Travelers to the south of Thailand may be looking for a quiet town rather than the hustle and bustle of Phuket. Overall, Khao Lak is relatively inexpensive, and many hotels and restaurants offer steep discounts compared to busier cities.
Visitors to Khao Lak should be mindful of its location–approximately eighty kilometres from Phuket. Its remoteness offers quite a bit of tranquility but can feel somewhat isolated without a Khao Lak car rental from Drive Car Rental. With a rental car, sightseers can enjoy freedom from itineraries, costly taxis, and expensive transfers.
Hotel Costs
No-frills hotels in Khao Lak can be found for approximately £23 ($30). These are clean, simple rooms that sometimes offer a light breakfast. This is a fantastic way to experience small-town life in Thailand on a budget.
Mid-range resorts and similar properties offer stays for as little as £77 ($100) a night and often come with swimming pools, breakfast, and dining options. These hotels are the perfect opportunity to enjoy a taste of luxury at reasonable prices.
High-end hotels and well-known international resorts can cost between £150 and £300 ($200 to $400) a night. However, considering the amenities they offer, the price is far less than one would pay in a Western country to stay at a five-star property.
Restaurants
No visit to Thailand is complete without eating at a few downscale, authentically homestyle streetside restaurants. Try Tom Yum soup or some delicious yellow curry. Prices are extremely reasonable at these restaurants, often £1.5 to £2 ($2 to $3) per person. With a few drinks, a dinner for two might cost around £8 ($10).
Snacks are never in short supply, especially in the night markets that often pop up after dusk. Try some sweet banana roti or crispy fried delights. A couple quid is more than enough to have fresh chopped fruit, a smoothie, or any other finger foods that call to you.
Western restaurants tend to be more expensive than local restaurants due to the imported ingredients. Still, the prices are much more reasonable than in the US or Europe. Dinner for one is £6 to £12 ($8 to $15). Standard options include pizza, pasta, and burgers. They can be found dotted around town and are often run by expats with their Thai spouses.
With such reasonable prices across Thailand, don’t skip out on a four-star meal. Fine dining with multiple-course meals and wine will set you back only £31 to £54 ($40 to $70)!
Higher-end menus across town feature fresh seafood, Thai fusion, and delights from far and wide. Treat yourself and see what it’s like to live the high life on a mid-range budget.
National Parks and Activities
Entry prices at national parks across Thailand are typically £8 ($10) for foreign guests. Others may be free, while some charge additional fees for areas that can only be visited with a guide.
The nature of southern Thailand is absolutely stunning and should not be missed. Nearby places like Khao Sok National Park and Phang Nga Bay are popular items to check off a bucket list, and both can only be visited by boat.
Combined with the entry ticket cost, a half-day tour is usually around £31 to £54 ($40 to $70) per person. They usually include lunch and several stops to see caves, animals, and other prominent features.
As always, many beaches are completely free to visit. However, some may charge a modest chair and umbrella rental fee. Can you swim at the beach in Khao Lak? Yes–the water is very clear, and several areas are perfect for swimming. Simply watch your step and keep away from any coral or sharp-looking rocky areas.
See More with Drive Car Rental
Visiting the far away sights like Khao Sok, Phuket, and Phang Nga Bay is easy with a rental car. A one-way trip to these destinations with barely any ability to control your schedule can be the same cost as a full-day car rental.
Anyone considering living in Thailand long-term or long-stay business travelers can also take advantage of monthly rentals at steep discounts. Drive Car Rental has compacts, sedans, SUVs, and even electric cars like Tesla and BYD. Book your rental as far in advance as possible to take advantage of early booking discounts!