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Khao Lak isn’t a single town, it’s a 30 km strip of beach villages running north from Nang Thong to Bang Sak. Each stretch has a different character, from the tour offices and guesthouses of the town centre to the family resorts of Khuk Khak and the near-empty sands of Pak Weep. Start with our Khao Lak travel guide for an overview, then here’s how each area breaks down and who it suits. For hotel picks in each one, see our where to stay in Khao Lak guide.
Khao Lak’s Southern Beaches: Nang Thong and the Town
Nang Thong Beach
Nang Thong is the southernmost main beach and the closest to Thap Lamu pier, where Similan Islands boats depart. It has a gentle slope, calm water in the dry season, and a row of mid-range resorts set back from the sand; our Khao Lak weather by month guide shows when the sea is calmest. It suits first-time visitors and families who want the beach and the pier nearby. Hotels here run about 1,500 to 5,000 THB (US$40 to US$140) a night.
Khao Lak Town Centre (Lam Kaen)
The town centre sits a few hundred metres inland along Phetkasem Road, the main north-south highway. This is where you’ll find banks, ATMs, pharmacies, dive shops, and the densest run of budget guesthouses and small hotels. It suits backpackers and anyone using Khao Lak as a base for day trips, since tour operators are on every block; our Khao Lak travel tips and FAQ guide covers transport from here. Guesthouse rooms start around 800 THB (US$22), with most hotels under 2,500 THB (US$70).
Khao Lak’s Central Beaches: Bang Niang
Bang Niang Beach
Bang Niang is the main tourist strip, running roughly 3 km north of the town centre. It has the widest choice of restaurants, beach bars, and massage shops, plus the night market and the Police Boat 813 tsunami memorial. For market nights and festivals, see our Khao Lak events and festivals guide. It suits couples and groups who want nightlife within walking distance. Beachfront and boutique resorts here run 2,000 to 8,000 THB (US$55 to US$220) a night.
Khao Lak’s Northern Beaches: Khuk Khak, Pak Weep and Bang Sak
Khuk Khak Beach
Khuk Khak is the long beach north of Bang Niang, roughly 5 to 10 km from the town centre. It’s home to Khao Lak’s biggest family resorts, including the JW Marriott and Devasom, with wide sands and large pools. For what to do with your days, see our things to do in Khao Lak guide. It suits families and couples who want space and don’t mind taxiing to Bang Niang for dinner. Rates run 3,000 to 12,000 THB (US$80 to US$330) a night.
Pak Weep and Bang Sak
Pak Weep and Bang Sak are the northernmost stretches, 10 to 20 km from Bang Niang. They’re the quietest part of Khao Lak, with long, near-empty beaches and a few upmarket resorts. Pak Weep is also the area’s surf break in the monsoon months; our best time to visit Khao Lak guide covers when to surf versus swim. These beaches suit couples and surfers who want to get away from the crowds. Hotels run 2,500 to 8,000 THB (US$70 to US$220) a night.
