Not so long ago I visited the Khao Lak resort, which for some reason is still not popular with our compatriots. I am sure that many still do not even know where Khao Lak is located on the map of Thailand, not that to visit there. In order to eliminate this injustice, I wrote this post, the town is nice and perfect for a relaxing holiday..
The content of the article
About Khao Lak resort
Short description
Khao Lak is a quiet and uncrowded resort even during peak season. Since there is little entertainment in it, the contingent is mostly pensioners. Therefore, if you need nightlife and constant activity, then Khao Lak is most likely not for you. There is only nature, waterfalls, a national park and that's it. But for those who are looking for relaxation or come with children, I think they should like it here..
First of all, there are gorgeous beaches throughout the resort, and most importantly, they are not crowded. You can find smaller places (where it is good with a small child), you can go deeper. And you can walk along the entire length of the beach, which is what many vacationers do, there are kilometers for walking. I already wrote my review of Khao Lak and a detailed overview of its beaches, I will not repeat myself.
There are 7 beaches / districts in total, but it makes sense to stay only in 4: Bang Niang, Nang Thong, Khao Lak, Khuk Khak. I arranged the infrastructure in descending order, and in the latter it is not at all, only the one that will be in your hotel. But in Bang Niang there is 7/11, and full of cafes and hotels for every taste, and in Nang Tong there is even a McDonald's 🙂 Here's a selection the best hotels in the resort.
One of the main streets in Khao Lak
Beaches in Khao Lak
Beaches in Khao Lak
Where is Khao Lak
Khao Lak is located on the mainland (not on an island) north of Phuket on the Adaman coast. And it's easier to get there from Phuket. That is, you can fly to Phuket airport and from there get to the resort. Moreover, to go to Khao Lak from Phuket airport is about the same as to the southernmost point of Phuket, because there are often traffic jams in Phuket.
Look at the very bottom of the post at the map to make it clearer.
How to get to Khao Lak
There are several ways to get there. Easiest and fastest from Phuket airport, if we talk about the flight from Russia. If you arrive in Bangkok, it will take much longer to get there..
By car
The easiest way to get there is by car. Drive Khao Lak into the navigator (Google Maps or another program) and follow its instructions. If you get from Phuket, immediately after leaving the bridge over the bay, you need to keep to the left along 402 and then continue along the Adaman coast along Highway 4. Continue along the main road without turning off until you reach Khao Lak. The distance from Phuket airport to Khao Lak (Bang Niang) is about 80 km, and it takes no more than 1 hour 30 minutes to go, or you can get there in 1 hour if you don't stop anywhere and go quickly.
It takes much longer to get from Bangkok, as if you were traveling from Bangkok to Phuket. After passing Chumphon, you will need to turn right onto Route 4006, and move along it to the Adaman coast to Route 4. Or go both Chumphon and Surat Thani, and immediately after Surat Thani go to the right onto Route 401, and move along it past Khao Soka to the Adaman Coast and Route 4.
In my opinion, the easiest way to book is through Economybookings. Immediately on one site you will see offers from all major distributors. And the price will be lower than if you take directly.
Rent a car with a discount>
By taxi
Taxis are also easy to get to, but more expensive than a bus. Taxis can be taken either directly at the airport or simply on the island by contacting any street travel agency and ordering it. The price will be about 1800-2500 baht, depending on the car (minibus is more expensive) and the impudence of taxi drivers. In this regard, it is best to order in travel agencies, they have more or less fixed prices, they will not be named from the ceiling. Well, and if from the airport, then all the prices hang on the counter. Probably, you can bargain and find someone who will take you cheaper, but I don’t know how realistic this is. I'd rather order in advance via the Internet, but more on that below.
Transfer online
Alternatively, order a transfer online through Kiwitaxi or 12go. For the price, everything is the same as a regular taxi, but in general there is a minimum of body movements, you will be met with a sign and taken by the hand. And it is convenient that you can book in advance via the Internet while sitting at home. I recommend!
I have already traveled on a transfer from this company and was completely satisfied with it. We were met with a sign, put in the car and taken to the hotel. Here my review about Kiwitaxi.
Transfer to Khao Lak>
By bus
From Phuket airport you need to take a minibus to the bus station (cost 100 baht), where you can buy a ticket for the Phuket - Khao Lak bus (cost 100 baht). You need buses to Surat Thani, Ranong, Chumphon, Takua Pa. Alternatively, take a tuk-tuk from the airport to the highway where buses run, and catch them there (this is faster than to the bus station). But personally, I do not like this method because it is completely unclear from afar which bus is going, you may not have time to slow down. Yes, and when he is already passing by, the sign is not always clear, maybe in Thai.
In the opposite direction, to get from Khao Lak to Phuket - get on the highway and catch a bus towards Phuket. Everything is much easier here, because all the buses will just go there. If you need an airport, tell the bus driver and he will stop near the turn, from where they will take a tuk-tuk to the airport.
Khao Lak on Thailand map
I have deliberately placed a map with beaches here, and not just one dot indicating the city, because all these beaches belong to Khao Lak. You can immediately estimate the geographic location and the approximate size of the resort. But! Let me remind you that it consists of several small villages and it is best to live in Bang Niang or Nang Tong. Moreover, the area called Khao Lak is not the most successful, but in principle the beach there is good, so you can stay in it..
Khao Lak beaches
Khao Lak beaches:
