Must-sees in Khao Lak

Khao Lak - Thai Cooking Experience Khao Lak

Whether you fancy yourself as a dab hand in the kitchen or you're just starting your culinary journey, this half-day Thai cooking class is the business. You'll pick-up ingredients from an organic garden, and rustle up a trio of typical dishes. Then, it's the part that everyone loves – you'll get to tuck into your own creations. It promises to be a morning or afternoon packed with flavour.You'll start your day like a proper Thai chef. Grab a basket, and you'll help collect all the ingredients you need from the chef's very own organic garden. Afterwards, we'll head into the kitchen to get prepped and get stuck into preparing Thai specialities.The menu features khung sarong, a fried prawn and noodle dish, chicken with cashew nuts and stir-fried vegetables, and a lip-tingling panang curry. And then comes the icing on the cake– once you're done, you'll sit down and enjoy your very own culinary creations. A real taste of Thailand.

Khao Lak - 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.

Khao Lak - Full-day Phang Nga Bay cruise

Dotted with luscious islands and staggering rock formations, Phang Nga Bay is a beauty to behold. Join a bay cruise to swim in the turquoise lagoon of Koh Hong and to explore one of the world's most beautiful archipelagos.

Khao Lak - Full-day James Bond Island speedboat tour with mangrove canoeing

Departing from Khao Lak, this tour sees you speed off into Phang Nga Bay to one of its many highlights – James Bond Island. Sprinkled with Hollywood glamour, it's one of Thailand's top attractions. On this early bird speedboat trip, you'll also canoe through mangrove forests and have lunch in Ko Panyi.Starting early, you'll get to see the incredible limestone karsts in mesmerizing morning light. You'll travel by speedboat though the emerald-green sea to one island that everyone wants to see – James Bond Island, or Khao Phing Kan as it's known locally.Then it's time to ramp up pace with a kayaking experience, where you'll explore a fascinating network of mangrove forests at Tum Lod. Lunch comes courtesy of the locals at Ko Panyi – ‘The Floating Village' – a place built entirely on stilts. We round off with a chance to grab some snaps at the viewpoint of Samet Nangshe.

Khao Lak - The Lost Zone Amazon & Old Town from Khao Lak

Deep in the Takua Pa rainforests lies a ‘lost world'. Known locally as Little Amazon, it's like Jurassic Park without the dinosaurs though there's plenty of exotic wildlife. This adventure kicks off in the old-world town of Takua Pa before exploring Little Amazon by canoe.

Khao Lak - 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.

Khao Lak - Evening Patong by Night and Simon Cabaret Show

You'll enjoy a night on the town tonight – specifically, Patong Town – Phuket's party capital. Make sure you dress to impress with this one as you head to the glamorous Simon Cabaret show before spending free time in the Bangla Road area. It's a two-hour transfer from Khao Lak to the province's top nightlife spot, so you'll set off early in an air-conditioned coach. When you reach the bright lights of Patong, you'll be dropped off at the theatre for a cabaret show. Simon Cabaret has been going strong since 1991, and matches rainbow-coloured sets with extravagant costumes and high-octane performances.Once you've enjoyed the show, you'll get the chance to have your photograph taken with the stars, complete with elaborate headdresses. Finally, you'll be let loose in Patong's Bangla Road area for free time. Here, you'll find a huge selection of open-air bars and nightclubs – barter for deals with the hostesses before you go in.

Khao Lak - 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.

Khao Lak - Full-day Ko Rok & Ko Haa Snorkelling Tour by Speedboat

Far-flung places where you can escape it all and picture-perfect coral reefs are the stars of this full-day snorkelling trip. You'll soon step foot on Ko Rok– a hidden paradise – and find yourself searching for fish in among the corals of Ko Haa as you're whisked away on a speedboat tour from Khao Lak.The fun kicks off in style as you zoom towards Ko Rok, making a quick detour en route to the emerald green lagoon at Pileh Cove in Ko Phi Phi Le. It's only accessible during high tide, but it's a sight worth the diversion. Jump off the boat and grab a few pics from the water. Then, we'll speed across the sea to Lonely Beach on Ko Rok.Here you'll be greeted by powder-white beaches, turquoise waters and banyan tree forests. The waters that lap against cover coral reef so snorkelling here is a real treat. Enjoy a lunch also of tasty Thai food on the beach and, before you know it, you'll be gliding over to protected lagoons of Ko Haa and some more coral snorkelling.

Khao Lak - Full-day Similan Islands speedboat tour

The Thai Royal Family don't just holiday anywhere – they holiday in the Similan Islands. And on this exclusive speed boat experience, you'll discover why. Zooming between palm-fringed beaches and granite rocks, you'll get the chance to snorkel the reefs of Thailand's premier marine reserve before a tasty lunch beachside.

Khao Lak - Khao Sok National Park full-day tour

With its limestone cliffs, lush rainforests and beautiful lake, Khao Sok National Park is one of Thailand's natural treasures. On this excursion, you'll visit the lake, trek through the rainforest and dine in one of the floating bamboo huts. A perfect day in the heart of a Jurassic world.Right from the go, this is a tour steeped in drama. A longtail boat takes you from the Rajjaprabha Dam for a trip around the Cheow Lan Lake, where you'll be surrounded by towering, limestone cliffs. Then it's back on land for a guided trek through the rainforest with an experienced local ranger. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys swinging in the trees and if you're lucky you might see the world's largest flower – the endemic rafflesia kerrii.Next, you'll explore some of the park's caves before a lunch with a twist – you'll dine in one of the floating bamboo huts in the middle of the lake. Afterwards, there'll be free time to relax and swim in the lake.

Khao Lak - Full-day sea kayaking guided island tour from Khao Lak

This one is all about paddle power as you glide through the waters of Phang Nga Bay by sea kayak. You'll navigate caves and lagoons on Panak Island, Hong Island and the iconic James Bond Island on this full day tour.Cruising into Phang Nga Bay, our first point of call is one of its most famous islands – Panak. Your guide will paddle you through a network of caves leading to mystical lagoons before it's time to relax over a Thai buffet lunch. Keep your eyes peeled, though – you might spot some monkeys and bats along the way.Then it's over to James Bond Island, made famous from the classic film Man with the Golden Gun. We'll continue to Hong Island where a pristine lagoon encircled by rocks marks our final stop on the tour. And to finish up, your crew will serve up fresh Thai-style chicken on the way back to Khao Lak.

Khao Lak - 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.

Khao Lak - Full day Phang Nga and Ko Khai Island hopping by speedboat from Khao Lak

Caves, mangrove forests and a floating village – this Phang Nga Bay island-hopping excursion has all the ingredients for a perfect day out. You'll be whisked from island to island – four in total – by speedboat, get to snorkel in glittering waters and grab lunch as you glide through Ko Panyi.The first of our four islands is Ko Panak. After an exhilarating speedboat ride, you'll explore the beautiful cave and lagoon there – keep an eye out for the ice cream-shaped stalactite. Next up is Ko Hong. This is a great place to get close to nature and enjoy the views of limestone cliffs and turquoise waters.Your adventure day continues with a trip to James Bond Island – Ko Tapu to the locals – and lunch on the floating village of Ko Panyi, passing lush mangrove forests on the way over. Last but by no means least, is Ko Khai. Relax on the white sands before venturing into the water to snorkel around the vibrant coral reefs.

Khao Lak - Full day Phi Phi Islands by speedboat

Visiting the legendary Phi Phi Islands is a must-do when in Thailand. And there's no more stylish way to do so than this speedboat trip. You'll cruise by the best beaches in the archipelago, and have free time to swim, snorkel and relax. And with Monkey beach and Pileh Cove also on the itinerary, it's sure to be a great day.As you arrive in the archipelago, you'll drop in at Bamboo Island for a swim before cruising by the famous Maya Bay where the Leonardo DiCaprio movie, The Beach, was filmed. Stop for lunch in Phi Phi Don, and it's onwards to Monkey Beach and Viking Cave.Chill out as you glide past some of the best beaches in Thailand and see the standout spots of Pileh Cove and Loh Sama Bay where you'll snorkel and swim to cool off. Finally, some relaxation time on Koh Rang Yai completes the day.

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.

Khao Lak - 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.

Khao Lak - Full-Day Phuket Sightseeing & Shopping Tour

Phuket is famed for beaches and temples. And while this trip visits both, it also takes in lesser-known treasures such as a cashew nut factory and Gem's Gallery. Afterwards, there'll be time to check out the Chalong Temple and Patong beach.You'll know you're about to arrive at your first stop when you can smell the aroma of freshly roasted cashew nuts. Tour the factory and see how the nuts are made from the locally grown cashew fruit. And you'll sample some at the end. Next, head to Gem's Gallery to take a look at its collection of handmade gold and silver diamond rings.For a spot of culture, you'll visit the amazing Wat Chalong, the largest temple in Phuket. Learn about Buddhism, wander round the impressive gardens and climb to the top floor terrace for great views of the grounds. You'll continue to Patong beach. You'll have free time to do as you please – chill on the beach or check out the street markets.