Khao Lak is a tranquil beach town around ninety minutes north of Phuket. With plenty of beachside resorts and restaurants, visitors often ask if you can swim at the beach in Khao Lak. Generally speaking, yes–swimming at the beach in Khao Lak is completely safe. However, watch out for stormy seas and high waves during the rainy season. 

Tourists visiting this quiet side of Thailand would be wise to rent a car in Khao Lak from Drive Car Rental. Getting around to see all the national parks, beaches, and more can be costly, as few taxis exist and only private drivers may be available. A full-day vehicle rental can often be had for the same price as a one-way fare to the larger national parks.

Best Beaches for Swimming

Khao Lak has several beaches that are suitable for swimming. From busy areas to quiet, hidden beaches, you can find it all. Is Khao Lak expensive? There’s no need to worry about beach fees, except for chair or umbrella rentals, and this area is generally far cheaper than most other areas in Southern Thailand. 

Here are a few of the oft-mentioned beaches that are highly recommended:

Khao Lak Beach

This beach is one of the longest (approximately nine kilometres) in southern Thailand. In reality, it is actually several beaches that form one long strip. 

The best area for amenities is the southern end of the beach. Several resorts and seaside restaurants dot this sector and offer restrooms, showers, meals, and beachside service. Lifeguards may be present in some of the busier areas. 

This is one of the better places to swim if you want the convenience of nearby amenities.

Coconut Beach

Khao Lak Beach’s northern section ends at Pakarang Cape. On the other side of the cape is Coconut Beach, which faces north. This beach is fantastic for swimming, as the cape blocks many larger waves coming from the west. 

It is also generally quieter than Khao Lak Beach, but still offers a few beachside cafes nestled among the coconut palms. Here, it’s easy to spend some time in the water, and then come back to shore for dinner with a view. 

Local fishermen often tie up their beautiful long-tail boats in this area to keep them safe from the waves. Some also offer day tours around the area for nature lovers and snorkelers. Ask a nearby hotel or restaurant if they can make a phone call and arrange a tour on one of these stunning handcrafted boats.  

Poseidon Beach

This beach is known for its quiet atmosphere. It’s located south of Khao Lak, just on the other side of Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park. 

Depending on the day, this beach may be entirely free of tourists, as it is quite out of the way for most travelers. Still, it does offer a couple of beachside restaurants and resorts on the northern end for meals and cold drinks. 

When and Where Is It Safe to Swim?

Most of Khao Lak’s beaches are completely safe to swim in, featuring gentle slopes that aren’t very deep. Just be careful of hidden rocky outcroppings and coral reefs under the waves. When in doubt, ask nearby hotel or restaurant staff; they can usually guide you to the best areas for a swim. 

Swimming in the dry season (November to April) is best, as it’s usually calm waves and sunny days. This also coincides with the tourism high season, so be prepared for extra visitors. 

During the rainy season (May to October), visitors can still swim but need to be cautious. There are still many sunny days in the rainy season, but sudden afternoon storms can quickly bring large waves and strong currents. Look for red flags that indicate strong waves or currents, and never enter the water alone or without someone nearby. 

Experience It All With Drive Car Rental

With locations all over the country, some renters ask, “Where is the nicest part of Thailand?” Obviously, there are too many places to list here, but Khao Lak is as close to an idyllic small town as Southern Thailand has to offer.  

With Drive Car Rental, you can pick up a rental in one location and drop it off in another anywhere in Thailand. We also have monthly and long-term rental rates for expats and business travelers staying for longer periods of time. Book early for the best selection of vehicles at the lowest rates!

Bangkok - Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK Airport) Bangkok - Donmuang Airport (DMK) Bangkok - Donmuang Office Bangkok - Srinakarin Office Bangkok - On Nut BTS Station Bangkok - BTS PHAHON YOTHIN 24 Bangkok - Phayathai BTS Bangkok - Sathorn Bangkok - Singha Complex Nonthaburi - MRT Muang Thong Thani Nonthaburi - Central Westgate Buri Ram Airport (BFV) (Partner Location) Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) Chiang Mai - Office Chiang Rai Airport (CEI) Pattaya Downtown Central Chonburi Chumphon Airport (CJM) (Partner Location) U-Tapao Airport (UTP) Krabi Airport (KBV) Khon Kaen Airport (KKC) Phuket Airport (HKT) Phuket - Patong Beach Khao Lak - PTT Station Hat Yai Airport (HDY) Hua Hin Airport (HHQ) Lampang Airport (LPT) (Partner Location) Loei Airport (LOE) (Partner Location) Nakhon Phanom Airport (KOP) Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST) Phitsanulok Car Rental (PHS) (Partner Location) Phrae Airport (PRH) (Partner Location) Phuket - Bang Rong Pier Ranong Airport (UNN) (Partner Location) Roi Et Airport (ROI) (Partner Location) Sakon Nakhon Airport (SNO) Sukhothai Airport (THS) (Partner Location) Samui Airport (USM) Samui - Bophut Office Surat Thani Airport (URT) Tak - Mae Sot Airport (MAQ) (Partner Location) Trang Airport (TST) Trat Airport (TDX) Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP) Udon Thani Airport (UTH)

Car Hire Bangkok Airport: Book Your Car Rental at Suvarnabhumi Airport | Drive Car Rental

自宅住所

The counter is located in the International Arrival Hall, between gates 7 and 8. Suvarnabhumi Airport (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4376 or +66 (0) 84 700 4380 for assistance),
Samut Prakan ,
タイ 10540

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4376 +66 (0) 84 700 4380

Opening Hours

Daily 24 hours

Car Rental Donmuang Airport: Make a Reservation at Donmuang Airport | Drive Car Rental

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Domestic Terminal (Building 2), 3rd Floor, Exit 11 (near the Information Counter). (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4378 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
タイ 10210

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4378 +66 (0) 2 044 7277

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00 AM - 11:30 PM

Bangkok – Donmuang Office

自宅住所

73 Choet Wutthakat Rd, Don Muang Office located next from Donmuang District Office 1 KM. (Nearby SRT Red Line Donmuang Station Exit 2) (please call +66 (0) 2 044 7277 or +66 (0) 84 700 4378 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
タイ 10210

電話

+66 (0) 2 044 7277 +66 (0) 84 700 4378

Opening Hours

Daily 8.00 am - 6.00 pm

BKK Car Rental: Bangkok Srinakarin Car Hire Office

自宅住所

727 Srinakarin Rd. Suanlang Office located in Nissan Showroom Srinakarin Road (Nearby MRT Yellow Line Kalantan Station Exit 1) (Between Thanya Park shopping Mall and Bangchak gas station) (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4375 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
タイ 10250

電話

+66 (0) 2 821 5992 +66 (0) 847 004 375

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sat-Sun: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Bangkok – On Nut BTS Station

自宅住所

Pick up instruction: Meet & Greet at Lotus Parking BTS On Nut Station (please call +66 84 700 4375 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
タイ 10110

電話

+66 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00 - 17.00 H.

Bangkok – BTS PHAHON YOTHIN 24

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: in front of Ratchayothin Hills A representative will meet you. please call +66 84 700 4378 for assistance,
Bangkok ,
タイ 10900

電話

+66 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00-17.00

BKK – Phayathai Car Rental

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai The Unicorn Building, Phaya Thai Road. A representative will meet you. (please call +66 84 700 4375 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
タイ 10400

電話

+66 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00 - 17.00 H.

Bangkok – Sathorn Car Rental Service

自宅住所

Pickup guidelines: Meet & Greet at Sathorn Thani Tower, North Sathon Rd. You are welcome to wait at the nearby Starbucks. (please call +66 84 700 4375 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
タイ 10500

電話

+66 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00 - 17.00 H.

Bangkok – Singha Complex

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at Singha Complex, New Phetchaburi Rd. A representative will meet you. (please call +66 84 700 4375 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
タイ 10310

電話

+66 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00 - 17.00 H.

Nonthaburi – MRT Muang Thong Thani

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at Bangchak Gas Station Chaeng Watthana 38 (1 station away from M1 station) A representative will meet you. please call +66 84 700 4378 for assistance,
Nonthaburi ,
タイ 11120

電話

+66(0)84 700 4378 

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00-17.00 h.

Nonthaburi – Car rental with Delivery service

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at the Bang Yai Market Station, MRT Purple Line, Exit 4. A representative will meet you. (please call +66 84 700 4378 for assistance),
Nonthaburi ,
タイ 11140

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4378

Opening Hours

daily 09:00-16:00 h.

Buri Ram Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Burirum Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, Flight number mandatory. please call +66 (0) 966 236 964 or +66 (0) 639 306 097 for assistance,
Burirum ,
タイ 31150

電話

+66 (0) 966 236 964 +66 (0) 639 306 097

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 17:00

Car Rental Chiang Mai: Rent Cars at Chiang Mai Airport

自宅住所

Arrival Hall Fl.,1 International Terminal between Gate 8-9, Chiang Mai Airport (Please call +66 (0) 8 4700 4384 for assistance),
Chiang Mai ,
タイ 50200

電話

+66 (0) 5 327 1293 +66 (0) 84 700 4384 

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Chiang Mai Office – Delivery service

自宅住所

Our office located in Bangchak gas station (Please call +66 (0) 8 4700 4384 for assistance) 218 Moo 10, Chiang Mai-Hang Dong Road, Pa Daed Subdistrict,. Mueang Chiangmai,
Chiang Mai ,
タイ 50300

電話

66 (0) 84 700 4384

Opening Hours

Open daily 08:00-17:00

Car Rental Chiang Rai Airport

自宅住所

Meet&Greet: Arrival Hall, Exit 2 Chaing Rai Airport (Please call +66 (0) 8 4700 4381 for assistance),
Chiang Rai ,
タイ 57100

電話

+66 (0) 5 379 3683 +66 (0) 84 700 4381 

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Pattaya Downtown

自宅住所

The office is located at 212/14-15 Moo 5, Pattaya-North Road, (Opposite Terminal 21 shopping mall). (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4385 for assistance),
North Pattaya ,
タイ 20150

電話

+66 (0) 3 841 6125 +66 (0) 84 700 4385

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Central Chonburi (Delivery / Pick up service)

自宅住所

Delivery and pick-up service,
Chonburi ,
タイ 20150

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4385

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00-17.00 H.

Chumphon Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Chumphon Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0) 854 739 885 or +66 (0) 813 677 956 for assistance,
Chumphon ,
タイ 86160

電話

+66 (0) 854 739 885 +66 (0) 813 677 956

Opening Hours

Daily: 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

Car Hire Services: Car Rental U-Tapao Airport

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: U-Tapao Airport A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, Flight number mandatory. (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4385 for assistance),
Rayang ,
タイ 21130

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4385

Opening Hours

Open daily: 8:30 - 17:30 H.

Car Hire Krabi Airport

自宅住所

The counter is located on the 1st floor of the Domestic Arrival Hall, Krabi Airport. (Please Call +66 (0) 8 4700 4383 for assistance),
Krabi ,
タイ 81130

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4383

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00 AM - 21:00 PM

Car Hire Services: Car Rental Khon Kaen Airport

自宅住所

Counter is located on 1st Floor Arrival Hall. Please call +66 (0) 94 980 1666 for assistance,
Khon Kaen ,
タイ 40000

電話

+66 (0)94 980 1666

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-19.00 H.

Car Hire in Phuket: Find a Car Rental, Phuket Airport Thailand | Drive Car Rental

自宅住所

The counter is located on the 1st Floor of International Terminal Arrival Hall Phuket Airport (Please call +66 (0) 8 4700 4387 or +66 (0) 8 4700 4389 for assistance),
Phuket ,
タイ 83110

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4387 +66 (0) 84 700 4389

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00 am - 12:00 am (midnight)

Car Rental Phuket Patong Thailand | Drive Car Rental & Hire

自宅住所

Holiday Inn Resort Phuket, Patong Counter located at Lobby Area 1st Floor (Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4386 for assistance),
Patong ,
タイ 83150

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4386

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Car Hire Khao Lak – PTT Station Car Rental

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at PTT station (PTT Khuk Khak) A representative will meet you. Please call +66 (0) 948189944 for assistance,
Phang Nga ,
タイ 23150

電話

+66 (0) 948189944

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Hat Yai Car Rental: Car Hire Services at Hat Yai Airport

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Hat Yai Airport A representative will meet you at the arrival hall Exit 7-8, Flight number mandatory. (please call +66 (0) 94 429 6688 for assistance),
Hat Yai ,
タイ 90115

電話

+66 (0) 94 429 6688

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Hua Hin Airport

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at Hua Hin Airport Location, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, meeting point. Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4375 for assistance ,
Hua Hin ,
タイ 77110

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily: 10.30 - 16.00

Lampang Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

490 Highway Lampang-Ngao Road, Tambon Phra Bat, Amphoe Mueang,
Lampang ,
タイ 52000

電話

+66 (0) 97 996 8499 +66 (0) 97 958 8798

Opening Hours

Daily 8:30 - 18:00

Loei Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Loei Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0) 944 573 222 for assistance,
Loei ,
タイ 42000

電話

+66 (0) 944 573 222 +66 (0) 883 271 940

Opening Hours

Daily: 24 hours

Nakhon Phanom Airport

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Nakhon Phanom Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0)81 970 6551 for assistance,
Nakhon Phanom ,
タイ 48000

電話

+66 (0)81 970 6551

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at Arrival Hall, A representative will meet you. Flight number mandatory Please call +66 (0) 94 684 5252 for assistance,
Nakhon Si Thammarat ,
タイ 80120

電話

+66 (0) 94 684 5252

Opening Hours

Daily: 8.00-18.00 H.

Phitsanulok Car Rental (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Please visit the "M Transport" counter situated in the arrivals terminal building. For any assistance, feel free to call +6681-348-5445.,
Phitsanulok ,
タイ 65000

電話

+66 (0) 81-348-5445

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-18.30

Phrae Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Phrae Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0) 86 421 6498 or +66 (0) 92 969 6159 for assistance,
Phrae ,
タイ 54000

電話

+66 (0) 86 421 6498 +66 (0) 92 969 6159

Opening Hours

Daily: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Phuket – Bang Rong Pier

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at Bang Rong Pier. A representative will meet you. please call +66 84 700 4389 for assistance,
Phuket ,
タイ 83110

電話

+66 (0) 8-4700-4387 +66 (0) 8-4700-4389

Opening Hours

Daily: 09.00-17.00 H.

Ranong Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Ranong Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0) 86 277 8501 for assistance,
Ranong ,
タイ 85000

電話

+66 (0) 862 778 501

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-17.00 H.

Roi Et Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Roi Et Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0) 966 236 964 or +66 (0) 639 306 097 for assistance,
Roi Et ,
タイ 45000

電話

+66 (0) 966 236 964 +66 (0) 639 306 097

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 17:00

Sakon Nakhon Airport

自宅住所

Meet & Greet: Sakon Nakhon Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. Please call +66 (0)81 970 6551 for assistance,
Sakon Nakhon ,
タイ 54000

電話

+66 (0)81 970 6551

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 17:00

Sukhothai Airport (Partner Location)

自宅住所

Meet & Greet at Airport Location, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, meeting point 89/7 Moo4, Jarodviteetong rd. Thani, Mueang ,
Sukhothai ,
タイ 64000

電話

+66 (0) 828 521 732

Opening Hours

Daily: 06:00-19:00

Car Rental Koh Samui: Rent a Car at Samui Airport

自宅住所

The counter is located in the Arrival Hall at Samui Airport. (Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4388 for assistance),
Koh Samui ,
タイ 84320

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4388

Opening Hours

Daily 08:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Samui – Bophut Office

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4388

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Car Rental Surat Thani Airport- Great Value Car Hire

電話

+66 (0)81 970 5745

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-20.00 H.

Tak – Mae Sot Airport (Partner Location)

電話

+66 (0) 868 985 606

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 18:00

Trang Airport

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4383

Opening Hours

Daily: 9.00-17.00 H.

Trat Airport

電話

+66 (0) 84 700 4385

Opening Hours

Daily 11:00 AM - 15:30 PM

Car Rental Ubon Ratchathani Airport

電話

+66 (0) 94 848 4455

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-18.00 H.

Udon Thani Airport

電話

+66 (0) 81 970 6551

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

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