Best Things to Do in Khao Lak

About 80 kilometres north of Phuket Airport, Khao Lak is the mainland gateway to the Similan and Surin Islands national parks and the Khao Sok rainforest.

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Similan and Surin Islands

The offshore marine parks of the Andaman Sea are known for clear water, granite boulders and coral reefs that draw divers and snorkellers. You cannot drive to the islands themselves, but having a rental car makes reaching the departure piers easy. For the Similan Islands, speedboats leave from Tap Lamu Pier, about 15 minutes south of central Khao Lak and close to several of the quieter Khao Lak beaches.

National Park	Departure Pier	Adult / Child Fee (THB)	Overnight Options
Similan Islands	Tap Lamu Pier (~15 min south)	500 / 250	None (liveaboards only)
Surin Islands	Khuraburi Pier (~1-1.5 h north)	500 / 250	Tents and basic bungalows

The Similan Islands National Park reopened on 15 October 2025 and is scheduled to close around mid-May 2026, though the exact closing date is approximate and can shift with the weather. Because of a daily visitor cap of roughly 3,850 people, travellers should secure an advance e-ticket with passport details using the official QueQ app. Divers pay an extra 200 THB per day.

Khao Sok and the Rainforest

Heading inland reveals ancient rainforest and towering limestone karsts. Khao Sok National Park lies about 70 kilometres from Khao Lak, roughly a 1 to 1.5-hour drive via Highway 4 and Route 401. The route is straightforward, but it is worth reviewing our tips for driving in Khao Lak before you set off into the mountains.

Cheow Lan Lake Day Trips

For calmer water and a cooler start, aim to leave Khao Lak around 07:00. An early departure gets you to Ratchaprapha Dam in time to hire a traditional longtail boat, and pre-booking the boat tour online or through a local operator helps you secure a fair rate.

The main national park headquarters at Khlong Sok charges a foreigner entry fee of about 300 THB for adults and 150 THB for children. Cheow Lan Lake lies further east and carries a separate admission fee, so budget for both if you plan to do the lake and the jungle in one day.

Waterfalls and National Parks Near the Strip

Several coastal forests and waterfalls managed by the Department of National Parks sit just minutes from the main resort areas. These spots offer accessible nature trails and freshwater swimming holes without a long drive.

Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park: the headquarters sit about 3 km south of the strip off Highway 4. Foreigner entry is 200 THB adult / 100 child. Trails lead to Small Sandy Beach, and the same ticket covers the multi-tiered Ton Chong Fa Waterfall inland.
Sai Rung (Rainbow) Waterfall: about 10 to 15 km north of Bang Niang. Entry is free, with a small parking fee of around 20 THB collected by local attendants.
Sri Phang Nga National Park: roughly an hour north of Khao Lak, home to the tall Tam Nang Waterfall, with a 100 THB foreigner entry fee.

These smaller parks are generally open daily from about 08:00 to 16:30. Exploring them at your own pace is far easier with your own vehicle, letting you arrive before the tour buses roll in later in the afternoon.

Remembering the 2004 Tsunami

The local community holds deep respect for the memory of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, a mass-casualty disaster that permanently changed this coastline. Visitors are welcome at several quiet memorial sites to pay their respects and learn about the region's recovery.

Memorial Sites in Bang Niang and Ban Nam Khem

In Bang Niang, Police Boat 813 stands as a stark reminder of the wave's force. This steel navy patrol vessel was carried nearly 2 km inland and remains exactly where it came to rest. The memorial offers free admission and free parking and is open daily from about 08:30 to 18:00. The nearby International Tsunami Museum shows historical photos and video for a modest ticket.

For a quieter visit, drive about 26 km north to the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park. This beachfront park features a wave-shaped concrete wall inscribed with victims' names, a gallery of photographs, and a Buddha statue looking out over the sea. Admission is free.

Takua Pa Old Town and Local Culture

For a change from the beach resorts, drive about 30 km north of Khao Lak to the historic town of Takua Pa. The old town preserves a distinct heritage of pastel Sino-Portuguese shophouses, traditional bakeries and quiet shrines.

Sunday Walking Street and Little Amazon

The Sunday Walking Street, known locally as Talad Yai, runs from about 15:00 to 20:00. This cultural market operates only during the high season, roughly November to April. You can check seasonal schedules and regional travel updates through the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Consider pairing Takua Pa with a canoe tour of the 'Little Amazon' along the Sung Nae canal. Guided trips under the ancient banyan canopy cost roughly 500 to 1,800 THB depending on the duration.

Having your own vehicle makes it simple to string these stops together. Go ahead and compare rental cars to find the right ride for your cultural day out.

Self-Drive Day-Trip Ideas

Planning a route in advance helps you get the most from your car rental. Getting around Phang Nga province is far more efficient when you organise transport through our main car rental options.

The Northern Loop (half-day): start after breakfast at Police Boat 813, drive north to Sai Rung Waterfall, then finish with an afternoon walk through the Sino-Portuguese streets of Takua Pa.
The Rainforest Day (full-day): a 180 to 220 km round trip. Start by 07:00, drive over the Route 401 mountain pass to Khao Sok, and spend the afternoon on a longtail boat tour at Cheow Lan Lake.
Island departures: for a multi-day liveaboard cruise to the Similan Islands, leave your vehicle parked securely at your resort rather than at the public Tap Lamu Pier.

If you are flying into the region, you can line up your vehicle collection at the terminal by reading our guide on travelling from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my rental car to the Similan or Surin Islands?

No. The islands are reached only by boat. You drive your rental car to the departure pier — Tap Lamu for the Similans (about 15 minutes south) or Khuraburi for the Surins (about 1 to 1.5 hours north) — and join a speedboat or liveaboard from there.

What is the entry fee for the Similan Islands National Park?

The foreigner entry fee is 500 THB for adults and 250 THB for children. Certified divers pay an additional 200 THB for each day of diving.

Are the Similan and Surin Islands open all year?

No. Both parks close each year for the monsoon to protect the marine ecosystem and keep passengers safe. They typically reopen on 15 October and close around mid-May, though the exact closing date is approximate.

Can I stay overnight on the Similan Islands?

Overnight stays on the Similan Islands have been banned since 2018 to limit environmental damage. The only way to sleep in the area is aboard an approved liveaboard diving vessel.

How far is Khao Sok National Park from Khao Lak?

The main headquarters at Khlong Sok is about 70 kilometres from Khao Lak, a drive of roughly 1 to 1.5 hours via Highway 4 and Route 401.

Is there parking at the tsunami memorials?

Yes. Both the Police Boat 813 site in Bang Niang and the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park have dedicated visitor parking, free of charge.

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