Islands & sea
Phi Phi Islands vs Similan Islands: Which Day Trip?
Phi Phi or Similan Islands for a day trip from Khao Lak? Snorkeling quality, journey time, crowd levels and which suits your trip — compared honestly.
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From our team in Khao Lak · since 1999
Khao Lak Travel Journal
Local know-how on what to do, when to go and how to get there, from the Similan Islands to Khao Sok and Phang Nga Bay.
All stories
Showing 13–24 of 42 stories
Jungle & wildlife
Best Time to Visit Khao Sok National Park
When to visit Khao Sok for the best weather, clearest lake, and least rain — a practical month-by-month guide from Khao Lak operators.
Jungle & wildlife
Is Khao Sok Worth It? (Honest Answer)
Is Khao Sok National Park worth visiting? An honest look at the rainforest, Cheow Lan Lake, the wildlife, and how to fit it into a Khao Lak trip.
Islands & sea
James Bond Island vs Hong Island: Which Phang Nga Bay Tour?
James Bond Island vs Hong Island: the iconic rock and fishing village vs quiet lagoons and fewer crowds. An honest side-by-side.
Getting around
How to Get to Phi Phi from Khao Lak
Khao Lak to Phi Phi: hotel pickup, road transfer south, then a 45-min speedboat. Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and snorkelling included, from ฿3,900 pp.
Getting around
How to Get to Khao Sok National Park from Khao Lak
How to get to Khao Sok from Khao Lak: a 1h15 drive inland to the rainforest and Cheow Lan Lake. Private transfer vs guided tour, day trip vs overnight.
Getting around
How to Get to the Similan Islands from Khao Lak
How to get to the Similan Islands: Khao Lak is the closest base, a 60-90 min speedboat from Thap Lamu pier. Day trip vs liveaboard, and the season catch.
Islands & sea
Similan vs Surin Islands: Which Should You Visit?
Similan vs Surin compared: Similan for diving and scenery, Surin for shallow-coral snorkelling and fewer crowds. Honest side-by-side from an operator.
Islands & sea
Best Time to Visit the Similan Islands: A Season Guide
When to visit the Similan Islands: park open mid-October to mid-May, November to April best, February to April for top visibility.
Food & drink
Bang Niang Market- A Popular Night Market in Khao Lak (Mon, Wed, Thu & Sat)
Bang Niang Market, Khao Lak's best night market: open Mon, Wed, Thu & Sat, 2-9pm. Food stalls, crafts, live music. Full guide with FAQs, hours & directions.
Food & drink
Chang Thong Restaurant Khao Lak
Chang Thong — the Gold Elephant — in Khao Lak. Thai menu highlights, what a meal costs, where it is in Takua Pa and when it's open.
Food & drink
La Piccola Maria Pizzeria – Italian Pizza Restaurant in Khao Lak
Wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta at La Piccola Maria in Khao Lak. What to order, what it costs, where to find it and when it's open.
