Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak - Upscale hotels & resorts

Khao Lak offers a calm coastal setting with easy access to nature and culture. Because of that, 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.

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.

Top 5 Things to do in Khao Lak

In this article, we will take you to explore the five experiences that show Khao Lak destinations at its best. Each stop offers a different way to enjoy the coast, the forests, and the warm rhythm of local life. The list below covers the most enjoyable ways to explore the area.

Waterfalls and forest trails

Waterfalls sit high on most lists of things to do in Khao Lak. Start with Ton Chong Fah Waterfall inside Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park. A short trail leads through green forest and ends at a clear pool. You can swim, sit under the trees, or relax with snacks and cold drinks. Because the trail feels gentle, the spot suits almost any traveller.

Next, visit Sai Rung Waterfall, also known as Rainbow Waterfall. The walk from the parking area takes only a few minutes. The main pool feels wide, calm, and perfect for cooling down. Morning light adds a lovely glow, while late afternoon feels softer. This simple stop remains one of the easiest things to do in Khao Lak.

Island adventures and scenic lakes

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

For a change of scenery, head inland to Khao Sok National Park Limestone cliffs rise from emerald water and create a dramatic scene. Boats cross the lake and stop at viewpoints and floating raft houses. You can also join short cave walks or gentle jungle trails. This trip adds a unique experience to your list of things to do in Khao Lak.

Markets and local culture

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. You also find casual bars, clothes, souvenirs, and handmade crafts. The atmosphere feels relaxed, and you can stay for hours.

On weekends, you can explore Takua Pa Old Town. Old buildings line narrow streets with colourful shutters and signboards. This area once thrived as a tin trading town. Today, it draws travellers who enjoy slow walks, photos, and street food. A Sunday walking street offers desserts, drinks, and small performances. It remains one of the most charming things to do in Khao Lak for culture seekers.

Beaches and national parks

Beaches form the heart of many things to do in Khao Lak. Several long stretches of sand run along the coast. Bangsak Beach offers soft waves and wide open space. Khuk Khak Beach feels calm and perfect for long walks. Nang Thong Beach offers views of a lighthouse, black rocks, and golden sand. Because each beach has a different mood, you can enjoy a new one each day.

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

Temples and gentle adventures

Wat Khrom Me Nee Ya Khet (Wat Khuek Khak) welcomes travellers all year. Golden statues and a peaceful reclining Buddha create a calm setting. Dress with covered shoulders and knees out of respect. This stop works well for travellers who enjoy cultural things to do in Khao Lak.

Tham Phung Chang Cave sits near Phang Nga town and offers a slow, guided adventure. The route moves through the cave by boat, by raft, and then on foot. Rock formations look like animals and mythical figures. This cave adds a simple and memorable activity to your plan.

Best hotel in to stay near Things to do 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 sits 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 canal. Lunch and dinner include Thai favourites, international dishes, and fresh seafood. Evening drinks by the beach complete each day with sound of waves and open sky. Because the resort sits close to the 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.

Khao Lak destinations gives you 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.