Where to stay in Khao Lak

Khao Lak is the name given to a run of long, quiet beaches on the Andaman coast of Phang Nga province, north of Phuket. Rather than one resort town, there's a relaxed strip of hotels, restaurants, dive shops and tailors along the main highway, backed by forested hills, and the sand in front of it is wide and rarely crowded.

It suits couples and families looking for a calmer beach holiday than Phuket offers, and divers and snorkellers heading for the Similan Islands. The places we list here are small inns, bungalows and villas in the middle of Khao Lak, close to Nang Thong and Bang Niang beaches. Filter them by type and features below, or read the area guide first.

Khao Lak was badly hit by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and has since been rebuilt. Memorials in Bang Niang and along the coast remember those who died, and many visitors take time to see them.

Nearest airport
Phuket International (HKT), roughly 1 to 1.5 hours south by road
Getting there
Taxis, minibuses and hotel transfers from Phuket; long-distance buses also run along the main highway
Getting around
Taxis, songthaews, and scooter or car hire; the central strip is walkable
Similan Islands season
The marine park usually opens to visitors from mid-October to mid-May
Wettest months
Usually May to October

Places to stay in Khao Lak

4 hotels

Hostel in Nang Thong & central Khao Lak

Khaolak INN

En-suite rooms, a garden bar and Nang Thong Beach less than a kilometre away

  • garden
  • air-conditioning
  • free Wi-Fi
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"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Where to stay in Khao Lak, area by area

The beaches run north to south beside Highway 4. The busiest stretch, with most of the restaurants and shops, is around Nang Thong and Bang Niang; the further north or south you go, the quieter it gets.

Nang Thong & central Khao Lak

Best for first visits and walking to dinner

This is the closest thing Khao Lak has to a town centre. The village of La On lines the highway with restaurants, bars, minimarkets, massage shops and tour agents, and lanes lead down to Nang Thong Beach, a long sweep of golden sand that faces the sunset.

Most things are within walking distance, which makes it the easiest base if you don't want to hire transport. Even here, evenings are low-key compared with Phuket's resorts.

Bang Niang

Best for markets and families

Just north of Nang Thong, Bang Niang has a broad beach, plenty of mid-range resorts and a busy evening market that sets up several times a week. The police boat that the 2004 tsunami carried far inland is preserved here as a memorial, and there's a small tsunami museum nearby.

It's a good all-round choice for families, with a gentler pace than the centre but restaurants still close at hand.

Khao Lak Beach & Lam Ru

Best for nature and quiet coves

South of the centre, the coast turns rockier where the hills of Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park run down to the sea. Khao Lak Beach and the smaller coves here feel secluded, and short forest trails lead from the park headquarters to viewpoints and hidden beaches.

It's quieter and greener, with fewer places to eat, so plan on a scooter or taxi for evenings out.

Khuk Khak, Pakarang & the north

Best for getting away from it all

North of Bang Niang, beaches such as Khuk Khak, Pakweep and Coconut Beach lead up to Pakarang Cape, a reef-fringed point popular at sunset. Resorts are spread out with empty sand between them, and there's little nightlife.

You'll need your own transport or taxis to reach the shops and restaurants of central Khao Lak.

Questions about staying in Khao Lak

Which part of Khao Lak is best for a first visit?

Nang Thong, around La On village, has the most restaurants, shops and tour agents within walking distance. Bang Niang, just to the north, is a little calmer and has the evening market. Both have long beaches right on the doorstep.

How do I get from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak?

The drive north over the Sarasin Bridge takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours. Taxis and minibuses leave from the airport, and many hotels can arrange a transfer. Long-distance buses also stop along the highway through Khao Lak; check current fares and timetables before you travel.

Can I visit the Similan Islands from Khao Lak?

Yes. Khao Lak is the usual base for Similan trips, with speedboats and liveaboard dive boats leaving from Thap Lamu pier just south of town. The marine park normally opens from mid-October to mid-May and closes for the rest of the year, so check the dates for your trip.

Is Khao Lak good for families?

Yes. It's quieter than Phuket's busy resorts, the beaches are long and uncrowded, and Bang Niang and Nang Thong have plenty of family-friendly places to eat. During the south-west monsoon the sea can be rough, so watch for red flags.

When is the best time to visit Khao Lak?

The dry season, roughly November to April, brings calm seas and the Similan boat season. From about May to October it's wetter, the surf is bigger and some businesses close or cut their hours, though prices are usually lower.

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