Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a 30 km strip of Andaman Sea beaches in Thailand’s Phang Nga province, about 70 km north of Phuket. It’s quieter than Phuket and closer to the Similan Islands, which makes it Thailand’s best base for diving from November to April. Expect a tropical monsoon climate with a dry season from November to April, a wet season from May to October, and daytime highs of 30°C to 34°C (86°F to 93°F) all year.

Welcome to Khao Lak

Khao Lak is really a chain of beach villages, not one town. From south to north, Nang Thong, Bang Niang, Khuk Khak, Pak Weep, and Bang Sak each have their own resorts and pace, all strung along the north-south Phetkasem Road. The area rebuilt after the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, which hit here harder than anywhere else in Thailand, and today it’s a low-rise, family-friendly alternative to Phuket’s high-rise resorts. Divers come for the Similan and Surin Islands, while everyone else comes for long beaches and Khao Sok National Park an hour inland.

Khao Lak Weather at a Glance

Khao Lak has a textbook tropical monsoon climate. The dry season runs November to April, with the driest stretch in January and February, when rainfall averages just 22 to 37 mm a month and daytime highs sit at 32°C to 33°C (90°F to 91°F). The southwest monsoon runs May to October, when monthly rainfall climbs to 370 to 462 mm and comes as short, heavy afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain.

Temperature barely moves through the year. The hottest month is March at 34°C (93°F), and the coolest daytime high is September at 30°C (86°F). Sea temperatures hold between 28°C and 30°C (82°F to 86°F) year-round, so swimming is comfortable even in the wet months, when the only real change is choppier surf on exposed beaches.

Khao Lak Seasonal Snapshot

• November to February: the dry season and peak tourist months, with 22 to 194 mm of rain, calm seas, and the Similan and Surin Islands open for diving.
• March to April: the hottest stretch, with highs of 33°C to 34°C (91°F to 93°F) and rising rain in April, capped by the Songkran water festival on April 13 to 15.
• May to October: the southwest monsoon, with 342 to 462 mm of rain a month, the islands closed, and hotel prices 40 to 60 percent lower.

Khao Lak Travel Guides

1. Khao Lak weather by month with average highs, rainfall in mm, and sea temperatures for every month, plus a comparison table.
2. Best time to visit Khao Lak for weather, diving, budget travel, and festivals, with the month to avoid.
3. Things to do in Khao Lak, from Similan Islands diving to Khao Sok National Park, with locations, hours, and prices.
4. Khao Lak events and festivals, including Songkran, Loi Krathong, and the December 26 remembrance.
5. Khao Lak beaches and areas, from Nang Thong to Bang Sak, and who each stretch suits.
6. Where to stay in Khao Lak, with a hotel pick for every budget in each beach area.
7. Khao Lak travel tips and FAQ for transfers, money, visas, and safety.

Where to Stay in Khao Lak

Most visitors stay on one of three beach strips. Nang Thong is closest to the Similan Islands pier and the town centre, Bang Niang has the most restaurants and nightlife, and Khuk Khak holds the big family resorts on wide, quiet sands. The full comparison, with prices, is in the Khao Lak areas guide above.

Suggested Hotels in Khao Lak

The Sarojin

Khao Lak’s signature boutique luxury resort, set on a secluded stretch of Laem Pakarang with two restaurants, a wine cellar, and a guest rating around 9.7. Best for honeymooners and couples after a private, high-end stay. Check rates and availability

Moracea by Khao Lak Resort

A 5-star hillside resort above Nang Thong with a sea-facing pool and rooms about 50 metres from the sand. Best for couples who want a quiet sea view without Bang Niang prices. Check rates and availability

Nang Thong Bay Resort

A 3-star beachfront resort on Nang Thong with bungalow and family rooms and a pool. Best for budget travellers who still want to wake up by the sea. Check rates and availability

Khao Lak Quick Facts

• Best months to visit: November to March, when seas are calm and the Similan Islands are open.
• Warmest month: March, with a high of 34°C (93°F).
• Wettest month: September, with about 462 mm of rain.
• Sea temperature: 28°C to 30°C (82°F to 86°F) year-round.
• Nearest airport: Phuket International Airport (HKT), 75 km south, a 60 to 90 minute drive.
• Currency: Thai baht (THB).