The fantastic coastal resort of Khao Lak offers a slow pace, idyllic sandy beaches and incredible natural beauty including three national parks to explore. Take the family for laid-back Khao Lak holidays where the kids can play in the calm water, or have a romantic break surrounded by stunning scenery.

Experience a quieter side of Thailand in beautiful Khao Lak

Relax on the beach and take in amazing scenery

Overlooking the sparkling Andaman Sea, most of Khao Lak’s beaches have a secluded desert island vibe. This is blissful beach holiday scenery at its very best – there’s powdery white sand fringed with lush and leafy greenery and lots of space to spread out and relax.

Nang Thong Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the region, and is closest to La On Village, the main hub for shopping, eating and nightlife. There’s almost a kilometre of palm-fringed sand here, so there’s plenty of space to stretch out and unwind.

Bang Niang Beach is another favourite that’s popular with locals and the bohemian mix of the backpacker crowd. There’s a bit of a party vibe going on here, and it’s also a great spot for snorkelling to get a glimpse of seahorses and angel fish.

Enjoy tranquil evenings by the beach or take in some lively music acts

Evenings in Khao Lak are generally quiet, easy and relaxed. If you want something a bit livelier than dinner and a lounge on the sand, around La On Village you’ll find lively venues such as Moo Moo’s cabaret, and popular venues like Happy Snapper Bar offering regular live music.

There’s a good selection of places to eat dotted around Khao Lak, including beachside venues with fantastic views over the sea. At Coconut Seafood Restaurant and Bar you’ll find delicious coconut curries and noodle dishes made with fresh local ingredients. If you’d like some familiar international favourites, head to Smile Khaolak Restaurant. Run by a Frenchman the menu includes options such as spaghetti, mixed grills and tasty creme brulee desserts.

For a complete change of pace Ban Niang night market is a 40-minute drive away. Here you can experience some exciting authentic Thai lifestyle and culture. Browse among the crowds and take in the lively buzz around the stalls offering fresh produce, souvenirs and local hot food delicacies such as fried insects.

Explore the incredible landscape and wildlife

The landscape surrounding Khao Lak is a lush haven of wildlife and stunning natural scenery. There are three large national parks which run along the coastline of the region with the most popular being Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park. This vast nature reserve covers around 200 square kilometres and has a stunning range of terrain including mangroves, hilly areas, waterfalls and lush jungle.

You can take treks to explore the area and see some of the amazing wildlife. Several species of mammals live here such as flying lemurs and giant Asian toads, as well as incredibly beautiful butterflies and majestic birds like the crested serpent eagles and scarlet minivets. This really is a haven for nature lovers and there’s so much to do in Khao Lak – you’re sure to get some fantastic photos while you’re there.

Take a trip to explore the Wat Suwan Khula temple

Cheap holidays to Thailand wouldn’t be complete without seeing a beautiful Buddhist temple as the Buddhist way of life is integral to Thai culture.

Just over an hour’s drive from Khao Lak is the spectacular Wat Suwan Khula Buddhist temple. Known locally as Wat Tam – or Cave Temple – it sits within a limestone mountain. The atmosphere is amazing and there are ornately carved sacred pillars as well as several beautiful Buddha statues. The biggest of these is a golden 15-metre-long reclining Buddha, which is a real must-see.