Day Trips & Excursions: Khao Lak

Nearby Destinations

Many captivating destinations are accessible from Khao Lak for a day.

Accessible locations within day-trip distance: Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Phang Nga Bay, Takua Pa Old Town, Little Amazon, Phuket, Krabi.

Transportation Options

Organized speedboat tours
Minivan and longtail boat tours
Private taxi or scooter
Public bus services

Getting Around for Excursions

Organized Tours

These are suitable for distant destinations like islands and bays. Tours generally include hotel pick-up, meals, guides, and gear. They remove planning.

Tour Features

Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Meals during the tour
Guide services

Independent Travel

This is suitable for closer destinations when flexibility is a preference. It may result in cost savings for groups.

Travel Options

Rental car or scooter
Private taxi arrangements
Local songthaew or bus

Time Considerations

Full Day Trips

Similan/Surin Islands: typically early morning to late afternoon.
Phang Nga Bay: usually starting early and returning by late afternoon.
Takua Pa/Little Amazon: A comfortable half-day.
Phuket/Krabi: A full day for specific attractions.

Travel Times

Similan Islands: 1.5-2 hrs by speedboat.
Surin Islands: 2-2.5 hrs by speedboat.
Phang Nga Bay: 1-1.5 hrs drive to pier.
Takua Pa Old Town: 30-45 mins drive.

Distance & Suggested Time

Phuket1.5-2 hrs drive
Krabi2-2.5 hrs drive
Little Amazon30-45 mins drive
James Bond Island1-1.5 hrs drive to pier

Similan Islands1.5-2 hrs by speedboat
Surin Islands2-2.5 hrs by speedboat
Phang Nga Bay1-1.5 hrs drive to pier
Takua Pa Old Town30-45 mins drive

Booking Day Trips

For well-organized day trips and excursions, check reputable online platforms like GetYourGuide.

Natural Wonders

The region around Khao Lak has stunning natural landscapes.

National Parks & Conservation

Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park has trails, waterfalls, and viewpoints. Ao Phang Nga National Park has unique limestone karsts, mangroves, and sea caves.

Scenic Landscapes & Wildlife

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint offers iconic panoramic views. Sai Rung Waterfall is known for rainbows in its mist. Whale shark sightings are possible in high season.

Unique Local Experiences

Koh Kho Khao is a quiet island with deserted beaches. Bioluminescent plankton sightings sometimes occur on dark nights.

Ethical Wildlife Interaction

Instead of rides or shows, support ethical elephant sanctuaries. These sanctuaries rescue and rehabilitate elephants, allowing them to live in natural environments. Choose places focused on animal well-being.

Sanctuary Practices

No elephant riding
Focus on rescue
Natural environments for elephants

Coastal Activities

The Similan Islands are world-renowned for diving and snorkeling. The Surin Islands bring exceptional snorkeling and some diving. Both are typically closed from May 15 to October 15 for marine recovery.

Best Seasons

Similan Islands: November-May
Surin Islands: November-May
Phang Nga Bay: Year-round

Important Closure Dates

Similan Islands closureMay 15 - October 15

Surin Islands closureMay 15 - October 15

ReasonMarine recovery and safety

Affected activitiesDiving and snorkeling tours

Phang Nga BayOpen year-round

National ParkKhao Lak-Lam Ru

Similan & Surin Islands Closure

The Similan and Surin Islands National Parks close annually from May 15 to October 15 for marine recovery and safety during monsoon season.

Cultural & Extended Journeys

Discover historical towns and consider extending your adventure.

Cultural Immersion

Explore Takua Pa Old Town's Sino-Portuguese architecture and historical shophouses, remnants of its tin-mining past. Rural villages and agricultural areas are also open for visits, often through specialized cultural tours.

Local Insights

Sino-Portuguese architecture
Historic tin-mining community
Traditional livelihoods

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider adding days to your trip for further exploration.

Extension Ideas

Koh Lanta: Laid-back vibe, beaches
Koh Phi Phi: Stunning bays, lively atmosphere
Khao Sok National Park: Jungle, Cheow Lan Lake

Logical Next Destinations

Phuket for shopping and nightlife. Krabi for rock climbing and island hopping. Khao Sok National Park for jungle and lake adventures.

Regional Travel Options

Minivans & Buses: Khao Lak to Phuket/Krabi
Ferries: From Phuket/Krabi to islands
Airport Transfers: Convenient connections

Suggested Longer Routes

An Andaman Coast Loop involves Khao Lak, then south to Phuket, by ferry to Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, then Krabi.

Adventure Combinations

Island & Jungle Adventure: Liveaboard dive trip
Then inland to Khao Sok National Park
Fly out from Surat Thani Airport

Long-Term Stay Recommendations

Khao Lak is a choice for those seeking longer stays, especially during low or shoulder season when rates are favorable.

Long Stay Benefits

Popular for "snowbirds". Lower rates during shoulder season. Access to diverse activities.

Accommodation Options

Resorts and guesthouses offer monthly rates. Consider serviced apartments.

Local Integration

Opportunity for cultural immersion. Discover local hidden gems.

Plan Longer Regional Routes

An Andaman Coast Loop involves Khao Lak, then south to Phuket, by ferry to Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, then Krabi. An Island & Jungle Adventure includes a multi-day liveaboard dive trip to Similan/Surin, then inland to Khao Sok.

Day Trips & Excursions