Travel information

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Diving - with the Similan Islands (home to some of the best diving in Asia) just offshore, this is one of the main attractions in the area. There are also several local dive sites to choose from.

  • Similan Diving - Wicked, 4/37 Moo 7 Khuk Khak, Takuapa, Phangnga, +66 76 485 868 (), [1]. Wicked Diving Offers one day trips to the Similan Islands with safe, secure guides. Guides speak English, Swedish, Norwegian, Dutch, Belgian, Thai, Bahasa and German 5000 Baht.  edit
  • KrabiDivers.com, Sea of Love Plaza (opposite McDonalds), Aonang, Krabi, 8100, +66 075-695-480 (), [2]. 24hr. Located in the heart of Aonang, the beachside town of Krabi, in the Sea of Love PLaza. KrabiDivers.com provides dive courses, trips, liveaboards, dive equipment sales and also helps customers with hotel bookings and other arrangements.  edit
  • The Milestone Travel (Khaolak), 51/16 Moo 7 Khukkhak, Takuapa, Phangnga 82190 (50 m away from Bank of Ayudhaya, Khaolak. Located at side of main street, left hand side from Khaolak to Bangniang), +66 818916988, [3]. Excursion, travel planning and hotel reservation in Khaolak ,Phuket, Krabi. Offers ecotourism in the area nearby Khaolak, such as day tour from Khaolak to Phangnga bay (James bond island), Khaosok national park, Takuapa old town, Phuket etc. with activities as you like. 1500-3000 THB.  edit

Photos from Khao Lak, Thailand
The beached police boat
Monks on the beach, Khao Lak
  • Chong Fah Waterfall - about 10 minutes east of Bang Niang - great for hot days, very scenic and accessible to all.
  • Police Boat 813 - one of two police boats overseeing the vacation of Khun Phum Jensen, son of former Royal Princess Ubol Ratana (his father was an American, hence the last name) at the time of the 2004 tsunami. Khun Phum was jet-skiing when the wave struck, and he and the entire crew of one of the police boats (which was sunk) died. This is the other boat, which was swept inland and has been left exactly where the tsunami deposited it as a memorial and historical landmark.

Photos from Khao Lak, Thailand
The beached police boat
Monks on the beach, Khao Lak

By plane

The easiest way to get to Khao Lak is to fly into either Phuket (the closest alternative) or Krabi and go to Khao Lak from there. Both airports serve international as well as domestic destinations.

A taxi from Phuket airport to Khao Lak costs between 1100 and 1600 baht. If you think this is too much and prefer to take a bus, you will have to get to the main road, Highway 4, about 5 kilometers from the airport. Hop on a bus headed towards Takua Pa, Ranong or Surat Thani, they all stop in Khao Lak. It's about 80 kilometers from Phuket airport to Khao Lak.

By train

The nearest train station is at Surat Thani on the east coast, making this an inconvenient option.

By bus

From Bangkok, buses go to Khao Lak from the southern bus terminal (Sai Tai). The trip, which costs less than 500 baht, takes about ten hours and runs overnight. Don't buy bus tickets from Bangkok travel agents - they will most likely make you go via Surat Thani where you have to change bus.

From the bus station in Phuket, take a bus towards Takua Pa, Ranong or Surat Thani. It will set you back about 50 .

From Krabi there's a daily minibus to Khao Lak. All travel agents in Krabi sell tickets.


Photos from Khao Lak, Thailand
Monks on the beach, Khao Lak
The beached police boat
  • Sweet Peas is located walking distance from Tony Lodge(refer below) and offers Thai and western cuisine

  • Coconut Grove is located on the beach in Bang Niang and features great food and very nice views for sunsets.
  • Pizzeria Portofino is located in Bang Niang Beach near police boat and 7-11 shop.
  • O'Connor's Irish Pub is located in Nang Thong Beach vis-à-vis 7-11 shop and Dr. Chusak. They offer good Thai and international food, Guinness and Kilkenny on tap and over 20 different Single Malt Whiskies. And they arrange a Thai cooking course. Try the Korean/Thai BBQ - it can be highly recommended!

Photos from Khao Lak, Thailand
Monks on the beach, Khao Lak
The beached police boat