Khao Lak Travel Essentials
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Ideal duration: 3 days
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"A string of villages to experience serenity in action"
Khao Lak Tourism
Khao Lak is a string of villages which lie on the west coast of Thailand. Once a quiet and relatively untouched region of the country, these villages are fast becoming a hotspot for adventure sports and beachside vacations for Thai locals and tourists alike. The best way to reach Khao Lak is via road, with Phuket's airport being the most important airway terminal nearby.
Khao means mountain, so Khao Lak literally translates to Lak Mountain. A combination of six beaches, these villages all combine to form 'Khao Lak' as we know it. The beaches are a starting point for those wishing to explore nearby areas and northern Andamans too. Every beach has its own vibe, as does every market.
The mornings at the beaches offer some of the most serene and quiet experiences most other places in Thailand cannot provide. Lots of hidden eateries and shopping opportunities make this a haven for all kinds of tourists, albeit the area is gaining more and more popularity among backpackers and budget travellers.
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Currency in Khao Lak
Major cards are accepted in almost all big restaurants, bars and hotels. Small hotels would prefer cash or credit cards over debit cards. Check before you order. Carry a sufficient amount of the Thai Baht with you as local market vendors may not accept other currencies.
Exchanging Money in Khao Lak
Bang La On, which is the main township in the area has a number of money exchange service providers. Private exchange places may be open on Sundays but most banks remain closed. Check with yout hotel before you decide to relax and get your money exchanged 'later'.
Daily Budget for Khao Lak
A minimum of 1500 THB, like any other city in Thailand is a must for Khao Lak. Food and getting around are inexpensive if you take buses or walk. Markets in Khao Lak are inexpensive too. The major expenditure on this trip is going to be on your accomodation.
Religion of Khao Lak
The major religion of Khao Lak is Buddhism
Khao Lak Customs
Khao Lak is more family friendly than other places in Thailand. Conventional practices like putting your hands together while greeting people is expected and accepted everywhere. Normal Thai customs like not touching anyone on the head and not pointing your feet towards anyone are followed here too.
Language of Khao Lak
Thai is spoken among the locals in Khao Lak. English is spoken by the employees of big hotels and resorts. You may find rudimentary english being spoken by street side vendors but never forget to carry a dictionary with you when anywhere in Thailand.
History of Khao Lak
What is not a tourist destination was once just a string of villages on the west coast of Thailand. Khao Lak had long been popular with traders and merchants but slowly startes gaining popularity with the tourist crowd as well. The tsunami of 2004 was the most devastating incident for Khao Lak but it is once which Khao lak emerged from quite unscathed too. Rebuilding its infrastructure and tourist base again as it did, Khao Lak became one of the most popular destination for those looking to get away from the hullabaloo of major Thai cities.
Nightlife in Khao Lak
Khao Lak isn't a place necessarily known for its booming party scene. It is more famous for its quiet ambience and family friendly atmosphere where people can relax in peace. There might be a few nightclubs at best here. Head over to other booming places in Thailand if you're expecting a club extravaganza. Khao Lak does have a few bars, one of the best ones being the Happy Snapper.
Shopping in Khao Lak
You won't find a row of shopping malls in Khao Lak like other cities but you will definitely find small shops which sell souvenirs and trinkets for the curious tourist. Visit the Bang Niang Night Market for a lazy stroll to see what local vendors have to offer. Carry your haggling skills with you as prices might be quoted more than needed.
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How to Reach Khao Lak
How to Reach Overview
Khao Lak is accessible by road from other major destinations in Thailand. Being a string of villages it is not directly accessible by flight.
How to reach Khao Lak by flight
Tourists have the option of flying to Phuket or Krabi from any international airport and then going to Khao Lak from there. Khao Lak is 1.5 hours away from Phuket by road and 2.5 hours away from Krabi by road. You have the option of taking a bus to Khao Lak if your flight arrives during daytime hours. If late in the evening or night one has the option of taking a taxi which will set you back 1200 - 1600 THB
How to reach Khao Lak by road
There are many options for renting cars and self driving from Phuket to Khao Lak. A ride will take you anywhere between 40 to 60 minutes. Take care if opting for self-drive and DO NOT drive at night.
How to reach Khao Lak by train
A train is the most pocket friendly option to reach Khao Lak from Bangkok although it may be more inconvenient than other options. You may take a train to Surat Thani and then a bus to Khao Lak if you are coming from Bangkok. A journey from Bangkok to Khao Lak this way can take you anywhere between 10 - 12 hours.
How to reach Khao Lak by bus
Khao Lak does not have a proper bus start or stop point. Buses leaving to and from other major cities pass through Khao Lak and can be stopped at request. Tourists coming from Bangkok may have to change buses at Surat Thani depending on the bus operator so do check that before you get into the bus. Tourists coming from Phuket will have to take buses to Surat Thani, Takua Pa or Ranong.
Local transport in Khao Lak
The best way to get around in Khao Lak is on foot. Short distances may be covered on bicycles or motorbikes. Songathews run for short distances as with most places in Thailand. Taxis may be hired for long distances or getting out of town.
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FAQs on Khao Lak
What is the best time to visit Khao lak?
The best time to visit Khao Lak is from November to February during the dry season. The island sees two seasons namely dry that overlaps with the summer season (November to April) and wet (May to October). Visitors often vacation in the dry months, also owing to the city’s celebration of Christmas and New Years, which makes these months relatively more expensive and crowded.
Two of the most popular activities during the dry season is snorkelling and diving. Tourists are most likely to experience some rainy days at the beginning and end of the dry season while the wet season is often sunny and warm.
Humidity in this island can rise in the wet months, with an average annual humidity if 82%. The warmest month of the year is February at an average temperature of 29 ℃, and January is the coldest at 28 ℃. October stands as the wettest month of the year, with an average precipitation of 352mm.
On the other hand, water sports are entirely shut down during the wet season; however, tourists can explore the wildlife and natural beauty of the region. An added advantage of the wet season is a massive slash in accommodation and travel expenses.
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Two of the most popular activities during the dry season is snorkelling and diving. Tourists are most likely to experience some rainy days at the beginning and end of the dry season while the wet season is often sunny and warm.
Humidity in this island can rise in the wet months, with an average annual humidity if 82%. The warmest month of the year is February at an average temperature of 29 ℃, and January is the coldest at 28 ℃. October stands as the wettest month of the year, with an average precipitation of 352mm.
On the other hand, water sports are entirely shut down during the wet season; however, tourists can explore the wildlife and natural beauty of the region. An added advantage of the wet season is a massive slash in accommodation and travel expenses.
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What is the local food in Khao lak?
Basic meals in Thai are served with hot, steaming rice. A majority of curries are based on seafood and some may include chicken or pork depending on availability. Meals are always light and freshly cooked. Street stalls are the best way to sample what Khao Lak has to offer with food being prepared fresh in front of your eyes.
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What is the best way to reach Khao lak?
Khao Lak is accessible by road from other major destinations in Thailand. Being a string of villages it is not directly accessible by flight.
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What are the things to do in Khao lak?
The top things to do in Khao lak are Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park, Surin Islands, Similan Islands, Diving in Khao Lak, Nang Thong Beach, Snorkelling in Khao Lak. You can see all the places to visit in Khao lak here
What are the places near Khao lak?
The top places near to Khao lak are Phuket which is 84 km from Khao lak, Krabi which is located 99 km from Khao lak, Phi phi islands which is located 119 km from Khao lak, Surat thani which is located 126 km from Khao lak, Koh samui which is located 212 km from Khao lak
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