Unravel the Tapestry of Parks and Markets in Khao Lak

Khao Lak is well known to locals, yet it still feels like it’s waiting to be discovered. The region in southern Thailand has managed to keep a relatively low profile despite being just over 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Phuket International Airport. 

Whether you lean into nature’s beauty, or use your visit to discover its culture and cuisine, you’ll feel much farther away than you are. 

And when the Marriott Vacation Club^®, Khao Lak Beach Resort<RESORT URL TK>, opens in late August, there will be a tranquil new place to stay after some sightseeing and shopping. 

Here are some of the top destinations and experiences to enjoy when exploring Khao Lak.*

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

Samet Nangshe is the most popular viewpoint among the islands of Phang Nga Bay, and possibly one of the most iconic ocean views in all of Thailand. While once a hidden spot known mostly to locals, it’s a bit more built-up now, with several cafes and shops.

The view is most amazing at sunrise. Pink, purple, and orange hues illuminate the sky over the karst islands (made of limestone formations) in the Andaman Sea. Not an early riser? Not to worry — the view is gorgeous any time of day.

Similan Islands

Known for having some of the best beaches in Thailand, the Similan Islands are a protected natural park with strict limitations on development and daily visitor numbers. You can’t stay overnight, and you must visit on an organized tour.

The plus side of these restrictions is you’re almost guaranteed light crowds while enjoying sugar-white sand and water so clear you’ll wonder if it’s even real.

Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary

If you prefer jungle creatures over ocean ones, consider a trip to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary. This sanctuary is especially ethical — you can’t ride the elephants, and they aren’t made to perform for you. 

Instead, the focus is on taking care of the elephants. You can help feed and bathe them while learning about the essential task of preserving them for generations to come. Reservations are required for this activity, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead.

Ton Chong Fa Waterfall

Khao Lak is home to countless waterfalls, but the Ton Chong Fa in Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park is among the best to visit and most accessible. There are five separate tiers that offer a variety of options, whether your focus is swimming, photography, or just plain relaxing. 

Takua Pa Old Town

Takua Pa Old Town is home to dozens of Sino-Portuguese shop houses, which are 19th-century stone row houses with colorful facades and ornate roofs. It’s here you can sample a variety of Chinese food, including Hainan chicken rice and roasted duck and pork. Unlike anywhere in bustling Phuket, including its Old Town, you’ll feel like you have the place to yourself, given how relatively few tourists there are.

Wat Suwan Kuha

Phang Nga province is dotted with historic temples, but one of the most colorful and unique is Wat Suwan Kuha — a hidden gem tucked inside a limestone mountain about 70 to 75 kilometers (43 to 46 miles) south of Marriott Vacation Club, Khao Lak Beach Resort. Inside, you’ll find a stunning 15-meter-long (50 feet) reclining Buddha and a treasure trove of Thai art.

From the main cavern, you can wander through a maze of smaller caves, each one decorated with shrines and intricate murals that bring Buddhist mythology to life. Follow the path to the top of the mountain, and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the forest and the natural beauty that surrounds it. It’s part spiritual journey, part adventure — and entirely unforgettable.

Bang Niang and Khok Kloi Markets + Nightlife

Bang Niang and Khok Kloi markets are each worth their own trip, or you could visit both in the same day to have one of Khao Lak’s most amazing cultural experiences.

Bang Niang is the larger of the markets, with more than 300 merchants. You’ll find everything from handcrafted goodies to T-shirts and beyond. And while you’re shopping, you can snack on popular Thai street food dishes. Although Bang Niang doesn’t feel super touristy, it’s designed for visitors and is typically open two nights a week. 

Khok Kloi, by contrast, is a proper “wet market,” meaning it draws locals from all over southern Phang Nga looking for fresh meat, fish, and vegetables. You can also browse for silks, elephant figures, and other gift items. It’s another great place to find delicious street food items like Thai-style chicken biryani and classic pad thai.

Dozens of the areas popular nighttime bars are nearby, providing more entertainment options as well. 

Khao Lak Is Waiting to Be Discovered

Whether you’re looking to lounge on the white-sand shores of the Similan Islands, get up close with elephants, or sample the street eats you can’t find anywhere else, Khao Lak offers authentic discoveries within easy reach.

Robert Schrader has been visiting Thailand for the better part of two decades, and has taken countless trips to Khao Lak, as well as other destinations in Phang Nga and Phuket.