How do you get to Khao Lak from Bangkok? The quickest way is to fly from Bangkok to Phuket International Airport, then go north by road. Khao Lak has no airport of its own; it lies on the Andaman coast of Phang Nga province, on the mainland north of Phuket island, and the airport sits at the island's northern tip, so the transfer is shorter than most visitors expect.
Below are the airlines that fly Bangkok to Phuket, your road options from the airport, and the slower overland alternative for travelers who would rather not fly.
Step 1: Fly from Bangkok to Phuket
Bangkok has two airports, and Phuket flights leave from both, so check which one your ticket uses before you set out:
- From Suvarnabhumi (BKK): Thai Airways sells Bangkok to Phuket flights on its website, and Phuket is one of Bangkok Airways' main domestic destinations.
- From Don Mueang (DMK): Nok Air flies between Bangkok (Don Mueang) and Phuket. Other airlines also serve the route, so compare both airports.
Suvarnabhumi lies just outside the city in Samut Prakan province and is linked to central Bangkok by the Airport Rail Link; Don Mueang is in the north of the city. Allow for Bangkok traffic if you are going by road, especially on weekday afternoons. If you want to be near the rail link the night before, our Bangkok hotel guide covers the main neighborhoods.
Fares vary by airline, date and ticket rules, so compare the total price on each airline's own site. Low-cost tickets often charge extra for checked bags, which matters on a beach trip.
Step 2: Phuket airport to Khao Lak by road
Phuket International Airport, run by Airports of Thailand, is in Mai Khao in the far north of the island. Khao Lak Beach is roughly 60 km north of the airport in a straight line, and the drive is longer, heading north across the bridge that links Phuket to the mainland and then up the coast road through Phang Nga. Plan on the transfer taking a good part of an hour or more, depending on where your hotel is along the Khao Lak coast and on traffic.
Airport taxi
The airport's own transport guide lists taxi and car rental services in the terminal. An airport taxi is the simplest option if you arrive without a booking; agree the fare to your hotel before you set off.
Hotel or pre-booked transfer
Many Khao Lak resorts arrange airport pickups for guests. Ask your hotel when you book, and give them your flight number so the driver can track delays.
Rental car
Car rental desks operate at the airport. Driving is on the left, and an International Driving Permit may be required alongside your home license, depending on your nationality. A car is useful if you plan day trips from Khao Lak to Phang Nga Bay or the national parks.
The overland alternative
Long-distance buses run from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal towards Phuket and the Andaman coast along Highway 4, which passes through the Khao Lak area. It is a long trip, usually overnight, and it makes sense mainly for travelers on a tight budget or those who would rather not fly. Check the current timetable and whether your bus stops in Khao Lak itself before you book.
Tips for the trip
- Time your flight for daylight. An afternoon arrival gets you to Khao Lak before dark, which is easier if you are driving yourself.
- Watch the season. The Andaman coast gets its heaviest rain from about May to October, when seas can be rough. The dry months from about November to April are the main beach season.
- Use the airport's location. Because Phuket airport is at the northern tip of the island, you do not need to cross Phuket itself to reach Khao Lak.
- Book return transport early. Morning flights out of Phuket mean an early start from Khao Lak, so confirm your transfer time the day before.
Spending a few days in Bangkok first? Our guides to Bangkok attractions and Bangkok restaurants will help you plan the city end of the trip.
Sources: Phuket International Airport (Airports of Thailand), Transportation, Thai Airways, Bangkok to Phuket, Nok Air, Bangkok Airways (destination list, Internet Archive copy of January 2026), Google Maps coordinates for Phuket International Airport and Khao Lak Beach. Checked September 26, 2026.
Fly from Bangkok to Phuket International Airport, then take a taxi, hotel transfer or rental car north to Khao Lak. Khao Lak has no airport of its own.
Phuket International Airport, in Mai Khao at the northern tip of Phuket. Khao Lak Beach is roughly 60 km north of it in a straight line, and the drive is longer.
Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways fly from Suvarnabhumi, and Nok Air flies from Don Mueang, among other airlines. Check which Bangkok airport your ticket uses.
Allow a good part of an hour or more, depending on where your hotel is along the Khao Lak coast and on traffic. Ask your hotel for a realistic estimate for your arrival time.
Yes. Long-distance buses run from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal towards Phuket and the Andaman coast along Highway 4, which passes the Khao Lak area. The trip is long and usually overnight, so check the timetable and that your bus stops in Khao Lak.
No. Khao Lak is on the mainland in Phang Nga province, north of Phuket island. Most visitors reach it through Phuket airport.
The dry months from about November to April are the main beach season. From about May to October the Andaman coast gets heavy rain and rougher seas.
