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Khao Lak: Seven Things to do in this Hidden Resort Destination in Thailand
Written by Luxury Escapes
We recommend seven things to do in Khao Lak before everybody else catches on…
Looking for tranquillity, exclusivity, pristine beaches, rainforests, and beachfront luxury resorts… minus the horde of tourists? Head to Khao Lak in Thailand. Surrounded by rainforests on one side and the Andaman Sea on another, what sets Khao Lak apart from other popular beach spots in Thailand is stretches of pristine coastline to call your own.
1. Snorkel, dive and take day trips to the Surin or Similan Islands
What better way to kickstart your beach vacation than calming your stressed senses on pristine islands surrounded by the turquoise sea. Boasting crystal clear underwater visibility (and colourful coral), white sand beaches and lush green vegetation, both Surin and Similan Islands are highly recommended for diving, snorkelling and abundant marine life spotting – encounters with dolphins, reef sharks and sea turtles are common.
2. Indulge in a Michelin Guide getaway
Sitting on a natural lagoon and one of the country’s most stunning sunset beaches, Devasom Khao Lak takes lavishness to a new level. The private beachfront resort boasts the oceanfront Takola Thai Restaurant – recipient of a Bib Gourmand award in the Michelin Guide for 2024 – and an onsite wellness centre, offering Muay Thai classes, morning yoga, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a serene spa.
Indulge in an A-list tropical beach escape that’s sure to leave you sun-kissed, stress-free and satisfied in no time.
3. Explore Khao Sok National Park
An endless canopy of tropical rainforests and wilderness, waterfalls, limestone or ‘karst’ mountains, caves, close encounters with wildlife and rafting in lakes earns Khao Sok National Park the top spot on the Khao Lak itinerary. Private transfers to Khao Sok take about two hours and can be organised by your resort.
4. Sea-cave canoeing and kayaking at Phang Nga Bay…
Phang Nga Bay is a must-do day trip. Popular for its splendid limestone cliffs and rock formations, Phang Nga Bay is home to serene islands, mangrove forests and countless species of birds. The best way to explore the beautiful islets of Phang Nga Bay is to use a canoe or a kayak that can make it easy to pass the caves and tunnels under the limestone cliffs.
5. … plus James Bond Island
Spend a day kayaking around ‘James Bond Island. Locally known as Khao Phing Kan and Ko Tapu – and the filming location for The Man with the Golden Gun – the island’s karst lime towers and abundance of marine life make for the perfect day trip.
6. Relax in your private pool villa…
Imagine sipping cocktails from your private deck while taking in postcard-perfect views over sun-kissed nature and pristine waters – all of this while staying at the first modernist sanctuary in Khao Lak…
All of this and much more await at the incredible Casa de la Flora, a modern masterpiece merging cutting-edge architecture and unique design in a tropical location. The impressive 36 cube-shaped villas, beautifully decorated with designer touches, make Casa de la Flora a private hideaway away from the crowds – just minutes away from Khao Lak’s tranquil Bang Niang Beach.
7. Or at the family-friendly Mai Khao Lak Beach Resort & Spa
Ready for a sun-soaked escape? This family-friendly paradise on Khao Lak’s palm-fringed shores promises endless fun. Picture yourself flying down two giant waterslides, watching the kids enjoy the pirate ship water park, or simply kick back and enjoy the sugar-white sands of Pak Weep Beach, nearby coconut groves and lush forests. Just a 15-minute drive from the local town, you’re perfectly placed to set sail to Similan Island or discover the charm of nearby villages.
Discover Khao Lak
Feature image: Khao Lak, Thailand.
