Things to do in Khao Lak

Full-day Khao Sok tour with elephant sanctuary and bamboo rafting

Are you ready for an adventure with a uniquely Khao Sok touch? Uncover some of Thailand's best-kept secrets on an exclusive tour that ticks all the boxes. You'll combine a variety of activities, ranging from the cultural to the natural. Haggle with locals in a market, meet elephants at a sanctuary and mingle with monkeys in a temple. Tina, one of our expert local guides, says, "You'll be able to see just how the workers here look after the elephants, including how they get in the water with the animals. You'll see this for yourself, and help out the sanctuary staff by preparing the elephant's food."The fun begins at Takuapa market, where you'll get to taste fresh Thai fruit while meeting the locals. We move it up a gear next at the viewpoint in Khao Sok National Park, before a trip to the local rainforest sanctuary to meet the elephants. The sanctuary is where elderly elephants, who are unable to work, live their daily lives. Once you have helped out with the prep, you'll be able to prepare healthy treats for the elephants and walk with them through the tropical jungle. And, there's more to come. Snap up some pics at the viewpoint in Khao Sok National Park, before arriving at a restaurant to tuck into a traditional Thai lunchtime feast. As it that wasn't enough, you'll get to try river bamboo rafting, sailing along the river before wrapping things up with a sense of zen at ‘Monkey Cave'. Inside is serene and beautiful, with an intricately decorated shrine and often monks praying. You might also catch sight of birds and bats in the cave, but the monkeys generally stay outside.

Full-day tour of Phang Nga Bay with James Bond Island visit

This full-day tour shines the spotlight on Phang Nga Bay, allowing you to experience and see its beauty by longtail boat, on land and by canoe. It features all the greatest hits, including James Bond Island, Hong Island, Monkey Cave, viewpoints and waterfalls.During the morning you'll cast off on local longtail boats from Ban Hinrom Pier to explore the bay by sea. And you'll soon be surrounded by the famous emerald-topped karsts that give Phang Bga Bay its fame. You'll venture to Hong Island first, exploring the caves by canoe, then it's on to James Bond Island where we'll have the freedom to sail wherever we wish and even explore on land.Stop for a swim, then time for lunch at one of the best viewpoints in Phang Nga Bay, Samet Nangshe, where you'll dine with views from the terrace. Next stop will be ‘Monkey Cave', or Wat Suwan Khuha, home to the reclining Buddha – and lots of monkeys. Finally, you'll chill out and swim at Raman Forest waterfall in the jungle.

Full-day elephant experience from Khao Lak

This full day tour is Thailand to a tee. It's got elephants, Thai food and even a bamboo raft ride through the jungle. You'll visit an elephant rescue centre to learn about these gentle giants before a tasty Thai lunch. Then, spend the afternoon floating downriver in a bamboo raft and checking out a Sea Turtle Conservation Centre.The adventure starts with a scenic drive through Khao Lak National Park, offering spectacular views over the Andaman Sea. The Seaside Retreat stands as one of Thailand's premier parks for elephants. Upon arrival, you'll dive right into learning about and caring for the elephants, an experience that not only connects you with nature but also educates about the critical importance of conservation.Soon, it'll be time for you to eat. Watch your lunch being prepared at live cooking stations before feasting on tasty Thai treats. Then you'll have the chance to relax with a soothing foot spa and create a nature-inspired Eco Print souvenir. Last but not least, hop on a bamboo raft and float through the jungle to the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre – an initiative that cares for thousands of endangered baby turtles until they are released into the Andaman Sea.

Full-day Phang Nga three-temple tour from Khao Lak

A day packed with culture, spirituality and flavour. You'll visit three of the most important temples in the Phang Nga province – the Dragon Cave, Bang Rieng Pagoda and Manee Sri Mahathat. First up is the Dragon Cave Temple. Built within and on top of limestone caves, it's as impressive as it is beautiful. Its monks make healing remedies. Next is Bang Rieng Pagoda Temple, high up in the mountains. It is a mixture of Thai and Chinese influences, and its location offers up amazing views of the area.The final temple is Manee Sri Mahathat. It boasts a collection of wax statues of Indian, Chinese and Thai deities. But the most popular of all is that of Phor Than Klai – a monk known as ‘Golden Mouth' because of his ability to predict lottery numbers. And to round off the tour, you'll dine at a restaurant in a mangrove jungle, where you can try traditional delicacies.

Full-day Phi Phi and Bamboo Island speedboat tour from Khao Lak

Craving sun, sea, and epic views? This island adventure has it all. First, hop on the speedboat and whizz to Bamboo Island with its soft sands and turquoise waters. Next, dive into snorkelling at top spots, including Shark Point, where vibrant marine life, corals, and maybe even a shark await. After a delicious Thai lunch on Phi Phi Don Island, visit Monkey Beach, explore the Viking Cave, and swim in Pileh Lagoon – these waters will blow your mind. The day wraps up at Maya Bay, with its crescent-shaped beach and limestone hills.

Full-day Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour with Pileh Lagoon

A trip to the famous Phi Phi Islands is almost compulsory in Thailand, and an early start gives you the chance to discover their beauty without crowds of tourists. A speedboat ride takes you to the best beaches where you can swim, snorkel and relax. And with Monkey beach, Viking Cave and Pileh Lagoon on the itinerary it's sure to be a great day.

Full-day Surin Islands early bird tour by speed catamaran

Surin Islands National Park is where snorkellers go for their fix of rainbow-coloured corals and white sandy beaches straight out of a catalogue. This early risers full-day tour features a speed catamaran ride and a day of snorkelling at some of the finest spots in Thailand. The day kicks off with an early start to beat the crowds. A tropical cocktail of bright blue waters and neon coral reefs, the Surin Islands are an exotic escape inhabited by the Moken – a group of people who have a totally distinct culture thanks to their life on the sea. Meet these fascinating seafaring folk, before your first snorkelling stop at Chong Kaad Bay. Then, it's time for lunch at the National Park's restaurant.You'll continue the day with two more snorkelling stops at the likes of Bon Bay, Tao Bay or Pineapple Bay. And in between spotting marine life, you'll have time to relax, sunbathe and soak in the views on deck.

Full-day Similan Islands early bird tour by speed catamaran

The Similan Islands are untouched jewels in the Andaman Sea and they're what dreams are made of – coral reefs, hideaway beaches and tropical rainforests. You'll take a speed catamaran over first thing to spend the day island hopping, snorkelling and swimming. Your journey kicks off from Khao Lak, slicing through the ocean with the wind as your soundtrack, as you head straight for the Similan Islands National Marine Park. With the crowds at bay, you'll first dock into Donald Duck Bay. Chill out on the snow-white sandy beach or take the opportunity to climb up Sail Rock for panoramic views.Then, it's onto Honeymoon Bay. It's snorkel central here, where you can meet everything from cheeky clownfish to majestic manta rays – not to mention the vibrant coral scene. Chill, unwind, and soak up the sun, before heading back on board for a freshly-prepared buffet lunch. "Enjoy one final snorkel or sunbathe session before we make our way back. Get ready for an adventure that flips the script on your average day trip.

Full-day Khao Lak highlights tour with Buddhist temple blessing

Taking a closer look at Khao Lak local life rewards you with a deeper cultural understanding on this varied tour. You'll meet the locals, learn a little Thai boxing and be blessed by Buddhist monks. Then swap culture for nature with lunch at the beach and a visit to a turtle rescue centre. Malee, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘You'll have some fun getting to grips with Thai Boxing moves, but the original purpose of Muay Thai was not about fun. It began centuries ago when the army developed battlefield tactics for unarmed combat. These ancient combat techniques eventually evolved into the popular sport we know today.'It's all about getting to know Thailand's authentic side on this tour. First, we'll stop by the local school to see how Thai children go about their morning routine. Next, it's on to a temple to offer the Buddhist monks a small donation in exchange for good karma and a sacred bracelet. There's time for a look around the colourful temple to take some photos, too.After the calm of the temple, we'll raise the tempo and have a go at the high-flying kicks and powerful punches of Muay Thai boxing at a gym. After all that action, you'll be ready for a typical Thai lunch at Sai Rung Waterfall's restaurant. You'll have some time to reflect at the Tsunami Memorial, before an extra-special treat – a chance to learn about the elephants at a nearby seaside sanctuary. You'll round off your day with a visit to the turtle rescue and rehabilitation centre to find out about their work.

Half-day elephant experience from Khao Lak

Seeing Asian elephants from a few metres away is one of life's must-do experiences – so this trip is a big tick on the bucket list. Head to an elephant park in Khao Lak, and you'll get to go behind-the-scenes to learn all there is to know about these gentle giants. And after, you'll finish off with a delicious Thai lunch.The morning begins with great views over the Andaman Sea as you pass through Khao Lak National Park. Nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty is one of Thailand's best parks for rescued elephants. Arriving at its beautiful lagoon setting, you'll waste no time in getting hands on.Learning all about the project's conservation efforts, you'll help to care for these gentle giants. The sanctuary enforces the highest ethical standards, and inviting only small-group visits means this is a true safe haven for these incredible creatures. You'll also get to relax with a foot spa and craft a nature-inspired eco-print souvenir, before wrapping up your experience with a delicious Thai lunch to reflect on the day.

Full-day Khao Sok National Park with long-tail boat cruise from Khao Lak

It's an early start to this tour, but some things are worth getting out of bed for. With its limestone cliffs, leafy rainforests and emerald-green lake, Khao Sok National Park is one of Thailand's natural treasures. You'll spend the day leaving no stone unturned – bamboo rafting and crusing by long-tail boat on Cheow Lan Lake are just some of the things you'll do.Start by greeting the sun from the Khao Sok viewpoint, then glide on a bamboo raft, making your way to a riverside breakfast. Next, we journey to the emerald heart of Cheow Lan Lake, where you'll join a sightseeing cruise on a traditional longtail boat. Marvel at the limestone cliffs and lush jungle, before setting off on a short walk, leading you to explore caves.Break for a tasty lunch at a floating raft-house. Here, indulge in local flavours with a side of panoramic views. After lunch, unwind with some kayaking, or simply soak in the tranquillity of the lake's vast waters. Finish up the day with a scenic cruise back to Khao Lak.

Khao Sok National Park full-day tour

With its limestone cliffs, lush rainforests and beautiful lake, Khao Sok National Park is one of Thailand's natural treasures. On this excursion, you'll visit the lake, trek through the rainforest and dine in one of the floating bamboo huts. A perfect day in the heart of a Jurassic world.Right from the go, this is a tour steeped in drama. A longtail boat takes you from the Rajjaprabha Dam for a trip around the Cheow Lan Lake, where you'll be surrounded by towering, limestone cliffs. Then it's back on land for a guided trek through the rainforest with an experienced local ranger. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys swinging in the trees and if you're lucky you might see the world's largest flower – the endemic rafflesia kerrii.Next, you'll explore some of the park's caves before a lunch with a twist – you'll dine in one of the floating bamboo huts in the middle of the lake. Afterwards, there'll be free time to relax and swim in the lake.