Best Beaches in Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a small beach town about one hour north of Phuket, and is perfect for a more authentic and quiet Thailand vacation. The best beaches in Khao Lak that aren’t to be missed include Khao Lak Beach, Coconut Beach, and Poseidon Beach. 

The best way to see all of the stunning scenery this area has to offer is with a Khao Lak car hire from Drive Car Rental. Having a rental means traveling at your own pace with no set itineraries or limitations! When it’s time to hit the road, here are the best beaches in Khao Lak:

Poseidon Beach

This quieter and out-of-the-way beach offers a spectacular view of the sunset, especially when paired with the beachside dining options after the sun goes down. Poseidon Beach can be described as ‘quaint but well-equipped.’ It’s located just south of Khao Lak town and is bordered by Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park at its northern end. 

Several sunbeds and other amenities are available, as long as you pay for a drink or a small meal at any of the attached restaurants. Beachgoers will find that, despite its amenities, the atmosphere here is much quieter than the area’s larger and more lively beachfronts. Those looking for an intimate beach experience will find that Poseidon Beach checks all the boxes.

Coconut Beach

This beach is located near Pakarang Cape to the north of Khao Lak town. It’s a great spot to spend the day, with plenty of small restaurants right on the beach. Coconut Beach is just large enough without feeling overcrowded. Sun-sensitive travelers may enjoy this beach more than others thanks to its north-facing orientation; it’s also backed by endless rows of coconut palms and other trees that make finding shade convenient. 

To see the sunset, make the short walk over to Pakarang Cape. This is a partially man-made jetty that forms the end of a small peninsula. Visitors can walk out on its narrowest parts at high tide and be surrounded by the sea. It’s an especially nice place to watch the sun disappear below the horizon. 

Khao Lak Beach

This beach is actually a combination of several separately-named beaches that stretch for nearly nine kilometres to the aforementioned Pakarang Cape. The largest and most exclusive beach resorts are all located here. 

Don’t worry about feeling overcrowded–with such a long beachfront, there’s plenty of space for everyone. Many of the resorts are situated on the southern sector of the beach. When you want to get away from the crowds, the northern end offers a mix of seaside farms and additional resorts.

The south end of the beach is the place to be when the sun goes down. Live music, fire dances, and four-star dining experiences get rolled into one at several of the resorts. The lively environment carries on well into the night, making it the perfect place to have a drink and get the energy. 

When the appeal of the party fades, there’s an infinitely long beach to explore in either direction while listening to the waves crashing on the sand. With luck and a flashlight, visitors might see some seaside crabs nesting or hunting long after everyone else has fallen asleep. 

See It All With Drive Car Rental

Paying for taxis can add up quickly when visiting Khao Lak, as its spread-out nature leads to many small journeys between stops that are just a little too far to walk. Plus, waiting for the limited number of taxis in town during busy times can mean standing by the roadside for quite a while.

After a couple of cab rides, it becomes apparent that a vehicle from Drive Car Rental is far more convenient and often less costly. It also allows those staying longer, such as expats and long-stay business travelers, to get out and explore everything this region has to offer–especially when combined with Drive Car Rental’s discount long-term rental rates. 

Remember, the best time of the year to visit Khao Lak is also its busiest period. The tourist season runs from November through April, so when planning to visit during these months, book well in advance. This guarantees the best rates and widest selection of vehicles, including electrics, hybrids, and luxury SUVs!