Things to Do in Khao Lak

There are several things to do in Khao Lak, a sleepy beach town located approximately sixty kilometres to the north of Phuket Island. Khao Lak Beach and the Ton Chong Fa Waterfall are the most popular destinations, but this peninsula has many attractions that are further afield and worth visiting. 

Travelers needing a car rental in Khao Lak can turn to Drive Car Rental. We offer a range of vehicles to suit individual or group travel needs. With keys in hand, you can properly explore Khao Lak and the greater region of Southern Thailand!

In and Around Khao Lak

Khao Lak has one of the longest beaches in Southern Thailand. It stretches along the west coast for almost nine kilometres, ending at Pakarang Cape. From there, it rounds the cape to face north and becomes Coconut Beach, which is the place to go if you’re looking for some quiet relaxation.

Visitors to the village itself will find plenty of small shops and eateries with a range of cuisines from Thai to Western. Several upscale resorts dot the surrounding area, with mid-tier and budget accommodations in between. 

The Ton Chong Fa Waterfall is one of the area’s more famous attractions, and is just eight kilometres out of town to the east. It features four distinct tiers that visitors can see over the course of a short walk of just over one kilometre. Proper footwear is recommended for the trail, but feel free to bring a bathing suit and cool off in the chilly waters flowing down from the mountains. 

The nearby city of Takua Pa is worth a visit for an afternoon stroll or for a visit to its Sunday market. Its historic old town has several colonial-era buildings that are reminiscent of Phuket Town with a much quieter vibe. Visitors will also find plenty of street art adorning the sides of old buildings that feel much like Penang’s Old Town in Northern Malaysia.

Day Trips Further Afield

Phang Nga Bay is a top attraction for anyone visiting this area of Thailand. A day trip via boat is the most popular way to see this incredible natural wonder. Most travel companies offer lunch and stops at several popular sites along the way. 

Many who come to this area do so as part of a package tour. Unfortunately, this means they are on a set itinerary and aren’t shown several spots that locals like to visit. With a rental car and time to spare, it’s worth making a stop at Samet Nangshe Viewpoint. We recommend that you park your vehicle at the bottom of the hill and pay a modest fee for a shuttle to take you to the viewpoint. 

From the viewpoint (at a height of almost 250 metres), you can see almost the entirety of Phang Nga Bay to the east. The sunrise here is worth getting up early for!

Besides Phang Nga, the most popular attraction on the peninsula is arguably Khao Sok National Park. This can be a day trip from Khao Lak, but it’s recommended as an overnight stay. There are several reasonably priced nature resorts around the area that offer transportation and organised tours of the park. 

Much like Phang Nga Bay, this area is dominated by limestone karsts; the difference is that Khao Sok is a manmade reservoir. Longtail boat tours of the lake are the most popular way to experience it. Lunch is typically included in the cost, and for an extra fee, you can spend the night in floating bungalows in this quiet and charming national park. 

Get Around With Drive Car Rental

Thailand has a high tourist season and a low tourist season. Depending on your weather preference, the best time of the year to visit Khao Lak can be in the sunny high season, from November to April, or the rainy season, from May to October. 

Tourists and business travelers visiting in the high season should book their rental cars far in advance to guarantee the best selection and pricing. Drive Car Rental offers electrics, hybrids, sedans, compact cars, and SUVs. For long-stay visitors and expats, Drive Car Rental also offers long-term rentals at reduced rates!