Phuket is among the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, due in part to its stunning beaches and thriving nightlife. It also offers many opportunities for island hopping and chances to explore the various national parks situated on the island.
Just 37 miles north of the northern tip of the island, you’ll find the tranquil villages of Khao Lak. A peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of Phuket, it’s a popular stop-gap for many visitors, drawn by stunning scuba diving and surfing opportunities, and the peace and quiet of its beaches. It’s well worth checking out if you’re visiting Phuket, and there are several ways to get there.
Bear in mind that from the airport, the distance is around 50 miles, while from Phuket town itself, the distance increases to just over 62 miles. The road between is straight and well paved, and surrounded by beautiful scenery, making journeys pleasurable and easy.
| Transport | Time | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket to Khao Lak by taxi | 1 h | $50 | Book Online |
| Phuket to Khao Lak by public bus | 1.5 h | $3 | – |
| Phuket to Khao Lak by minivan | 1.5 h | $15 | Book Online |
Phuket to Khao Lak by Taxi
Time – 1 – 2 hours
Price – $50 – $90 depending on departure point
Comfort – 5/5
Perhaps the easiest way to travel from Phuket to Khao Lak is by taxi. Quicker and more convenient than the bus, it’s also the most flexible way to travel, allowing you to leave at any time you wish, from wherever you’re staying. This is a bonus, as most public transport options only operate throughout the day. The only downside is that it’s a far more expensive option compared to others.
There are many taxi companies to choose from, operating across Phuket island. Some of the most well-known companies are Andaman Taxis, PGS, and Bangkok Taxi 24. It’s best to book in advance rather than hailing a cab from the street, as the price difference will be enormous. Fortunately, you can browse fares and book in advance online at 12Go.asia.
Compared to public buses, even economy taxis offer a much higher level of comfort for the 1 to 2 hour journey.
It’s a particularly popular option when traveling from the airport, with prices typically starting at around $50 depending on the vehicle. While prices may be high for individual travelers, groups will find traveling by taxi extremely affordable. Many taxi companies also offer 9-seater vans for just a little more than standard cars. As such, larger groups may find this to be a very quick, cheap, and easy option.
Phuket to Khao Lak by Public Bus
Time – 1.5 – 2.5 hours
Price – Around $3
Comfort – 3/5
For experienced travelers, one of the cheapest ways to get from Phuket to Khao Lak is by taking the public bus. However, with no opportunity to buy tickets in advance online, it can be a stressful experience for those unfamiliar with taking public transport in a foreign country. You can either buy your ticket at the bus terminal on the day, or directly on the bus.
The bus departs from Phuket Bus Terminal 2, which is located just north of the town of Phuket. It’s likely that you’ll need to take a taxi or other form of public transport to reach the bus terminal, so be sure to add this to the cost. Be on the lookout for red buses traveling to Takuapa, Ranong, Surat Thani, or even Bangkok – this will typically be written on the front and sides, and may also mention Khao Lak. While there aren’t any buses that terminate at Khao Lak, all of these services can stop at the Nangtong Supermarket in the center of the village if requested.
You can also catch the bus from the airport, though you must travel 2 miles to highway 4 and flag it down as it passes.
Buses depart from Phuket Bus Terminal 2 fairly regularly throughout the day at the following times; 06:30, 09:00, 11:40, 13:00, 15:40, 16:20, 17:00, 17:50. The buses aren’t always the most modern, and not all of them feature air conditioning. The low price reflects the level of comfort, with many buses being rather basic. It’s also important to let the driver know that you wish to disembark in Khao Lak.
Phuket to Khao Lak by Minivan
Time – 1.5 hours
Price – $15
Comfort – 4/5
As an alternative to the public bus, you can take a minivan direct from Phuket International Airport, to your accommodation in Khao Lak. This service is only available from the airport, with 3 minivans departing each day; 09:30, 15:30, and 18:00. The 9-passenger vans come with AC as standard, and offer comfortable seating. Pickup is from outside the post office building at the international terminal of Phuket Airport, and passengers are advised to arrive 30 minutes before departure.
The vans are operated by Call Me Taxi and cost $15 per person. If you’re carrying large luggage, you might need to buy a separate ticket for it, though each passenger is allowed one hand luggage and one suitcase less than 20 kg. Baby seats can be added for an additional $4.50.
Be it by bus, taxi, or minivan, the road to Khao Lak from Phuket is a pleasurable one, and we hope you enjoy the trip!
Phuket to Khao Lak by FAQ
The cheapest way to get from Phuket to Khao Lak is to take the public bus. Tickets cost around $3, but cannot be bought in advance online, and must be bought on the bus or at the bus terminal. Buses depart throughout the day from Phuket Bus Terminal 2, just north of Phuket Town, so it’s worth factoring in the cost of transport to get there if needs be. The bus can also be flagged down on the street, and as it passes Phuket International Airport, it can effectively be taken from there, although you’ll need to travel 2 miles from the airport terminal to the highway.
Large groups may find that it’s almost as cheap to hire a taxi and share the cost. You can browse taxi fares at 12Go.asia.
The fastest way to get from Phuket to Khao Lak is typically via taxi. The trip can be completed in as little as an hour depending on where you depart from, as well as the conditions on the road. There are many taxi companies who will make the journey for a fair price.
When traveling from Phuket to Khao Lak you have numerous options. The cheapest option is to take the public bus, with fares as low as $3. The bus departs from Phuket Bus Terminal 2, just north of Phuket Town, but can be flagged down on the street anywhere along the way. From Phuket Airport, you can take a minivan service direct to your hotel in Khao Lak. Finally, numerous taxi services will take you from anywhere in Phuket to your accommodation in Khao Lak. Check out all of your options and book your tickets today at 12Go.asia.
The time it takes to get from Phuket to Khao Lak depends largely on where exactly you depart from in Phuket. From the airport, typical journey times by taxi or minivan are around an hour to one and a half hours. From the town, further south on the island, it can take up to 2 hours depending on the traffic. When taking public bus services, journey times can be as long as 3 hours. Taxis are typically the fastest mode of transport, but you can check all of your options at 12go.asia.
Khao Lak is around 50 miles north of Phuket International Airport, with journey times typically taking 1 to 1.5 hours. From the airport, you can take a minivan service direct to your accommodation in Khao Lak, or a taxi. Whichever mode of transport you choose, it’s worth booking in advance to be sure of the best prices. Compare rates at 12Go.asia.
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