Khao Lak’s undeveloped beaches and lush forests serve as the perfect natural basecamp for exploring Thailand’s most spectacular underwater destinations. Just offshore, the breathtaking Similan and Surin Islands offer some of the most beautiful dive sites in the country. For unforgettable encounters with manta rays and whale sharks, the nearby dive sites of Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock are unmatched. Wreck enthusiasts will also appreciate exploring several unique local shipwrecks, each with its own fascinating story. This peaceful resort area has become a favourite among scuba divers seeking an authentic, nature-focused holiday away from crowded, commercialised destinations. [More information on these dive sites: Khao Lak].
Nestled in Phang Nga Province on Thailand’s stunning west coast, Khao Lak Beach is just a scenic 1-hour drive north of Phuket. Stretching over 12 km along the Andaman Sea, its peaceful shores are fringed with swaying coconut palms and towering casuarina trees, offering a postcard-perfect tropical escape.
Beyond the beach, the surrounding landscape is a nature lover’s dream. The area is home to a nearby national park, where cascading waterfalls and dense jungles invite exploration. Adventurers can paddle through the dramatic limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay on a sea kayaking excursion or trek through the ancient rainforests of Khao Sok National Park, one of Thailand’s most breathtaking natural wonders. With its perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, Khao Lak is quickly becoming a top choice for travellers who crave both serenity and exploration.
We recommend that you book a Khao Lak day trip diving package with us. There are over 30 dive sites to visit. Explore them for yourself with our:
Whichever option you choose, stays of 1 week are ideal. Khao Lak dive packages normally include diving, drinks, lunch and boat-hotel transfers.
Khao Lak has a tropical climate which means it is warm all year round. From November to March the northeast monsoon brings sunny, clear days and breezy, cool nights to the west coast of southern Thailand. From November to April there are an average of 26 sunny days per month.
The southwest monsoon arrives in May and continues until October, with rain showers and winds. The showers are usually light and don't last for long but there can be rainy days and thunder storms. Evidence of this rainfall can clearly be seen in the thriving lush jungle of the national park. During this season, the Andaman Sea can be quite rough with high waves meaning boat day trips often have to be cancelled. This is why we do not offer Similan diving packages during this time. Swimming in the sea on rough sea days is not advised but most hotels have swimming pools.
Khao Lak has 2 very hot weather periods, the first during April and May when temperatures can top 36°C although the occasional shower can cool things down a little. The second is from September to October but more frequent rainfall during this time brings relief from the heat.
The High Season runs from November to April and you can visit at any time during this period. Peak Season is December and January but we recommend you avoid this period if possible as most places to stay are booked up and more expensive, plus Khao Lak's dive sites can be crowded, in particular the Similans, Koh Bon and Richelieu Rock. It is a good idea to book Khao Lak diving packages and accommodation well in advance for this time.
Whether you are coming for diving in Thailand or not, we recommend February to April as the optimum time to come. There are fewer tourists then, accommodation is much better value-for-money and the weather is at its best with calm seas. The Khao Lak and Similan Islands dive sites are less crowded and it is whale shark and manta ray season, so you might get lucky!
You can easily get to Khao Lak from Phuket International Airport, on Southern Thailand's Andaman Coast as it is only 70 km further north and a 1 hour car journey. Taxis from the airport charge a fixed Thai Baht price of approximately USD 50.
Phuket has the nearest airport to Khao Lak but there are also some flights from the major international airports into Krabi which is 120 km and 2 hours south of Khao Lak; however, due to the volume of tourism in Phuket it is easier to fly into there. More information on how to get to: Phuket and Krabi.
You can get a direct air-conditioned and VIP buses from Bangkok's southern terminal to Khao Lak; they depart between 18:30 hrs and 20:30 hrs daily. There is also a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani from where you can get a bus to Khao Lak, although this way may take longer and is a little more hassle.
For peace of mind, we recommend securing insurance that covers both your diving activities and travel plans, including trip cancellations. Visit our insurance programmes for a tailored quote:
HotelsCombined.com, our trusted booking partner, offers a diverse selection of Khao Lak accommodations, from luxury international resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses, all catering to divers’ needs.
Simply browse their website, reserve your preferred option with a credit card, and use their live chat for any questions. Every booking is protected by their Low Price Guarantee, ensuring unbeatable value.
Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Before we arrived our emails were answered very promptly and professionally
