There is a running theme in Khao Lak's weather and July is another hot and wet month. Temperatures vary between 25°C and 32°C so pack light clothing and a sunhat and stay out of the sun at the peak of the day. With 6 sunshine hours per day and water temperatures of 28°C it may be worth relaxing in the shade and diving into the water to cool off.
With an average of 21 wet days and 256mm of precipitation you are likely to encounter some brief showers on your trip to Thailand, but they may come as a welcome relief. You can always check the live weather forecast before you travel, to be sure.
When it comes to accommodation, Khaolak Orchid Beach Resort is a great place to stay. This 3.5-star boutique resort is family-owned, with direct access to the secluded Khuk Khak Beach. Located only a short distance away from the Khao Lak National Park, this complex offers many facilities and services, including free WiFi, daily breakfast, welcome fruit basket, swimming pools, restaurants, spa, jacuzzi, shuttle bus to Khao Lak Centre and airport transfers. There are various types of accommodations, classic rooms, with or without balcony, and deluxe rooms, some with their own jacuzzi. Within each room are 32-in LCD TVs, satellite, bathtub, mini-bar, telephone, hairdryer, safe and free wifi. There are also large 42-sq-metre triple rooms and family suites with two bedrooms.
Khao Lak Emerald Beach Resort & Spa is perfect for families and couples looking for accommodation in Khao Lak, Thailand. This complex enjoys a wonderful location on a private sandy beach and offers a selection of rooms, with something to suite all group sizes, tastes and budgets. Guests can choose from 47 sq.m. family rooms, including balcony with garden or lagoon view, 42 sq.m. deluxe rooms with living area, or 54 sq.m. Oceanfront villages, including private terrace. All rooms are equipped with minibar, safe, bathtub, satellite LCD TV, and A/C.
Nang Thong Beach is idyllic, with golden sands, casuarina trees and coconut palms. Stay here to be near the best facilities: restaurants, souvenirs shops, photo shops, pharmacies, bookstores, street vendors and diving schools.
Pakarang Cape is the most westerly point on the mainland, and at low tide a great place to hunt for shells, coral and smooth pebbles. The beach is popular with surfers.
The Viking Steak House is one of the top recommended restaurants in Khao Lak. Here you'll find a fantastic selection of dishes, including pasta, pizza and Nordic meat feasts, ensuring there is something to keep everyone happy.
If you're trying to impress a date, try The Candle (Soi Bang Niang #1), for its classy Thai menu with international touches. With its brickwork exterior, Thai wine list and innovative dishes, this is the place to impress.
Kinnaree Bakery (Central La On) serves sandwiches, patisseries, ice cream and cakes on a laid-back terrace. Opens at 9AM, so be sure to head there for breakfast. Those staying at Khao Lak Seaview and Suwan Palm Resort will find a chill home at La Piccola Maria (Nangthong Road), complete with outdoor chairs, an Italian menu and free use of a laptop.
Buddhist Lent is one of the biggest events that takes place in July, when all the Buddhist monks return to their temples where they will stay for three months.
The Sea Dragon Dive Centre is one of the most reliable diving centres in Khao Lak and boasts an impeccable reputation among visitors. This company organises diving and snorkelling excursions to the Similan and Surin islands, as well as the ever popular live-aboard trips. The excursions are specifically designed for divers, but those who fancy snorkelling can join in for a fraction of the original price.
A trip to Khao Lak isn't complete without a visit to the Khao Lak National Park, with its impressive collection of sea cliffs, mangrove forests, tall hills, estuaries, valleys and beaches. The area is absolutely thriving with wildlife, with drongos, gibbons, hornbills, tapirs, monkeys and black bears. The visitor centre features a restaurant, providing the perfect place to enjoy a spot of lunch.
Walkers will be thrilled to know that Khao Lak boasts a selection of hiking and walking trails. Guided tours along the coast are easy to arrange at your hotel, or if you'd prefer something a bit more laid-back you can opt for a boat trip along the Khlong Thap Liang estuary.
The Old Takua Pa Sunday market is a fantastic place to visit to enjoy a spot of lunch or a snack. Located several kilometres north of the resort, this market is lined by colourful buildings which provide many photo opportunities.
