14/02/2016
Embarking on a journey from the bustling island of Phuket to the tranquil shores of Khao Lak offers a refreshing change of pace, promising serene beaches, lush national parks, and a more laid-back atmosphere. While Phuket pulsates with vibrant nightlife and busy tourist hubs, Khao Lak, nestled about 100 km north in Phang Nga Province, caters predominantly to families and those seeking peace, quiet, and a deep connection with nature. This guide delves into everything you need to know about navigating this route, focusing on the various transport options available, their associated costs, and crucial tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable transfer.
Choosing the right mode of transport is paramount for a comfortable start to your Khao Lak adventure. Whether you prioritise speed, budget, or comfort, understanding the nuances of each option will help you make an informed decision. From private taxis offering door-to-door convenience to economical bus services and even adventurous train connections, there’s a solution for every type of traveller.
Taxi Services: Cost and Experience from Phuket Airport
For many, a direct taxi service from Phuket International Airport (HKT) to Khao Lak is the most straightforward and convenient option. The journey typically covers around 80 kilometres and takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and your specific destination within Khao Lak. The cost of a taxi from Phuket airport to Khao Lak generally ranges from 1,100 to 1,600 baht. It's worth noting that prices can fluctuate, often becoming more expensive for late-night or early-morning arrivals, with 03:00 AM arrivals potentially incurring higher fares.
However, traveller experiences with taxi services can vary significantly, highlighting the importance of choosing a reputable provider. While some passengers report highly organised, on-time pickups with friendly and safe drivers, others have encountered less desirable situations. For instance, some experiences detail drivers speeding excessively (up to 110-120 km/hr) and driving erratically, including weaving through traffic without signalling, even leading to incidents like driving into a median and getting a flat tyre. In such cases, the continuation of the journey with a replacement vehicle was often smooth, but the initial experience was understandably unsettling, especially for those travelling with young children.
Conversely, many travellers commend drivers for their punctuality, polite demeanour, and careful driving, even in adverse weather conditions like heavy rain. The flexibility to make stops at ATMs or convenience stores, such as a 7/11, for refreshments or essentials is also a service frequently praised. This mixed bag of experiences underscores the fact that while taxis offer unparalleled convenience, the reliability and safety of the service can hinge on the individual driver and company.
Key Taxi Providers and Their Reputations
Several companies operate taxi services on this route. 'Call Me Taxi (คอลมีแท๊กซี่)' appears in multiple reviews, showcasing both highly positive feedback regarding organisation and punctuality, and negative accounts of erratic driving. 'Phuket Transfer Travel Andaman (ภูเก็ตทรานสเฟอร์ทราเวลอันดามัน)' and 'Happy EV Taxi' also feature, with reports of on-time, friendly drivers and even early arrivals, although one instance mentioned being dropped off at the wrong hotel, requiring a subsequent pickup by the correct hotel.
For shared van services, as detailed by one traveller, delays can be substantial, with waits exceeding an hour for a connecting vehicle, and the replacement vehicle being an older, less comfortable bus. This can significantly extend the journey time, turning a short ride into a 4.5-hour ordeal. Therefore, if booking a shared service, it's wise to clarify the exact process and potential waiting times.
Alternative Transport Options
While taxis offer directness, several other transport methods provide more budget-friendly or adventurous ways to reach Khao Lak.
Bus Services
Buses are a popular and economical choice for travel from Phuket to Khao Lak. They are readily available from Phuket Bus Terminal 1. Buses heading towards Takua Pa, Ranong, or Surat Thani will all pass through Khao Lak. The journey from Phuket to Khao Lak by bus typically takes around 2 hours and costs approximately 90-130 baht. As of December 2022, there are four daily departures from Phuket Bus Terminal 1 to Takua Pa, stopping in Khao Lak, at 08:40, 11:40, 14:00, and 17:20.
Local buses, such as those travelling from Takua Pa to Phuket, pass through Khao Lak roughly every hour until about 18:00. These can be flagged down anywhere along Route 4. There are designated small bus stops in central Bang La On (opposite Nang Thong Supermarket for southbound buses) and across the street (in front of Khao Lak Tourism and Tour for northbound buses). Express buses, however, will not stop on demand, so you might need to wait for a local, smaller, and less luxurious bus.
For travellers coming from further afield, buses from Chumphon to Phuket take around 5 hours to reach Khao Lak, costing about 270 baht. From Bangkok, overnight buses depart from the southern bus terminal Sai Tai Mai, taking approximately 10 hours and costing less than 500 baht. Some Bangkok travel agents might route your trip via Surat Thani, requiring a change of bus.
BKS (government bus company) buses exclusively stop at the BKS Bus Terminal in Khuk Khak, located near the fresh market a couple of blocks behind the 7-Eleven. It's important to remember that no buses have Khao Lak as their starting or ending point, but the region is well-served by routes originating from major cities like Bangkok, Chumphon, Phuket, Ranong, Surat Thani, and Takua Pa.
Train Travel (via Surat Thani)
For those on a very tight budget or seeking a unique travel experience, combining a train journey with a bus ride is an option, albeit a less convenient one. The nearest train station to Khao Lak is in Surat Thani, on the east coast. From Bangkok, a 3rd-class train ticket to Surat Thani costs around 483 baht, followed by a bus from Surat Thani to Khao Lak for approximately 150 baht. This combined journey can take around 12 hours from Bangkok to Khao Lak.
It's crucial to manage expectations regarding comfort for 3rd-class train travel: expect straight-backed, lightly padded bench seats, limited legroom, and no air-conditioning (only fans and open windows). However, food and drink hawkers are plentiful at every station stop. If travelling from Khao Lak by train, you'd take a bus to Surat Thani (a 4-hour ride), with the first stop in Surat Thani being the train station.
Understanding Khao Lak's Geography for Arrivals
Khao Lak itself is a 20 km long strip of coastal resorts, and its layout can be somewhat confusing for first-time visitors. The region is essentially laid out like a long strip mall along Phetkasem Road (Thailand Route 4). Early settlement patterns resulted in three primary population centres: Bang La On, Bang Niang, and Khuk Khak. Many businesses identify themselves simply as "Khao Lak," which can be misleading.
Driving north from Phuket, you'll first pass a sign for Ban Khao Lak (a small village of little interest) at km803. After traversing Lak Mountain, you descend into Bang La On, which is considered the de facto heart of the Khao Lak region. This area, stretching from km795 to km797, is mistakenly called Khao Lak by most visitors and is where you'll find many shops, bars, restaurants, and banks.
A couple of kilometres north of Bang La On is Bang Niang (around km793.3), which is more "Thai" and less "tourist-centric." Further north, Khuk Khak (around km790) is even more local, serving as the regional centre for hardware and infrastructure supporting the resorts.
If you're travelling by bus and simply tell the conductor "Khao Lak," you will most likely be dropped off in Bang La On, near the Nang Thong Supermarket. This might be far from your actual hotel, so it's always best to be specific about your intended destination within Khao Lak (e.g., Bang Niang, Khuk Khak, or your hotel name).
Getting Around Within Khao Lak
Navigating the 20-kilometre length of Khao Lak requires understanding the local transport landscape. Unlike some other tourist destinations, Khao Lak's local transport infrastructure has its quirks:
- Walking: Practical and pleasant in concentrated areas like the south end of Bang La On, but generally unpleasant and even dangerous for longer distances or between towns due to sprawling layouts, lack of pavements, and fast-moving traffic on Route 4.
- Bicycling: Available for rent from guesthouses and hotels (around 100 baht per day for short-term). Not practical at night as most don't have lights.
- Motorbikes: Widely available for rent from hotels, guesthouses, or bars (around 250 baht per day for a Honda Click scooter, cheaper for longer rentals). No qualifications are typically required, but renters often ask to hold your passport. Be aware of the risks: no insurance, liability for damages, and high chances of being deemed at fault in an accident involving a Thai. Always take photos of the bike before renting and insist on a good helmet (police conduct frequent roadblocks, fines apply for not wearing one). Petrol stations are limited, with the main one north of Khuk Khak centre (km 790.5), though roadside stands sell fuel in bottles after hours.
- Songthaews: These are shared pick-up trucks with two rows of seats in the back, commonly used by locals. They operate along Route 4, passing every fifteen minutes or so during daylight hours. You can flag them down, state your destination, and pay upon departing (around 20 baht for a short hop, 50 baht for a trip across the region). However, a local "taxi cartel" reportedly discourages songthaews from stopping for tourists, preferring them to hire private vehicles.
- Taxis (Local): Within Khao Lak, there are no metered taxis. Off-hours songthaews serve as taxis, often found waiting near town centres. They are considerably more expensive than regular songthaew fares; a trip that might cost 50 baht in a shared songthaew could cost 300 baht in a private one. Always agree on the price beforehand, clarifying whether it's a total price or per person.
Many resort hotels offer complimentary shuttle services at set times, and some restaurants or businesses provide free pickups within a reasonable distance for patrons. Always check with your accommodation or desired establishment for these options.
Comparative Overview: Phuket to Khao Lak Transport
| Mode of Transport | Approx. Cost (Baht) | Approx. Time | Comfort Level | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Taxi (Phuket Airport) | 1,100 - 1,600 | 1.5 - 2 hrs | High | Door-to-door, direct, potential for varied driver quality, higher cost for late arrivals. |
| Shared Van (Phuket Airport) | Varies (often less than private taxi) | 2 - 3 hrs+ | Medium | Cost-effective, potential for significant delays/waiting for other passengers/vehicles. |
| Bus (Phuket Terminal) | 90 - 130 | 2 hrs | Medium | Very economical, specific departure times, drop-off often in Bang La On (may require local transport to hotel). |
| Train + Bus (from Bangkok via Surat Thani) | ~633 (483 train + 150 bus) | ~12 hrs | Low (3rd class train) | Most budget-friendly long-distance, adventurous, but very long and less comfortable. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Khao Lak from Phuket?
Khao Lak is approximately 100 km north of Phuket Town and about 80 km from Phuket International Airport. The drive typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
What is the best way to get from Phuket to Khao Lak?
The "best" way depends on your priorities. A private taxi offers the most convenience and directness. Buses are the most budget-friendly option. Shared vans offer a middle ground but can involve waiting times.
Are taxis in Thailand generally safe?
Taxi safety in Thailand can be a mixed experience. While many drivers are professional and safe, some travellers report issues with speeding or erratic driving. It's advisable to book with reputable companies if possible and always agree on the fare beforehand if the taxi isn't metered.
Can I pre-book a taxi from Phuket to Khao Lak?
Yes, many online platforms and local agencies allow you to pre-book taxis, often providing a fixed price. This can offer peace of mind upon arrival.
How do I get around Khao Lak itself?
Within Khao Lak, options include walking (limited due to sprawling layout), renting bicycles or motorbikes (exercise caution and ensure helmets are worn), and using songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) or private "taxis" (unmetered songthaews that are more expensive). Many hotels also offer shuttle services.
Is Khao Lak suitable for families?
Absolutely. Khao Lak is renowned for catering mainly to families and those seeking a peaceful, nature-focused holiday away from the more vibrant nightlife of places like Patong.
Conclusion
Travelling from Phuket to Khao Lak is a straightforward journey with multiple transport options to suit various budgets and preferences. While private taxis offer the ultimate in comfort and directness, it's wise to be aware of the potential for varied driver experiences and to clarify pricing. Buses provide an excellent economical alternative, connecting you to the heart of Khao Lak efficiently. Once you arrive, navigating the long coastal strip requires a bit of planning, with songthaews and motorbikes being common choices, each with their own considerations regarding safety and cost.
Ultimately, a little preparation and awareness of the local transport dynamics will ensure your journey to Khao Lak is as serene and enjoyable as the destination itself. Embrace the tranquility and natural beauty that awaits you in this remarkable part of Southern Thailand.
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