Where to stay in Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a string of long, uncrowded beaches on the Andaman coast of Phang Nga province, about an hour and a half north of Phuket airport. Jungle-covered hills come right down to the sea, the sunsets are reliable in the dry season, and the pace is calm: there's no Patong-style nightlife here, just beach restaurants, small markets and a lot of space.

It's also the main base for liveaboard and day trips to the Similan and Surin islands, some of Thailand's best diving and snorkelling, and an easy day trip from Khao Sok National Park. The places we list run from small guesthouses inland to resorts right on the sand.

Nearest airport
Phuket International, usually about 1 to 1.5 hours by road
Island trips
Speedboats to the Similan Islands, normally from about mid-October to mid-May
Getting around
Taxis, songthaews and scooter or car hire along Highway 4
Rainy season
Roughly May to October, with rougher seas

Places to stay in Khao Lak

16 hotels

Hotel in Khao Lak Beach and the south end

Ruk Cozy

A pool, a garden and modern rooms close to Khao Lak's beaches

  • pool
  • garden
  • air-conditioning
See today's offers

"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Khao Lak, area by area

The coast runs north to south for more than 20 km, with the main road a little inland. Most shops and restaurants cluster around Bang Niang and La On village.

Bang Niang and Nang Thong

Best for first visits and walkable evenings

The centre of Khao Lak is the stretch around Bang Niang and Nang Thong beaches and La On village. It has the biggest choice of restaurants, tailors, massage shops and tour agents, plus a popular market a few evenings a week. The police boat memorial at Bang Niang, carried inland by the 2004 tsunami, is a moving reminder of the area's history.

Khao Lak Beach and the south end

Best for sunsets and the national park

The southern end of the strip, around Khao Lak Beach and Sunset Beach, is backed by the forested hills of Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park. It's quieter and prettier than the centre, with short jungle trails and small coves nearby.

Khuk Khak and Pakarang

Best for long, empty beaches

North of the centre, Khuk Khak and Cape Pakarang have some of the longest and emptiest beaches on the coast. Pakarang's shallow reef makes for good beachcombing at low tide, and sunsets here are spectacular.

Accommodation here is more spread out, from big beachfront resorts to small family-run places on the side roads. You'll want transport for restaurants, but the reward is a beach that often feels private.

Natai and the south towards Phuket

Best for being close to Phuket airport

Natai Beach and the Thai Muang coast lie well south of Khao Lak proper, around 30 to 45 minutes from Phuket airport. It's very quiet and a good choice for a first or last night, or for travellers who want an empty beach and don't mind driving for dinner.

Questions about staying in Khao Lak

Is Khao Lak a good alternative to Phuket?

Yes, if you want long, quiet beaches and a relaxed pace. It has far less nightlife and fewer crowds than Phuket's west coast, and it's close to the Similan Islands and Khao Sok.

How far is Khao Lak from Phuket Airport?

Usually around 1 to 1.5 hours by taxi or minivan to the centre. Natai and the southern beaches are closer.

When can I visit the Similan Islands from Khao Lak?

The Similan Islands National Park normally opens from about mid-October to mid-May. Day trips and liveaboards leave from Thap Lamu pier, just south of Khao Lak.

Can I visit Khao Sok from Khao Lak?

Yes. Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Lan Lake are roughly 1 to 1.5 hours inland, and day tours are sold everywhere in Khao Lak.

Is Khao Lak good for families?

Very. The beaches are long and uncrowded, many resorts have pools and family rooms, and the evenings are calm. Just watch the sea in the monsoon months, when currents can be strong.

Do I need a car in Khao Lak?

Not if you stay in the centre, where you can walk to the beach and restaurants. For the northern beaches, Natai or inland stays, a car or scooter makes life much easier.

More destinations in Thailand