Khao Lak Beaches

Down a sharp incline near the Similan National Park Office you will find Khao Lak Beach. Pechakasem Road above (the main highway) twists and turns through the hills that signal that you have arrived in Khao Lak.Further on down the beach you will find Tublamu Pier and just to the north lies Khao Lak Merlin Resort.

Leafy and tree-lined, Khao Lak Beach is quite isolated with an interesting array of flora and varying sand quality. This is the place to stroll along from May to November if you enjoy collecting some of the weird and wonderful driftwood that washes up here. (Read more...)

Nang Thong was the first beach in the area to play host to bungalows and resorts and is by extension the busiest beach in Khao Lak although Bang Niang is fast catching up. The beach is a popular place to stay as it runs parallel to the centre of Khao Lak with its many amenities, shopping, nightlife and dining out opportunities.

Nang Thong is perfect for a sunset stroll and a rocky area ensures good snorkelling. The southern end is sometimes called Sunset Beach and the entire length features tiny shells in the adjoining rocks and crannies. (Read more...)

Bang Niang was formerly a backpackers' destination but has experienced a metamorphosis into more of an upmarket area although accommodation prices here are by no means extravagant still. Just inland stands the Bang Niang School along with a snake farm and the Chong Fah Waterfall and of course the main road runs parallel with its convenience stores and dining out possibilities.

The beach itself has fine white sand and as it heads due north it is tailor-made for sunset viewing. Relatively calm waters invite snorkellers and water enthusiasts and for those who like to stay out of the sun there are copses of trees providing shade. (Read more...)

Roughly translated, 'Khuk Khak' means 'crowded' whereas this beach is anything but! One of Khao Lak's quieter beaches, there is an inlet halfway up that is crossable at low tide and this spot is lovely because of the palm trees and the view.

Khuk Khak Beach is four kilometres long and four kilometres north of Bang Niang and is the archetypical Khao Lak Beach – in other words, beautiful. Further inland you'll find a more rural community than its southern neighbours and shopping is a lot more basic, too but with transportation or a good pair of hiking boots, extensive shopping isn't that far away. (Read more...)

Just to the south of Pakweeb Beach lies Laem Pakarang (Coral Cape) and this provides shelter for much of this enchanting and quiet beach. Here, you will find the excellent Sarojin Resort and further north, the Meridien along with several other well spread out resorts and hotels.

Inland, across the main highway and well-posted, visitors can spend a cool afternoon at one or all of the Pakweeb, Sai Rai Rung and Bor Hin waterfalls. All year round swimming and watersports are possible here with a gentle and relaxing swell. Just off the main road stands the Baan Pakweeb Monastery. (Read more...)