Khao Lak
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A 20-kilometre stretch of resorts and villages on the scenic Andaman seaboard in the Phang Nga province, Khao Lak offers visitors white sandy beaches, lush green national parks a magnificent karst limestone landscape, a stunning bay and rolling mountains.
A mere hour’s drive from Phuket airport, the beaches in the area were the hardest hit by the 2004 tsunami, but have since bounced back and are now popular with tourists looking for peace, relaxation and leisurely activities. From Khao Lak, it is also worth visiting the Mu Koh Similan and Mu Koh Surin National Marine Parks as their unspoiled beaches and stunning underwater reef make it a unique place in Thailand.
With its captivating blend of never-ending white sandy beaches, cool tropical forests and world-class hotels, Khao Lak makes for another stunning wedding destination that promises to create everlasting memories.
Do
Go Island hopping: Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Koh Tapu (James Bond Island), Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai
Visit the International Tsunami Museum
Take a cooking class at The Garden Restaurant
Go kayaking with the Khao Lak Mangrove Explorers
Go
Wat Tham
Ruesi Sawan cave
Luk Suea cave
Phang Nga Bay National
Eat
Food in the South of Thailand is influenced by Malay, Indonesian, and Indian cuisines, so expect the food to be slightly different than in the rest of Thailand. This is the place to indulge in massaman curry and khanom jeen (rice noodles in a fish curry). Restaurants in the area also offer international cuisine. Seafood is also a staple in Phang Nga, including shellfish and fresh fish, grilled a la minute.
Esenzi
Little Italy
Siam Turmeric
Sassi’s Beach Club
U-Taro
Baan Srimuang
Give Me Five
Drink or Play
Khao Lak is rather quiet when it comes to nightlife, but you might find good amusement at your hotel’s bar or at the local market.
Sakai Bar
Kokulo Beach Club
Mr. Chay’s Bar
Ayisha Fine Art Fine Wine
Khaolak Monkey Bar
Happy Snapper
Gecko Bar
Shop
As it is more difficult to reach Phang Nga, shopping opportunities are also scarcer, but clothing (including custom-made), accessories, food products (such as dried seafood shrimp paste), and souvenirs (such as rubber tree leaves artificial flowers made by groups of female farmers) can be found in local shops around Phang Nga town and along Highway 4, near Khao Lak.
TT Plaza
Bang Niang Market
Recommended Hotels
JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa
Insider Tips
- The hottest months in Phang Nga are from April to June, with the peak being mid-April, though there is a chance of rain throughout the whole year.
- The turtle release programme fair is held annually in March and is a unique opportunity to see young turtle hatchlings.
Getting There
The closest airport to Phang Nga is Phuket, with flights from other cities in Thailand as well as international destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Asia. Phang Nga is around 90 kilometres away from Phuket and can be reached via bus, rent-a-car, or taxi. It’s also possible to fly to Krabi and then go to Phang Nga over land.
