9 Unforgettable Things to Do in Khao Lak
Last Updated on November 20, 2025 by Charlotte
Khao Lak is Thailand’s low-key paradise for nature lovers. While the partying crowds head to Phuket, those in the know come here instead, for the coral reefs, jungle waterfalls, sea turtles, and beaches where you can actually hear the waves. If your ideal day includes a morning hike, an afternoon snorkel, and dinner from a night market food stall, this guide’s for you. Here are 8 of the best things to do in Khao Lak, handpicked from our own trip, with a focus on outdoor adventures, peaceful moments, and everything special that makes this coastal region a hidden gem.
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1. Snorkel the Surin & Similan Islands
The Surin and Similan Islands offer some of the clearest water in Thailand, with coral reefs, sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful fish galore. We booked a speedboat tour to the Surin Islands and spent the day snorkeling in shallow coral gardens and exploring the remote island beaches. The boat ride can be bumpy (bring Dramamine if you get seasick), but it’s absolutely worth it. Tours typically include lunch and snorkel gear.
Want more details? We’ve got a full guide to snorkeling the Surin Islands, including what to pack, how to book a tour, and what to expect in the water.
2. Hike to Ton Chong Fa Waterfall
A beautiful jungle hike that rewards you with a free fish pedicure. The waterfall trail is well-marked and leads past several cascades, each with its own pool. We dipped our toes in the first, only to discover tiny doctor fish nibbling our feet! The second waterfall is the most impressive, with a deep pool perfect for a quick swim and rainbows sparkling in the mist. Butterflies followed us the whole way back down.
Ready to hike? Check out our full post about our Ton Chong Fa Waterfall hike, with photos of all four waterfalls and tips for what to expect on the trail.
3. Go Bamboo Rafting Through the Jungle
This was one of the most unexpectedly fun things we did in Khao Lak. Picture a narrow bamboo raft floating down a jungle river, tree branches arching overhead, and your guide expertly steering with a long pole. It’s peaceful, until you spot something slithering near the riverbank. Yes, there are snakes in the trees (we found this exciting, not scary). There’s a reason this became one of our most viral TikToks.
Get ready for some adventure! Check out our full guide to bamboo rafting in Thailand + how to book!
4. Walk the Coastal Trail in Lam Ru National Park
Lam Ru is one of Khao Lak’s best-kept secrets, a mix of jungle and coastline with a shaded trail that leads to a quiet cove. The walk is beginner-friendly but still feels wild and adventurous. Expect forest sounds, steep stairs, and coastal lookouts. If you want a break from boats and scooters, this is a great way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
Like secret beaches? Check out our guide on how to hike to Small Sandy Beach in Lam Ru National Park!
5. Visit the Sea Turtle Conservation Center
Run by the Thai Navy, this quiet little center is home to baby sea turtles and a few fully grown residents. It’s not flashy or touristy, just a small network of tanks and informational signs, all focused on sea turtle conservation and education. We loved it for the peaceful vibe and low entrance fee.
Like turtles? This turtle sanctuary is small but meaningful. Check out our full post about visiting the seat turtle center and how it fits into Khao Lak’s broader conservation efforts.
6. Explore the Bang Niang Night Market
Bang Niang Night Market has food stalls, souvenirs, knock-off Crocs, and lots of sizzling oil. It’s the classic Thai night market experience, with fried bananas, roti, grilled meats, and fresh fruit juices galore. We loved walking around while eating our way through the market. We did find that this night market was on the pricier side in comparison to other markets that we had visited across Thailand.
Open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
7. Lounge on the Beach
Sometimes, the best thing to do in Khao Lak is… nothing at all. We spent plenty of time just lying under a palm tree, splashing in the waves, and watching the sun dip below the horizon. The beaches here aren’t party beaches; they’re quiet, uncrowded, and perfect for recharging.
8. Try Surf Skating at Laybay
You’ll spot locals and travelers alike surf skating in the evenings around at the concrete skate park at LayBay Khao Lak. This was my first time surf skating in a real skate park and it was loads of fun. There are mixed reviews for whether Lay Bay is still open, so you might have to go check it out for yourself and report back.
9. Take a Thai Cooking Class
If you’ve fallen in love with Thai food (and how could you not?), why not learn how to make your favorite dishes yourself? Khao Lak has a few small local cooking schools where you can dive into the flavors of southern Thailand, like spicy papaya salad, creamy green curry, and tropical mango sticky rice.
Ready to Visit Khao Lak?
Khao Lak surprised us with how much there was to do without the chaos of a big resort town. Whether you’re hiking to jungle waterfalls, snorkeling offshore reefs, or just watching butterflies swirl through the trees, Khao Lak has something for you.
- Check out our guide on Where to Stay in Khao Lak to learn about the best beaches and areas for your travel style.
What Would You Add to the List?
Have you been to Khao Lak? I’d love to hear about your favorite experiences, whether it’s a secret beach you stumbled upon, an unforgettable meal, or an adventure I missed. Drop a comment below and let’s swap travel tips!
