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Khao Lak เขาหลัก


The beach at Khao LakThe beach at Khao Lak
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authorshipVincent
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Khao Lak เขาหลัก is a coastal town in Takua Pa District, Phang Nga Province, in southern Thailand. The town is given over to the tourism trade, with many hotels located near the beach facing the Andaman Sea.

Many tourists come to Khao Lak as their base for visiting the Koh Similan Archipelago, the top scuba diving spots in Thailand.

Khao Lak BeachKhao Lak Beach
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authorshipAllen
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Khao Lak was badly affected by the 26 December, 2004, tsunami, which brought massive devastation to the coast and claiming over four thousand lives (some unofficial estimates put the figure closer to 10,000), including Bhumi Jensen, grandson of His Majesty the King of Thailand.

The economy of Khao Lak has since bounced back from the tsunami devastation, with most of the resorts having been reconstructed.

Travel to Khao Lak

You can go to Khao Lak by taking a bus from Phuket heading towards Takua Pa. Alternatively you may hire a taxi from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak for about ฿1100 to ฿1400.

From Bangkok, you can also take a bus to Khao Lak from the Southern Bus Terminal at Sai Tai. These overnight rides cost around ฿500.

Travel within Khao Lak

It would be a good idea to rent a motorcycle to ride around on your own. Alternatively negotiate with a tuk tuk for a reasonable price to take you around.

The sea off Similan IslandsThe sea off Similan Islands (13 May 2006)

Places of Interest in Khao Lak


  1. Chong Fah Waterfall
    A nice place to cool off on a hot day, about 10 minutes east of Bang Niang.

  2. Khao Sok National Park
    National park with Cheow Lan Lake and Rachaphrapha Dam, surrounded by towering peaks and floating restaurant.

  3. Lam Ru National Park
    A place of spectacular scenery along the winding coast.

  4. Lampi Waterfall
    Waterfall located off Highway 4, about 30 minutes from Khao Lak.

  5. Police Boat 813
    One of the two police boats looking after the vacationing Bhumi Jensen, grandson of the King of Thailand. The boat was shept inland, and is now left as a memorial.

  6. Saori Foundation Centre
    Workshop for women to do textile weaving, as taught by a Japanese monk.

  7. Similan Island
    Top dive spot in Thailand.

  8. Takua Pa
    Experience a rural town in Thailand. Takua Pa has lovely Sino-Portuguese architecture.

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Timothy Tye
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