The Unique and Amazing Temples of Khao Lak

Khao Lak , Thailand

The Unique and Amazing Temples of Khao Lak

Active

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

While Phang Nga is known for its islands and dramatic landscapes, few visitors venture inland to explore its spiritual heart. This full-day tour from Khao Lak reveals another side of southern Thailand with serene temples, peaceful monks, and timeless traditions.

Journey into countryside to visit little-known but culturally rich Buddhist temples. These sacred spaces are part of everyday life for local communities, yet remain far off the tourist path. At each stop, learn about temple architecture, local customs, and the role these sites play in village life.

Some temples are nestled among hills or forests, others house underground chambers or striking statues, each with unique stories. Local Thai lunch included during the day, offering moment to relax and reflect before continuing cultural exploration.

Perfect for travelers curious about Thai beliefs, history, and daily life beyond the beaches.

Available options

Joint Tour (25-26)

Pickup included

What's included

Lunch at a local restaurant is included (food only)

Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver.

All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description.

All taxes and service fees included

A full-day joining tour with a professional English-speaking guide.

Detailed itinerary

Your guide will meet you in the hotel in the morning and together you will set off to Phang Nga province to explore the spiritual side of Phang Nga. You will discover three exceptional temples and will experience a day filled with culture, religion, myths and legends.
Located high on a mountain is Bang Rieng Temple boasting a beautiful, golden Buddha image that rises above the trees. The largest temple in the province, it commands breathtaking views over the surrounding forest and mountains. The temple consists of three parts in different architectural styles and is rumoured to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha.

Another impressive place of worship is the Dragon Cave Temple. It is located within a limestone cave amid a collection of stalagmites and stalactites. Enter into the temple via the many stone steps and discover countless small shrines and images of Buddha in all shapes and sizes. According to legend, the temple has healing powers and the monks residing in the temple have become masters in concocting herbal medication for the villagers living near the temple. The serene atmosphere makes it a popular place for meditation and reflection.

Also located in a cave is Wat Suwan Khuha, one of the oldest temples in the province. Inside, you will be dazzled by a 15-metre-long golden, reclining Buddha surrounded by other religious statues and relics. Monks, and the cave’s resident cats, can often be seen next to the reclining Buddha – the monks meditating and the cats sleeping! Outside the temple, watch out for the dozens of mischievous macaque monkeys roaming around.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant. The order that you visit the temples may vary and will be decided by the guide on the day. At the end of the temple exploration, you will return to Khao Lak and to your hotel.

What's not included

Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees

Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.

Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point

Transfers from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations

Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour is operated on joint / Seat-In-Coach basis only with English-speaking guide.

Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying along Khao Lak’s main beaches. Transfers outside these areas such as Phuket, Khao Sok, Phang Nga, Ranong, Takua Pa Town including any harbour or airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.

A minimum number of guests are required for this excursion to operate; many of our tours do not have limitations on group size, depending on the availability of seats and other factors. We regret that we are not able to communicate in advance about this.

We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant.

We regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users. Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself.

We will always make the effort to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.

Please note pick-up and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off.

To respect local customs and respecting the religious sites and temples on this tour, it is customary for guests to take off their shoes before allowed entrance. Your guide will inform you in advance for which of these sites this is applicable.

Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It is the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this.

Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sun’s rays are still very powerful.

The protection of the country’s flora and fauna is of immense importance for us. We will not pursue any activities for guests that are not in line with our animal, wildlife and environment protection principles.

It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request.

In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.

Important notes

Our office hours are from 08:30 hrs until 18:00 hrs from Monday to Friday.
• Joined tour is operated with English speaking guide only and operates with a minimum of 4 full paying guests.
• A minimum of 4 people per booking is required
• Not wheelchair accessible

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.

About Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a picturesque coastal area in southern Thailand, known for its stunning beaches, lush national parks, and vibrant marine life. It offers a more relaxed and less commercialized alternative to nearby Phuket, making it perfect for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.

Top Attractions

Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park

This national park is home to stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. It's a great place for hiking, swimming, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Nature Half day to full day 100 THB (3 USD) entrance fee

Similan Islands

A group of nine islands known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. The Similan Islands are a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, and island-hopping tours.

Beach/Adventure Full day 1,500 - 3,000 THB (45 - 90 USD) for a day trip

Khao Lak Beach

A beautiful and relatively quiet beach stretching along the coast of Khao Lak. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the sunset.

Beach Half day to full day Free

James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan)

A famous limestone island made popular by the James Bond film 'The Man with the Golden Gun'. It's a popular day trip destination for its unique rock formations and scenic boat rides.

Historical/Adventure Full day 1,200 - 2,500 THB (35 - 75 USD) for a day trip

Bang Niang Night Market

A lively night market offering a variety of street food, local crafts, and souvenirs. It's a great place to sample authentic Thai cuisine and experience the local culture.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free entry, food and shopping costs vary

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tom Yum Goong

A spicy and sour shrimp soup made with lemongrass, lime leaves, chili, and fish sauce. It's a popular and iconic Thai dish.

Soup Contains seafood, can be made gluten-free

Pad Thai

A popular Thai street food made with rice noodles, eggs, tofu, and a sweet and tangy sauce. It's often served with peanuts and lime.

Stir-fried noodles Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Grilled Seafood

Freshly caught seafood grilled to perfection and served with a variety of dipping sauces. Khao Lak is known for its fresh and delicious seafood.

Main course Contains seafood, can be made gluten-free

Mango Sticky Rice

A popular Thai dessert made with ripe mango, sticky rice, and coconut milk. It's a sweet and refreshing treat, perfect for hot days.

Dessert Vegetarian, can be made vegan

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Diving Kayaking Hiking Caving Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga

Best Time to Visit

November to April

This is the best time to visit Khao Lak as the weather is dry and sunny, perfect for beach activities and exploring the national parks. The sea is calm and ideal for snorkeling and diving.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Thai
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Thai Baht (THB)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Khao Lak is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and taxi services
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings

Getting there

By air

Phuket International Airport • 80 km (50 miles)

By bus

Phuket Bus Terminal, Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Songthaews are converted pick-up trucks that serve as shared taxis in Khao Lak. They follow specific routes and are a cheap way to get around, but they may not be as convenient as other forms of transport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Khao Lak Beach Bang Niang Taksin Village

Day trips

Phang Nga Bay

2 hours by speedboat • Full day

Phang Nga Bay is a stunning bay known for its limestone karst formations, emerald waters, and hidden lagoons. It's a popular destination for boat tours, kayaking, and exploring the unique landscape.

Similan Islands

1.5 to 2 hours by speedboat • Full day

Khao Sok National Park

2.5 hours by car • Full day or overnight

Khao Sok National Park is a stunning national park known for its lush rainforests, limestone karst formations, and diverse wildlife. It's a popular destination for hiking, wildlife spotting, and staying in floating bungalows.

Festivals

Loi Krathong • Full moon night in November Songkran • April 13-15 Vegetarian Festival • October (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit during the shoulder season (May to October) for fewer crowds and lower prices
Book tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season
Rent a car or scooter to explore the area at your own pace
Try local street food and seafood for an authentic Thai culinary experience
Respect local customs and traditions, and be mindful of your impact on the environment