What are the best things to do in Khao Lak?
Top picks in Khao Lak include Khao Lam Pi Waterfall, Hat Thai Mueang National Park, Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park, Ton Chong Fah Waterfall. See the full list and itinerary on this Khao Lak travel guide.
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BY 4.0
Why visit Khao Lak
Travel guide for Khao Lak, Thailand — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Khao Lak is a stop in Thailand, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Khao Lam Pi Waterfall, Hat Thai Mueang National Park, Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 35–100 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: November–March for cooler, drier conditions. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Khao Lak
1
Khao Lam Pi Waterfall
2
Hat Thai Mueang National Park
3
Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park
4
Ton Chong Fah Waterfall
5
Cheow Lan Lake and Rachaphrapha Dam
6
Khao Sok National Park
7
Takua Pa Old Town
8
Mountain View Driving Range
Budget travel
Free things to do in Khao Lak
Khao Lam Pi Waterfall
Hat Thai Mueang National Park
Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park
Ton Chong Fah Waterfall
Cheow Lan Lake and Rachaphrapha Dam
Khao Sok National Park
Takua Pa Old Town
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Khao Lak itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Khao Lam Pi Waterfall
- Visit Hat Thai Mueang National Park
- Visit Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park
- Eat at O'Rendez-vous
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Ton Chong Fah Waterfall
- Visit Cheow Lan Lake and Rachaphrapha Dam
- Visit Khao Sok National Park
- Eat at Green Pepper
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Takua Pa Old Town
- Visit Mountain View Driving Range
- Eat at Hill Tribe Restaurant
Budget
Khao Lak trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 35–100
per person / day
Luxury
USD 115–190+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Khao Lak, Thailand. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Khao Lak
Estimated total (USD)
$1,935
≈ $968 per person · $276 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $70/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Khao Lak mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 35–100 · luxury 115–190+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
O'Rendez-vous
Green Pepper
Hill Tribe Restaurant
Ingfah
Lucky Seafood
Pinocchio Restaurant
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Khao Lak Emerald Beach Resort & Spa
Happy Lagoon Resort
Khao Lak Bhandari Resort
Poseidon Bungalows
Banana Bungalows
Shopping
- 7-Eleven Shops
- Bang Niang Market
- Fresh Market
Nightlife
- Monkey Bar
- Walker's Inn
- Violet Bar
- Degree
- Gecko Bar
- Jungle Bar and Restaurant
In pictures
Khao Lak gallery
Photos: Vyacheslav Argenberg, Abe Khao Lak, Vincent, Electrostatico [1], Ahoerstemeier — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Khao Lak travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Khao Lak?
November–March for cooler, drier conditions.
How many days do I need in Khao Lak?
Plan at least 3 days in Khao Lak for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Khao Lak?
Popular stays in Khao Lak include Khao Lak Emerald Beach Resort & Spa, Happy Lagoon Resort, Khao Lak Bhandari Resort. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Khao Lak cost?
On the ground in Khao Lak (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 35–100, and luxury about 115–190+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Khao Lak, Thailand. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
