A calm beach base for Similan boulders, Surin reefs, and Richelieu Rock
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Overview
Khao Lak is the laid-back mainland base on Thailand's Andaman coast for reaching two headline marine parks: Mu Ko Similan National Park and Mu Ko Surin National Park, including the iconic Richelieu Rock. Expect granite boulder playgrounds, coral walls, and pelagic surprises like manta rays and occasional whale sharks, with water often around 26°C to 29°C during the open season. Diving works either as fast day boats from local piers or as multi-day liveaboards that stay in the islands for early starts and calmer sites. Plan around the annual park closure in the southwest monsoon (typically mid-May to mid-October), when sea conditions shut down most Similan and Surin trips. On land, Khao Lak stays mellow: long beaches, easy food options, and simple day trips to rainforest waterfalls, Phang Nga Bay, and Khao Sok.
Khao Lak sits in Phang Nga Province on the Andaman Sea, roughly 80 km north of Phuket. It is the most convenient mainland staging point for:
The Similans are known for giant granite formations, swim-throughs, and wide-angle seascapes. Combine a boulder site like Elephant Head Rock with a coral slope such as Anita's Reef.
Surin has some of Thailand's best shallow coral gardens for both divers and snorkelers, plus access to Richelieu Rock, a magnet for schooling fish and macro life.
Mix early-boat days with slower afternoons:
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Last updated: January 23, 2026 • 12 sources
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Trip callouts
Base on the mainland and day-trip or liveaboard into Mu Ko Similan National Park and Mu Ko Surin National Park, depending on the season.
Khao Lak is a practical gateway to Richelieu Rock, one of Thailand's most celebrated sites for schooling fish, macro life, and occasional big-animal days.
Choose fast day boats for a single highlight or a multi-day liveaboard to string together Similan boulders, Koh Bon ridges, Koh Tachai pinnacles, and Surin reefs.
Long beaches, easy dining, night markets, and quick access to waterfalls and rainforest make it an easy base for mixed groups.
scuba
Why Khao Lak for Scuba Diving
Khao Lak is a dedicated jump-off point for Andaman Sea diving, with fast access to Mu Ko Similan National Park and Mu Ko Surin National Park. It is one of the simplest mainland bases for the full "Koh Bon West Ridge + Koh Tachai Pinnacle + Richelieu Rock" loop, whether you go on a 1-day speedboat trip or a multi-day liveaboard. Expect big granite scenery in the Similans, colorful reefs in Surin, and high-energy pinnacles that reward good buoyancy and current management. Local operators like Sea Dragon Dive Center, Sunrise Divers, and Khao Lak Explorer run seasonal schedules aligned with the marine park open months.
freedive
Why Khao Lak for Freediving
snorkel
Why Khao Lak for Snorkeling
Khao Lak is a strong snorkeling base in the calm season because speedboat day trips can reach clear-water bays in both the Similan and Surin island groups. Surin is especially friendly for snorkelers thanks to shallow coral gardens, while the Similans add iconic beaches and viewpoints like Donald Duck Bay. Many operators bundle hotel pickup, lunch, and park entry logistics, making it easy for mixed groups that include non-divers.
topside
What to do when you're not in the water
Khao Lak is built for mellow recovery days: long beaches for sunrise walks, casual dining in Bang Niang and Nang Thong, and easy access to waterfalls and rainforest. In the dry season you can stack early dive boats with relaxed afternoons at cafes or spas. In the wetter months, lean into inland nature: waterfalls run stronger and Khao Sok day trips become a highlight even when offshore parks are closed.
Freediving from Khao Lak is mostly boat-based: calm-season trips into the Similans and Surin offer clear water, reef exploration, and the option to run depth sessions from a stable boat. Local schools such as Khao Lak Explorer and Sea Bees list freediving programs, and some itineraries in the region are explicitly freedive-focused. Treat the monsoon months as a reset: offshore access becomes limited and training shifts to sheltered water or pool work.
