Tourist season in much of Thailand lasts from November to April, during the dry season. However, the best time to visit Khao Lak is a personal preference. The high season offers sun and sand but comes with extra tourists and traffic. During the rainy season, cloudy days mean cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.
Located approximately sixty kilometres to the north of Phuket Island, Khao Lak is a small town. The best way to see the surrounding nature and the sights is with a car hire in Khao Lak from Drive Car Rental.
High Season for a Reason
Snowbirds from all over the world flock to Thailand during the winter months. High season begins in November and runs through April. During these months, the weather is mostly sunny and the beaches are crowded with tourists.
Khao Lak, being a smaller town, isn’t subject to the same huge crowds that places like Patong Beach in Phuket see during the high season. In Khao Lak, you’ll find a laid-back atmosphere with fewer tourists.
Still, the more popular resorts book out well in advance, even in this sleepy town. The same is true for rental vehicles. Book early to get the best selection of rooms and rentals at the best prices.
High season is the dry season in Thailand. However, Khao Lak and Southern Thailand still see their fair share of rain during this time. Typically, you’ll get a morning or afternoon shower that passes quickly. This is because air currents from the sea combine with the mountains to create unpredictable weather patterns.
During these brief rain storms, the best thing to do is duck into a coffee shop or market for a while and wait for the weather to pass.
The Rainy Season Has Its Benefits
Just as it sometimes rains in the dry season, it isn’t constantly raining in the rainy season. In reality, the rain typically comes in short bursts, just more frequently than in the dry season.
Depending on your preferred environment, the rainy season offers several benefits. First is the lack of crowded cities, traffic, and tourists. Tourists who visit during this time will often find themselves the only people on a beach and no waiting list or crowds for the top things to do in Khao Lak.
Second, the weather during the rainy season is much cooler than during the dry season. In March and April, the temperatures can skyrocket, while the rainy season sees temperatures around thirty degrees Celsius through much of the day. This is thanks to largely cloudy skies and the frequent, short rain showers that cool the air.
Travelers who enjoy nature and waterfalls will also find the rainy season to be an excellent time to come. Fewer tourists means animals are less skittish and easier for people to see. The vibrant green shades of the jungle’s plants and trees also get a huge boost thanks to the rain.
Finally, prices during the rainy season are often lower than during the high season. Many hotels and resorts offer deals to attract more tourists during this time. This also makes last-minute bookings and reservations possible for those who prefer a more flexible itinerary.
Flexibility No Matter the Season
Whether you’re visiting in the high season or the rainy season, an affordable rental car from Drive Car Rental makes perfect sense. Rather than relying on scheduled day trips that allow little time to see the sights, a rental car provides ultimate flexibility for visiting the most popular places.
Drive Car Rental offers a wide variety of vehicles to visit the best beaches in Khao Lak and all the national parks you can handle. Hybrids, electrics, standard sedans, and SUVs are all available.
Many people who come to this stunning area of Thailand choose to extend their stay or visit other places within the country. Drive Car Rental offers long-term rentals at steep discounts–just remember to book well in advance if you decide to visit in the high season!