Khao Lak
เขาหลัก · Phang Nga Province
Population
5K
Budget / Month
$750
Internet
35 Mbps
Best Season
November to April (dry season, Similan Islands open)
About Khao Lak
Khao Lak is a long, quiet stretch of Andaman coast that serves as the primary departure point for liveaboard dive trips and day trips to the Similan Islands, one of Thailand's premier dive destinations. The area was devastated by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami — the Police Boat 813 memorial, an inland-carried patrol boat, stands as a sobering reminder.
Since then, Khao Lak has been carefully rebuilt as a low-rise, relaxed beach resort destination that deliberately positions itself as the anti-Phuket: no high-rises, no nightlife strip, no go-go bars. The result is a long coastal road lined with mid-range resorts, dive shops, restaurants, and small shopping plazas spread across several beach areas (Nang Thong, Bang Niang, Khuk Khak).
The crowd skews older and more European than the backpacker destinations further south — German and Scandinavian package tourists are a significant presence. During the May-October monsoon, much of the town shuts down and the beaches face dangerous currents. This is firmly a seasonal destination.
Historical Note
Khao Lak was devastated by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which killed over 4,000 people in the area. The rebuilt infrastructure incorporates warning systems and tsunami evacuation routes. The Police Boat 813 memorial preserves a patrol boat carried 2km inland by the wave.
Best time to visit: November to April (dry season, Similan Islands open)
At a Glance
Thai Name
เขาหลัก
Province
Phang Nga
Region
Southern
Population
5,000
Area
125 km²
Elevation
10 m
Postal Code
82190
Local Language
Thai
Cost of Living
budget
/month27,000 THB
~$750 USD
comfortable
/month55,000 THB
~$1,530 USD
luxury
/month120,000 THB
~$3,330 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 50 | 80 |
| Local restaurant meal | 80 | 150 |
| Western restaurant meal | 200 | 450 |
| Coffee (cafe) | 50 | 90 |
| Large beer (bar) | 80 | 120 |
| Water 1.5L | 15 | 20 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Guesthouse per night | 400 | 800 |
| Mid-range resort per night | 1,000 | 3,000 |
| Beachfront resort per night | 3,000 | 8,000 |
| Luxury resort per night | 8,000 | 25,000 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Motorbike rental per day | 250 | 350 |
| Taxi to Phuket Airport | 1,500 | 2,500 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Similan Islands day trip | 2,000 | 3,500 |
| Thai massage (1 hour) | 300 | 400 |
| Laundry per kg | 40 | 50 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly rental | 8,000 | 15,000 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
18% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
November to April for dry weather, calm seas, and access to the Similan Islands (open November 1 to April 30). May to October is monsoon season — most businesses close, beaches have dangerous currents, and the Similans are inaccessible.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 23 | 20 | 70% |
| Feb | 33 | 23 | 15 | 68% |
| Mar | 34 | 24 | 30 | 70% |
| Apr | 34 | 24 | 100 | 75% |
| May | 32 | 24 | 250 | 82% |
| Jun | 31 | 24 | 230 | 83% |
| Jul | 31 | 24 | 260 | 83% |
| Aug | 31 | 24 | 300 | 85% |
| Sep | 31 | 23 | 350 | 86% |
| Oct | 31 | 23 | 300 | 85% |
| Nov | 31 | 23 | 150 | 80% |
| Dec | 31 | 23 | 50 | 72% |
Things to Do
Similan Islands Day Trip
หมู่เกาะสิมิลัน
Snorkeling or diving at one of the world's top marine parks with crystal-clear water and vibrant coral.
Similan Islands Liveaboard
Multi-day dive trips covering the best sites including Richelieu Rock, one of Thailand's premier dive sites.
Tsunami Memorial (Police Boat 813)
A patrol boat carried 2km inland by the 2004 tsunami, now preserved as a memorial.
Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park
Coastal park with jungle trails, viewpoints, and a beach.
Bang Niang Market
Night market every few days with food, clothes, and souvenirs.
Ton Chong Fa Waterfall
Multi-tiered waterfall in the jungle, about 30 minutes from the coast.
Food & Dining
อาหารทะเลเผา
Fresh Seafood BBQ
Beach restaurants serve grilled fish, squid, and prawns from the Andaman.
150-400
Beach restaurants along the coast
แกงมัสมั่น
Massaman Curry
Rich, mild curry with peanuts and potatoes, common in this Muslim-influenced region.
80-150
Local Thai restaurants
แกงคั่วสับปะรด
Gaeng Kua Sapparod
Pineapple curry with prawns, a southern coastal specialty.
100-200
Local restaurants
ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง
Mango Sticky Rice
Classic Thai dessert available at market stalls.
50-80
Market stalls and restaurants
Night Markets
- Bang Niang Market
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
300 - 500
THB / night
Budget Hotel
400 - 800
THB / night
Mid-Range
1,000 - 3,000
THB / night
Luxury
8,000 - 25,000
THB / night
Studio /mo
8,000 - 12,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
10,000 - 15,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Many places close May-October. Those open offer major discounts. Beach swimming is dangerous during monsoon.
Getting There from Bangkok
Flight to Phuket + taxi
1.5 hours flight + 1-1.5 hours drive
3,000-6,000 THB
Shared minivan from Phuket Airport
1-1.5 hours from airport
400-600 THB
Getting Around
Motorbike rental
WidespreadEssential — the resort strip stretches 20+ km
250-350
Songthaew
LimitedOccasionally runs the main road
30-60
Neighborhoods
Nang Thong Beach
Relaxed resort town centerMost developed area with restaurants, dive shops, ATMs, and the main commercial strip. Best beach for swimming.
Best for: First-time visitors, convenience
Bang Niang
Spread out and peacefulNorth of Nang Thong with the Bang Niang market, resorts, and the tsunami memorial.
Best for: Quieter stay, market access
Khuk Khak
Quiet and undevelopedFurther north, more residential and local with some resorts and a long beach.
Best for: Solitude seekers
Festivals & Events
Similan Islands Opening
Annual reopening of the Similan marine park marks the start of Khao Lak's high season.
Tsunami Remembrance Day
Annual memorial events at the Police Boat 813 and along the coast on December 26.
Songkran
สงกรานต์
Water festival marking the end of high season.
Practical Info
Hospital
Phang Nga Hospital (30 minutes drive)
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Common
Language Tip
Reasonable English in tourist areas and dive shops.
Drinking Water
Do not drink tap water. Bottled water widely available.
Tipping Culture
Not expected but appreciated at restaurants
7-Eleven Density
Common
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Similan Islands
Thailand's premier snorkeling and diving destination.
Surin Islands
Snorkeling and Moken sea gypsy village visit.
Khao Sok National Park
Rainforest, river, and optionally Cheow Lan Lake.
Phang Nga Bay
James Bond Island and kayaking through sea caves.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Similan Islands open?
November 1 to April 30 approximately. The park is completely closed during monsoon season.
Is Khao Lak worth visiting outside dive season?
Not really. Most businesses close, beaches have dangerous currents, and the Similans are inaccessible.
Is Khao Lak better than Phuket?
Different. Khao Lak is quieter, more relaxed, and better for diving access. Phuket has more nightlife, dining, and shopping.
How far is Phuket Airport?
About 80 km south, or 1-1.5 hours by road.
Is there nightlife?
Very little. A few bars along the Nang Thong strip. This is a go-to-bed-early kind of place.