Khao Lak is a popular resort village on the shores of the Andaman Sea. However, Khao Lak beaches refer to a string of settlements. The most famous among them are Bang Niang and Nang Tong. They have a huge range of budget accommodation and entertainment facilities for tourists.
Popular Beaches in the Resort for Outdoor Activities
Bang Niang
The beach is well known among tourists. Basically, Bang Niang is a resort village on the coast, it has all the necessary amenities of civilization, but there are not as many people as on Samui or Phuket. The northern part of the beach is practically deserted in low season.
Beach Infrastructure
- Entertainment of all kinds. On the beach, there are water attractions.
- Lodging for all tastes;
- Bars and drag queen shows.
The local market, ancient temples, and the Thai Tsunami Museum are not far away.
Nang Tong
This beach is equally popular. It is more than a kilometer wide and 3 kilometers long along the coastline. Places to look out for are lighthouses, one is in the sea and the other is on the shore. There is also a beautiful Chinese temple near the beach.
The northern part of Nang Tong is called Sunset Beach, it is built up with elite hotels and is suitable for a quiet vacation.
Beach Infrastructure
- All cafes and restaurants are concentrated on the coast and along the Bangkok-Phuket highway. McDonald's is particularly popular with vacationers.
- Nang Tong also has a dive center, motorcycle rentals, and many travel agencies.
- The beach has water rides, sun loungers, and umbrellas.
Calm Beach Vacations in and Around Khao Lak
Khao Lak
Located south of Nang Tong and separated from it by high cliffs, Khao Lak is about two kilometers long. The southern part of the beach is not very suitable for swimming and stretches to the Tap Lamu pier, from which boats depart to the islands (Similansky and Surin). There is also the village of Lam Kaen and a lake to the south.
Beach Infrastructure
Not as well developed as in Nang Tong and Bang Niang, but there are many cafes, restaurants, souvenir stores, and massage pavilions on the beach. Most of these are concentrated in northern Khao Lak, near the Khaolak Merlin Resort and the elephant farm.
Khuk Khak
The beach is wide and lively with a lot of greenery on the shore, making it easy to find a spot in the shade of the trees. Khuk Khak is located north of Bang Niang and is separated by a lake and a small river.
Beach Infrastructure
All the infrastructure here belongs to a few hotels, beyond which the jungle immediately begins.
- Umbrellas and sunbeds on the beach are also only available to guests of these hotels.
- To buy the necessary groceries or gasoline, you need to take a 5-10 minute motorcycle ride to Lam Kaen.
Pakarang
Located north of Khuk Khak, Pakarang Beach is accessible via a paved road, making it easy to reach by bike. It is divided by Pakarang Cape into two parts.
- South: Quite shallow with a smooth entry into the water, high tides.
- North of the cape: More settled with several hotel complexes.
Beach Infrastructure
There are no entertainment and stores on Pakarang Beach; all the infrastructure belongs to the hotels.
Pak Veep
Following Khuk Khak, Pak Vip Beach is adjacent to it, and there is no clear boundary between the two. The sea here is very shallow, and greenery comes very close to the surf line, making it perfect for a vacation with children as the beach is in a closed bay with almost no waves.
Beach Infrastructure
Pak Vip has the Katiliya Khao Lak Resort hotel and several entertainment venues. This beach is also known as White Sand Beach.
Bang Sak
Bang Sak is the closest beach to the town of Takuapa. It's favored by local Thais for weekend lounging, but there are a few hotels here as well. North of Bang Sak, there are decent and beautiful deserted beaches, perfect for a secluded vacation.
Beach Infrastructure
The town of Takuapa is quite close, reachable on foot in about 10-15 minutes, where you can buy everything you need and refuel your car.
- Bang Sak is full of Thai restaurants, stores, and bars.
- There are umbrellas and sun loungers on the beach.
Koh Kho Khao Island Beaches
Koh Kho Khao Island is located opposite Pak Vip beach, closer to the north. The beaches here are clean and deserted, offering a truly secluded getaway away from civilization.
The ferries to the island depart as they fill up, with cargo ferries leaving about every hour. The swim to Koh Kho Khao takes just five minutes.
Beach Infrastructure
There are about a dozen hotels on the island, and most of the infrastructure is owned by them. You can find a few stores and cafes, and paved roads lead to each beach.
The beaches of Koh Kho Khao Island will please tourists who want to relax in peace, away from unnecessary noise and bustle, while still having the benefits of civilization nearby.
