Bangkok to Khao Lak — Fly to Phuket and Drive North in About an Hour, Overnight Bus to Takua Pa, and When the Similan Islands Are Open
Khao Lak has no airport. The usual way is to fly to Phuket and continue north by minivan or taxi in a little over an hour, or take an overnight bus from Bangkok. Which stretch of beach to choose, and the season when Similan Islands trips run.
Khao Lak is a long stretch of coast in Phang Nga province, about 60–80 km north of Phuket. It is far quieter than Patong and is the main base for trips to the Similan Islands. There is no airport and no railway, so getting there revolves around Phuket airport and the overnight bus.
All options
| Option | Total time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fly to Phuket + minivan or taxi | 1 h 25 min flight + 1–1.5 hours by road | The default; Phuket airport is at the north of the island, close to Khao Lak |
| Overnight bus Bangkok → Khao Lak/Takua Pa | About 12–13 hours | Cheap, arrives in the morning; many buses stop right on the Khao Lak strip |
| Train to Surat Thani + road | Overnight sleeper + 2.5–3 hours by road | For rail travellers; not a direct line |
Fly to Phuket, then by road
Phuket airport sits at the northern tip of the island, minutes from the Sarasin bridge, which makes Khao Lak closer to the airport than Patong beach is. From the airport, head north on Highway 4 through Khok Kloi and reach Khao Lak in 1–1.5 hours. Three ways: a pre-booked taxi or transfer to your resort, a shared minivan that leaves when full, and the Phuket–Takua Pa local bus that stops along the way. If you land late at night, pre-book the transfer; shared vans are scarce at Phuket airport after dark.
- Book Phuket airport–Khao Lak transfers and minivans: open 12Go
Overnight bus
Buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) in the late afternoon and evening, run south via Chumphon, Ranong or Surat Thani, and reach Takua Pa or the stops along the Khao Lak strip in the early morning, about 12–13 hours. Better classes have reclining seats and a toilet. Much cheaper than flying at holiday time, but it costs a night and you may arrive before your resort can check you in.
- See all buses and options Bangkok–Khao Lak: open 12Go
The beaches of Khao Lak
Khao Lak is not one village but roughly 20 km of coast. From south to north: Khao Lak beach (closest to Phuket, cliff-side resorts) · Nang Thong (the centre, with restaurants and the night market) · Bang Niang (accommodation at every price) · Khuk Khak and Pakweep (quiet and wide). Similan trips leave from Thap Lamu pier further north; every resort arranges pickup to the pier.
Seasons and the Similans
Khao Lak is Andaman: dry season November to April, rain May to October. The key fact is that Similan Islands national park is open only from about mid-October to mid-May. Outside those dates no boats go. If the Similans are the goal, plan inside that window and avoid the first week after opening, when the sea may still be unsettled.
Common mistakes
- Looking for a Khao Lak airport. There is none; fly to Phuket and continue by road.
- Booking a resort at the northern end and expecting to walk to the night market. The beaches are kilometres apart; use resort shuttles or rent a scooter.
- Planning a Similan trip in the rainy season. The park is closed and no tours are sold.
Flights
Compare fares across all airlines in one search (prices depend on the date; last-minute is the expensive way): Bangkok → Phuket
Where to stay
Compare hotels and guesthouses along this route (prices change by season; check the live price on the booking page): Khao Lak · Phuket
Summary
Fly to Phuket and pre-book a transfer to your resort; Khao Lak is a little over an hour away. On a budget, take the overnight bus and arrive in the morning. Choose your stretch of beach deliberately, and for the Similans travel between mid-October and mid-May.