Khao Lak is an ideal starting point for an island hopping vacation to the Similan and Surin Islands in the Andaman Sea. Since Khao Lak is located north of Phuket, one can find there an interesting option of a boat departure to the islands from Thap Lamu Pier.

The choice of a proper accommodation place is important especially when one has to board the boat early in the morning. There are some additional requirements besides comfortable accommodation such as transportation, breakfast, luggage storage and contact with the dive center. The most appropriate hotels in Khao Lak to have a good island hopping vacation are those that offer the right location and all necessary services for the vacationers.

This guide reviews 5 different types of accommodation in Khao Lak and explains what to consider while planning a transportation to Thap Lamu Pier.

Why Is Khao Lak a Good Base for Similan and Surin Island Hopping?

The Similan Islands are operated seasonally; opening and closing dates are announced officially by the national park management. The usual operating period for the islands for tourists is between October 15th and May 15th. It would be wise to check the official announcement from the Department of National Parks for your dates of trip before you book your trip.

Phuket International Airport is one of the places from where tourists coming for Thap Lamu Pier take a trip. This would depend on traffic and road conditions; however, staying in Khao Lak may make things easier for you when you leave for your destination early in the morning.

The hotels are located all along the coast and include locations like Bang Niang and Khuk Khak. The time taken to travel to Thap Lamu Pier differs from one place to the other due to traffic and arrangements. You should discuss your travel time with the hotel. Choosing to stay near your travel arrangements may give you ample time to get relaxed before embarking on an early trip.

Another attraction that is worth a visit from the Khao Lak area is the Surin Islands. You will be advised by the local dive shops on equipment rentals and course bookings in addition to excursion bookings. Confirm which services are available for your dates and whether hotel pickup is included.

What Should You Consider in a Khao Lak Hotel for Island Hopping?

In addition to the room rates and amenities of a hotel, there are other considerations that should be taken into account which will help in ensuring ease in early starts and island hopping:

Convenient transfer to/from pier: Ask about the estimated travel time, place of pick-up, time of pick-up, and the cost of transport for your particular trip. Any drive time to Thap Lamu Pier over 30 minutes adds stress on early-morning boat days and limit how late you can stay out the night before.

Breakfast or packed breakfast: Check if the restaurant opens up in time for your departure or if they can arrange a packed breakfast ahead of time for you.

Arrangements for dive equipment: If you plan on taking your own equipment, inquire if storage services and access to freshwater cleaning are offered. They could be offered by another diving center affiliated with the hotel.

Arrangements for excursions: Ask if they can help you arrange your diving using local agencies. Once you get the details of the operator, pick-up, equipment hire and other charges.

Luggage storage and showers: Ask whether they have luggage storage facilities for late check-out or day rooms facilities if you return from excursions late.

Quiet room: Ask if they have quiet rooms away from any busy areas when you have an early start the next morning.

Services vary by property and may incur extra charges. Confirm the details directly with the hotel and your tour operator before booking.

Which Khao Lak Hotels Are Worth Considering for Island-Hopping?

When choosing a hotel in Khao Lak for an island hopping experience, one must take into account not only the price of the room and its location close to the beach. Other considerations include the type of excursion that you wish to go on, the schedule of boats during the season, transport and time necessary for you to reach your starting point. The following listed hotels have their own advantages that include boat rides and resort packages.

The Sarojin, Kukkak

The Sarojin is a luxury beachfront resort in Kukkak, Phang Nga, with an option that sets it apart from many other Khao Lak hotels: its own luxury boat, the Lady Sarojin. Available exclusively to resort guests and for private charter, the boat offers cruises, snorkelling and scuba-diving trips to destinations including the Similan Islands, Surin Islands and Phang Nga Bay.

The boat’s operating location changes seasonally.From November to early May, it is moored off the resort’s beach and serves the Similan and Surin Islands.  From early May to October, it is located at Yacht Haven Marina in Phuket for trips to Phang Nga Bay and Phi Phi Island. It is recommended that you check the current schedule and the time for departure before booking, especially if your aim is to visit the Similan Islands.

Best for: Couples and travellers seeking a luxury beachfront stay with private boat-trip options and personalised marine excursions.

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, Khuk Khak

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa combines a beachfront location along with its numerous services, such as the lagoon swimming pool, family-oriented activities, the resort’s spa and water sports. This is an appropriate option if one plans to enjoy all the amenities offered by a resort while going out for a visit in the Andaman Sea.

According to the official ‘Experiences’ page of the resort, there are tours of excursions to go diving or snorkelling near Similans and Surin Islands, also trips to Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island are also available. The tours provided by Marriott Tours feature certain third party providers offering snorkelling on Similan Islands or Surin Islands.

Confirm the tour’s operating dates (especially for Similan/Surin, which are seasonal), pickup location, departure time and any additional charges directly with the resort or activity provider, particularly if you are planning consecutive days of island excursions. 

Best for: Families and groups who want extensive resort facilities, on-site activities and access to island excursions.

La Flora Khao Lak, Bang Niang

La Flora Khao Lak is a beach resort located on Bang Niang Beach and is close to local restaurants, markets and attractions. The excursion package, Tan Line, offers half-day tours, full-day tours and marine adventures in the area of Khao Lak, Phang Nga and Andaman Sea.

It offers land based tours to nature and culture attractions as well as island tours and snorkeling. It is ideal if you would like to have some time on the water and also engage in other activities.

Island tours are seasonal and are based on the opening days of the national parks, weather and sea conditions. Check the available tours prior to travel and make sure that you confirm the tour cost, pick-up and departure times.

Best for: Travellers who want a beach resort with a variety of organized excursions, including marine adventures and land based excursions.

The Haven Khao Lak, Khuk Khak

The Haven Khao Lak is an adult-only resort located in Khuk Khak, providing a peaceful environment for visitors wishing to combine active vacations and relaxation.

The official Adventure Awaits Guide for The Haven mentions the diving, snorkelling, islands tours and nature excursions available throughout the area. 

Included among other areas are the Similan Islands, the Surin Islands and the Phang Nga Bay, along with land based attractions such as national parks and falls. This will enable visitors to create a more varied trip as not every day needs to be spent on a boat. 

Contact the resort directly to verify which tours they are able to organise for their guests, if transfers are available and what are the departure points.

This resort accepts guests aged 13 and above.

Best for: Adult travellers and couples looking for a peaceful resort stay combined with opportunities for island excursions and outdoor exploration.

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Khao Lak, Bang Niang

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Khao Lak is a beachfront resort situated at Bang Niang Beach, offering accommodation, food and beverage options, a swimming pool, and spa treatments. The location makes it convenient to explore the surrounding coastal area and visit the neighboring marine parks.

The resort offers an official guide to Things to Do and Excursions which includes Similan and Surin Islands, the chance to snorkel around the islands and experience their marine life, as well as other excursions like visits to national parks, waterfalls, and tours of Phang Nga Bay. 

These tours would suit travelers who would like to dedicate some time to exploring the Andaman Sea while still being able to have a flexible itinerary for other parts of their vacation.

Be sure to check what is included in the price – transport to the hotel, transfers, food, snorkeling gear, entrance to the national parks, as these inclusions will impact the overall cost.

Best for: Travellers seeking a beachfront resort with excursions to the islands, and a range of on-site facilities.

Which of the Five Hotels is Most Suitable for Island-Hopping?

Depending on your preferences – luxury, peace of mind or cost-effectiveness – you will need to select the best suited hotel. Below is a comparative analysis based on the approximate transfer time and services mentioned in the original draft.

Transfer times are estimates from the original draft, not independently confirmed journey times. Actual times depend on traffic, pickup arrangements and the exact departure point.

What Things Must You Consider Before Planning an Island-hopping Holiday?

After having chosen a Khao Lak accommodation that fits you best, determine the travel time, activities and method of getting back. Keep in mind that the Similan and Surin islands have their own seasons, so think of this when making a schedule of holiday plans.

• Check the season of the island. Make sure the islands are officially open as a national park for tourism.

• Select the proper excursion. Compare where you can snorkel and go on scuba diving and the equipment available for the tour.

• Determine what is included in the package of services. Find out if there is any hotel pick-up, transfers to the pier, meals and equipment, and entrance tickets to the national parks included.

• Take into account that you will have to leave early in the morning. Determine the time of pickup from your accommodation and the time it will take to get to the destination.

• Allow some relaxation time. Ensure you have time for both long days out and also enjoying your hotel. When scuba diving, ensure that you follow all the recommended safety precautions.

The five hotels featured above offer different ways to organise an island-focused stay, from private boat options to the excursion programmes and tour available through resorts. Compare the actual itinerary, inclusions and transfer arrangements for your dates, rather than choosing a hotel based on location or room rate alone.

If you are visiting during the rainy season or extending your stay beyond the islands, read our Khao Lak rainy season guide. For travellers combining boat trips with family activities, our Khao Lak family vacation ideas offer inspiration for time spent on the mainland.

Conclusion

A properly organized island hopping vacation will include exciting adventures on islands as well as relaxing time in the resort area. While selecting a Khao Lak resort, think about your preferred activities, dates of travel, transport and facilities that you would like to use in-between the adventures. At ananea Beyond Khaolak, you will get a nice beachfront resort where you can spend some quiet time enjoying the island life after an active day.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Similan Islands?

The Similan Islands typically stay open from mid-October through mid-May in recent seasons, however, the specific dates have to be verified according to the official timetable for the particular year that you want to visit. It may be a popular time period between February and early April, but weather conditions at sea may influence your trip. 

Is It Possible to See the Similan Islands on a Day Tour from Khao Lak?

Yes. The day tours by speedboat take place from the Khao Lak region in the official opening season. Be ready for early departure and absence from the hotel throughout the whole day. Pay attention to the time required, the point of departure and the equipment included into the tour when you are planning your trip.

Do Khao Lak Hotels Have Facilities for Storing Scuba Gear?

This depends on the particular hotel. Some may assist you in storing scuba gear with their partner diving centre; others might not have such facilities. If you require any storage facilities or fresh water rinsing, contact your hotel or dive operator ahead of time.

How Long Does the Transfer from Thap Lamu Pier to Khao Lak Hotels Take?

It will depend on the hotel location, traffic and your pick-up service. We have not independently checked the transfer times for the five hotels listed above. Please check with the hotel or transport providers to find out what the actual transfer times are for your specific transfer.

What are the Advantages of Snorkelling at the Similan or Surin Islands?

Both options allow exploring coral reefs and underwater creatures. You have to make your decision depending on the itinerary, sea conditions, and places you will visit within your tour. Try comparing tours to find out which destination suits you more.

Are Khao Lak Hotels Capable of Providing Scuba Diving Gear Storage?

Not all hotels have facilities for storing scuba diving gear. There are chances that your hotel might assist you in organizing gear storage via partner dive center.