If you’ve already booked, or are thinking about booking your Similan Island Liveaboard or Myanmar Liveaboard trip with us, then the next step is planning your route to get to the departure point, and figuring out where to stay when you are not out at sea discovering the best scuba diving sites in the Similans, Surins, and Myanmar, or soaking up the sun on the deck of the Deep Andaman Queen. We have collected a comprehensive travel guide to help you, but if you have any questions or you cannot find a suitable option, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Our Similan, Surin and Myanmar liveaboards all depart from Taplamu pier in Khao Lak, which is located between the island of Phuket and the city of Ranong, close to Myanmar border. Many of our Andaman liveaboard guests stay in Phuket itself, while others prefer to base themselves in Khao Lak. Wherever you choose to stay, getting to and from your Khao Lak diving liveaboard trip is straight forward. Because we want to make sure your liveaboard trip in Thailand is smooth sailing from the very beginning, we even offer a complimentary pick-up service on the departure date of your Similan Island liveaboard or Myanmar liveaboard trip with us. Pick-ups are available from hotels in Khao Lak, or alternatively from your Phuket hotel or Phuket airport. The airport pick-up time is between 6:00 and 6:30 pm and the hotel pick up times vary depending on the location of your hotel.
About Khao Lak
The town of Khao Lak is flanked by a 20 kilometer stretch of beautiful white sandy beaches and is a popular destination for those looking for a more peaceful destination, away from the hustle and bustle of town and city life on the island of Phuket, just a one hour drive away. It makes an excellent pit stop to relax before or after you embark on the best Thailand liveaboard experience with us! Ideal for nature lovers as well as diving, Khao Lak is surrounded by tropical forests and no less than 3 national parks. Around 75 kilometers northeast of Khao Lak, you’ll find Khao Sok, a tranquil paradise that is incredibly popular with our guests.
Khao Lak is home to a range of accommodation providers from budget backpacker digs to luxury beachfront resorts. There is an array of local and western eateries to choose from, and bars ranging from small quiet saloons to bigger venues with live music. Getting to Khao Lak is easy and there are many different transportation options suitable for all budgets and preferences.
Getting to your Khao Lak Diving Liveaboard:
How to get to Khao Lak by Plane There is no airport in Khao Lak itself. However, both Phuket International Airport and Krabi International airport are suitable options. Phuket airport is the closest and is home to a plethora of domestic and international flight arrivals on a daily basis. This is our recommended preference. When looking at your flight options, it’s good to keep in mind that most low-cost airlines charge extra for checked luggage, so make sure you look into the fees first to make sure traveling with the full set of diving equipment won’t break your budget! Flying before diving poses no problems, but you’ll remember from all of your dive courses, you need a minimum 24-hour surface interval between diving and flying on your return journey. The distance from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak is about 80 kilometers and you can choose between a private taxi, bus, or of course our pick up service if you are arriving the same day as your Andaman liveaboard trip departs. Private taxis cost around 1800THB depending on the time of your arrival and the number of passengers. Bus tickets cost around 250THB per person and can be purchased directly from the driver.
Most of our Thailand diving liveaboard guests choose the private taxi option as there is no direct bus from the airport, and passengers are required to change buses at the terminal in Phuket Town. Also, do bear in mind that public buses make many stops, which can be quite exhausting - especially after a long flight!
How to get to Khao Lak by Bus
Khao Lak does not serve as a final stop for any bus services, but there are many public and private buses originating from Bangkok, Phuket, Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Ranong that stop in the area. You can also usually find minivan connections from any given point A to point B in Thailand. Local travel agencies are a great help with sorting out options for this, and most can even book joint tickets if you need to combine different options. The night buses from Bangkok leave from the Southern Bus Terminal, Sai Tai Mai, around 19:30 PM. Bangkok is quite far away, so the travel time can take up to 12 hours. If you are backpacking in Asia, buses are a great way to save money since they are the cheapest option, but if you are on a shorter trip we highly recommend flying to save time and energy and get the most out of your diving in the Similans, Surins, and Myanmar. Just remember on your return journey that you must leave 24 hours between your last dive and any onward flight.
How to get to Khao Lak by Train Getting the train from Bangkok is an eco-friendly and laid back way of travel for those not in a rush. The most popular choice is the first class in a night train with air conditioning, although second class and fan options are available for those on a budget. The seats and beds are fairly comfortable and allow for a good night’s sleep while traveling for most, however taller travelers are advised to look at alternative options to ensure your comfort and rest. Unfortunately, the nearest train station from Khao Lak is in Surat Thani, about a 4-hour bus ride away.
How to get to Khao Lak by Private Taxi Traveling with family or a group of friends? Or perhaps you don’t want to struggle to get around with all of your scuba diving gear? In either instance, hiring a private taxi or a minivan might be the perfect choice for you to travel to Khao Lak from anywhere in Thailand. Getting your own private transportation is very reasonably priced in Thailand and really has its perks! You can leave whenever suits you and make stops wherever you feel like it. Drivers are often fine with seeing some sights on the way too, so instead of just getting from point A to point B, you can explore Thailand a bit more at the same time! We hope this has helped with your travel planning. If you have not yet booked your Andaman liveaboard trip, you can check on our website home page for the most up to date Liveaboard diving deals. You can also check trip availability and book online to secure your place. If you require any further information, please contact one of our helpful team members on info@deepandamanqueen.com, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and assist you with your booking.
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