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For travellers drawn to Thailand’s coastline but keen on a gentler pace, Khao Lak is well worth a look. Just north of Phuket, this low-key coastal stretch trades bustling beach clubs for long, uncrowded beaches, rainforest backdrops and a slower rhythm of travel.
1. Snorkel or dive the Surin or Similan Islands
One of Khao Lak’s greatest privileges is easy access to some of Thailand’s most pristine marine parks surrounded by the turquoise sea. From November to May, speedboats depart nearby piers for the Similan and Surin Islands, renowned for crystal-clear water, colourful coral gardens, white sand beaches and lush green vegetation. Expect snorkelling alongside reef fish, sea turtles and, if you’re lucky, reef sharks or dolphins.
2. Dine at one of the best restaurants in Khao Lak
Sitting on a natural lagoon and one of the country’s most stunning sunset beaches, Devasom Khao Lak is home to two of Khao Lak’s standout dining spots. The oceanfront Takola Thai Restaurant champions Southern Thai cuisine with fresh produce and Andaman seafood sourced from local communities. Along the shore, Devasom Beach Grill is known for its panoramic sea views and Mediterranean-inspired menu cooked on an outdoor grill. Expect wood-fired pizzas, sizzling meats and fresh seafood, best enjoyed with a cocktail as the sun sets.
3. Venture into the rainforest at Khao Sok National Park
A stay in Khao Lak isn’t complete without heading inland to Khao Sok National Park. Expect an endless canopy of tropical rainforests and wilderness, waterfalls, limestone or ‘karst’ mountains, caves and mirror-still lakes framed by misty peaks. Many travellers choose a private day trip or overnight floating bungalow stay, often arranged through their resort, combining guided jungle walks, bamboo rafting on the Sok River or longtail boat journeys across Cheow Lan Lake, where early mornings offer the best chance to spot hornbills, gibbons and other wildlife.
4. Paddle through sea caves in Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay is a must-do day trip, offering a gentler, more atmospheric alternative to open-water island hopping. Its calm waters wind past limestone cliffs, mangrove forests and bird-filled islets, creating a sense of quiet exploration rather than spectacle. Travelling by canoe or kayak allows access to hidden caves and tidal tunnels beneath the karsts, with early-morning or late-afternoon departures offering softer light, fewer boats and the bay at its most serene.
5. Visit James Bond Island
James Bond Island may be world-famous, but approaching it from Khao Lak changes the experience entirely. Smaller-group excursions often take a scenic route through Phang Nga Bay’s limestone channels, slipping past hidden coves and mangrove-fringed inlets before reaching Khao Phing Kan and the slender rock pillar of Ko Tapu, the filming location for The Man with the Golden Gun. Often paired with kayaking or canoeing, this excursion is less about ticking off a film location and more about the scenic journey through the bay itself.
6. Sink into beachfront resort living
At ananea Khao Lak, slow glamour is more than a philosophy, it shapes the entire stay. Days often begin with sunrise yoga by the sea, followed by time spent drifting between the resort’s expansive beachfront pool landscape, treatments at Kanda Spa and moments of quiet reflection along quiet stretches of Pakweep Beach. Villas are designed with natural materials and private outdoor spaces that invite long mornings and unhurried afternoons before heading out to explore nearby waterfalls or snorkelling spots.
Pullman Khao Lak Resort’s signature experience is its Kram Beach Club right on Bang Muang Beach, an inviting spot for Mediterranean-inspired lunches, sunset cocktails and seaside dinners with Andaman Sea views. By day, the resort’s 1,000-sqm free-form pool with the shaded Tharn Pool Bar is perfect for lazy afternoons, whether you’re sipping a fruit cocktail or catching up on a book between swims. On Fridays, Kram also comes alive with a fire show on the sand, pairing spectacular entertainment with the soundtrack of crashing waves.
7. Enjoy all-ages fun and beachfront style at La Vela Khao Lak
On the golden sands of Bang Niang Beach, La Vela Khao Lak is a family-friendly paradise on palm-fringed shores with a relaxed tropical vibe that promises endless fun. Days here start with dips in the enormous free-form swimming pool, then drift into long lunches at Spices Restaurant or Kokulo Beach Club. Little ones will love the kids’ club and daily resort activities, while adults might opt for a treatment at Spa Qaqula. Nights come alive with beachfront fire shows, and the resort’s central location makes it easy to explore local markets, laid-back bars and day trips to surrounding islands.
Discover Khao Lak
Feature image: Khao Lak, Thailand.
