Khao Lak is an excellent destination in Thailand for those looking to escape the busy city streets and explore the countryside. Not only is this area surrounded by some of Thailand’s most beautiful national parks, but it also offers world-class beaches and plenty of activities. We want to make sure you get the most out of your time in Phang Nga Province, which is why we have crafted this list of the best things to do in Khao Lak. This way, you can curate a personalized itinerary, knowing you haven’t left out any unique sights or activities.
Visit the Tsunami Memorial and Museum
One of the most interesting free things to do in Khao Lak is visiting the Tsunami Memorial and Museum. In December 2004, a massive 9.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia, triggering tsunamis. Khao Lak was the worst-affected area, with 10-meter-high waves surging ashore and killing roughly 8,000 people (many of them tourists). There are several locations around Khao Lak where you can find memorials and learn more about the tsunami, its victims, and its survivors.
One of the most popular spots is near Khao Lak Beach: the Police Boat 813 Tsunami Memorial Phangnga, which is completely free to visit. During the tsunami, this 60-tonne, 80-foot-long police boat was pushed two kilometers inland to where it now sits — a truly impressive sight. The boat and its crew were guarding Prince Poom Jensen, who was jet skiing when the tsunami hit; sadly, both the crew and the prince perished. Visitors can tour the boat, explore the giant wave memorial, and visit a small hut offering more information about the tsunami’s impact. While there is an official museum beside the memorial, we recommend visiting the hut instead, as it is equally informative and free.
Another place to consider is Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial, which features the names and faces of those who lost their lives, engraved on a 10-foot-high metal wave tunnel. Many of the victims were German, and the memorial was funded by the German engineering company Thyssenkrupp. Ban Nam Khem’s Tsunami Museum is also considered better than the one in Khao Lak and is well worth visiting if you’re passing through.
Catch a Muay Thai Match
Muay Thai matches are a must-see in Khao Lak, especially for first-time visitors to Thailand. Muay Thai is a traditional martial art that combines boxing, wrestling, kickboxing, and karate, and it’s highly entertaining to watch — particularly with the traditional music played during matches. In Khao Lak, fights are held four times a week at two different stadiums:
- Khao Lak Boxing Stadium hosts fights every Tuesday and Friday at 9 p.m.,
- Beyond Boxing Stadium in Bang Niang hosts fights every Thursday and Sunday at 9 p.m.
Go Surfing
Surfing is one of Khao Lak’s best-kept secrets. While it’s not as famous as Hawaii or Bali, Khao Lak offers ideal conditions for beginners, with gentle waves, slow swells, and sandy bottoms that reduce the risk of injury. The best time to surf is between October and May, with waves ranging from two to six feet depending on the tides. Some of the best beaches for surfing include Nang Thong Beach, Pakarang Beach, and Memories Beach.
If you’re new to surfing, we recommend lessons at Better Surf Thailand (at Memories Beach) or Dare to Surf Club Khao Lak (near Bang Niang Beach). Experienced surfers can easily rent boards at Nang Thong Beach, Pakarang Beach, or Memories Beach.
Watch the Turtle Release at the Sea Turtle Conservation Center
Have you ever wanted to witness freshly hatched turtles making their journey to the sea? In Khao Lak, you can, at the Sea Turtle Conservation Center, which works to protect Thailand’s declining turtle population. Thailand is home to four out of seven turtle species — the Hawksbill, Green, Olive Ridley, and Leatherback turtles — all of which face threats from overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, and egg poaching.
At the center, visitors will find educational displays and tanks with baby Green turtles. Occasionally, you might also meet an older turtle recovering from an injury or disease. The highlight of a visit is the release of baby turtles, which takes place from October to March. Special hatching release events are often organized around Thai Navy Day (March 5) and National Children’s Day (January).
The center is located within an active Thai navy base, so visitors must bring their passport and leave it at the entrance during their visit. Entrance costs 60 Baht per person, with proceeds supporting the turtles’ care. Expect to spend 30–60 minutes at the center, which is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can even pair your visit with a bamboo rafting trip on a half-day guided tour.
Witness James Bond Island Up Close
Are you a fan of 007? If so, you’re probably already familiar with the emerald-green waters and dramatic rock formations of James Bond Island, officially known as Khao Phing Kan. Featured in the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun, this iconic site is easily accessible on a day trip from Khao Lak.
There are a few ways to reach Khao Phing Kan: by private longtail boat, private tour, or group tour. There are no ferries to the island, so the best option is to drive about 75 minutes south to Phang Nga town and hire a private longtail boat from Surakul Pier (also called Phang Nga Pier).
If you prefer a private tour, consider this full-day tour from GetYourGuide, which includes lunch, private transportation to/from Khao Lak, a guide, a private boat, and stops at the floating Muslim village on Koh Panyi and Wat Suwan Khuha Temple. Alternatively, for a group experience, check out this full-day Phang Nga Bay tour, which includes transportation, lunch, a guide, canoeing at Khao Phing Kan, and stops at Suwan Khuha Cave Temple and Koh Panyi.
Scuba Dive or Snorkel in the Similan Islands or Surin Islands
If you want to explore the underwater world like never before, consider taking a day trip to the Similan or Surin Islands. The Similan Islands are known worldwide for their excellent marine diversity and scuba diving sites like Richelieu Rock, Elephant Head Rock, and East of Eden, offering a chance to dive alongside whale sharks, manta rays, and leopard sharks. The islands are part of Mu Ko Similan National Park and feature pristine sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic rocky landscapes.
The Surin Islands are lesser-known but equally magical when it comes to the underwater world. They are ideal for snorkelers, as they are home to Thailand’s best shallow coral reefs, offering visitors the chance to encounter a diverse array of marine life just below the surface. The Surin Islands are also home to the Moken people, traditional sea nomads who have honed the ability to free dive like no other (seriously, google a video!). Visitors often get to interact with the Moken people on a tour of the islands, as most tours stop at the Moken floating village.
Eat Your Way Through Bang Niang Night Market
Night markets in Thailand are not to be missed, and Bang Niang Night Market is no exception. Located in the heart of Bang Niang, this market features over 300 merchants selling everything from spring rolls and Pad Thai to ceramics, fresh fruit, and souvenirs. Visitors can easily spend a few hours perusing the stalls, snacking on local delicacies, and enjoying the vibrant buzz and live music of the market. Bang Niang Night Market is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Learn to Cook Thai Food
Let’s face it—Thai food is delicious! So it stands to reason you might want to learn how to make these tasty dishes back home. Cooking classes are an excellent way to master local dishes, especially since traditional Thai cooking techniques are vastly different from Western styles. We recommend booking this Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour with renowned local chef, Wandee. If you’re an avid watcher of Amazon Prime’s The World Cook, you might recognize Wandee as one of the instructors from Season Two! Wandee’s mother was also a chef in the Thai Palace. Your cooking journey begins with complimentary pick-up from your hotel, followed by a visit to the local market to learn about each ingredient you’ll use in your three-course meal. Afterward, you’ll head back to Wandee’s bamboo kitchen hut to create homemade curry pastes and dishes.
Float Through the Jungle on a Bamboo Raft
One of the most relaxing and unique ways to explore the jungles near Khao Lak is on a Bamboo Rafting Tour. Several nearby companies offer trips through the jungle, where you’ll sit back and relax on a homemade bamboo raft while your boat driver navigates the river bends. A great aspect of rafting tours is that they can be combined with other nearby attractions and activities, such as this River Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Tour, which pairs the Sea Turtle Conservation Center with a morning rafting expedition. You could also opt for a half-day rafting tour with lunch near Khao Lak or drive an hour in an air-conditioned tour van to Khao Sok National Park for a cruise down the Sok River to a secluded cave temple on this day tour from Khao Lak.
Chase Waterfalls
If you’re wondering what to do in Khao Lak on a hot day, consider cooling off in one of the many waterfalls in the area. While there is no specific “waterfall season,” the best time to visit the waterfalls around Khao Lak is between late May and November, during the province’s rainy season. This is when waterfalls are at full power and the pools at the bottom are fresher and cooler for swimming. That’s not to say the waterfalls aren’t beautiful the rest of the year, but it’s best to check when the last heavy rainfall occurred and read reviews— you don’t want to hike into the jungle for a dry waterfall! If you want to avoid crowds, aim to visit before 10 a.m. to beat the midday heat.
The most popular waterfall near Khao Lak is Ton Chong Fa Waterfall due to its proximity to town and easy access by bike or car. Visitors can hike up to five different levels of pools to find a place to lounge, but beware: hiking in flip-flops can be quite slippery, so bring running shoes. Lampi Waterfall, located 30 minutes south of Khao Lak, is another popular stop for tourists on ATV and adventure tours, and it’s also easily accessible by motorbike. Ton Pling Waterfall is a great tourist attraction in Khao Lak for those wanting an independent visit for a swim, as it’s only a five-minute bike ride (or a 20-minute walk) from Khao Lak Beach. Tam Nang Waterfall and Ton Pring Waterfall are also excellent spots to cool off, but they are only accessible by car or on a tour.
To see waterfalls as part of a guided tour, we recommend either this Bamboo Rafting, Waterfalls, and Turtle Conservation Tour or this Little Amazon Canoe Ride and Tam Nang Waterfall Tour.
Visit Khao Sok National Park on a Day Trip
Exploring the dramatic limestone mountains and ancient rainforests of Khao Sok National Park is one of the most popular activities in Khao Lak. Since the national park is only a one-hour drive from Khao Lak town, tourists can choose to visit on their own or as part of a guided day trip. We recommend the latter, as transportation, boat tours, and guided hikes will be arranged for you. You can also plan to stay in one of Khao Sok’s famous floating bungalow hotels. Khao Sok boasts incredible landscapes, from red clay beaches to mangroves and hidden caves—there’s a lot to discover. In fact, experts believe Khao Sok’s rainforest is older than the Amazon! Several unique animals can also be spotted on a safari, including free-roaming Asian elephants, gibbons, clouded leopards, mouse deer, and vampire bats.
While we recommend taking two days to explore everything the park has to offer, you can still see and do a lot on this full-day tour of Khao Sok National Park. The tour consists of no more than 12 people and includes transportation to and from Khao Lak, a bamboo rafting trip on the Sok River, a 5.5-kilometer hike into the jungle, a traditional Thai lunch, and a stop at Khao Sok Viewpoint.
For even more tips and insider advice, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Khao Sok National Park!
Drive to Takua Pa Market and Talat Yai Old Town
One of the most fun things to do in Khao Lak is explore the countryside on a motorbike. The landscape offers easy riding for tourists, as the terrain is relatively flat without steep, winding mountain roads. Specifically, the drive from Khao Lak to the town of Talat Yai along Route 4005 is incredible. I drove this route twice and rarely came across another car or bike. The route winds past leveled rice fields, small hamlets, and canyons, offering plenty of hidden gems to stop at. There are also several waterfalls and a temple you can visit not far off the route. It takes around 30 minutes to reach Talat Yai, depending on your speed and where you start your journey.
Talat Yai is a must-see in Khao Lak for those who want to explore local culture. Once a popular tin mining town, its Old Town is lined with colonial-style buildings influenced by Portuguese and Chinese immigrants. Visitors can explore Taoist temples, discover murals depicting the town’s history (with QR codes to scan) on a town walk, or shop at boutique souvenir shops. Talat Yai is also home to the Takua Pa Market, which is filled with mostly locals and very few tourists. The market features authentic Thai food along with Burmese and Chinese dishes to try. It’s located in Old Town and is open every Sunday from around 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Other attractions nearby include Rommanee Hot Springs and Kirinara Golf Course, one of the most beautiful courses in the region.
Book a Little Amazon River Kayak Safari
Little Amazon River is an excellent tourist attraction in Khao Lak for those who want to experience local wildlife. Located in the Takua Pa District, about a 25-minute drive north of Khao Lak, you’ll find lush mangrove forests and ancient banyan trees along the Khlong Sang Ne River. Named after its resemblance to the Amazon and its abundant wildlife, Little Amazon offers the perfect retreat into a rich and biodiverse jungle. The calm water makes for an incredibly reflective and serene sight, perfect for photography and nature enthusiasts.
Little Amazon River is open every day from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. for guided canoe tours. The canoe trip lasts roughly an hour, ideal for those traveling with little kids. Visitors can expect to see all kinds of creatures, like monitor lizards, long-tailed macaques, frogs, kingfishers, herons, green snakes, and maybe even a python (if you’re lucky)!
We highly recommend grouping your canoe tour with a trip to Si Phang-nga National Park with this half-day tour from Khao Lak. The tour includes transportation to and from Khao Lak, the one-hour canoe trip, and a stop at Si Phang-nga National Park to swim at Tam Nang Waterfall.
Go on a Jungle Hike
Khao Lak is flanked by three national parks, all worth visiting. There are several easy and moderate hiking trails to embark on, but one of the nicest is the Hat Lek Nature Trail in Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park. The well-marked trail boasts a mix of beach and jungle hiking with some steep sections and uneven footpaths, making it a moderate-level hike. It takes roughly 60–90 minutes to complete the three-kilometer out-and-back route, and hikers can cool off with a dip in the ocean at Hat Lek Beach (Small Sandy Beach on Google Maps) halfway through.
Another excellent and easy trail near Khao Lak is the Ton Kloi Waterfall Trail which leads from Khao Sok National Park HQ, located an hour’s drive north of Khao Lak. The path is easy to navigate, as it’s the only trail that leaves from the park headquarters. It runs roughly three kilometers (1.9 miles) along the Sok River, offering ample opportunities to swim in picturesque waterfalls or spot monkeys, lizards, and snakes. At the end of the trail, there’s a small hut where visitors are required to hire a guide to trek any further into the jungle. They also sell drinks and snacks. Hiring a Khao Sok hiking guide costs anywhere between 700–1,500 baht, depending on your group size. This is an ideal trail for families as it is relatively flat.
Several guided hiking tours are also offered in Khao Lak. We recommend this full-day trip to Khao Sok, which includes a jungle hike through Thailand’s oldest rainforest, a bamboo rafting trip down the Sok River, transportation, and an authentic Thai lunch.
Spend a Day at the Beach
Looking for the perfect way to relax and enjoy the sunshine? You can’t go wrong with spending a day at one of Khao Lak’s famous beaches! Each beach offers its own unique atmosphere and activities. If you enjoy people-watching and lounging at beach bars and cafés, head to Nang Thong Beach, Khao Lak’s most popular stretch of sand. Memories Beach also offers a lively atmosphere with many surf schools and cafés, while Bang Niang Beach features several cafés and lounger rentals. Those seeking a quieter, more tranquil beach should consider Pak Weep Beach, where you can lounge among tall pines and pristine sands away from the crowds.
For snorkeling, Khao Na Yak Golden Beach in Khao Na Yak is the best spot in the area, offering clear, calm waters and shallow coral gardens perfect for spotting colorful fish. The easiest way to explore Khao Na Yak is with a snorkeling tour from Khao Lak.
Now that you’re equipped with all the best places to visit in Khao Lak, all you have to do is craft your ideal itinerary. Before you know it, you’ll be cruising down tropical winding roads, having the adventure of a lifetime sightseeing in Khao Lak!
