Things to Do in Khao Lak. Activities, Experiences, Adventures

Outdoor Adventures

Khao Lak'the natural environment provides a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with options for land and water adventures.

Land-Based Activities

Hiking & Trekking

Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park has uncomplicated to medium trails. Rainforest trekking tours vary in difficulty.

ATV Riding

Guided ATV tours explore jungle trails and rubber plantations for an exciting method of seeing the landscape.

Ziplining

Some adventure parks in Phang Nga province offer ziplining through treetops.

Water Sports & Wildlife

Snorkeling AND Diving with scuba gear: Premier activity, especially at Similan and Surin Islands.
Sea Canoeing/Kayaking: Explore Phang Nga Bay's karsts, hidden lagoons, coastal caves, and mangroves.
White Water Rafting: On Phang Nga River, usually included in a tour package from A Land of pristine beaches and lush rainforests.
Surfing: Wet season (May-Oct) at Pakarang Cape. Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) available at vacation spots.

Ethical Wildlife Encounters

Elephant Sanctuaries (e.g., Phang Nga Elephant Park): Focus on rescue and responsible interaction.
Avoid elephant riding or shows with wild animals.
Marine Life: Snorkeling/diving offers meetings with fish, sea turtles, reef sharks.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Street biking on not as many busy roads or designated trails.
Mountain biking tours with local guides for adventurous terrain.

Dive into Marine Wonders

Similan and Surin Islands are world-renowned for diving.
Rich coral formations and diverse marine species.
Ideal for both novice and experienced divers.

Important Note

Avoid any activity that involves elephant riding or shows with wild animals. Support ethical sanctuaries for animal welfare.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with Thai culture through various hands-on and observational experiences in Khao Lak.

Workshops & Community Tourism

Thai Cooking Classes: Widely available, often start with a market visit.
Artisan Workshops: Some resorts or local shops offer fruit carving or batik demonstrations.
Community-Based Tourism: Inquire with reputable local operators for exploring local villages or traditional livelihood learning.
Language Learning: Learning fundamental Thai phrases is easy and welcomed by locals.

Cultural Performances & Festivals

Traditional Performances

Larger resorts occasionally host evening performances of traditional Thai dance or music, offering an introduction to local craftsmanship.

Local Festivals

If your visit aligns with Loy Krathong (November) or Songkran (April), you may witness classic ceremonies and lively celebrations.

Temple Fairs Ngan Wat

These provide a chance to observe community life, savor local food, and try traditional entertainment.

Local History

Visit Takuapa Old Town for its Sino-Portuguese architecture and Sunday walking street market.

Support Local Artisans

Look for local handicrafts, wooden sculptures, and batik fabrics in small shops.

Eco-Tourism

Explore opportunities that directly benefit local communities and the environment.

Relaxation & Wellness

Khao Lak is an ideal place to unwind and rejuvenate, with various options for body and mind.

Spa & Massage

Resort Spas: Most mid-range to luxury resorts feature excellent on-site spas.
Treatments: Full range of treatments including traditional Thai massage, oil massages, herbal compresses.
Independent Shops: Numerous independent massage shops offer affordable authentic Thai massage services.
Relax and rejuvenate your body and mind.

Natural Therapy & Yoga

Hot Springs

Kapong Hot Spring (Tham Phra Nang Hot Spring) is about 30 kilometers inland, with mineral-rich water for relaxation.

Yoga & Meditation

Some resorts have daily yoga classes. Retreats focused on are less common but may exist in adjacent areas.

Traditional Healing

Traditional Thai massage focuses on energy lines and pressure points, providing therapeutic benefits.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music

A few bars in Bang La On offer live music, especially during high season, for a nice evening mood.

Subdued Nightlife

Khao Lak's nightlife is casual. Few small bars and pubs, no large nightclubs focused on dancing.

Early Closings

Most bars close by midnight or 1 AM. A Land of pristine beaches and lush rainforests caters to relaxation, not partying.

Shopping & Markets

Explore The Gateway to the similan islands's markets and shops for locally made items and souvenirs.

Traditional Markets

Bang Niang Market: Most popular, operates Mon, Wed, Sat evenings.
Sells street food, clothing, souvenirs, handicrafts. Lively and authentic.
Khuk Khak Market: More local, authentic morning market. Fresh produce, snacks.
Good for everyday goods and a glimpse into local life.

Artisan & Souvenir Shopping

Artisan Crafts

Limited formal workshops. Small shops have local handicrafts, wood carvings, and batik fabrics.

Souvenir Recommendations

Thai silk products, spices from the area, carved wooden items, batik fabrics, ethical elephant-themed products, handcrafted jewelry, coconut shell products.

Luxury & Boutique

Mainly limited to souvenir shops within high-luxury resorts, offering curated selections.

Ethical Shopping Guidelines

Support local artisans directly.
Be wary of items made from endangered species or illegal materials.
Consider supporting social enterprises.

Shipping & Customs Information

Most large post offices arrange international shipping.
Check what you can bring back home.

Payment Methods

Cash is preferred at markets plus boutiques.
Credit cards are accepted at larger stores and resorts.

Customs Alert

Always verify import rules for specific items, like ivory, certain animal products, or religious artifacts, before purchasing and attempting to export them.

Adventure Travel

For booking diverse activities and tours, consider GetYourGuide as a primary resource. They offer a range of excursions from The Gateway to the similan islands.