5 Days in Khao Lak & Similan Islands: Diving, Beaches & Jungle

Fly into Phuket Airport and transfer north to Khao Lak — 1.5 hours by taxi (1,500–2,000 THB) or shared minivan (300–500 THB). Khao Lak is a long strip of beach-backed coast, far quieter than Phuket. The pace here is deliberately slow — no clubs, no neon, just beach, jungle, and sea. Check in and spend the afternoon on the beach. Khao Lak's main beaches — Nang Thong, Bang Niang, and Khuk Khak — are wide, uncrowded strands of golden sand backed by casuarina trees. The water is calm in high season (November–April) and warm year-round. Beach chairs and cold drinks from beachfront restaurants. Walk to the Tsunami Memorial — the police patrol boat 813, swept 2 km inland by the 2004 tsunami and left where it came to rest. A sobering reminder and an important part of understanding this coast's recent history. Dinner in Bang Niang — the small night market has excellent seafood and Thai street food at local prices. Grilled squid, pad thai, and mango sticky rice from 40–80 THB each.

The Similan Islands are Thailand's premier snorkelling destination — nine granite islands with crystal-clear water and visibility up to 30 metres. The islands are 84 km offshore and accessible only by speedboat from Khao Lak (1–1.5 hours). Open November to May only; closed during monsoon season. Day trips depart from Tab Lamu Pier at 8 AM. The speedboat ride is bouncy and wet — sit at the back for a smoother ride and bring a waterproof bag. Tours typically visit 3–4 islands with snorkelling stops at coral reefs teeming with parrotfish, clownfish, angel fish, and reef sharks. Lunch is usually on Koh Miang (Island 4) or Koh Similan (Island 8). The highlight is the viewpoint on Koh Similan (Island 8) — the Sail Rock viewpoint involves a short steep climb over smooth granite boulders to a panoramic view of turquoise water and white sand. Bring shoes with grip — the rocks are polished smooth. National park entry 500 THB for foreigners (on top of the tour price). Day trips cost 2,000–3,500 THB all-inclusive. Book through your hotel or any of the dive/tour shops in Khao Lak. Go on a weekday to avoid the weekend rush. For divers, liveaboard trips (2–4 nights on a boat, diving the full island chain plus Richelieu Rock) are the ultimate Similan experience. Richelieu Rock is one of the top dive sites in the world — whale sharks pass through from February to April. Liveaboards from 15,000 THB for 2 nights.

Drive 1.5 hours east to Khao Sok National Park — one of the oldest rainforests in the world (older than the Amazon). The jungle here is dense, vertical, and alive with the sound of gibbons, cicadas, and birds. The star attraction is Cheow Lan Lake (Ratchaprapha Dam) — a vast reservoir surrounded by limestone karsts rising from jade-green water. Day trips by longtail boat visit floating raft houses where you can swim, kayak, and eat lunch on the water. Full-day lake tours run 1,500–2,500 THB from the park entrance. The alternative is a jungle trek from the park entrance — guided walks (2–4 hours, 500–1,500 THB) follow trails through towering bamboo and dipterocarp forest. Wildlife sightings include gibbons, hornbills, langurs, and (with luck) wild elephants. The Rafflesia — the world's largest flower — blooms here from January to March. If you have time, overnight at one of the floating raft houses on Cheow Lan Lake (from 2,000 THB including meals and boat transfer). Sleeping on the lake with no light pollution and waking to gibbons calling across the water is unforgettable. Return to Khao Lak by evening.

Two options depending on your energy and budget: **Option A: Surin Islands day trip.** The Surin Islands are 60 km north of the Similans — even more remote, with equally spectacular snorkelling and the added dimension of a Moken (sea gypsy) village where you can learn about the traditional seafaring lifestyle. Tours from Khao Lak: 2,500–3,500 THB all-inclusive. The boat ride is long (2 hours) but the snorkelling over pristine shallow reefs is worth it. **Option B: Local exploration.** If you have had enough boats, spend the day exploring Khao Lak on land. Rent a scooter (200 THB/day) and ride to Ton Chong Fa Waterfall (30 minutes south, 200 THB entry) — a multi-tiered waterfall in the national park. Continue to the small fishing village of Ban Nam Khem (tsunami memorial museum, local seafood restaurants, zero tourists). In the afternoon, try a Thai cooking class at one of the beachfront resorts (1,200–2,000 THB). Evening: splurge dinner at one of Khao Lak's beachfront restaurants. The seafood here is caught daily — grilled barracuda, steamed sea bass with lime, and tom yum goong.

Last morning on the beach. The sunrise side of Khao Lak faces east, so early mornings on the beach are golden. Take a final swim, pack up, and transfer to Phuket Airport (1.5 hours) for your onward flight. If your flight is in the evening, squeeze in a morning visit to the Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park — the entrance is 5 minutes south of town. A short trail leads to a clifftop viewpoint overlooking the Andaman Sea and the coast stretching south toward Phuket. Entry 200 THB. **Insider Tip:** If continuing to Phuket rather than flying home, the 1.5-hour drive south passes through Phang Nga — stop at Samet Nangshe Viewpoint for one of the most spectacular panoramas in southern Thailand. Limestone karsts rising from Phang Nga Bay, best at sunrise but impressive any time.