Experience Phang Nga & Khao Sok: What to Do Before or After Your Similan Island Liveaboard
Thailand Travel Series: Discover Phang Nga and Khao Sok with MV DiveRACE Class X
If you’re joining a Similan Islands liveaboard with MV DiveRACE Class X, why not venture inland before or after your trip and explore two of Southern Thailand’s most iconic destinations — Phang Nga Bay and Khao Sok National Park. From stunning karst landscapes rising from the sea to tranquil lakes hidden deep in the rainforest, this region offers a luxurious and unforgettable contrast to your days spent diving.
Though they lie in two different provinces — Phang Nga Bay in Phang Nga, and Khao Sok in neighboring Surat Thani — both destinations are easily accessible just a few hours drive from Phuket and Khao Lak. We recommend overnight stays to really get the most out of your time in each location, but day trips are also worth the time to experience these incredible landscapes! Wherever you choose to stay, hotels or booking agents will be able to arrange excursions and private transport. You can also rent a car from Phuket or Khao Lak, exploring at your leisure and book boat tours through online agents.
Whether you’re staying in a floating lake bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake, watching sunrise from Sametnangshe Viewpoint, or paddling through sea caves on a day-trip to Phang Nga Bay, Phang Nga and Khao Sok National Park are unmissable additions to your Thailand itinerary. Together, they offer a luxurious inland adventure for guests traveling to or from Thap Lamu Pier, our Similan Islands departure point.
Exploring and staying in Phang Nga
Phang Nga Province is famous for its dramatic marine landscapes, especially the towering karst mountains of Phang Nga Bay. It’s home to iconic spots like James Bond Island, sea caves, and mangrove estuaries — all best explored by private boat or from elevated viewpoints like Sametnangshe.
What to do in Phang Nga:
Visit or stay at Sametnangshe Viewpoint
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Phang Nga Bay. Located just 30-40 minutes from Thap Lamu Pier and an hour from Phuket airport and Khao Lak, Sametnangshe is one of Thailand’s most photogenic spots. From this hilltop lookout, you can see the full stretch of Phang Nga Bay’s limestone peaks. You can drive up partway and either hike or take a shuttle to the top, or stay overnight at one of the stunning hotels that we recommend below.
Take a private boat tour through Phang Nga Bay
The best way to explore Phang Nga Bay is by private boat trip – either on a Thai longtail boat or by speedboat. Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of this marine karst landscape and discover hidden lagoons, sea caves, and iconic spots like James Bond Island. Most tours include stops at Koh Panyee, secluded beaches and tranquil kayaking routes.
Relax at Natai Beach
Located just 30 minutes North of Phuket airport and 30-40 minutes from Phang Nga Bay. Natai Beach is a peaceful, unspoilt stretch of coastline in Phang Nga Province.
Where to Stay: Phang Nga Bay & Sametnangshe Area
Sametnangshe Boutique – Perched right near the viewpoint with panoramic balconies and glass-fronted rooms for sunrise views.
Beyond Skywalk Nangshi Resort – A stylish hillside resort located at the entrance of the iconic Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, offering uninterrupted panoramic views over Phang Nga Bay. Modern villas and suites feature air conditioning, floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and direct access to the Skywalk.
Katathong Golf Resort and Spa – A peaceful and elegant hillside retreat nestled in the striking countryside of Phang Nga Bay with mountain and lake views.
Aleenta Phuket–Phang Nga Resort & Spa – An award-winning beachfront resort located on peaceful Natai Beach, just north of Phuket and within easy reach of Phang Nga Bay. Offers luxurious pool suites and private villas with sleek, contemporary design, direct beach access, and a focus on wellness.
Exploring and staying in Khao Sok National Park
Just a few hours inland, in Surat Thani Province, you’ll find Khao Sok National Park, one of the world’s oldest rainforests. It’s a true jungle escape — known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, emerald-green lakes, and lush jungle landscapes
What to Do in Khao Sok:
Visit Cheow Lan Lake
Located in the heart of Khao Sok National Park, Cheow Lan Lake (also known as Khao Sok Lake) is a breathtaking freshwater reservoir surrounded by towering limestone mountains and dense jungle. Visitors can explore the lake by longtail boat, stopping to swim in its calm waters, kayak through coves, and visit caves like Coral Cave and Nam Talu. Wildlife spotting is also popular, with chances to see hornbills, monkeys and wild elephants along the shoreline or during a jungle trekking tour.
Stay in floating villas on Cheow Lan Lake
An overnight stay on Cheow Lan Lake offers an unforgettable chance to experience Khao Sok’s natural beauty in total seclusion. We have recommended some of our favourite luxury floating villas below, each providing their own guided boat tours and jungle trekking adventures. With direct water access and panoramic views, it’s a peaceful escape surrounded by untouched nature.
Experience soft-adventure water activities
Add a little bit of adventure to your itinerary with bamboo rafting or river tubing on the Sok river.
Where to Stay: Khao Sok National Park
Magical Mountain View Resort – Elegant hillside villas with sweeping panoramic views of the Khao Sok mountains. Spacious interiors, air conditioning, and private terraces offer a peaceful, upscale escape just minutes from the national park.
LalaLune Khao Sok Resort and Lifestyle – A contemporary boutique retreat tucked in a peaceful corner of Khao Sok Village. A short walk from restaurants, cafés, and local amenities.
Tanoshi Glamping Khao Sok – Stylish, Japanese-inspired glamping with solid-walled ensuite rooms and minimalist design. While technically glamping, each unit offers premium comfort with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and serene views — ideal for travelers seeking modern elegance in a nature-forward setting.
Cheow Lan Lake (floating bungalows)
Top floating accommodations:
500 Rai Floating Resort – Luxurious floating villas with panoramic views and full-board packages.
360° Issara Floating Resort – A new, upscale floating resort on Cheow Lan Lake. Offering fully enclosed, air-conditioned villas with panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and jungle.
Panvaree The Greenery – Floating resort offering adventure packages and private balconies.
Getting to Your Liveaboard
From Khao Sok, Phang Nga Bay, or Samet Nangshe, transfers to Thap Lamu Pier range from 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on your location.
Our DiveRACE team can help coordinate transport and ensure a smooth connection to your liveaboard departure.
Complete the Journey
Whether you’re floating on Cheow Lan Lake, watching sunrise over Phang Nga Bay, or canoeing beneath towering cliffs, Phang Nga and Khao Sok are the perfect inland escapes to balance your underwater adventure. Explore this lush and diverse region before or after your Similan Islands trip to experience Thailand from a new perspective.
More Thailand Awaits
Don’t stop here — explore more travel ideas in our Thailand Travel Series. Discover what to do in Phuket or Khao Lak and get inspired to make the most of your liveaboard adventure with MV DiveRACE Class X.
