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Khao Lak is easy to reach but spread out, so a little planning on transfers and getting around goes a long way. This guide covers arrival, transport, money, visas, and safety, then answers the questions travellers ask most. Start with our Khao Lak travel guide for an overview, and for the cheapest months to visit, see our best time to visit Khao Lak guide.
Khao Lak Travel Tips: Getting There
Phuket International Airport (HKT) is the main gateway, about 75 km south of Khao Lak, a 60 to 90 minute drive. A private taxi costs 1,500 to 2,000 THB (US$40 to US$55), while a shared minivan booked through your hotel or a tour desk costs 300 to 400 THB (US$8 to US$11) per person. Krabi Airport (KBV) is a 2.5 hour alternative with fewer connections. Book airport transfers in advance through your resort, since on-the-spot taxi touts at HKT quote higher. Transfer prices also spike around Thai holidays, which our Khao Lak events and festivals guide lists by date.
Khao Lak Travel Tips: Getting Around
The 30 km of coast runs along Phetkasem Road, and local songthaews (shared pickup trucks) run between the town centre and Bang Niang for 30 to 60 THB (US$1 to US$2); our Khao Lak beach areas guide maps the whole strip. Scooter rental costs 200 to 300 THB (US$6 to US$8) a day, and an international driving permit plus a helmet is required, though police checkpoints are light in the area. Metered taxis are scarce, so agree a price before getting in, and expect 400 to 600 THB (US$11 to US$16) for the run to Takua Pa.
Khao Lak Travel Tips: Money and Tipping
The currency is the Thai baht (THB), and ATMs in the town centre and Bang Niang dispense cash with a 220 THB (US$6) fee per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts at once. Cards work at bigger resorts and restaurants, but street food and tour desks are cash only. Tipping isn’t customary in Thailand, though rounding up a taxi fare or leaving 20 to 50 THB for good service at a restaurant is appreciated.
Khao Lak Travel Tips: Visas and Entry
Most European, North American, and Australian passport holders get a 60-day visa exemption on arrival, with the option to extend 30 days at an immigration office for 1,900 THB (US$52). Indian, Chinese, and some other nationalities qualify for visa on arrival for 15 days. Rules change, so check the Thai embassy website for your passport before flying.
Khao Lak Travel Tips: Health and Safety
Don’t drink the tap water; bottled water costs 10 to 20 THB a bottle and is sold everywhere. Mosquitoes are active year-round but peak in the wet season, so use repellent, especially at dawn and dusk. The Andaman Sea is calm from November to April, but rip currents form in the monsoon months, and red flags mark unsafe swimming. Tsunami warning sirens are in place along the coast since 2004, and evacuation route signs point inland.
Khao Lak Travel Tips FAQ
Is Khao Lak better than Phuket?
For a quiet beach holiday, yes. Khao Lak is far less built up than Patong, with no high-rise development and a slower pace, and it’s the closest base to the Similan Islands. Choose Phuket if you want more nightlife, shopping, and direct international flights.
How many days do you need in Khao Lak?
Five to seven days works well. That gives you a Similan or Surin day trip, a Khao Sok day trip, and a few beach days. See our things to do in Khao Lak guide to plan the mix.
When do the Similan Islands open?
The Similan and Surin Islands open from mid-October to mid-May and close for the rest of the year to protect the reefs. The exact opening date shifts slightly each season, so confirm with a dive shop before booking. Our Khao Lak weather by month guide shows sea conditions by month.
Can you drink the water in Khao Lak?
No, drink bottled water. Ice in restaurants is made from purified water and is safe, but tap water is not.
For a full area-by-area hotel rundown with prices, see our where to stay in Khao Lak guide; the three picks below cover the best of each budget tier.
Suggested Hotels in Khao Lak
The Sarojin
Khao Lak’s signature boutique luxury resort on a secluded stretch of Laem Pakarang, with two restaurants and a wine cellar. Best for honeymooners and couples. Check rates and availability
Moracea by Khao Lak Resort
A 5-star hillside resort above Nang Thong with a sea-facing pool and rooms metres from the sand. Best for couples who want a view without Bang Niang prices. Check rates and availability
Nang Thong Bay Resort
A 3-star beachfront resort on Nang Thong with bungalows and a pool. Best for budget travellers who still want to wake up by the sea. Check rates and availability
