Things to do in Khao Lak

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 and give them mud baths. 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.

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.

Phang Nga Bay Highlights Tour

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.

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, care and feed 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.

Full-day Phang Nga three-temple tour from Khao Lak

A day packed with culture, spirituality and flavour. You'll visit three of the most important temples in the Phang Nga province – the Dragon Cave, Bang Rieng Pagoda and Manee Sri Mahathat. First up is the Dragon Cave Temple. Built within and on top of limestone caves, it's as impressive as it is beautiful. Its monks make healing remedies. Next is Bang Rieng Pagoda Temple, high up in the mountains. It is a mixture of Thai and Chinese influences, and its location offers up amazing views of the area.The final temple is Manee Sri Mahathat. It boasts a collection of wax statues of Indian, Chinese and Thai deities. But the most popular of all is that of Phor Than Klai – a monk known as ‘Golden Mouth' because of his ability to predict lottery numbers. And to round off the tour, you'll dine at a restaurant in a mangrove jungle, where you can try traditional delicacies.

Thai Cooking Experience Khao Lak

Whether you fancy yourself as a dab hand in the kitchen or you're just starting your culinary journey, this half-day Thai cooking class is the business. You'll pick-up ingredients from an organic garden, and rustle up a trio of typical dishes. Then, it's the part that everyone loves – you'll get to tuck into your own creations. It promises to be a morning or afternoon packed with flavour.You'll start your day like a proper Thai chef. Grab a basket, and you'll help collect all the ingredients you need from the chef's very own organic garden. Afterwards, we'll head into the kitchen to get prepped and get stuck into preparing Thai specialities.The menu features khung sarong, a fried prawn and noodle dish, chicken with cashew nuts and stir-fried vegetables, and a lip-tingling panang curry. And then comes the icing on the cake– once you're done, you'll sit down and enjoy your very own culinary creations. A real taste of Thailand.

Phuket Night Explorer from Khao Lak

This tour takes you from sleepy Khao Lak to Phuket– a city that never sleeps. After an afternoon at Patong beach, we'll venture into central Patong to explore its legendary neon nightlife. Thousands roam the streets, browsing the shops, restaurants and the atmospheric nighttime markets.On your way to Phuket, you'll cross the impressive Sarasin Bridge and arrive at Patong beach in the afternoon. Then, it's time for the real fun to start.Wander the bustling streets and see the city after dark. There's plenty to do and even just a stroll around is enjoyable. Hit the shopping streets to bag some souvenirs or look for the nighttime markets, where they sell everything from food to souvenirs. At night, you'll see the city come to life under the glow of street lights and neon signs.

Phang Nga Bay Cruise

Dotted with luscious islands and staggering rock formations, Phang Nga Bay is a beauty to behold. Join a bay cruise to swim in the turquoise lagoon of Koh Hong and to explore one of the world's most beautiful archipelagos.

James Bond Island Speedboat Tour with Mangrove Canoeing

Departing from Khao Lak, this tour sees you speed off into Phang Nga Bay to one of its many highlights – James Bond Island. Sprinkled with Hollywood glamour, it's one of Thailand's top attractions. On this early bird speedboat trip, you'll also canoe through mangrove forests and have lunch in Ko Panyi.Starting early, you'll get to see the incredible limestone karsts in mesmerizing morning light. You'll travel by speedboat though the emerald-green sea to one island that everyone wants to see – James Bond Island, or Khao Phing Kan as it's known locally.Then it's time to ramp up pace with a kayaking experience, where you'll explore a fascinating network of mangrove forests at Tum Lod. Lunch comes courtesy of the locals at Ko Panyi – ‘The Floating Village' – a place built entirely on stilts. We round off with a chance to grab some snaps at the viewpoint of Samet Nangshe.

The Lost Zone Amazon & Old Town from Khao Lak

Deep in the Takua Pa rainforests lies a ‘lost world'. Known locally as Little Amazon, it's like Jurassic Park without the dinosaurs though there's plenty of exotic wildlife. This adventure kicks off in the old-world town of Takua Pa before exploring Little Amazon by canoe.

Full-day Khao Lak off-road Safari

Southern Thailand is all about waterfalls cascading down steep limestone cliffs, serene rivers snaking their way through forested hills and swaying palm trees by pristine beaches. And all are on the menu in this full day excursion by canoe and 4x4 vehicle.You'll get to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings of Khao Lak as you set off on your own canoe and paddle your way along a river into a dreamlike landscape. Blossoming flowers will welcome you in and you'll soon find yourself in amongst Thailand's paradise. Then, recharge your batteries over tasty Thai food at a local restaurant before climbing aboard a 4x4 for an action-packed afternoon.Expect panoramic views by the dozen during the drive along bumpy country tracks deep into the countryside. Enduring the bumps is well rewarded – a mountain-fresh waterfall set in among virgin rainforest awaits at the end.

Evening Patong by Night and Simon Cabaret Show

You'll enjoy a night on the town tonight – specifically, Patong Town – Phuket's party capital. Make sure you dress to impress with this one as you head to the glamorous Simon Cabaret show before spending free time in the Bangla Road area. It's a two-hour transfer from Khao Lak to the province's top nightlife spot, so you'll set off early in an air-conditioned coach. When you reach the bright lights of Patong, you'll be dropped off at the theatre for a cabaret show. Simon Cabaret has been going strong since 1991, and matches rainbow-coloured sets with extravagant costumes and high-octane performances.Once you've enjoyed the show, you'll get the chance to have your photograph taken with the stars, complete with elaborate headdresses. Finally, you'll be let loose in Patong's Bangla Road area for free time. Here, you'll find a huge selection of open-air bars and nightclubs – barter for deals with the hostesses before you go in.