Although Khao Lak is not far from Phuket, these two places have a completely different atmosphere. Tourists looking for a quiet place to escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok should not miss Khao Lak, a peaceful place with a healthy dose of natural beauty. This series of coastal towns and beaches stretches for about 20 kilometers along the Andaman Sea in southern Thailand. It is known as a place of relaxation for travelers, especially for families who want to enjoy the beach without the hustle and bustle of Phuket. Take a journey from Bangkok to Khao Lak and discover it first hand.
What are the transportation options from Bangkok to Khao Lak?
It is almost 800 kilometers from Bangkok to Khao Lak, so getting to this beautiful seaside destination is not that fast. That being said, there are several transport options to get there from the capital. As always, your travel plans and budget will influence your choice.
There is no airport in Khao Lak, but since it is only 82 kilometers north of Phuket, you can fly to this airport to reach your final destination. Another viable option is to travel by car, taxi, van or bus. Read on for more information on each of these options.
Flights from Bangkok to Khao Lak
Thai Airways plane landing at Phuket International Airport © Tee11 / Shutterstock.com
As we mentioned, there is no airport in Khao Lak, but Phuket International Airport is relatively nearby. Driving from Phuket to Khao Lak takes some time, but compared to traveling from Bangkok, it saves a lot of time.
Of course, the great advantage of traveling by plane is the speed that allows you to reach your destination quickly. About 50 flights are operated daily on this route. In terms of flexibility, flying is a fantastic option that can be adapted to any travel plan, especially if you don’t have a lot of time and just want to enjoy your vacation.
It is also possible to fly from any airport in Bangkok, both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi. With so many airlines to choose from (including Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Thai Smile, Nok Air and Thai Lion Mentari), it shouldn’t be hard to find a reasonably priced ticket. If you can also book in advance, you’ll save even more money.
After landing at Phuket International Airport, you can take a direct transfer to Khao Lak without passing through Phuket Town. Vans and private taxis operate on this route with companies such as Chill Transfers and Gound Business. The journey should take between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2.5 hours. Adding an hour and 20 minutes of flight time, this is the fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Khao Lak. The only drawback is that it is more expensive than a bus ticket.
From Bangkok to Khao Lak by bus or van
Bangkok South Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) © Settawat Udom / Shutterstock.com
If you want to save some money and enjoy the landscape view from your window, taking a bus from Bangkok to Khao Lak is a good option. There are several companies operating this route with several different departure points in Bangkok.
Transport Co STM departs from the South Bus Terminal. It operates this route with VIP buses with air-conditioning, refreshments, hostess service, television and a bathroom on board. The journey takes approximately 13.5 hours. Another operator is Jolly Travel whose buses depart from their office on Khao San Road. Their buses are not so well equipped, but they have air conditioning and a bathroom on board. The duration of the tour is scheduled for 15.5 hours.
Another option is to travel by van from Bangkok to Khao Lak. Tara Tour and Travel offers a van service from their offices near Khao San Road. There is no on-board service in the van, but there is air-conditioning and the trip is slightly shorter at around 13 hours.
All of these options travel overnight, terminating at Khao Lak Bus Station, which is a short walk from beaches and hotels. As this is a night service, you can try to sleep on the bus, but you won’t be able to enjoy the scenery much.
From Bangkok to Khao Lak by taxi
Bangkok taxis come in different colors © 2p2play / Shutterstock.com
If you like the idea of driving by road but want to get to Khao Lak in less time, taxis are a good option. The disadvantage of a taxi is of course the cost. This is the most expensive form of transportation from Bangkok to Khao Lak, but it is a flexible option that includes pick-up from your hotel in Bangkok, drop-off at your hotel door in Khao Lak, and a departure time of your choosing. PGS offers two types of vehicles, a comfort car and nine-seat van. A van is more expensive than a car, but it’s a good option if you’re traveling with friends or family. Dividing the cost between nine people, the individual price will still be more expensive than a bus ticket, but it will be more affordable. Therefore, if you are looking for flexibility, privacy and faster travel, a taxi may be the best solution.
These are all available transport options from Bangkok to Khao Lak. Which one do you prefer?