Experience Khao Lak: What to Do Before or After Your Similan Island Liveaboard
Thailand Travel Series: Discover Khao Lak with MV DiveRACE Class X
If you’re heading out on a Similan Islands liveaboard with MV DiveRACE Class X, chances are you’ll pass through the peaceful coastal town of Khao Lak.
Khao Lak is the closest tourist town to Thap Lamu Pier – the main departure point for Similan Islands liveaboards, including MV DiveRACE Class X. Nestled along Thailand’s Andaman coastline in Phang Nga Province, this laid-back destination is the perfect place to start or end your diving journey. With quiet beaches, nature escapes, and warm hospitality, Khao Lak offers a peaceful contrast to the busier hubs of southern Thailand.
Whether you’re unwinding after a week of world-class diving or arriving early to get into the tropical mindset, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Khao Lak.
Why Khao Lak?
Just an hour north of Phuket International Airport, Khao Lak is a serene stretch of coastline in Phang Nga Province, known for its relaxed pace, natural beauty, and easy access to Thap Lamu Pier.
Unlike the hustle of Phuket, Khao Lak offers a more authentic, tranquil experience. Think long, quiet beaches, local charm, and cozy seaside resorts. It’s also a great place to rest up before your trip or recharge once you’re back on land, and there’s a reason why many tourists come back year-after-year to holiday in the area.
Best Areas to Stay in Khao Lak
Bang Niang Beach
Bang Niang is one of the most popular areas to stay in Khao Lak, offering a great mix of local markets, beach bars, and easygoing resorts. It’s also home to the Bang Niang Night Market, where you can try authentic street food, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy casual evening entertainment.
Top Stays in Bang Niang:
La Flora Khao Lak – Beachfront luxury with modern amenities and lush gardens.
Casa De La Flora – A smaller, more exclusive branch comprised of luxury beachfront villas.
Ramada Resort by Wyndham – Family-friendly, stylish, and steps from the sand. Luxury beachfront villas also available.
The Waters Khao Lak by Katathani – Sleek, contemporary resort with direct pool access rooms.
All of these accommodation options are in a prime location on Bang Niang beach road, fringed by restaurants, local shops and bars – and all in walking distance.
Nang Thong Beach
Just south of Bang Niang lies Nang Thong, often referred to as “Khao Lak Center” due to its restaurants, shops, and tour operators. This area offers easy access to the beach as well as scenic walking trails through nearby headlands.
Top Stays in Nang Thong:
The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani – Large beachfront resort with multiple pools and family zones.
The Little Shore Khao Lak by Katathani – Exclusive beachfront resort with luxury private villas.
Moracea by Khao Lak Resort – Nestled into a hillside with incredible views and direct beach access.
Khao Lak Bhandari Resort and Spa – Traditional Thai architecture with lush tropical gardens and direct access to the beach.
As Khao Lak center covers a larger area than Bang Niang, you may prefer to get around by taxi or bike to enjoy the local sights, restaurants and entertainment.
Khuk Khak & Pakarang Cape
For something a little more remote and peaceful, head to Khuk Khak Beach or Pakarang Cape, where you’ll find long, untouched coastlines and quiet resorts perfect for honeymooners or solitude seekers.
Top Stays in Khuk Khak:
Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort & Villas – Upscale, boutique beachfront villas with a focus on design and tranquility.
The Haven Khao Lak – Adults-only luxury resort with a serene ambiance and expansive beachfront.
Apsara Beachfront Resort & Villa – Private villas and traditional Thai design on a quiet bay.
JW Marriot Resort and Suites – A large, grand resort directly on the beach.
Getting to Your Liveaboard
From any hotel in Khao Lak, transfers to Thap Lamu Pier take around 15–30 minutes, depending on your location. Our DiveRACE team handles the logistics so you can relax and focus on the ocean ahead.
What to Do in Khao Lak
Relax on Uncrowded Beaches
Khao Lak’s beaches stretch for miles and are rarely crowded, offering the perfect place to unwind. Watch the sunset with a coconut in hand or take a peaceful stroll along the golden sand at White Sand Beach, Coconut Beach, or Pak Weep Beach.
Learn to Surf
Practice your surfing skills or take lessons at the infamous Memories Beach Bar, located just north of Khuk Khak.
Visit a Waterfall or National Park
Khao Lak is surrounded by natural beauty. Take a short hike to Ton Chong Fa Waterfall, ideal for a refreshing swim in the jungle. Or explore Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park, where coastal cliffs and rainforest trails offer amazing photo opportunities and glimpses of local wildlife. Bamboo rafting is also a fun and relaxing way to experience the local waterfalls.
Traditional Thai Massage & Spa
Soothe those muscles with a Thai massage or spa treatment. You’ll find massage pavilions on the beach or serene day spas dotted around the towns.
Explore Local Markets
Visit the Bang Niang Night Market, open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, best visited from 5pm.
Nightlife
While Khao Lak’s nightlife is far more relaxed than the buzzing scenes of Phuket, it still offers a great selection of bars and venues to enjoy after the sun goes down. You’ll find cozy beach bars perfect for sunset cocktails, live music at the ever-popular Monkey Bar, and tropical vibes at the Tiki Bar in Bang Niang. For a fun, sociable atmosphere with pool and sports, head to Moose’s Pub. Or keep the night going at Gecko Bar, known for its late-night crowd and laid-back energy. Whether you’re after a quiet drink by the sea or a few rounds with new dive buddies, Khao Lak’s nightlife has just the right dose of fun without the chaos.
Day Trips and Snorkeling
Khao Lak offers great snorkeling tours to the Similan and Surin Islands and local reefs. You can also take a river canoe trip through the mangroves of Takua Pa for a unique inland adventure. In addition, it is a great hub for day trip tours to Khao Sok National Park and Phang Nga bay.
Make It a Seamless Adventure
Whether you’re enjoying a beachside massage, hiking to a hidden waterfall, or savoring spicy southern Thai cuisine, Khao Lak makes the perfect beginning or end to your Similan Islands experience. Let the calm of this coastal town ease you in – or help you decompress – from your dive trip aboard MV DiveRACE Class X.
More Thailand Awaits
Want more travel tips for your Thailand journey? Take a look at our Phuket guide and Phang Nga and Khao Sok guide and stay tuned for the next installment of our Thailand Travel Series, where we highlight more incredible destinations to explore before or after your Similan adventure.
