How to Get Around Khao Lak

Khao Lak comprises a group of charming villages that are slowly getting on the tourist radar in the Phang Nga province of Thailand. Uniquely unspoiled beaches and the family-friendly environment make it even more appealing. With great snorkelling and diving spots being in proximity is an added benefit to the discerning visitors who head to Khao Lak rather than the more popular Krabi and Phuket. Discover the best ways to get about in Khao Lak to make the most of your cherished holiday. 

Songthaews for local rides 

To get an understanding of how best to use public transportation such as the songthaew or the bus be aware that Khao Lak means a few villages connected to Highway 4 commencing from the original Khao Lak village near the mountain in Lam Kaen and stretches to Bang Sak. Songthaew, which is a public shared taxi service, is ideal for your short trips such as visiting one of the Khao Lak restaurants during the holiday. They are frequent during the day, cheap and also provide you with a feel of the local vibes. These colourful pick-up trucks have long seats at the back. If you want to get to any point on Highway 4, just put up your hand and stop one, a short distance to any connecting village is a mere 20 Baht. 

anonymous, Songthaew 3, CC BY-SA 2.5 

Bus Service

This public bus service on Highway 4 between Bangkok and Phuket is quite good and reasonably priced. Little fans keep working to ward off the humidity to some extent. There are bus stop shelters with benches that you can wait at and hop on, in some stretches you may not spot a shelter but will observe people waiting in a shaded spot for the bus, join these locals and await the bus. Once you get in, a collector will come by to pick up your fare and dispense the ticket.Be aware that these buses ply on the highway and if you want to go to an interior point you must opt for a songthaew ride or use a tuk-tuk or a taxi ride.If you plan to do a long trip by bus during your stay such as to Phuket, it is best to book the seat in advance from the BKS bus stop in Khuk Khak local market. Please check with a local for help. These bus rates are costlier; however, the service is efficient.

Tuk-Tuks and Taxis

The prices of both these services may be a bit higher than the rates prevalent in the capital city of Bangkok. But the ride is better as these drivers are not intent on getting you to shop, sightsee and shop as if in a frenzy as often happens in the capital city. The rides are more relaxed, and you will get to your destination using the best route.It is easy to spot taxis and tuk-tuks as these drivers wait near their vehicles chatting with each other. A quick look in their direction, a smile and a nod will make them come towards you.Whether it is a medium distance or a bit longer one, practice prudence by saying where you want to go, discussing the rate and agreeing before you start off the trip. For certain trips such as visiting a waterfall, it may be wiser to agree to an hourly rate as negotiated by guests from Avani+ Khao Lak Resort. When you are quoted rather low rates check about the vehicle and whether you would be comfortable going in that vehicle.

Motorbikes and Scooters

These are cheap, faster, and even fun to use with rental places for both being available everywhere. However, they can also be dangerous on unknown roads that you are unfamiliar with.Prices vary depending on how long you intend to use them and the longer you use the cheaper the rates become. Start using these only if you are quite comfortable and have a good understanding of the roads and the surrounding areas.

Mini-Vans

If you want to travel as a family and travel faster a mini-van hire is possible. These are comfortable and faster at a cost comparable to the service provided. Most hotels and guest houses have a facility to book these services.