Khao Lak and Khao Sok are two beautiful tourist destinations in South Thailand. Khao Lak is known for its peaceful beaches and Khao Sok is known for its national park with many wildlife and a massive manmade Cheow Lan Lake. They are located just 1 hour drive apart.
In this article, I will share the differences and similarities between Khao Lak and Khao Sok. I will focus on their locations, accommodation, nightlife, shopping, food, beaches, and natural attractions.
I’ve been lucky to travel around Thailand, visiting many places, including Khao Sok and Khao Lak. I hope to offer you some useful recommendations on whether to stay in Khao Lak or Khao Sok, based on my personal experience.
Is it better to stay in Khao Lak or Khao Sok?
Both areas are ideals for natural lovers, and those who want a laid back atmosphere. Generally speaking, Khao Lak is better for those looking for a beach holiday. Khao Sok is better for those looking for jungle activities like night safari, exploring Cheow Lan Lake, or staying in a floating house.
Khao Lak is more developed, so it has more amenities, which is more ideal for long term travelers. They can easily access a wide range of restaurants, bars, shops, and supermarkets.
The two areas are located only 60km, so it is easy to stay in one place then take day trips to another. If you do this, I recommend staying in Khao Lak because Khao Lak has more tourist facilities and is closer to other famous places like Similan islands and Samet Nangshe Viewpoint.
I stayed in both places, and I’m glad I did.Khao Lak and Khao Sok are both great stopover destinations in southern Thailand before or after the islands. My journey was Koh Samui, Khao Sok, Khao Lak, and then Krabi. Staying in each area gives me more time to explore it thoroughly.
My recommended Hotels in Khao Lak:
- Luxury: The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani
- Mid-range: The Waters Khao Lak
- Budget: Srichada Hotel
My hotels in Khao Sok National Park:
- Mid-range: Khao Sok Tree House Resort
- Budget: Khao Sok River & Jungle Resort
- Budget: Khao Sok Morning Mist Resort
Location & How to Get There
Both Khao Lak and Khao Sok are located in the southern part of Thailand, close to famous places like Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui. Khao Sok is located in Surat Thani Province. Khao Lak is located in the Phang Nga Province, around 60km south west of Khao Sok.
To reach either Khao Lak or Khao Sok, you can fly into one of the three airports in the region, including Surat Thani Airport, Phuket Airport, and Krabi Airport. From these airports, you need to take an additional taxi and shared van/bus to get to the final destination.
If you come from The islands on the Gulf of Thailand (Ko Samui, Phangan, or Ko Tao), you need to take a ferry to Donsak Pier first then take additional road transport (taxi, bus) to get to Khao Lak and Khao Sok. From Phuket and Krabi, there are direct bus services to get to these places.
Accommodations
Both areas have a good range of accommodations for all preferences. Accommodations in Khao Sok have a jungle and river setting, and accommodations in Khao Lak have a beach setting.
Khao Sok Village is a tiny remote town, so most accommodations are in the budget and mid-range category. Khao Lak has more big brand luxury international resorts, especially in the Khuk Khak and Bang Sak area.
Khao Sok has floating accommodations in Cheow Lan Lake, surrounded by nature. If you want to stay in this type of accommodation, Khao Sok is where you can do it.
Accommodations are often in high demand in the peak season from November to May, so make sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Booking early helps you find better deals and many choices for quality hotels.
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Beaches
Khao Lak is, without a doubt, the best place to go for beaches. It has a very long coast line, around 25km from Bangkok to Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park. There are many beaches in this region including Nang Thong, Bang Niang, Khuk Khak, Coconut/ White Sand, and Bang Sak.
These beaches are known for their peaceful atmosphere and stunning sunset views. You can swim, sunbathe, take a long stroll, or watch the sunset. Some areas like Pakarang Beach near Mermories Beach Bar are great places for surfing.
National Parks
In my opinion, Khao Sok is better to explore the national parks with hiking, viewpoints, caves, and the huge Cheow Lan Lake. Khao Lak also has a national park but it’s not as famous as Khao Sok National Park.
In Khao Sok, I like to go self hiking at the national park near the Khao Sok Village. There is a trail to Bang Hua Rat Waterfall and another to San Yang Roi. If you arrive in the right season, you can take the hike to see the Rafflesia flower, which is one of the special kinds in Thailand.
I also enjoyed the night safari and the day trips to Cheow Lan Lake. The boat ride offers stunning views of the striking limestones rising above the water. There are some hiking trails, floating houses, and caves, and nice viewpoints surrounding the lake.
In Khao Lak, you can take a short trail inside the Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park to a small sandy beach and the trail to Ton Chong Fa Waterfall. You will have a chance to try a free fish massage at Ton Chong Fa Fall at the first level.
Nightlife
Both Khao Lak and Khao Sok have laid back nightlife. Khao Lak is bigger and more developed, so it has better nightlife with more choices of bars, restaurants, and clubs. Additionally, it is also home to a popular night market, where you can try street food and buy souvenirs.
The nightlife in Khao Sok is concentrated around the 2km long main street of Khao Sok Village. There are some bars, restaurants, massage shops, and cafes where you can spend a night out. The region is mainly about the jungle attractions, so don’t expect vibrant nightlife here.
The nightlife in Khao Lak is concentrated around the main towns, Nang Thong Beach and Bang Niang Market. These areas are busy at night with many bars, restaurants, and shops. Bang Niang Market is a popular nightlife spot in Khao Lak.
Shopping
Khao Lak has a better shopping scene. You will find many shops in the main areas, as well as supermarkets, and 7-Eleven. There are more expats and long term travelers living in Khao Lak, so there are more tourist amenities here.
Khao Sok doesn’t have a 7-Eleven (at the time of my visit). It has only several local minimart with daily necessary goods. There are also several local shops where you can find typical Thai souvenirs and handicraft items.
Food
You can easily find typical Thai food like pad Thai, curry, or Thai fried rice in both places. Khao Lak has more food options with local Thai and international dishes.
In Khao Sok, food is generally served at restaurants located along the main road or at the hotel. In Khao Sok, you can find street food stalls at the night markets, along the beaches, as well as many restaurants scattered around the region. You can have fast food at Mc Donald right at the Nang Thong area.
As the coastal town, there are also many more seafood options in Khao Lak. I enjoyed to eat at the 835 Street Food Restaurant on the main road Phet Kasem near Nang Thong Beach,
Day trips
Most people prefer staying in Khao Sok then take day trips to other famous places in the region. Khao Lak has more facilities for a longer stay than in Khao Sok.
People visiting Khao Sok mainly visit Cheow Lan Lake, or sleep at the floating house along the lake. They usually stay in Khao Sok for a short time, 3-5 days, then move to another area of Thailand.
From Khao Lak, it is easier to take boat trips to Similand islands for snorkeling and diving. It is also closer to scenic viewpoints called Samet Nangshe Viewpoint. There are also day trips to Takua Pa Old Town and Little Amazon. You can base in Khao Lak, then take day trips to Khao Sok National Park.
Getting Around & Size
The main area of Khao Lak is much bigger than Khao Sok Village. The main street in Khao Sok is only 2km, so it is easy to get around and do some hiking near the Park’s Head Quarter on foot.
Khao Lak is very spread out, with two major areas, including the area around Bang Niang Beach and the area around Nang Thong Beach. They are about 3 km apart, just a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride. It’s easy to get around each area on foot.
It is a good idea to rent a scooter to explore both Khao Lak and Khao Sok. The roads in these cities are in quite good condition and flat terrain, so it is easy to get around on the scooter if you have experience driving in Thailand and a valid driver license.
If you don’t drive, there are plenty of tours that can take you around famous attractions in each area. In Khao Sok, I explore most things on foot and take a guided tour to Cheow Lan Lake, which is located 60km away from the main village.
Khao Lak is more developed, so it is easiest to get a tuk tuk, local taxi, or hire a private driver. There are tours to Similan Islands for snorkeling and diving, to James Bond Island, Khao Sok and Cheow Lan Lake.
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So, you have it, my comparison between Khao Lak and Khao Sok. Overall, Khao Lak is a better place if you want a relaxing beach holiday and easy snorkeling and diving trip to Similan Islands.
Khao Sok is a better option if you want to explore jungles, wildlife, hiking, dramatic limestone cliffs, and stay at floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park. Khao Sok has a more remote and rustic atmosphere with more nature experience.