Khao Lak is a region of stunning resorts adorning the unspoiled golden Andaman Coast in southern Thailand. Among the many popular activities in this beach heaven are scuba diving and island-hopping. Stay at an exclusive resort in one of the many villages spread out across this 12-mile (20-kilometer) expanse.
Bring your snorkeling gear and spend an afternoon at one of the pristine beaches that meet the Andaman Sea. Enjoy a meal at the charming restaurant on Pak Weep Beach and have a refreshing massage on the sand. Read a book beneath an umbrella on the white sands of Ao Thong Beach.
Explore some of the spectacular terrain not far from the hotels, including the many waterfalls within the dense forests of Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park and Ko Surin National Park. These cascades offer the best viewing from August through November. Visit the Sai Rung Waterfall, which is among the most accessible in the Khao Lak area. Its water flows over jagged rocks into a natural pool.
Get a sense of the local culture of the area by visiting the Bang Niang Market, which is held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Consider trying crickets and scorpions or less exotic snacks such as fried chicken, fruit and vegetables. Inspect the adjacent Tsunami Memorial, which pays tribute to those who lost their lives in the 2004 tragedy that devastated the region.
The area is a little north of Phuket Island in the southern part of Thailand. Get a flight to Phuket International Airport and drive north for about 44 miles (70 kilometers) to reach this area in around 1 hour. Make sure to visit nearby sites, such as Ao Phang-nga National Park, Khlong Phanom National Park and the Lampi Waterfall.
Khao Lak is a serene and scenic expanse of resorts, beaches and undulating park terrain.
