Beach town in Phang Nga, Thailand
Getting around Khao Lak
How to get around Khao Lak
A long, spread-out strip: most visitors rent a scooter or book drivers. Local songthaews run along Highway 4, and buses link Phuket airport and Takua Pa.
Ways to get around Khao Lak
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Songthaew / local bus on Highway 4 | About 30–80 THB | Wave down along the main road; infrequent after dark |
| Taxi / private driver | About 300–700 THB local | Fixed prices; book via hotel to avoid surcharge |
| Minivan to Phuket airport | About 300–600 THB shared | Hotel or desk bookings; about 1–1.5 h |
Ride-hailing apps in Khao Lak
A 5 km ride costs about ฿150–350 ($4.5–10.4).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Grab | A few drivers; unreliable at night, so book ahead |
- Most trips are by hotel-booked driver or street taxi at fixed prices; agree the fare first. Songthaews are cheapest by day.
Arriving in Khao Lak
Phuket International (HKT)
About 70 km south. Private taxi 1,200–2,000 THB, 1–1.25 h; shared minivan or local bus 150–600 THB, 1.5–2 h.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rented for 250–400 THB a day; Highway 4 is fast and busy. Police checkpoints fine riders without a licence or helmet.
- Driving: on the left. Drive with your home licence plus a 1949-Convention IDP; scooters need the motorcycle category or police fine you.
- Onward travel in Thailand: Cheap domestic flights link main cities; overnight sleeper trains run Bangkok–Chiang Mai and south; VIP buses, minivans and ferries cover the rest.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Khao Lak?
No. Use Grab instead.
What's the best way to get around Khao Lak?
A long, spread-out strip: most visitors rent a scooter or book drivers. Local songthaews run along Highway 4, and buses link Phuket airport and Takua Pa.
How do I get from the airport to Khao Lak?
About 70 km south. Private taxi 1,200–2,000 THB, 1–1.25 h; shared minivan or local bus 150–600 THB, 1.5–2 h.
Is Khao Lak walkable?
You'll need transport.
More about Khao Lak
Going to Khao Lak solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Khao Lak meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- State Railway of Thailand e-ticketing
- Airports of Thailand
- Tourism Authority of Thailand: Phang Nga
- Phuket International Airport (Airports of Thailand)
- Bangkok Hospital Phuket
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.