Khao Lak Hotels — Your Gateway to the Similan Islands

Khao Lak is what Phuket was 20 years ago — long, uncrowded beaches, a quiet town, and prices that haven't caught up with its beauty. It's also the launching point for the Similan Islands, some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world.

The Beaches

Khao Lak isn't one beach — it's a string of beaches along 20 kilometres of coast:

• Nang Thong Beach — The main beach with the most development. Restaurants, dive shops, and hotels. A good base.
• Bang Niang Beach — Slightly north, quieter, with a good weekly market.
• Khuk Khak Beach — Long and almost empty. Where to go if you want sand to yourself.
• Pakarang Beach — South end, near the tsunami memorial.

All beaches are wide, sandy, and backed by casuarina trees. The water is clear November-April and can be rough May-October.

Hotels

Luxury

The Sarojin — Adults-only boutique resort on a secluded beach north of town. Consistently rated as one of Thailand's best small hotels. 5,000-12,000 THB/night.

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa — Large resort with multiple pools, water slides, and a kids' club. 4,000-8,000 THB/night.

Mid-Range

La Flora Resort & Spa — Beachfront on Nang Thong Beach, good pool, spa. 2,000-4,000 THB/night.

Khaolak Bhandari Resort & Spa — Thai-style bungalows in garden setting. 1,200-2,500 THB/night.

Budget

Nangthong Bay Resort — Basic but beachfront. 600-1,200 THB/night.

Fasai House — Simple guesthouse in Nang Thong town. 400-800 THB/night.

Similan Islands Day Trips

The Similans are 60-80 km offshore, open October to May only. Day trips depart from Tab Lamu pier, 20 minutes south of Khao Lak.

What to expect: - Speedboat: 1.5 hours each way - 3-4 snorkeling stops at different islands - Lunch on the beach - Return by mid-afternoon

Cost: 2,000-3,500 THB per person (everything included)

For diving: - Day trips: 4,000-5,500 THB for 2 dives - Liveaboard (2-4 days): 12,000-30,000 THB — the best way to experience the Similans

Booking: Book through your hotel or a dive shop in Nang Thong town. During peak season (December-February), book at least a week ahead.

Beyond the Similans

• Surin Islands — Day trips from Khao Lak, similar quality reefs, fewer tourists
• Khao Sok National Park — 1.5 hours inland, ancient rainforest, floating lake bungalows
• Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park — Jungle trekking from the beach, waterfall swimming
• Tsunami Memorial — Patrol Boat 813 memorial and museum. Moving and important.

Eating

• Bang Niang Night Market — Monday and Thursday nights. The best market eating in the area.
• Nang Thong town restaurants — Thai and international options. Prices are lower than Phuket for equivalent quality.
• Beach restaurants — Several hotels open their beachfront restaurants to non-guests.

FAQ

Is Khao Lak better than Phuket?

For beach quality, value, and relaxation — yes. For nightlife, shopping, and attractions — Phuket wins. Khao Lak is the choice for divers (Similan Islands access), families (quiet beaches), and anyone who finds Phuket too crowded. The trade-off is less to do in the evenings.

When is the best time to visit Khao Lak?

November to April — the Similan Islands are only open during this period and the weather is perfect. May-October brings monsoon waves, and many hotels and dive shops reduce operations or close. Low-season deals can be excellent if you don't need the Similans.

Is Khao Lak safe after the 2004 tsunami?

Yes. Extensive early warning systems, evacuation routes, and community preparedness were implemented after 2004. The tsunami memorial serves as an important reminder. Hotels along the coast have emergency procedures in place.