Khao Lak

About Khao Lak

40 minutes north of Phuket airport, a quiet coastal town set among mangroves and rubber plantations. The marina here is where 90% of Thai liveaboards depart for Similan and Surin.

It works two ways: as a liveaboard launch point (1–2 nights before, 1 night after) or as a land base for a full diving trip with day boats.

Season

November to April. Similan National Park is closed May–October, and most dive operators in Khao Lak shut down during that window. A few run day trips to Koh Tachai and Phi Phi outside the season, but conditions are unreliable.

What to know

• Khao Lak is dramatically quieter than Phuket. No go-go bars, no high-rises. Good for families and travelers who want it calm.
• Transfer from Phuket airport is around 60–90 minutes. Bangkok flies direct to Phuket, then by car.
• Day boats don’t reach the Similan islands themselves (too far) — but they do reach Koh Bon, Boon Soong wreck, and Phra Thong.
• Khao Lak has limited nightlife — a feature for most, a downside for some.

Good fit if you

Are headed out on a liveaboard and want calm before/after, traveling with family or a non-diving partner, looking for “real Thailand” without alcohol tourism.

Skip if you

Want city energy — pick Phuket instead.

Land activities

Khao Sok National Park is a day trip worth doing on its own — rainforest, floating huts, elephant sanctuary. The tsunami memorial and the stranded police boat 813 are worth visiting for the history. Local food markets every evening in Bang Niang.