Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak - Upscale hotels & resorts

Khao Lak offers a calm coastal setting with easy access to nature and culture. Travellers often look for the best things to do in Khao Lak before they book their stay. The region feels unhurried, yet it offers enough variety for long holidays. Before you explore these sights, consider renting a car or van. Roads remain simple, but many attractions sit outside town. With your own vehicle, you enjoy each place without stress.

Explore the Best Things to do in Khao Lak 2026

As you plan your trip, keep this simple idea in mind. The best things to do in Khao Lak often take half a day. You gain more joy when you slow down and enjoy each stop fully

 Waterfalls and Forest Trails

Waterfalls sit high on most lists of things to do in Khao Lak, offering a refreshing escape into nature. Surrounded by lush forest and calm natural pools, these waterfalls are perfect for swimming, relaxing, or enjoying a slow-paced day outdoors.

1. Ton Chong Fah Waterfall

Start with Ton Chong Fah Waterfall inside Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park. A short, easy trail winds through green forest and leads to a clear natural pool. Visitors can swim, sit under the trees, or relax with snacks and cold drinks. Thanks to the gentle walking path, this waterfall suits almost any traveller.

2. Sai Rung Waterfall (Rainbow Waterfall)

Next, visit Sai Rung Waterfall, also known as Rainbow Waterfall. The walk from the parking area takes only a few minutes, making it one of the easiest waterfalls to reach in Khao Lak. The wide, calm pool is ideal for cooling down. Morning light creates a soft glow, while late afternoon feels peaceful and quiet.

3. Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park

Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park combines forest trails with beautiful sea views. One trail leads to a hidden cove with soft sand and gentle waves. Visitors can swim, rest, or enjoy a picnic under the trees. This blend of forest and ocean adds depth to your list of things to do in Khao Lak.

Island adventures and scenic lakes

Beyond beaches and waterfalls, Khao Lak also offers memorable day trips to nearby islands and national parks. These experiences add adventure, scenery, and variety to your list of things to do in Khao Lak.

1. The Similan Islands

The Similan Islands sit on almost every list of things to do in Khao Lak. Clear blue water surrounds white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Most day trips include snorkelling stops, a lunch break, and time to relax on shore. You may spot colourful tropical fish, reef sharks, or sea turtles. Because the islands are far from town, this adventure usually fills a full day.

2. Khao Sok National Park

For a change of scenery, head inland to Khao Sok National Park. Towering limestone cliffs rise from emerald-green water, creating a dramatic and unforgettable landscape. Boat trips across the lake stop at scenic viewpoints and floating raft houses. Visitors can also enjoy short cave walks or gentle jungle trails. This trip adds a truly unique experience to your list of things to do in Khao Lak.

3. Surin Islands

The Surin Islands remain one of Thailand’s most unspoiled destinations, set in the clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea. This protected group of islands lies just a short boat ride from Khao Lak and offers a rare blend of vibrant coral reefs, powder-soft beaches, and rich cultural heritage. From snorkeling alongside colourful marine life to learning about the traditions of the Moken sea nomads, every visit feels like stepping into a more authentic side of Thailand

Markets and local culture

For travellers who enjoy food, culture, and local life, Khao Lak offers lively markets and charming old towns. These spots add colour and character to your list of things to do in Khao Lak, especially in the evenings and on weekends.

1 . Bang Niang Market

For food lovers, Bang Niang Market stays high on every list of things to do in Khao Lak. The market opens in the evening and fills with grilled seafood, desserts, and local snacks. Visitors will also find casual bars, clothing stalls, souvenirs, and handmade crafts. With its relaxed atmosphere, it’s easy to wander, eat, and stay for hours.

2. Takua Pa Old Town

On weekends, explore Takua Pa Old Town, where historic buildings line narrow streets with colourful shutters and traditional signboards. Once a thriving tin trading town, the area now attracts travellers who enjoy slow walks, photography, and street food. The Sunday walking street features desserts, drinks, and small local performances, making it one of the most charming cultural experiences among the things to do in Khao Lak.

3. Build Market Khao Lak

Build Market Khao Lak is a charming lifestyle market that offers a refreshing shopping experience for visitors exploring the Khao Lak area in Phang Nga. Known for its curated mix of fashion, handmade crafts, home décor, and local food, this market is ideal for travelers looking to discover something different from traditional night markets.

Temples and gentle adventures

For travellers seeking calm moments and light adventure, temples and nearby natural attractions add balance to the list of things to do in Khao Lak. These experiences suit those who enjoy culture, nature, and a slower pace of travel.

1.Wat Khrom Me Nee Ya Khet

Wat Khrom Me Nee Ya Khet, also known as Wat Khuek Khak, welcomes travellers throughout the year. Golden statues and a peaceful reclining Buddha create a calm and reflective atmosphere. Visitors are asked to dress modestly, covering their shoulders and knees out of respect. This temple is ideal for those who enjoy cultural things to do in Khao Lak.

2. Tham Phung Chang Cave

Tham Phung Chang Cave, located near Phang Nga town, offers a slow and guided adventure suitable for most travellers. The journey moves through the cave by boat, by raft, and then on foot. Inside, rock formations resemble animals and mythical figures. This unique cave experience adds a simple yet memorable activity to your travel plan.

3. Wat Tha Sai

Known for its stunning architecture, Wat Tha Sai is one of the must-visit attractions in Khao Lak and Takua Pa. This well-known temple features beautifully crafted Buddha images in various postures, reflecting traditional Thai artistry. The highlight is its ordination hall, built entirely from teakwood, showcasing rare and exquisite craftsmanship. Set near the coast and surrounded by tall pine trees, the temple offers a peaceful and scenic atmosphere, making it one of the top cultural destinations to visit in Khao La

Best hotel to stay in Khao Lak

With so many things to do in Khao Lak, the best stay gives you comfort, calm, and easy access. Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak offers these advantages with a beachfront location and warm hospitality. The resort is located directly on Bangsak Beach, a long and quiet stretch of sand. You can walk from your room to the beach in only a few steps. Sunrise feels soft and peaceful, while sunset brings open sky and warm colours.

Rooms blend modern comfort with Southern Thai style. Soft fabrics, warm wood tones, and thoughtful details create a cosy feel. Several room types offer easy access to shared pools and garden paths. Families, couples, and groups find space to relax here. Two main pools offer different moods for guests. One suits families with active children. The other suits travellers who want a quieter corner for reading or sunbathing.

Dining also enhances your stay. Breakfast overlooks tropical greenery and a canal. Lunch and dinner include Thai favourites, international dishes, and fresh seafood. Evening drinks by the beach complete each day with the sound of waves and open sky. Because the resort sits close to all the main things to do in Khao Lak, day trips feel simple. You can visit waterfalls, markets, old towns, and beaches without long drives. After each outing, you return to calm gardens, soft beds, and ocean air.

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Khao Lak destinations offer beaches, forests, and culture in one easy trip. You can swim at Ton Chong Fah Waterfall and relax at Sai Rung Waterfall. You can taste local food at Bang Niang Market and explore old streets in Takua Pa Old Town. You can take a boat to the Similan Islands and enjoy clear water and bright coral. You can end the journey at Khao Sok National Park and watch cliffs rise over emerald water. These places create a simple mix of nature and local life that defines the best things to do in Khao Lak.