Beach town in Phang Nga, Thailand
Khao Lak
Long, quiet Andaman beach strip an hour or so north of Phuket airport; suits divers, couples and slow stays. No nightlife to speak of, and the monsoon months are wet and rough.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,250–1,940Comfortable, one person · ฿42,000–65,000Details
- Value for money60/100Better value than 59% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Mar, 31°CDetails
- Internet299 MbpsFixed broadband, Thailand medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or refill-machine water; ice at restaurants is factory-made and generally fine.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$21–60Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards in resorts, dive shops and larger restaurants; cash for night markets, songthaews, small cafés and scooter rentals.Details
Where to stay in Khao Lak
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Bang Niang | Town center: night market, cafés and mid-range hotels |
| Nang Thong | Dive shops, restaurants and the quietest backpacker stays |
| Khuk Khak | Resorts and long stays with a calmer beach |
| Bang Sak (north) | Remote, upscale and very quiet |
Apps that work in Khao Lak
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Grab | A few drivers; unreliable at night, so book ahead |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: LINE
- 12Go: Buses, trains and ferries between towns
- IQAir AirVisual: Checking smoke levels in burning season
- Taxis: Most trips are by hotel-booked driver or street taxi at fixed prices; agree the fare first. Songthaews are cheapest by day.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Thailand.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards in resorts, dive shops and larger restaurants; cash for night markets, songthaews, small cafés and scooter rentals.
- Currency: Baht (THB). US$1 ≈ ฿33.56 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Thai ATMs charge foreign cards about 220 THB per withdrawal; limits usually 20,000–30,000 THB, so withdraw larger amounts.
- Tipping: Not expected; round up or leave 20–100 THB for good service. Upmarket restaurants add 10% service charge plus 7% VAT.
- Paying by phone: Apple and Google Pay work at contactless terminals; Thai QR (PromptPay) works with some linked Asian bank apps.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Fill in the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before arrival; paid look-alike sites are scams.
- Officers may ask for an onward ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds (20,000 THB per person); rarely checked, but enforced at times.
- In May 2026 the cabinet approved shortening visa-free stays; check the current permitted length before booking a long trip.
Emergency numbers
Police 191 · Ambulance 1669 · Fire 199 · Tourist police 1155
Plugs
Type A, B, C, O · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
AIS, True and dtac airport counters sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs, roughly 300–600 THB for 8–15 days; passport required. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Thailand
Going to Khao Lak solo?
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Sources
- Tourism Authority of Thailand: Phang Nga
- Phuket International Airport (Airports of Thailand)
- Bangkok Hospital Phuket
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.