Khao Lak is one of the most popular travel destinations in Thailand, known for its scuba diving and snorkeling. But did you know that this beautiful seaside town also has a lot to offer outside of the water?
If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, head to Small Sandy Beach or Khuk Khak Beach, both located in a national park that requires an entrance fee. They are not crowded with tourists, which makes them great places to spend the day sunbathing and swimming.
1. Beaches
Khao Lak is home to a series of picture-perfect white sandy beaches that glisten with crystals under the sun. It's one of the most picturesque vacation destinations in Thailand.
The most popular beach in the area is Coconut Beach, which is a picture-perfect strip of sand fringed by towering coconut trees. Its sand is soft and delicate and the waters are a beautiful blue-green color.
For an unforgettable day at the beach, you can rent a chair and umbrella from a local beach bar and relax while taking in the amazing scenery. The beach is also a great spot for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing.
If you prefer to stay in a resort on the beach, there are plenty of 5* resorts along the area that offer comfortable accommodation and a relaxed environment. These include Devasom, JW Marriot, and The Haven.
2. Waterfalls
One of the main attractions in Khao Lak is the many waterfalls that are located nearby. There are plenty to choose from, and you can easily visit them during your stay in the area.
The best waterfall in the area is probably Lampi, which is situated within the Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park and only a 30-minute drive south of Khao Lak city centre. It has several levels that are accessible via a jungle trail, and there are many pools to swim in.
Another great waterfall is Ton Chong Fa, which is found within the Khao Sok National Park and is a nice place to hike to. It has five different levels and you can climb to the top if you wish.
Finally, Khao Lak is also home to many hot springs and is an excellent place to relax after a day of hiking in the mountains. Some of these hot springs are free, but others may require an entrance fee.
3. Local Markets
Visiting the local markets is a great way to immerse yourself in Thai culture. These markets are an exhilarating experience with a gorgeous colourful array of fruits and vegetables, tasty street food, and plenty of souvenirs.
The most famous market in Khao Lak is the Bang Niang Market, which is held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. It is a huge open market that sells everything from fruit and vegetables to meat, fish, seafood and spices.
You can also find several food stalls selling snacks, sweets and sticky rice. You can find a wide variety of t-shirts, sunglasses and local handicrafts at the market as well.
If you’re more into shopping, there is another market that’s open on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday near the Build Factory night club in Khuek Khak. This market is more oriented towards locals and is only open when the main market is closed.
4. Shopping
Khao Lak is a small, laid back beach town in Phang Nga province that’s perfect for a relaxing getaway. It’s also a great base for exploring the northern Andaman region with easy day trips to Phuket, Similan and Surin Islands, Khao Sok National Park, and the magnificent Phang Nga Bay.
- There are plenty of shopping opportunities around the town, including pharmacies, tailor shops and souvenirs shops. You can also find a few supermarkets, mainly 7-11, and a few smaller ones, such as Nang Thong Supermarket.
- The night markets in Bang Niang and Khuk Khak are also a good place to shop for souvenirs and delicious food. The Bang Niang market is open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Another must see is the marine turtle conservation centre. It’s an essential animal conservation effort that is critical to the local sea life.
