Khao Lak is a growing tourist hot spot in the South of Thailand. A few hours north of the hustle and bustle of Phi Phi and Patong, you’ll find epic beaches, authentic Southern Thai markets, waterfalls, hikes, and pockets of hostels and vibrant barefoot bars.
I spent a month in Khao Lak training for my first Muay Thai fight in Thailand. During the time between training, I aimed to explore all of the best things to do and see in the area.
This blog post lists all of the main attractions, as well as a couple of hidden gems for you to discover! Let’s dive in.
1. Rent a Motorbike and Explore
A scooter will be the best and cheapest option for exploring any part of Thailand. Most of the beaches and hikes in Khao Lak will require a form of transportation. If you want to explore on your own time, you can pick up a basic "Scoopy" or Honda Click for around 200-250 baht per day.
There are several motorbike vendors in Khao Lak, so go for a walk and take a pick. Just remember that they will offer you a high price, to begin with, take this as an opportunity to practice your bartering! Just remember, if you are paying a lot more than above, you are getting ripped off.
Tip: If you're staying for longer, you can get one for around 2,500-3,000 per month if you ask around.
2. Train Muay Thai at Rawai
Muay Thai, Thai Boxing, The Art of Eight Limbs. Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand and its popularity has spread rapidly all over the world. Its rules are very similar to boxing, except you can utilize your legs, knees, hands, and elbows. Muay Thai is an excellent way to get in shape or to experience a real and raw element of Thai culture.
Luckily, one of the best places in Thailand to do this is in Khao Lak. Rawai Muay Thai is a world-renowned gym in the heart of Khao Lak. It is run by real Thai fighters and has several champion trainers and current champion fighters that train at the gym. Training Muay Thai at Rawai is a truly authentic Muay Thai experience for beginners and fighters.
A typical day at Rawai consists of a morning run up to 6 km (optional), followed by a 2.5-hour session of bag rounds, technique, pad rounds, clinching, and body weight exercises. If you want to burn off some of those Pad Thai and Changs, this is the best and fastest way to do so. You will also learn an invaluable skill and experience the raw Nak Muay lifestyle.
3. Visit Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island
Phang Nga Bay, located approximately 80 km (50 miles) south of Khao Lak, is renowned for its breathtaking limestone karsts rising dramatically from emerald-green waters.
The highlight is James Bond Island, featured in the movie "The Man with the Golden Gun." To explore Phang Nga Bay, I recommend joining a guided day trip from Khao Lak, which typically includes boat rides and canoeing through stunning caves and hidden lagoons.
The tour linked below includes a visit to the nearby floating villages, providing a glimpse into local life as well as exploring the beautiful natural side of this region.
4. Hit the Beach
Khao Lak is surrounded by a beautiful coastline and pristine, white sand beaches. Take the scooter and go beach-hopping (is that a thing?) for the day.
By far, my favorite beach in Khao Lak is Coconut Beach. It is tucked away and requires a little drive through the rice plantations and coconut palm trees. It really is quiet, with magic white sand and a cool swing for that iconic vacation Instagram shot.
5. Visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
Not all elephant sanctuaries are ethical, so it's important to choose wisely. I recommend visiting the Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary, which is known for its ethical treatment and care of rescued elephants. This sanctuary focuses on the welfare and rehabilitation of elephants rescued from logging and tourism industries, allowing them to roam freely in a natural habitat.
Located about 6 km (4 miles) from Khao Lak, the sanctuary offers half-day and full-day tours that include transportation, guided interactions, and educational sessions about the elephants' histories and conservation efforts.
Book: Elephant Sanctuary Visit
6. Check Out Khao Lak's Waterfalls
Khao Lak also houses some epic waterfalls a short scooter ride from the town centre. If you're visiting Khao Lak in the wet season, you will definitely be in for a treat, although the waterfalls do flow year-round. Below I have detailed the best waterfalls to visit in Khao Lak as well as a convenient map to help you find them.
Ton Chong Fa Waterfall
This is one of the most popular waterfalls in Khao Lak because it is located only 7 km from Bang Niang main road, following the road sign next to Zantika nightclub and then take the windy road into the mountain.
Ton Chong Fa is in the National Park, so there is a 200 Baht entry fee per person (valid for 72 hours). However, this is definitely worth your time and money, as you will be rewarded with 5 levels of epic waterfalls, each with a deep pool underneath to swim in.
The short windy hikes between falls is well signed and beautiful. A must-see in Khao Lak.
Sai Rung Waterfall
If you are looking for something very easy to get to and aren't feeling a hike. The Sai Rung waterfall is a short 10 km ride North of Bang Niang. Look out for a road sign just after Le Meridian Hotel.
This is a famous waterfall for Thai locals to take their families for a swim. It is only a short 1-minute walk from the scooter parking. This waterfall proves to be a comfortable and enjoyable spot to relax on a warm afternoon.
Ton Prai Waterfall
Ton Prai is located about 40 minutes south of Khao Lak, so it's best if you leave this one for a day trip. The winding roads to the waterfall are quite scenic and pass through some smaller local Thai towns where you can pick up some cheap and tasty street food made for locals. Look out for signs pointing towards the car park before the waterfall.
The waterfall itself is a short hike from the car park, so make sure you are prepared. The winding hike takes roughly 15-20 minutes into the mountain. Maybe due to its relative remoteness in comparison to the alternatives, this waterfall is more quiet and you can experience if all for yourself.
Lampi Waterfall
Lampi is located about 30 minutes south of Khao Lak, so you could check this one out on the way to or after visiting Ton Prai. Just before Thai Mueang village, you will see clear signs pointing towards Lampi.
This is a popular local waterfall, you will often find many thai families swimming and enjoying the fresh water on weekends. The site is 3 levels, each with a small pool to swim in, so crowding isn't too much of a problem here. The main pool is also very wide and deep so there is plenty of space for swimming and some short jumps.
7. Visit the Nearby Temples & Dragon Cave
Khao Lak is surrounded by serene temples and mystical caves that offer a glimpse into the local culture and spirituality. One of the must-visit sites is the Dragon Cave Temple, located about 20 km (12 miles) from Khao Lak. This temple is renowned for its unique cave setting and the dragon statue that guards its entrance.
Inside the cave, you'll find intricate Buddha statues and tranquil spots for meditation. The temple grounds are peaceful and provide an excellent opportunity to learn about Buddhist practices. Additionally, Wat Khuk Khak, a local temple, is just a short drive away and offers beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.
Book: Full-Day Temple Tour
8. Grab some Fresh Eats at the Markets
After a long day of Muay Thai training and waterfall chasing. There is nothing better than checking out the many local Thai markets in Khao Lak. Here you will find stalls offering fresh fruit and vegetables straight from the nearby farms, street food vendors, deserts, and shake stands.
There are markets every afternoon in Khao Lak, however, it seems that they alternate which nights they open. Generally, it's a good idea to check them out between 4 pm and 8 pm. Below is a map of where the common markets are found around Khao Lak.
Bang Niang Market
Bang Niang market is always busy and vibrant, with exotic smells and happy smiling faces. Here you can pick up some fresh produce or check out one of the many street food vendors to find a great deal on a pad thai or a Thai curry. This one is easy to spot and you will find it just opposite the Tsunami Boat in Bang Niang.
Khu Khak Market
This is a morning market where you can get an authentic taste of Thai culture between the crack of dawn and 12.00 pm. Locals usually purchase their produce here, where you can buy anything from dragon fruit to fresh fish or even processed and packaged foods. This market is easily missed from the main road. However, if you head down the side roads toward Khao Lak Stadium (just next to 7-Eleven) you won't miss it.
During our 6 week stay at Khao Lak, we frequently purchased our produce to cook at home from this market as they have the best prices. Although, remember if you are a farang you will pay a premium for anything in Thailand. We quickly found out, however, that if we went to the same vendors week after week, we would get a better price each time.
Build Market
My favorite night market in Khao Lak. The Build Market is built from old shipping containers that have been converted into permanent shop fronts. During the night when the market is on, these are surrounded by pop-up street vendors and tables of fresh fruit. There are tattoo shops, clothes shops and of course street food vendors here.
9. Watch a Muay Thai Fight
If you have been sweating it out at Rawai Muay Thai, or if you have seen some of the posters showcasing local Thai Fights, then no doubt you'll be stinging for a night at the local stadium to watch some authentic Muay Thai.
Khao Lak Stadium is hidden just behind the main road in Bang Niang. This stadium is where I had my first Muay Thai fight in Thailand.
There are several signs pointing to it so it won't be a problem trying to find it.
- There are fights every Friday night from around 9.00 pm onwards.
- Entry fee costs 1,000 baht for the cheapest entry ticket so it is a little steep, but it is well worth it if you want to experience the excitement of a live Muay Thai fight. You'll pay 1,300 THB for ringside and 1,500 for VIP.
- I would highly recommend buying the cheap "stadium ticket" as this has the best view of the fight and you can freely walk around the stadium.
The stadium itself is as authentic as it gets. There are stray dogs and the occasional rooster walking around the dirt and concrete floors of the stadium. The bathroom is a small hole in the ground with a bucket and you will have to walk around to the preparation rooms where you will get a sneak peek at the Nak Muays who are getting massaged and preparing to enter the ring.
10. Grab a Beer at the Barefoot Bars
There are so many great things to do in Khao Lak. After a long day of exploring, there's nothing better than a cold beer at one of the small barefoot bars in Bang Niang. There are several bars just a stone-throw away from each other down Chai Hat Road, which connects to several resorts and hostels.
My favorite bar is definitely Gecko Bar. A very small bar that always attracts like-minded travelers from all over the world looking to play a game of foosball, pool, or have a chat over a 50 baht Chang or Thai whisky.
Khao Lak has proven to be one of my favorite destinations to visit in Thailand as a backpacker. It is easy to visit on a budget and offers loads of authentic and off-the-beaten-path adventures. I've also written some other blog posts that showcase some of these experiences, such as training and fighting in Khao Lak Stadium, checking out the best beaches or how to travel here on a budget. Make sure you check them out!
11. Get a Sak Yant Tattoo
Getting a Sak Yant tattoo is a unique cultural experience in Khao Lak, blending traditional Thai artistry with spiritual significance. Sak Yant, or sacred tattoos, are hand-etched by a monk or a trained practitioner using a bamboo rod. These tattoos are believed to offer protection, strength, and good fortune to the wearer.
There are reputable temples and tattoo studios in Khao Lak where you can receive a Sak Yant tattoo. I got mine organized through the Muay Thai gym I was training at. However, I believe the artist has moved on.
Before getting a Sak Yant tattoo, it's advisable to understand the symbols and their meanings, as each design carries specific blessings and powers. The experience often includes a brief ritual and blessing by the monk, adding to the spiritual depth of the process. To arrange your session, you can book through local guides or directly visit the temple.
12. Go Whitewater Rafting
For an adrenaline-pumping adventure, try whitewater rafting in the lush surroundings of Khao Lak. The Song Phraek River, located about 20 km (12 miles) from Khao Lak, offers thrilling rapids suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. The best time to go rafting is during the rainy season, from June to November, when the river is at its most exhilarating.
Many tour operators in Khao Lak provide guided rafting tours that include safety briefings, equipment, and transportation to and from your accommodation. The tours often combine rafting with other activities such as visiting waterfalls or elephant trekking, making it a full-day adventure.
Where to Stay in Khao Lak
Bang Niang Beach and Nang Thong Beach are ideal for those seeking vibrant nightlife and easy access to amenities, while Khuk Khak Beach and Pakarang Beach offer quieter, more secluded options. Otherwise, Khao Lak South Beach is best for being close to nature since it's nearer to Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park.
- Muay Thai Accommodation: Rawaii Muay Thai
If you're spending a long time in Khao Lak, I'd suggest booking a private unit or staying at the Rawaii Muay Thai Gym. The gym has dorm and private room accommodation and can work out training package rate discounts. - Best hostel: Dkaya Hostel - Central location, great vibes, clean rooms, and air-con! You really can't beat this hostel if you're looking for a good place on a backpacker's budget in Khao Lak, Thailand.
- Best resort: Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort & Villas - One of the highest-rated resorts on Khao Lak. Located on the beach, with a huge pool and free breakfast, it's no wonder the reviews are so overwhelmingly positive!
As you can see, there are so many fun and unique things to do in Khao Lak, and I prefer to stay here rather than in Phuket!
This travel guide is the first I ever published, way back in 2018 when I first launched this blog. Since, I've continued to update it every single year to provide the most helpful guides I can. Hope you enjoyed it!
If you're looking for more adventures and off-the-beaten-path travel destinations in Thailand, make sure to check out some of my other guides below!
- 13 Best Tours in Thailand - my list of favorite bookable Thai travel experiences
- How to Plan a Trip to Thailand - read this before your first trip to Thailand
- Koh Tao Guide - my ultimate guide to Koh Tao Island after living there for three months
- 20+ Things to do in Chiang Mai - my first-time visitor's guide to Chiang Mai
- Epic Things to Do in Chiang Rai - discover the hidden gem of Northern Thailand
- 3 Day Chiang Mai itinerary - the perfect way to spend a few days in the North
- Things to do at Railay - plan your trip to Thai backpacker mecca
- Things to do in Pai - find fun and free things to do in Pai