Things to do in Khao Lak

Full-day Khao Sok tour with elephant sanctuary and bamboo rafting

Are you ready for an adventure with a uniquely Khao Sok touch? Uncover some of Thailand's best-kept secrets on an exclusive tour that ticks all the boxes. You'll combine a variety of activities, ranging from the cultural to the natural. Haggle with locals in a market, meet elephants at a sanctuary and mingle with monkeys in a temple. Tina, one of our expert local guides, says, "You'll be able to see just how the workers here look after the elephants, including how they get in the water with the animals. You'll see this for yourself, and help out the sanctuary staff by preparing the elephant's food."The fun begins at Takuapa market, where you'll get to taste fresh Thai fruit while meeting the locals. We move it up a gear next at the viewpoint in Khao Sok National Park, before a trip to the local rainforest sanctuary to meet the elephants. The sanctuary is where elderly elephants, who are unable to work, live their daily lives. Once you have helped out with the prep, you'll be able to prepare healthy treats for the elephants and walk with them through the tropical jungle. And, there's more to come. Snap up some pics at the viewpoint in Khao Sok National Park, before arriving at a restaurant to tuck into a traditional Thai lunchtime feast. As it that wasn't enough, you'll get to try river bamboo rafting, sailing along the river before wrapping things up with a sense of zen at ‘Monkey Cave'. Inside is serene and beautiful, with an intricately decorated shrine and often monks praying. You might also catch sight of birds and bats in the cave, but the monkeys generally stay outside.

Full-day Phang Nga Bay highlights tour

This full-day tour shines the spotlight on Phang Nga Bay, allowing you to experience and see its beauty by longtail boat, on land and by canoe. It features all the greatest hits, including James Bond Island, Hong Island, Monkey Cave, viewpoints and waterfalls.

Full-day Khao Lak highlights tour with Buddhist temple blessing

Taking a closer look at Khao Lak local life rewards you with a deeper cultural understanding on this varied tour. You'll meet the locals, learn a little Thai boxing and be blessed by Buddhist monks. Then swap culture for nature with lunch at the beach and a visit to a turtle rescue centre. Malee, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘You'll have some fun getting to grips with Thai Boxing moves, but the original purpose of Muay Thai was not about fun. It began centuries ago when the army developed battlefield tactics for unarmed combat. These ancient combat techniques eventually evolved into the popular sport we know today.'It's all about getting to know Thailand's authentic side on this tour. First, we'll stop by the local school to see how Thai children go about their morning routine. Next, it's on to a temple to offer the Buddhist monks a small donation in exchange for good karma and a sacred bracelet. There's time for a look around the colourful temple to take some photos, too.After the calm of the temple we'll raise the tempo and have a go at the high-flying kicks and powerful punches of Muay Thai boxing at a gym. After all that action you'll be ready for a typical Thai lunch at Sai Rung Waterfall's restaurant. You'll have some time to reflect at the Tsunami Memorial, before an extra-special treat – a chance to learn about, care and feed the elephants at a nearby seaside sanctuary. You'll round off your day with a visit to the turtle rescue and rehabilitation centre to find out about their work.

Phuket full-day temple, pearl and cashew tour with lunch

There's more to Phuket than amazing beaches. This trip shows off another side of the island, its colourful culture. You'll visit Wat Chalong temple, taste local treats and visit Thalong Road. Panya, a local expert guide, says “you'll see all sides of life in Phuket on this tour. Learn about our biggest farming industries, including pearls, cashews and rice, and spend time with a local family for some Thai home-cooking.” Kick off the tour by visiting Rang Hill for panoramic views stretching across Phuket town and out to the coast. Continue on to Wat Chalong, the island's most revered Buddhist temple, and gaze at its golden statues. Then, it's on to see how some of the country's favourite delicacies, cashew nuts, are produced. You'll go to a factory and see how the locally grown nuts are plucked from yellow cashew apples, before being roasted and peeled for eating.Next, stroll along the famous Thalong Road and see its blend of Chinese and Portuguese architecture and Chinese influence. Keep an eye out for an early 20th-century mansion featured in the hit Hollywood movie, Good Morning Vietnam. Find out about one of Phuket's most important industries at a pearl farm, followed by a tasty Thai lunch. Finally, it's on to a typical home where there'll be a rubber tapping demo, plus a quick lesson on how to whip up the perfect Thai curry.

Full-day Phang Nga three-temple tour from Khao Lak

A day packed with culture, spirituality and flavour. You'll visit three of the most important temples in the Phang Nga province – the Dragon Cave, Bang Rieng Pagoda and Manee Sri Mahathat. First up is the Dragon Cave Temple. Built within and on top of limestone caves, it's as impressive as it is beautiful. Its monks make healing remedies. Next is Bang Rieng Pagoda Temple, high up in the mountains. It is a mixture of Thai and Chinese influences, and its location offers up amazing views of the area.The final temple is Manee Sri Mahathat. It boasts a collection of wax statues of Indian, Chinese and Thai deities. But the most popular of all is that of Phor Than Klai – a monk known as ‘Golden Mouth' because of his ability to predict lottery numbers. And to round off the tour, you'll dine at a restaurant in a mangrove jungle, where you can try traditional delicacies.

Full-day Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Tour with Pileh Lagoon

A trip to the famous Phi Phi Islands is almost compulsory in Thailand, and an early start gives you the chance to discover their beauty without crowds of tourists. A speedboat ride takes you to the best beaches where you can swim, snorkel and relax. And with Monkey beach, Viking Cave and Pileh Lagoon on the itinerary it's sure to be a great day.

Full-Day Elephant Experience from Khao Lak

This full day tour is Thailand to a tee. It's got elephants, Thai food and even a bamboo raft ride through the jungle. You'll visit an elephant rescue centre to learn about these gentle giants before a tasty Thai lunch. Then, spend the afternoon floating downriver in a bamboo raft and checking out a Sea Turtle Conservation Centre.The adventure starts with a scenic drive through Khao Lak National Park, offering spectacular views over the Andaman Sea. The Seaside Retreat stands as one of Thailand's premier parks for elephants. Upon arrival, you'll dive right into learning about and caring for the elephants, an experience that not only connects you with nature but also educates about the critical importance of conservation.Soon, it'll be time for you to eat. Watch your lunch being prepared at live cooking stations before feasting on tasty Thai treats. Then you'll have the chance to relax with a soothing foot spa and create a nature-inspired Eco Print souvenir. Last but not least, hop on a bamboo raft and float through the jungle to the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre – an initiative that cares for thousands of endangered baby turtles until they are released into the Andaman Sea.

Full-day Khao Sok National Park with long-tail boat cruise from Khao Lak

It's an early start to this tour, but some things are worth getting out of bed for. With its limestone cliffs, leafy rainforests and emerald-green lake, Khao Sok National Park is one of Thailand's natural treasures. You'll spend the day leaving no stone unturned – bamboo rafting, a long-tail boat cruise on Cheow Lan lake and trekking through the jungle are just some of the things you'll do.Start by greeting the sun from the Khao Sok viewpoint, then glide on a bamboo raft, making your way to a riverside breakfast. Next, we journey to the emerald heart of Cheow Lan Lake, where you'll join a sightseeing cruise on a traditional longtail boat. Marvel at the limestone cliffs and lush jungle, before setting off on a jungle trek, leading you to explore caves.Break for a tasty lunch at a floating raft-house. Here, indulge in local flavours with a side of panoramic views. After lunch, unwind with some kayaking, or simply soak in the tranquility of the lake's vast waters. Finish up the day with a scenic cruise back to Khao Lak.

Full Day Similan Islands Tour By Speed Catamaran From Khao Lak

Looking for a slice of Thai paradise? You'll find it on this speed catamaran trip to four stunning Similan Islands. It's an action-packed tour with snorkelling, swimming and wildlife watching amid Thailand's most insta-perfect scenery. Dazzling white sand beaches and flying foxes await on Koh 4, while Koh 7 and 9 have stunning reefs to explore. Stop at Koh 8 for time to relax on the beach. You'll get a tasty breakfast and lunch included in your tour, too.

Khao Lak full-day nature tour with turtle shelter visit

Thai Muang National Park makes for a fascinating day trip from Khao Lak. Tear yourself away from the beach for this full day tour in the midst of nature. You'll visit a sea turtle conservation centre, discover fresh forest waterfalls and drift on bamboo river rafts. There's also free time on Had Lek beach.

Phuket Night Explorer from Khao Lak

This tour takes you from sleepy Khao Lak to Phuket– a city that never sleeps. After an afternoon at Patong beach, we'll venture into central Patong to explore its legendary neon nightlife. Thousands roam the streets, browsing the shops, restaurants and the atmospheric nighttime markets.On your way to Phuket, you'll cross the impressive Sarasin Bridge and arrive at Patong beach in the afternoon. Then, it's time for the real fun to start.Wander the bustling streets and see the city after dark. There's plenty to do and even just a stroll around is enjoyable. Hit the shopping streets to bag some souvenirs or look for the nighttime markets, where they sell everything from food to souvenirs. At night, you'll see the city come to life under the glow of street lights and neon signs.

Full-day Khao Lak off-road Safari

Southern Thailand is all about waterfalls cascading down steep limestone cliffs, serene rivers snaking their way through forested hills and swaying palm trees by pristine beaches. And all are on the menu in this full day excursion by canoe and 4x4 vehicle.You'll get to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings of Khao Lak as you set off on your own canoe and paddle your way along a river into a dreamlike landscape. Blossoming flowers will welcome you in and you'll soon find yourself in amongst Thailand's paradise. Then, recharge your batteries over tasty Thai food at a local restaurant before climbing aboard a 4x4 for an action-packed afternoon.Expect panoramic views by the dozen during the drive along bumpy country tracks deep into the countryside. Enduring the bumps is well rewarded – a mountain-fresh waterfall set in among virgin rainforest awaits at the end.