Day 1 in Khao Lak

Welcome to Khao Lak! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted with the town and take a stroll around the popular Bang Niang Market, the oldest market in the city, featuring different sections selling fresh fish, produce, clothing and souvenirs. The market sells some of the most Thai street food around. There are 3 popular bars found in the vicinity of the market where you can stop in and enjoy a refreshing cocktail. Bang Niang is the best place to shop for handicrafts, beachwear and more.

Visit the International Tsunami Museum across the road from the market in a two-story house displaying photos and videos of the December 26th, 2004 deadly Tsunami that devastated the region. The museum remembers the 10,000 victims that lost their lives when a 9.1 earthquake hit off the coast of Indonesia caused the tragedy.

Close by is the Royal Thai Navy Boat T-813, which was one of two police boats that were swept for over a mile inland when the Tsunami hit. The boat is now a memorial and a landmark still standing where the Tsunami deposited it.

Visit one of the nearby waterfalls. Hike through the lush dense rainforests to reach either Lampi waterfall or Ton Chong Fa Waterfall. Both feature different tiers and refreshing pools perfect for a refreshing dip. There are surrounding trees perfect for relaxing in the shade and there is a place for food and refreshments at Lampi falls.

Head back to the beach before sunset, sit back, relax and enjoy your first Khao Lak sunset. Then check out one of the beachside restaurants for some dinner with a view. Explore the town at night and find a place to have a drink.

Day 2 in Khao Lak

Rise and shine early to catch a spectacular sunrise in Khao Lak, then grab breakfast at one of the local restaurants or visit the markets that open early and see the hustle and bustle of the locals gathering their fresh fish and produce for the day.

Khuk Khak Fresh Market opens at 4:30 am, many of the local restaurant owners come here daily to gather their fresh ingredients for the day. Stock up on delicious food such as salami, cheese, and fresh bread to enjoy on a picnic later.

Visit one of the sprawling National Parks in the region, we recommend Khao Sok National Park covering 285 miles of mountains area and the oldest evergreen forest in the world. The park is home to 5% of the worlds animal species including elephants, tigers, wild boars, and tapirs. Hike through the enchanting green forests and spot flora and fauna. Make your way to the man-made Cheow Lan Lake, one of the most impressive sights in southern Thailand set in the heart of the park. Here you will be rewarded with the signature limestone karsts found all over the country, the jut out of the emerald green waters, a truly mesmerizing sight. Take part in a boat ride on the lake or try kayaking or canoeing and enjoy your picnic by the water`s edge.

Spend your afternoon at the beach, Ao Thong is a breathtaking strip of sand with a calm and tranquil bay with the inviting sparkling blue waters of the Andaman Sea. Soak up the rays on this idyllic beach, take a walk along the soft white sands, swim in the warm waters and do some snorkeling in the crystal clear waters with an abundance of marine life swimming below.

After a busy day of trekking through the National park, head to some of the relaxing hot springs in the area. Kapong Hot springs are situated near Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park, where you can submerge yourself in the natural hot springs and ease those tired muscles while taking in the spectacular surrounding scenery.

Tonight take a cooking class and learn how to make some delicious Thai dishes like Pad Thai. There are several different cooking classes available in Khao Lak that teach authentic Thai style home cooking in private residences giving you a completely authentic experience.

Enjoy some of the laid back island nightlife, either on the beach at one of the bars or strolling around town and enjoying the night markets.

Day 3 in Khao Lak

Today do some island hopping! The Similan and Surin Islands are situated within a 90-minute boat ride from the shores of Khao Lak. Jump on board and enjoy the ride out over the pristine waters of the Andaman Sea. There are several different companies offering diving trips, boat tours and other excursions to the offshore islands.

Both Islands are relatively untouched providing visitors with an idyllic tropical island and a peaceful tranquil space to enjoy nature and the surroundings. The Andaman waters lapping the islands are brimming with tropical fish, vibrant coral reefs and plenty of marine life, these waters are some of the best in the world for underwater visibility, making them a great destination for snorkeling and diving. The heart of the islands is filled with green tropical rainforests where hiking opportunities can be enjoyed through the lush vegetation. These islands are amongst the world`s top 10 diving sites in the world and the sites are frequently visited by whale sharks and giant manta rays. Diving conditions are at their best from February through April.

Visiting Phang Nga Bay is another great experience when you are in Khao Lak, the Marine National Parkis located about an hour away and features 42 islands in the form of limestone karsts where hidden caves and tunnels can be explored on board kayaks through the enchanting emerald green waters. The area is over 10,000 years old and homes to 80 bird species and 25 species of mangroves. Day trips are offered to the Bay and its beautiful beaches, tropical lagoons and other landmarks like James Bond Island where `The Man with the Golden Gun` was filmed.

If visiting Phang Nga Bay be sure to take a hike to the top of Samed Nang She Viewpoint for spectacular panoramas of the limestone karst islands and even the Milky Way visible at night.

As evening time approaches, explore the vast dining scene offered in Khao Lak with delicious cuisines including Thai, German, British, Indian and Italian and of course fresh fish caught daily in the Andaman Sea. The atmosphere for many restaurants found in Khao Lak offers never-ending views of the sea and tropical surroundings with outdoor seating and a great ambiance.

Additional Days in Khao Lak

If you are able to spend additional days in Khao Lak visit some of the amazing festivals for a great celebration with the Thai people. The Songkran Festival begins on the 12th of April where locals clean their houses and burn all their refuse, they visit the temples and attend a bathing ceremony for the Buddha. Water fights are held throughout the country.

Every year during the first week in March, young turtle hatchlings are released back to the sea at the Thai Mueang National Park Beach. The turtles are placed in incubation until they are large enough to be released into the Andaman Sea.

Your Last Day in Khao Lak

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.