that the beaches and the sea itself are distinguished by their cleanliness. Initially, Khao Lak was the name given to a small settlement on the coast of the Andaman Sea. But the rapid development of the tourism sector has united several settlements under this name. If you look at the map now, you can see that geographically it covers the area from the sea itself to the mountain strip. Khao Lak is surrounded by three national parks, where even today you can find unique vegetation and rare fauna.
Very close to Khao Lak is the island of Phuket. The distance between the resort and Phuket Town is about 100 kilometers. Unlike the noisy island, peace and quiet reign on Khao Lak. This is a great place for a family holiday, especially with small children. There are numerous health centers, spas, and yoga clubs here. A visit to Khao Lak can combine an unforgettable vacation with medical procedures.
If you look at the pricing policy, it is slightly higher here than at other popular resorts. This feature can be explained by the remoteness of Khao Lak, the low flow of people, as well as the numerous upscale hotels.
When is the best time to go?
Like most resorts in Thailand, Khao Lak has a clear distinction between seasons based on weather conditions. The best time to travel to Khao Lak is from late November to April. From approximately May to November, the resort area is subject to the western monsoon, which brings rainy weather. But even so, the air temperature practically never drops below 22 degrees. Most of the heavy rains occur at night, and in the morning the sun appears again. Trouble can be caused by strong winds that raise waves, and swimming in the sea has to be postponed. In addition, excursions to the world famous ones are closed.
If you still decide to visit Khao Lak in the summer, it is better to choose a hotel with a well-developed infrastructure. Such hotels have excellent swimming pools, which can be visited on stormy days.
Infrastructure
Despite the fact that Khao Lak is not a particularly popular resort among vacationers, infrastructure development here is high. Of course, there are no huge shopping and entertainment centers within the city, but everything you need can be purchased in one of the many shops in Khao Lak. The most popular supermarket among the local population and holidaymakers is Nang Thong. You can buy everything you need here, from personal hygiene products to all kinds of food and alcoholic beverages.
If you need something non-essential, you can visit the 7/11 stores, which are located throughout the resort. They sell food, basic household items, as well as hot lunches that will be heated for you right at the checkout.
Along the main street and in the beach area there are many shops where you can find inexpensive clothes and shoes.
In order to purchase any souvenirs, it is worth visiting one of the local markets. In the city of Baan La One, there is a market every day, in the area of the central square. In addition to souvenirs, you can find various paintings, figurines, jewelry, etc. there. Also, while visiting the market, you will have the opportunity to try national Thai cuisine, including all kinds of exotic food.
The fresh fruit and vegetable market is open in the morning within Khuk Khak Beach.
There are many restaurants and bars throughout Khao Lak. Lovers of romantic evenings can sit in one of the beach establishments. During dinner you can admire the most beautiful evening sunsets.
More reputable restaurants are located along the central road, and also a little away from the coastline.
It is also worth noting that almost all cafes and restaurants in Khao Lak offer not only Thai cuisine, but also many European ones. The average price for lunch is 200-300 baht.
Attractions and entertainment
There are not many attractions within Khao Lak itself. Many of the resort's beaches are the starting point for the Similan Islands, Bon and, which are among the ten most beautiful places on the planet. The islands are open for visiting only from October to May, so if you are planning a trip to them during your vacation, you should choose a convenient time in advance.
Another interesting place to visit is.
From Khao Lak it is very convenient to get to Khao Sok National Park, which is known for its rich flora and fauna. Within the resort itself you can visit Lam Ru Park, deserted beaches, as well as numerous waterfalls, including Lampi, Sai Rung, Tong Pling and others. Also in the jungle resort, you can ride elephants. And the azure sea is suitable for diving.
Beaches
You will almost never see very many people on the beaches of Khao Lak. This is not a place where you have to show up at 7am to get a seat. Absolutely all the beaches of the resort stretch in a wide strip along the sea and have a smooth transition between each other. If you look at a map, even there it will not be possible to see a clear boundary between them.
The main feature of the resort is that it is very rarely exposed to tropical winds. High reefs create an excellent natural barrier to strong waves. This is what makes it available 12 months a year.
The following beaches are the most popular among vacationers:
1)Khao Lak. This beach is located in the southern part of the resort within the Central Administration of Similan National Park. There are no umbrellas or sun loungers on the beach, but large trees grow right on the seashore, in the shade of which you can hide. A wide variety of souvenirs made from sea shells are sold on the beaches.
2)Nang Tong is one of the most visited beaches in Khao Lak. Within its borders are concentrated upscale hotels and restaurants with excellent cuisine. This is a great place for snorkeling, as not far from the coast there is a beautiful coral reef, where you can see not only a variety of fish, but also turtles. The southern part of Nang Thong offers the opportunity to take some wonderful photos against the backdrop of the evening sunset.
3)Bang Niang– a beach with well-developed infrastructure. One of the few in Thailand that has sun loungers, umbrellas, and various water activities. Not far from the shore there are many massage parlors and various cafes.
4)Pakwip– five-star hotels are concentrated within the beach. Plus, the flow of vacationers here is minimal, which creates additional peace and quiet. The beach is suitable for families with small children or for those who want to escape from the noisy city streets.
Hotels
When planning a train trip to Khao Lak, you should keep in mind that it is not one of the cheapest resorts in the country. There is no accommodation here that costs several hundred baht per night. Most hotels located along the coast have 4 or 5 star status. Accordingly, the pricing policy per day of accommodation will start from 3,000 baht. Among these hotels, I can recommend the following excellent options: Briza Beach Resort, Ramada Khao Lak Resort and JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort and Spa.
A cheaper accommodation option can be found along the central road, where prices will start from 1,500 baht. Among budget hotels, Nautical Home Khaolak, Ruk Cozy, Khaolak Golden Place and Motive Cottage Resort are good options.
Transport
Public transport in Khao Lak includes buses and songthaews. They run along the central highway and can take you not only to the neighboring beach, but also to any other province. Taxis are a convenient means of transportation, especially when you need to cover short distances. There are stands throughout the resort where you can see the average cost of a trip.
If you are vacationing on Khao Lak for a long time, then for convenience you can rent a bike or car. Prices for bikes range from 200 to 350 baht per day. Monthly rent can cost 3500-4000 baht. Car rental prices start from 1000 baht per day.
How to get there?
From Phuket Island
There are 5 main options by which you can get to Khao Lak from Phuket. The easiest way to do this is from the airport, but it is also possible to leave from the capital of the island - Phuket Town.
- The most convenient way is to order. Then you will receive a convenient round trip transfer and a planned excursion program around the resort. Price 1300 baht.
- Another transportation option is a taxi, which is located at Phuket Airport itself. After you leave the terminal, you should go to the taxi stand. They also have a price list for different destinations. A taxi ride to Khao Lak can cost around 1,500 baht. Remember that the initial price of a taxi is often inflated, so do not forget to bargain. This way the price can be reduced by several hundred baht.
- Use transfer services. It can be pre-ordered on the website. The driver will meet you near the exit of the terminal, help with your luggage and take you to the designated hotel.
- Rent a car. This can be done directly at the airport or order a car on the website. When booking a car on the website, you will immediately see all the available options in different rental companies, you will be able to compare prices and choose the most suitable option.
- Shuttle bus. All buses leave from the bus station in Phuket Town. Therefore, initially you should take a taxi or tuk-tuk to the station, and only then buy a bus ticket. This is the cheapest travel option, since the cost of one ticket is around 100 baht. The journey takes about 2 hours. Bus tickets can be purchased on the website.
From Bangkok
To get from Bangkok to Khao Lak, you can use one of the following options:
- An airplane is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel. The flight takes about one hour. The plane takes off from Bangkok airport and lands in Phuket. If tickets are purchased in advance, their cost can be about 1000 baht. A company like Nok Air offers a comprehensive package that includes not only the flight, but also a transfer to Khao Lak from Phuket. You can book a ticket on the Aviasales website.
- Train - this takes you to Surat Thani province, and then takes a shuttle bus to Khao Lak.
- Bus - leaves from the southern bus station in the capital of Thailand, as well as from Mochit station. When purchasing a ticket, do not forget to indicate that you are traveling to Khao Lak. The fare will range from 620 to 1200 baht, everything will depend on the class of the bus. Keep in mind that the trip will be long. You can purchase a ticket at the ticket office at the bus station or on the website.
Khao Lak on the map
On this map you can see the exact location of Khao Lak resort in Thailand.
We got acquainted with another resort in Thailand - Khao Lak. This is a wonderful place to relax, which impresses with its cleanliness and beauty. It is very easy to get to, and the time spent in these heavenly places will not leave any vacationer indifferent.
For some reason, Russian tour operators bypass Khao Lak resort side. Our compatriots get there mostly on their own. In contrast to the Scandinavians, who took a fancy to it and, apparently, determined the general atmosphere there with their restrained Nordic nature. The most interesting thing is that getting to Khao Lak is not much more difficult than getting to the trampled by tourists.
For those looking for peace
Tours to Khao Lak- this is a real find for those who want to relax, and not “have a blast.” A small number of tourists, among whom Scandinavians with reserved emotions predominate, secluded beaches, and a not particularly developed entertainment infrastructure. Most of all, this town is similar to the beginning of the tourist boom that began 25 years ago.
Main Khao Lak attractions- This is a multi-kilometer beach coastline and dense tropical forests framing it. No one will stop you from meeting the sunrise in romantic silence, and in the evening watching the sun go beyond the horizon of the Indian Ocean. You don’t have to worry about getting in line at the nearest restaurant or cafe in advance. It's always free there, and Thai cuisine is the most authentic.
Beaches
Khao Lak is a resort area stretching from the town that gave it its name, a full thirty kilometers north along the Phet Kassem Road. The first place on the way from Phuket will be Ban Khao Lak village and Khao Lak beach. Further to the north are: the village of Ban La On and Nang Thong Beach, the villages of Bang Niang and Khuk Khak, each of which has its own beach of the same name.
Nang Thong Beach and Bang Niang Beach
If a serene beach holiday as such seems too boring to you, then you should stop at Nang Thong Beach and Bang Niang Beach. At the latter, tourists are even offered. In general, all the usual tourist infrastructure - bars, restaurants, salons, and bicycles - is present there. It is believed that best beaches in Khao Lak are located right there. Of course, compared to Patong, it is extremely quiet there, and it is impossible to get lost on the same Bang Niang street with a dozen drinking establishments. Priestesses of the most ancient profession work there, so the “” point in the recreation program can be left.
Nang Thong Beach
Bang Niang Beach
Khuk Khak Beach
Khuk Khak Beach, in our opinion, is one of the most beautiful in Khao Lak. At the same time, it is the most deserted (people can only be found near hotels) and remote from those described above. For this reason, Khuk Khak is perfect for lovers of secluded relaxation. Also located here is one of the best hotels in this resort - The Heaven Khao Lak.
Pakarang Beach
Pakarang Beach is mainly popular among professionals because it offers ideal conditions for this sport. Otherwise the beach is quite large and sparsely populated. Not far from the surf spot there is a fairly comfortable hotel Palm Galleria Resort.
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is the southernmost part after Khao Lak Beach and is located directly below the hill, near which there are several hotels with magnificent views of the bay. For couples in love, we recommend booking a cozy hotel Sensimar Khaolak Beachfront Resort, located right on the beach.
Pak Weeb Beach
Pak Weeb Beach, which is a continuation of Pakarang Beach, is very popular among tourists, but there is no clear boundary between them. It is distinguished by the presence of vegetation right next to the sea, calmer waves, and sparsely populated areas. Thanks to its snow-white sand, it has a second name - White Sand Beach.
Bang Sak Beach
Bang Sak Beach is located almost in the very north of Khao Lak, near the town of Takua Pa. The place is quite contrasting in terms of population - there are both deserted places and quite populated ones. In the surrounding area there are also many comfortable hotels and small restaurants offering savory dishes. We highly recommend visiting the Haadson Resort.
On the other five beaches, the atmosphere is peaceful and patriarchal. The forest or clean beach sand begins right outside the hotel's doorstep. But if this is not enough for you, then go to the island of Koh Kho Khao. It is located five minutes by sea from Bang Sak Beach. The length of its beach line is almost fifteen kilometers, and there are no more than a dozen hotels. There you can quite feel like Robinson and yearn for Friday.
Cultural program
Attractions. All of them are natural and natural in nature. Khao Lak National Park, waterfalls, clean beaches. Only the monument dedicated to the victims is man-made. This is a police boat abandoned on the shore. It is precisely this natural disaster that explains the fact that most man-made objects in Khao Lak are no more than ten years old. Excursions to Khao Lak are offered by local travel agencies, but you can also go around them yourself.
Khao Sok National Park
Shops and shopping. This type of entertainment is only possible in Bang Niang or Nang Thong, but it will not bring much joy to shopaholic fans. There are few large chain stores in the villages, even 7-Eleven, which is widespread throughout Thailand, is a problem. The markets in Khao Lak offer the usual range of traditional Thai souvenirs and local “delicacies” at reasonable prices. If you can’t live without shopping, then go and visit the Central Festival shopping center.
Local market
Entertainment. The most significant places to have a blast on Khao Lak are Moo Moo Cabaret - a drag queen show, and Zantika Pub - a nightclub. They are located on the main street of Bang Niang. The beaches offer jet ski rentals and other beach activities. There are massage parlors, you can go to a bar or restaurant. If you have absolutely nothing else to do, then at night you can launch Chinese lanterns into the sky.
Weather
The best weather in Khao Lak observed during our Russian winter. From November to mid-March it is not particularly hot, just above thirty. Sometimes there are refreshing rains. The heat and great dryness begin in April and continue until June. If you want to spend your summer holidays in a bathhouse, then come from May to October. The temperature is above thirty, it rains almost every day (usually at night). Exotics are added by strong winds that disperse high waves. The water temperature in any season is above 27 degrees.
Hotels
Holidays in Khao Lak Can't be called budget. Accommodation and hotels, which can be considered quite comfortable, are somewhat more expensive than, for example, in, although cheaper than in. The best hotels in Khao Lak are located in Bang Niang and Nan Thong. There are no rooms cheaper than a thousand baht. There are offers for three thousand. The farther from the water, the cheaper. Along the shore there are, for the most part, hotels that look like bungalows. They are the most expensive. A five-minute walk from them there are three- and five-story guesthouses, which offer rooms for 400-500 baht. You can view hotel options on the widget below or search for others on websites and. The secrets of finding cheap and comfortable hotels are outlined
Lovers of a relaxing holiday are looking for quiet, secluded places where no one will disturb them. Are there still places like this left in Thailand? Undoubtedly, there are still unexplored areas in the popular tourist country.
One such place is a resort called Khao Lak. Thailand is visited annually by millions of visitors from all over the world, resulting in the most popular resorts being filled with tourists during the high season. But on Khao Lak you can spend a holiday amid soul-healing silence.
Khao Lak on the map of Thailand
The name "Khao Lak" used to be a small village, located on the coast of the bay. As tourism began to develop in this place, the name began to cover several settlements.
The convenient location allowed the settlements to eventually become a single resort complex.
Climate and weather
High mountains protect Khao Lak from ocean waters, the climate in the settlement is warm. The holiday season begins in November and ends in May. At the height of the holiday, the weather is dry and warm, with temperatures hovering around twenty-eight degrees.
At the same time, there is no feeling of sultry heat, because tourists are constantly blown by a light breeze.
Between May and October the resort is unsuitable for relax. At that time:
- are spilled heavy rains;
- the sea is raging storms;
- the settlement overcomes heatwave, combined with high humidity;
- do not carry out popular excursions, which are tied to the season.
Experienced travelers who value tranquility and solitude, on the contrary, choose this time for relaxation. Prices for accommodation in good hotels are lower, and you won’t meet crowds of other vacationers while walking. If the hotel has a comfortable swimming pool, a spa complex, and the room has air conditioning, you can have a great rest on vacation, regardless of the rainy weather.
How to get there?
It's easier to get into the settlement with Phuket. The airport is eighty kilometers away. There are direct flights from the Russian Federation. From the airport to Khao Lak you can take a taxi, bus or transfer.
You can look for plane tickets right now using this form. Specify cities of departure and arrival, date And number of passengers.
How long to fly to Thailand on a direct flight or with transfers, read in.
If you decide to call a taxi, be prepared to shell out a pretty penny. The journey will take one hour. A tourist will spend less money if he goes to the city for on the bus. From the airport, this type of transport is directed to a bus station or other stop. Final routes buses are:
- Chumphon;
- Bangkok;
- Ranong and other points.
On the way, the bus passes Khao Lak. You will have to spend on the road two hours.
People can also get to the city from Bangkok. It is recommended to select bus to Phuket, warning the driver in advance that you need to get to Khao Lak. Most often, buses run at night, so you will already arrive at your hotel in the morning. The second suggestion involves a transfer: take a bus to Surat Thani, and then to Khao Lak.
A cheaper option for traveling to the desired city is a trip by train. At night, take the train to Surat Thani, purchasing a ticket for a third-class carriage (conveniences are not promised). Travel time will be fourteen hours.
Upon arrival at your destination, continue your journey by bus to Phuket, passing Khao Lak.
Holidays at the resort
You can have a great holiday in Khao Lak, benefiting your soul and body. The doors of spa salons, yoga clubs, and fitness centers are always open to visitors. Getting to know nature, excursions, walks and sunbathing on the beach are an integral part of the holiday. The village of La He is famous for its spa, which provides fish peeling.
Infrastructure
Mostly shops, restaurants and hotels are located near Nang Thong and Bang Niang beaches. In the evening, guests visit restaurants where they enjoy local cuisine while listening to live music. The youth relaxing at the Monkey bar, dancing to pop, club and reggae music.
Lovers of quality alcoholic drinks visit Irish pub, located in the northern part of the settlement. Visitors enjoy tasting beer with snacks and taking part in master classes on preparing Thai dishes.
Parties take place in local bars, which open at five o'clock and stay open until late. Families with children can visit The Jungle restaurant. For dinner you will be offered a large list of meat dishes, as well as food prepared according to home-cooked recipes. For dessert you can enjoy a delicious cocktail.
Khao Lak is not the best place for shopping, inferior to popular resorts. Lovers of shopping visit markets, of which there are about three. The assortment includes memorabilia and fruits. In the Nang Tong supermarket, tourists will find everything they need.
Housing
Most belong to medium and high categories. Basically, rooms cost about three thousand baht (about 5,200 rubles) per night. For this money you will get a comfortable room with a stunning view in a hotel that provides a luxurious pool and restaurant.
You can find a hotel in Khao Lak any category, from one to five stars, also provides accommodation without a rating category, hostels and guest houses.
- Among five-star hotels it stands out Jw Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa 5*. It is located on the beach line. Guests are offered rooms of different categories and free Wi-Fi is available on site. Exquisite food, a large swimming pool, and well-groomed grounds make your stay at the hotel unforgettable.
- From four-star hotels is often chosen Sensimar Khao Lak Beachfront Resort 4*. Reviews from tourists are positive, the friendly staff, delicious breakfasts and the opportunity to exercise are appreciated.
In the city, most hotels have three or two stars. Of these categories, Khaolak Golden Place 3* and Khao Lak Relax Resort 2* stand out.
Beaches
The resort settlement is united under one name seven beaches. All recreation areas are thoroughly cleaned, so litter will not interfere with your enjoyment of the soft sand and clear, warm water.
Two beaches called Nang Thong and Bang Niang are fully equipped for relaxing by the water. The first beach is considered the most visited. Near Nang Tonga There are a sufficient number of affordable hotels and small restaurants where you can satisfy your hunger. Children will be delighted with the sea creatures moving along the shore: turtles and crabs.
The Crystal Sea will allow you to see exotic fish swimming like a master in their own waters. The southern side of Nang Tong is famous among travelers as "Sunset Beach". Every tourist who vacations here has a stunning sea sunset in their photo.
Second equipped beach Bang Niang Great for families with children. On its territory there are:
- water rides;
- comfortable sun loungers for sunbathing;
- salons offering amazing massage.
Each family member will find entertainment to suit their taste. There is a snake farm near the beach where you can go on an excursion. Not far - Chong Fa waterfall, fascinating nature lovers.
Beautiful snow-white beaches await you on the islands of Thailand. Read about the island part of this country.
Travelers who prefer a quiet holiday in solitude choose beaches Khao Lak and Pakwip. The first recreation area is not equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers, but tall trees cast a good shadow. The nature of this place does not let go; you can admire it endlessly. Tourists relax right on the snow-white sand.
On the beach Pakwip you won't find company. It is chosen because of its proximity to comfortable high-class hotels and the Baan Pakwip Monastery.
The division of beaches is very arbitrary; the entire coastal area is at the disposal of vacationers. You can stretch out on the sand at any time of the year. During the storm season, the beaches are hidden behind large reefs, so even during this time tourists indulge water activities: diving and snorkeling.
Educational tourism with photos
In Khao Lak, you can spend time not only for the benefit of the soul, but also get food for the mind by visiting and getting to know the local nature.
Main attractions
Basically, all the attractions at the resort are created by nature. There are few interesting places created by man. Those who want to get acquainted with Thai culture visit the famous Buddhist padungtampotiwas temple. You can also visit the Chinese temple, which is noticeably different in appearance from Thai shrines.
Chao Por Khao Lak Shrine- translated as “guardian of Khao Lak.” This is a statue of a seated man, who, according to legend, is the patron saint of the resort and protects it from all evil. A separate small temple was built for him, located near the Lampu National Park.
Some guests pay tribute to those killed in the tsunami by visiting a police boat that stands as a memorial to those affected by the disaster.
Nature
There are a lot of natural places to visit. Tourists must visit Khao Sok National Park, where they relax by Lake Cheo Lan and go for a walk to the waterfalls. Children will be delighted by the elephant farm, where they can interact with the majestic animals. In March, travelers have the opportunity to take part in the ritual of releasing small turtles into the sea.
The most visited place is of course Khao Sok National Park. The natural treasure consists of lakes, rivers, rock formations, plains and forests. It spreads over an area of seven hundred and thirty square kilometers!
At the entrance to the park there are hotels, so you can stay there overnight to continue exploring the park the next day. You can get to Khao Sok on your own using a bus, taxi or minibus. The ideal option is to rent a car or bike and organize a walk yourself.
Popular excursions
The resort offers a variety of entertainment options. The hotels have excursion bureaus where guests can order various excursions. Guests visit:
- Similan Island, considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world;
- reserve(one visit can last three days);
- lake on which stands an interesting "water" hotel.
Travelers explore the area using mountain bikes, which can be rented from the tour desk. In addition to this, in rent They provide kayaks, canoes, and diving equipment.
See Khao Lak resort review here video:
Khao Lak- a resort in Thailand on the shores of the Andaman Sea. This resort is not yet very popular among our tourists; mostly Europeans choose Khao Lak for their holidays (for some reason there are a lot of Scandinavians in Khao Lak). In this article I will tell you everything I know about Khao Lak: description of the resort, features, beaches, Khao Lak hotels, transport, weather. Perhaps after reading this article you will choose not the neighboring noisy Phuket, but the quiet, calm, Europeanized Khao Lak :)
Quiet, uncrowded resort of Khao Lak in Thailand
Khao Lak: general information
The resort of Khao Lak stretches for many kilometers along the coast and highway No. 4, which connects with the south of Thailand and goes to. Figuratively speaking, Khao Lak starts from the pier from which speed boats depart for Similan and stretches to the town of Takua Pa, and this is not much, but more than 30 km along the highway! But: when talking about Khao Lak, they most often mean the area from Khao Lak National Park to Cape Pakarang and a little further to the north.
Khao Lak is marked schematically on the map with a red square. Blue square - the central beaches of Khao Lak The first village you encounter on the way from Phuket is called Ban Khao Lak, but the center of the Khao Lak resort is further north, behind the mountain. There is the village of Bang La On with Nang Thong beach, and further away the villages of Bang Niang and Khuk Khak with beaches of the same name. The most developed tourist infrastructure is on the first two beaches.
Map of Khao Lak beaches As I already said, a highway passes through Khao Lak, on the sides of which there is all the infrastructure: hotels, restaurants, shops. On Nang Thong beach, all the infrastructure is stretched along the road and the beach, and from the highway to the sea it is literally 500 meters. Inexpensive hotels are located either right on the highway or across the road from the sea, closer to the mountains. But on the neighboring Bang Niang beach, basically all the hotels and restaurants are located on the streets that lead from the road to the sea. The distance from the highway to the sea in this place is about 1 km.
Route along the coast. Next to the highway is the entire infrastructure of the Khao Lak resort 
The main street of Bang Niang, which leads from the highway to the beach 
Bang Niang. On the way to the sea 
The central street leads to the sea In 2004, Khao Lak was very badly damaged by a tsunami; now there are signs everywhere around the resort telling where to run and what to do in the event of a tsunami; they say that the disaster warning system is working well.
In case of evacuation, run to the mountains By the way, just a few days before our arrival in Khao Lak, an earthquake occurred somewhere in the sea near Indonesia, panic began in Thai groups on social networks, everyone predicted a tsunami. Luckily nothing happened. During our trip, we met a couple who were vacationing in Khao Lak at the time of the tsunami talk. They said that one evening they were having dinner in a cafe and the tsunami warning system went off, everyone sat on their bikes and went to the mountains. We waited there for a while, realized that nothing was happening, and returned to the hotel.
On Bang Niang beach, near the highway, almost opposite the 7 Eleven store, there is now a monument to the victims of the tsunami and a police boat, which was washed ashore during the tsunami. Nearby there is a stand with information about the 2004 tsunami and a museum where documentaries in English about this terrible event are shown.
A police ship that was washed ashore during the tsunami. All the people in it died 
Next to the boat there is a small museum where they talk about the terrible tsunami of 2004 NOT a budget resort, prices here are on average higher than, for example, or, but comparable to prices in Krabi: and. More details here:
Khao Lak is a very well maintained and clean resort. European-style restaurants, cute bars, beautiful evening lighting, trimmed trees, flowers - it seems that you are somewhere in Europe. They say that Thai Hua Hin is a kind of Europe in Thailand, but we haven’t been there, so I can’t say anything.
There are sidewalks in Khao Lak! This is such a joy, especially after Samui, where there are no sidewalks at all, well, maybe a little on and off.
Important! NOT youth resort, don’t look for discos and bars here, mostly elderly foreign couples or families with small children relax here.
Khao Lak is a very clean and well maintained resort 
Khao Lak even has sidewalks! This shady road leads to the beach 
Cozy European restaurants 
Restaurants near the sea with a gorgeous view Khao Lak: weather and seasons
There are two seasons in Khao Lak:
- rainy season from April-May to October-November
- dry season from November to April
In principle, the rainy season in Khao Lak is unpleasant not so much because of the rain (it mostly falls at night), but because the sea is stormy and becomes dirty and ugly 🙁 And excursions to the islands are canceled in the summer. Since Khao Lak is not a very crowded resort anyway, and in the summer there are few people here at all, some hotels, bars, restaurants and shops simply close for the summer.
Should you go to Khao Lak in May-June-July? If you choose a hotel on the seashore with good infrastructure, then you can safely go! If the sea is very stormy, then you can swim in the pool and take pleasant walks along the seashore. Fortunately, the long beaches of Khao Lak allow you to walk for many kilometers in one direction or the other.
We were in Khao Lak at the beginning of March. The weather in Khao Lak at that time was very hot. But they say that this year is generally atypically hot for Thailand. I really love the heat, but even I didn’t want to leave the air-conditioned room of our hotel during the day :) But the sea in March in Khao Lak was perfectly smooth (completely calm!) and very warm. How I love it :)
Calm and warm sea in March Khao Lak where it is and how to get there
Khao Lak is located approximately 60 km from the entrance to the popular island of Phuket. From Phuket Airport to Khao Lak it is about 80 km or an hour and a half by car. Another airport is located in Krabi, and there is a railway station in Surat Thani. The most convenient way to get from Russia to Khao Lak is through Phuket, where there are direct flights during the season. More information about how to get to Khao Lak:
Transport in Khao Lak
Transport in Khao Lak is represented by songthaews, taxis and buses passing along the highway. You can take a songthaew for 100-150 baht between neighboring beaches, and a taxi, for example, will cost from 1000 baht. It is easy to go by bus to Phuket town (100 baht) or to the neighboring town of Takua Pa.
For freedom and ease of movement, it is best to rent a bike (from 200 baht) or a car ().
Taxi prices in Khao Lak from Bang Niang beach (where the tsunami monument is) 
Prices in Khao Lak for renting bicycles and motorbikes Khao Lak Hotels
Khao Lak is the territory of expensive, comfortable hotels for a pleasant stay on the very seashore. There is no cheap housing (up to 1000 baht) on the first line! If you, like me, prefer to spend your beach holiday in a hotel first coastline, then be prepared to pay an average of 3,000 baht per day.
Inexpensive hotels (up to 1,500 baht) are concentrated along the highway and on the street running perpendicular to the sea in Bang Niang. We stopped by Khao Lak for just a few days and not for a beach holiday, but for an excursion to the Similan Islands, so we settled not near the sea, but in the center of the entire infrastructure of Bang Niang beach, in a cool hotel 850 m from the sea and 150 m from tracks.
One of the hotels on the beach 
Our cool and inexpensive hotel ten minutes walk from the beach Beaches of Khao Lak
We were delighted with the beaches of Khao Lak: long, wide, almost deserted. The sand is yellow, coarse, clean. The entrance to the sea is smooth. True, there are strong low tides and sometimes storms. I won’t tell you much, I already wrote in great detail with photos and videos about the beaches of Khao Lak here:
Deserted beaches of Khao Lak. Khuk Khak beach in Khao Lak. People, ah! 
The central part of Bang Niang beach 
Khao Lak beach before sunset Khao Lak infrastructure: cafes, shops, markets, etc.
The main infrastructure of Khao Lak is concentrated on two beaches, Nang Thong and Bang Niang. There are numerous cafes, bars, shops, massage parlors, and excursion bureaus. Beach restaurants along the coastline also attract tourists. You can have lunch there, watch the sunset over a bottle of beer, or simply rent a sun lounger and umbrella.
Beach restaurants with sun loungers on the seashore 
Cafes, restaurants, bars
There are many cozy restaurants serving European food in Khao Lak. We didn’t have time to go into them, but two evenings we had dinner in one of the Thai cafes. For dinner (one dish + one beer) we paid 280-320 baht. We didn’t see any Makashnits.
This is what our dinner looks like (+ a bottle of beer didn’t fit into the frame) in a Thai cafe in Khao Lak for 280 baht It is believed that Bang Niang is a more expensive, but at the same time more developed beach, all the main bars with live music on Khao Lak are located here. Beach bars sometimes host parties with music and dancing on the sand. But you still need to understand that you won’t find much fun in Khao Lak, it’s not even on Samui, not to mention Patong. But there is somewhere to sit in the evening in Khao Lak :)
Bars and restaurants on the road near Bang Niang beach 
Restaurants in the village center 
Beach bar party announcement Shops and markets
There are several chain stores in Khao Lak with normal prices. They are located on the highway at Bang Niang and Nang Thong beaches. As well as small shops with food, water, souvenirs, beachwear, etc. and so on. Prices for souvenirs and beach items are NOT low. There are many stores where they can sew you a suit or other clothes in a couple of days :)
Shop 7 Eleven and next to there is another supermarket with everything you need 
In small shops in Khao Lak you can buy beach items and some souvenirs 
A bunch of shops and workshops for sewing suits and other clothes On Bang Niang beach behind 7 elven opposite the turn to Tsunami Memorial every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from lunch until 10 pm there is a market where tourists come from all over Khao Lak. Here you can find some souvenirs, some beachwear, food, fruit, etc. at normal prices.
The market in Khao Lak on Bang Niang Beach is open three days a week. In the evenings there are many tourists here who want to try Thai food 
Market in Khao Lak There is a morning fruit market in Khuk Khak next to the small bus station, which is indicated on all maps of Khao Lak. This market is open every day from early morning until 11-12 noon.
But still, it’s better to go to Phuket for shopping. This is not difficult to do: you need to take a bus to Phuket on the highway, 2-3 hours of travel and 100 baht and you are in the center of Phuket town. Then you can take a tuk-tuk or songthaew and get, for example, to the Festival Center (you can see what the Festival Center is using Samui as an example).
The closest Big C supermarket to Khao Lak is in Takua Pa, and Tesco is on the way to Phuket in Khok Kloi.
Attractions Khao Lak
Khao Lak is a convenient departure point for excursions to neighboring islands. Some tourists come to Khao Lak only to visit:
- Surin
- Tachai - currently, unfortunately, closed indefinitely
Important: in summer, during the rainy and stormy season (usually from mid-May to late October) these islands are closed to visitors!
- Deserted beaches
- Kao Lak National Park - Lam Ru
- Sai Rung Waterfall
- Ton Chong Fa Waterfall
- Ton Pling Waterfall
- Lampi Waterfall
You can also ride elephants or go diving in Khao Lak - any travel agency, of which there are a great many, will tell you more about all the tours and excursions in Khao Lak.
Khao Lak review and conclusions
Khao Lak left a pleasant impression. We liked the fact that there are few tourists in Khao Lak, wide deserted beaches, good sea, clean streets, cozy cafes. And the village of Bang Niang itself is so cute. It’s convenient to go on excursions from Khao Lak, we visited the Similan Islands, next time I want to go to Surin. Khao Lak has magnificent sunsets, where the sun sets directly into the sea. Khao Lak is a place where I want to return, unlike, for example, or Krabi (Ao Nang).
Preparing for a romantic dinner on the beach at sunset 
Evening street lighting 
Sunset in Khao Lak If I were going on vacation to Thailand for 2 weeks and wanted to visit the south of the country, I would do this:
- 1 day. Arrival in Bangkok, overnight in Bangkok
- Day 2. By train or plane to Surat Thani
- Day 3. Transfer Surat Thani - Khao Sok
- 4 – 6 days. Khao Sok and Cheow Lan Lake
- Day 7 – transfer to Khao Lak
- 7 – 12 days. Rest in Khao Lak + sail on a 2-3-day excursion to Similan or Surin
- 12-14 days. Departure from Phuket Airport to Bangkok, Bangkok
Khao Lak resort Khao Lak) is located 70 km north of Phuket Airport, on the mainland.
It takes about 40 minutes by car.
Khao Lak from Phuket
We went to check out the beaches of this place having accommodation in Phuket, but we liked Khao Lak so much that we stayed there for the night.
And this despite the fact that I didn’t want to swim there just like in Phuket: strong waves and muddy water with a suspension of sand discouraged the desire to go into the water: .
How to get to Khao Lak
The easiest option is to get to Khao Lak from Phuket - and take it to the place.
Perhaps for me it is the simplest - but so it is.
At Phuket Airport, rental prices are minimal, and the choice of cars is maximum.
I book cars in advance at - it’s convenient: there are no problems with receiving and returning the car, and if they did happen, they were always resolved in my favor.
Car insurance is included in the rental price. Refundable deposit when renting a jeep is 5,000 baht ($150).
In addition, you will need a car in Khao Lak to travel around the surrounding area: to other beaches, to the national park, to the lakes, to the province Phang Nga(like James Bond Island, if you haven’t), or Krabi, or to Phuket.
Or maybe you will be interested in the border of Thailand with Burma in the north (170 km from Khao Lak).
Where to Stay on Khao Lak: South Beach
We liked two beaches: the very first one if you come from Phuket - Khao Lak South Beach, as the name suggests, is the southern beach of Khao Lak.
What we liked here: houses right on the beach, a small bay with a sandy beach and palm trees.
Shops, restaurants, laundries - all within walking distance.
I use the diminutive prefix to highlight one quality: everything is small and compact.
No packagers.
Well, or pronounced packagers who can be recognized from afar.
There are no noisy bars, whores, discos and everything that has not been of interest for a long time.
Quiet.
If there is a group of people sitting, you can’t hear them.
In general, all the signs of a good holiday.
You can see housing in this place by opening the booking com site map - just don’t forget to indicate your dates before this: free options will be marked on it in a neutral color, and occupied ones in red.
So that you don’t waste time opening individual pages.
So, we passed all the attractions for tourists and turned onto the road to the sea and quite by chance we ended up on a deserted beach Khuk Khak Beach where we really liked the hotel Khaolak Blue Lagoon Resort where we stayed: a spacious house on the lake, 5 minutes walk from the beach.
The house has a living room, kitchen, bedroom, terrace.
Fish like red crucian carp, as tall as I am, swim in the clear lake.
They really love the cones that lie here on the ground.
At first we tried to feed them chips, but the cones caused a simply bomb effect - the crucian carp jumped out of the water like whales opposite Vancouver, near Victoria Island in Canada.
The sea is across the road.
I said loudly that the road is a strip of asphalt along which a car passes once an hour.
It's quiet and homey here.
Prices for Khao Lak
How much Phuket has deteriorated in terms of price is clearly felt on Khao Lak.
Exactly the place Khuk Khak Beach(which I wrote about above) has become indicative and exemplary in comparing the quality of life here and in Phuket.
The layout is as follows:
– we stayed in a house measuring 60 square meters (called a villa here) for $120 per day.
Distance to the beach - first line - 30 meters.
Khao Lak food prices
Dinner at the restaurant. At a coastal beach restaurant (north of Bang Tao) we paid 1,700 baht for dinner without alcohol.
In a hotel Khaolak Blue Lagoon Resort we paid 900 baht for dinner with three cocktails and a large set of seafood.
That is, more than twice as cheap.