Khao Lak (Thai: เขาหลัก (Pronunciation)) is a region of seaside resorts located in the Takua Pa District of Phang Nga Province, Thailand. It is popular for its serene ambiance and as a departure point for liveaboard scuba diving trips to the Similan Islands.
Located approximately 60 kilometers north of the island of Phuket along Phetkasem Road, (Thai Route 4), one of four major highways in Thailand, Khao Lak is serviced regularly by buses. Phuket International Airport (HKT) is situated 74 kilometers south on the island of Phuket.
Though Thailand's economy is mostly export-dependent, Khao Lak remains mostly tourist-dependent, with surrounding agriculture and commercial fishing making up a small contribution to Thailand's overall economy.
Differentiating Khao Lak from neighboring tourist destinations like Phuket are its quiet, up-scale, secluded coastal resorts; uncrowded beaches; family-friendly nighttime environment and provincial ordinances that prohibit structures taller than the height of a coconut palm tree, keeping Khao Lak down to earth.
Read more about Khao Lak: Beaches, Economy, 2004 Tsunami, Administration