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 tour of Phang Nga Bay with James Bond Island visit

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.During the morning you'll cast off on local longtail boats from Ban Hinrom Pier to explore the bay by sea. And you'll soon be surrounded by the famous emerald-topped karsts that give Phang Bga Bay its fame. You'll venture to Hong Island first, exploring the caves by canoe, then it's on to James Bond Island where we'll have the freedom to sail wherever we wish and even explore on land.Stop for a swim, then time for lunch at one of the best viewpoints in Phang Nga Bay, Samet Nangshe, where you'll dine with views from the terrace. Next stop will be ‘Monkey Cave', or Wat Suwan Khuha, home to the reclining Buddha – and lots of monkeys. Finally, you'll chill out and swim at Raman Forest waterfall in the jungle.

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 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 Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands catamaran tour from Khaolak

You'll bound out of bed as dawn is breaking for this Thai island-hopping adventure. The draw of swimming in the shallows of the Bamboo and Phi Phi Islands is made even sweeter by the luxury catamaran you'll be sailing there on. Local guide, Somsak, always looks forward to this tour, ‘you're really seeing the best of island life, from the soft white beaches and cheeky jungle monkeys, to some of the clearest waters with top visibility for snorkelling.' Start with a light breakfast at the Royal Phuket Marina, then board the sleek and speedy catamaran that'll whisk you across the Andaman Sea to southern Thailand's best-loved islands. You'll start with the Phi Phi Island's big hitter – Maya Bay – made famous by its starring role in the Leo DiCaprio flick The Beach. Tourist numbers are limited here, but you'll walk the jungle trail down to the beach.Next, take a dip in Pileh Lagoon before sailing past Viking Cave for a look – it's a jagged opening in the cliffside that looks like a mouth about to swallow you whole. You'll stop at Monkey Bay, where you're likely to spot wild macaques in the jungle. Then, don a mask and snorkel to explore the colourful coral reefs nearby. Tuck into an international buffet lunch and take a wander around the island before finishing the tour with a stop at Bamboo Island. The white sandy beaches and clear blue waters here make it the perfect place to swim, snorkel or simply soak up the rays.

Full-day Surin Islands early bird snorkelling tour

The stunning reefs of the Surin Islands start in shallow bays and continue out into the deep sea, teeming with colourful marine life. On this full day tour, you'll be whisked from place to place in a speedboat, with free time to chill out on paradise beaches and snorkel in the warm and fish-filled waters. What's more, this is an early bird tour, so you'll beat the crowds.The day kicks off with an early start to beat the crowds. Casting off into Mu Ko Surin National Park at this time though is worth it – there's no better way to see its five luxuriant islands than bathed in mesmerizing morning light.White sandy beaches and lush tropical rainforests full of tropical creatures are the hallmark of the Surin Islands. And between stops to swim, snorkel and explore, you'll be served lunch. Afterwards, there's a chance to sleep it all off under the sun and experience more of Thailand's top snorkelling spots.

Full-day Similan Islands Tour by speedboat from Khao Lak

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.We'll kick off the adventure by casting off from Khao Lak. Tearing through the sea, breeze blowing in your face, you'll make your way towards Similan Islands National Marine Park. As Thailand's number one diving spot, it's the ideal place for some snorkelling. Plunge into the waters here and you can expect to see all manner of marine life – from clownfish and manta rays to over 500 species of coral.Drying off, you'll head to a hideaway beach where a light lunch is served. Then, after some time relaxing on the sand, you'll do the trip in reverse. Picking up speed on the way back, you'll feel the wind in your hair as you fly by tropical forests and the Thai Royal Family's holiday home.

Full-day Surin Islands early bird tour by speed catamaran

Surin Islands National Park is where snorkellers go for their fix of rainbow-coloured corals and white sandy beaches straight out of a catalogue. This early risers full-day tour features a speed catamaran ride and a day of snorkelling at some of the finest spots in Thailand. The day kicks off with an early start to beat the crowds. A tropical cocktail of bright blue waters and neon coral reefs, the Surin Islands are an exotic escape inhabited by the Moken – a group of people who have a totally distinct culture thanks to their life on the sea. Meet these fascinating seafaring folk, before your first snorkelling stop at Chong Kaad Bay. Then, it's time for lunch at the National Park's restaurant.You'll continue the day with two more snorkelling stops at the likes of Bon Bay, Tao Bay or Pineapple Bay. And in between spotting marine life, you'll have time to relax, sunbathe and soak in the views on deck.

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.

Full-day Similan Islands early bird tour by speed catamaran

The Similan Islands are untouched jewels in the Andaman Sea and they're what dreams are made of – coral reefs, hideaway beaches and tropical rainforests. You'll take a speed catamaran over first thing to spend the day island hopping, snorkelling and swimming. Your journey kicks off from Khao Lak, slicing through the ocean with the wind as your soundtrack, as you head straight for the Similan Islands National Marine Park. With the crowds at bay, you'll first dock into Donald Duck Bay. Chill out on the snow-white sandy beach or take the opportunity to climb up Sail Rock for panoramic views.Then, it's onto Honeymoon Bay. It's snorkel central here, where you can meet everything from cheeky clownfish to majestic manta rays – not to mention the vibrant coral scene. Chill, unwind, and soak up the sun, before heading back on board for a freshly-prepared buffet lunch. "Enjoy one final snorkel or sunbathe session before we make our way back. Get ready for an adventure that flips the script on your average day trip.

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 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.