Khao Lak Tourist Information
Khao Lak is growing as a tourist destination in Thailand mainly because of it's closeness to Thailand's best diving at the Similan and Surin Islands.
Khao Lak also offers access to Khao Sok national park, Phang Nga Bay, Phuket, Krabi and Phi Phi Islands. Click on the links below for more specific information.
General Information
Getting There
Visas
Climate
Health
Personal safety
Insurance
Money
Email, Internet, Telephones and Post
Accommodation
Electricity
Public Transport
Food and Drink
Public Holidays and Festivals
Dos and Don’ts
Language
Things to Do and See
- Khao Lak is on the west coast of Thailand about 1 hr drive north of Phuket.
- It is a long strip resort that grew as divers looked to be closer to the Similan Islands.
- It's more relaxed than Phuket, without the exciting nightlife.
- Between May and November Khao Lak is very quiet as most dive boats stop running for the low season and many small resorts and restaurants close.
- Khao Lak is daytrip distance from Khao Sok national park, Phang Nga and Phuket. You can also reach Phi Phi islands and Krabi.
- The closest airport to Khao Lak is Phuket International Airport which is approximately 1.5hours flight from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
- Meter taxis and airport limousines are available on arrival as are shared buses.
- Resorts can arrange pick ups from the airport if you prefer to have your transfer booked before arrival.
- All travelers to Thailand require a valid passport. Many nationalities will be issued with a 30 day Visa On Arrival at the airport (15 days if travelling overland)
- Visa requirements change regularly so it’s worth checking the requirements before your trip.
- The climate in Thailand is tropical, with a mean annual temperature of 28°C and high humidity.
- The best time to visit Khao Lak is November to April when the days are mostly dry and the humidity lower. It’s t-shirt and shorts weather day and night, no need for sweaters. March and April are the hottest months.
- May to October is rainy season with more humid temperatures. Tropical downpours are short and sharp, clearing quickly.
- Check with your local GP. Vaccinations that may be recommended for Thailand are Hep A and B, Cholera, Typhoid, Tetanus and Polio if you have not already had them although many tourists don’t bother and none are compulsory.
- Malaria is not normally a problem in Khao Lak but may be required if you are planning a long trek into Khao Sok.
- The nearest international hospitals are approximately 2 hours drive away in Phuket. Those hospitals also have recompression chambers. Pharmacies are numerous in Khao lak and most medications can be bought over the counter without prescriptions.
- Don’t drink the tap water in Thailand. Bottled water is readily available everywhere. Ice in drinks is normally safe.
- Do drink plenty of water, divers especially need to stay hydrated. Do wear sunscreen if you will be out in the very powerful sun.
- Despite SARS, Bird Flu, a Tsunami, a Military Coup and the 2010 Bangkok disturbances most tourists consider Thailand a very safe country to travel around in.
- Crimes of violence are rare. Slightly more common are scams and petty theft so the same common sense precautions that you would use anywhere else are recommended.
- A common cause of injury in Thailand is the motorcycle accident. The road that runs through Khao lak can be busy. Sand and pot holes add to the fun. If you must hire a bike wear a helmet and keep off the booze.
- We are constantly amazed how many travellers don't bother with insurance even after all the recent tumultuous events in Thailand. Travel insurance is cheap and the peace of mind is worth the small outlay. We recommend WORLD NOMADS
- The Thai baht is the local currency.
- Khao Lak currency exchanges and ATM's everywhere. ATM’s accept overseas VISA and MASTERCARDS but most charge a small handling fee.
- Credit cards are accepted in resorts and in most large stores but cash is still king in most small stores, bars and restaurants.
- Travellers cheques can be cashed at currency exchange booths and banks.
- Costs are cheaper than nearby Phuket once you get out of your resort. Food is the best bargain. Alcohol prices are less good value.
- Duty free shopping is available at Phuket Airport.
- Tipping is not required but small tips (just leave the change) are very much appreciated by restaurant staff. Don't expect taxi drivers to have change so if you don't want to tip carry small change.
Email, Internet, Telephones and Post
- The Thailand country code is 66
- Public phones often don’t allow overseas calls, it’s better to buy a SIM card in a local shop.
- WIFI Internet is becoming common in resorts and some bars. Internet cafes can still be found.
- The postal service is generally reliable
- The time zone is GMT +7
- Khao Lak has all levels of accommodation from backpacker to luxury resorts. As the resort area develops more upmarket branded resorts are coming to Khao Lak but lower end beach bungalows can still be found. Nearby Khao Sok and Phang Nga also have some nice resorts.
- The Khao Lak area is pretty spread out either side of the central strip near Bang Niang beach. Some Khao Lak hotels can be pretty far from the action. We recommend that you ask the guys at EasyDayThailand which hotels they recommend for boat transfers, closeness to the dive centre, shops and restaurants etc.
- We use Agoda for all our hotel bookings in Asia. They seem to have the best prices and offer a rewards program for frequent bookings.
- Thailand Hotels with Agoda
- Phuket Hotels with Agoda
- Khao Lak Hotels with Agoda
- The electricity system is 220v (50 cycles) 2 pin plug
system
- If you don't like walking taxi's can be hired in Khao Lak
- Motorbikes and cars are available to rent. Thai’s drive on the left.
- Local buses can get you around if you can work out their routes. Buses travel between Khao Lak and Phuket several times per day. They also run upto Bangkok, Ranong, Surat Thani and down to Phang Nga and Krabi. Some distances:
Bang Sak Beach 13km
Khao Sok National Park 73km
Thap Lamu Pier 14km
Phuket Town 100km
Phuket Airport 70km
Phang Nga Town 64km
Krabi 132km
Surat Thani 187km
Ranong 198km
- Many would say that Thai food is the best in the world, it is certainly a highlight of many tourists holiday. There are so many restaurants and road side stalls you will never be able to try it all.
- Food is fresh and healthy. Seafood restaurants abound in Khao Lak, look out to sea at night and you'll see a line of squid fishing boats along the horizon.
- Fresh tropical fruits are also popular.
- Seek out local advice for the best places to go.
- Noodle soup is one of the few dishes eaten with chopsticks. Rice dishes are eaten with a spoon.
- The local beer is Singha (pronounced Sing), Leo, or Chang. Thai beers are quite strong and taste great cold with spicy Thai food. Imported beers include Heineken and Tiger. Wine and imported spirits are rather expensive. The local Sangsom whiskey is often drunk with Coke (or redbull). It tastes more like rum and carries a punch.
- There are normally 16 public holidays per year in Thailand and if they fall on a weekend the following weekday will be a public holiday.
- Bars usually close on religious holidays.
- The Thai’s revere Buddha and their Royal Family above all else. Never say anything even slightly derogatory about either, it could land you in jail.
- Be polite and smile. Getting angry will only make things worse in Thailand.
- Slow down and expect delays, this is Thailand.
- Avoid touching a Thai persons head, avoid pointing your feet at Thai people.
- Drugs are illegal in Thailand. If you are caught in possession of even a tiny bit of weed you can expect at best a heavy fine, possibly jail time. You are unlikely to be offered drugs, except maybe at a Full Moon party. Never accept, the dealer will probably report your to his mate the undercover cop.
- Thai is the official language and Thai’s are not as good at English as all their Asian neighbours.
- It is easy enough to get by in tourist areas, in more rural areas it’ll be harder.
- Although there can be a language barrier, meeting the friendly local people is one of the joys of the country. Everyone will have a smile for you and smiling back will get you far.
- Water sports is a major draw including diving, snorkeling, fishing, windsurfing and swimming.
- Visit Khao Sok national park.
- Sea Canoe in Phang Nga bay is deservedly popular. Phang Nga bay is one of the world’s most beautiful areas and a kayak trip into the caves there is highly recommended.
- Rock climbing in Krabi.
- Learn Thai cooking, massage, meditation or the language.
- Take a trip to Phuket to Party in Patong Beach or shop at the fancy department stores.
- Get a tailor made suit.
- For Phuket or KhaoLak activities we recommend you ask EasyDay Thailand what’s available.