Should You Visit Khao Lak?

Are you thinking about visiting Khao Lak, Thailand? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is Khao Lak worth visiting?

This area is a good place to visit for five to seven days. This series of villages runs along the coast of Thailand and offers a laid back beach setting that is perfect for couples or families. It's filled with natural beauty, less developed beaches, and turquoise blue waters. It's also an excellent dive and snorkel destination.

The beach at Khao Lak, Thailand The beach at Khao Lak, Thailand

Reasons to Visit Khao Lak

Beaches
The beaches are a highlight of any trip to Thailand. They offer a laid back and peaceful setting with white sand, turquoise water, and tropical marine life. Some of the best beaches include Bang Niang Beach - which is one of the most popular, Nang Thong Beach - which is one of the most beautiful, and Coconut Beach - which is one of the most idyllic.

Resorts
The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
There are many great dive and snorkel spots in the area and you'll find no shortage of excursions and day trips, whether you're interested in scuba diving or snorkeling.

Food
There's a range of southern Thai classics that include seafood, curries, grilled meats, and even vegetarian options. You'll also find an abundance of western food restaurants that serve everything from pizza to burgers.

Nightlife
While it's a tranquil place, there are still some bars and clubs that have a laid back atmosphere and are fun places to hang out in the evening.

Shopping
You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Khao Lak might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Khao Lak here or see if Khao Lak is expensive here.




Is Khao Lak worth visiting in the Summer?

This is the low season for travel in Khao Lak. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 28°C (82°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. Beach resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Khao Lak looking for a relaxing vacation, so these resorts have plenty of nice amenities. One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the resorts, and the nightlife scene. Also, you'll be able to take in the beautiful scenery.


Summer Weather in Khao Lak
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
July 28°C (82°F) 284 mm (11.2 in)
August 28°C (82°F) 272 mm (10.7 in)
September 27°C (81°F) 417 mm (16.4 in)

Is Khao Lak worth visiting in the Autumn?

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 27°C (81°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Khao Lak, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. Beach resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Khao Lak looking for a relaxing vacation, so these resorts have plenty of nice amenities. One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. This is a great time of year to admire the wonderful scenery, relax at the beach, and enjoy the amenities of a resort.


Autumn Weather in Khao Lak
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
October 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in)
November 27°C (80°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
December 27°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)

Is Khao Lak worth visiting in the Winter?

Winter is the high season for travel in Khao Lak, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.

The weather this time of year is terrific, and averages around 27°C (80°F) through the season. This is one of the main reasons that travelers come, because they are looking for beautiful weather and a fun escape.

With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. Beach resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Khao Lak looking for a relaxing vacation, so these resorts have plenty of nice amenities. One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to dine out at amazing restaurants, enjoy an evening out, and lounge on the beach. Also, you can relax at a luxurious resort and take in the beautiful scenery.


Winter Weather in Khao Lak
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
January 27°C (80°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
February 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
March 28°C (83°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)

Is Khao Lak worth visiting in the Spring?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Khao Lak. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 29°C (83°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. Beach resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Khao Lak looking for a relaxing vacation, so these resorts have plenty of nice amenities. During this season it's fun to experience the shops and boutiques, the beautiful scenery, and the nightlife. Also, you can check out the beaches and the resorts.


Spring Weather in Khao Lak
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
April 29°C (83°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 345 mm (13.6 in)
June 28°C (82°F) 286 mm (11.3 in)

Things to Consider Before Visiting Khao Lak

Museums
Khao Lak isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. You'll find plenty or natural beauty, but not much in the form of temples or museums.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

Related

What is Khao Lak most famous for?

Khao Lak is most famous for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. The area is very popular for its beaches. It is also known for its great resorts and scuba diving & snorkeling. And many visitors also come to this area for its food, nightlife, and shopping. It is often described as idyllic, serene, laid back, relaxed, and friendly.

What is the most famous sight in Khao Lak?

The most popular sight in Khao Lak is Khao Sok National Park. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Khao Lak on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Khao Sok National Park and other attractions here.

How touristy is Khao Lak? Is it a popular area to visit?

Khao Lak is a popular area for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

  • Thailand Nature & Culture Tour with Lunch: $81
  • James Bond & Khai Islands Speedboat Day Tour From Khao Lak: $78
  • Private Tour: The Lost Zone Amazon & Old Town - Takuapa, Khao Lak: $171
  • Guide Tour to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary in Small Group: $45
  • Khao Lak : Full-Day Temple Tour Including Dragon Cave: $86
  • Khao Lak Eco Exploration Raft Ride & Discover Tour: $70
  • Day Tour with Sea Canoeing at Hong Island from Khao Lak: $81
  • Three Amazing Temples Tour - Khao Lak: $89

How long should I spend in Khao Lak?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Khao Lak is at least five or as many as seven days. Since Khao Lak has a variety of activities such as beaches, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Khao Lak?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Khao Lak?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Khao Lak?.