Khao Lak with Kids: Best Things to Do & Family Travel Tips (2025)

Looking for fun family activities in Khao Lak? From calm beaches to gentle hikes, bamboo rafting, and Khao Sok adventures, Khao Lak offers plenty to keep kids of all ages entertained.

Families visiting Khao Lak have plenty of options to keep kids entertained. Here are the highlights:

Long, calm beaches like Nang Thong and Bang Niang are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Shallow water and soft sand make it easy to relax while kids play safely.

Famous limestone cliffs and caves make a stunning backdrop. If you’re also staying in Phuket, this tour may be better booked from there to reduce travel time. Book your tour here!

A must-do for families who love nature. Take a boat trip on Cheow Lan Lake, spot wildlife safely, and enjoy short walks suitable for children.

Known for incredible snorkeling and marine life. When we visited, the sea was very rough, so we didn’t dare go with our young kids. Although it was disappointing that we couldn’t visit the Similan Islands (which was actually one of the reasons we came to Khao Lak), we definitely have no regrets about our stay here.

Kids can learn about sea turtles, watch them being cared for, and sometimes even help release hatchlings, a gentle, educational activity. It’s really just a nice short visit that our kids liked, and often combined with Bamboo rafting. Visit the centre.

Calm rivers in Khao Lak offer bamboo rafting trips, where kids can enjoy a slow float and spot birds and fish along the way. Our kids really loved this! Book your bamboo rafting experience.

Looking for the best family-friendly accommodation in Khao Lak? From big beach resorts to villas and simple homestays, there are plenty of options suitable for babies, toddlers, and older kids.

Khao Lak offers a wide variety of accommodation options for families.

• Big Beach Resorts: Perfect for families wanting pools, kids’ facilities, and easy beach access. Many resorts also have restaurants and activities for little ones.
• Villas: Ideal for larger families or those who prefer privacy. You get more space, kitchens, and sometimes private pools, which is handy with toddlers or babies.
• Simple Homestays: Budget-friendly and cozy options, often run by locals. Great for a more authentic experience and usually close to the main beaches.

• The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani – Family-friendly resort with a kids’ pool, water slides, and a separate quiet wing for relaxing.
• The Briza Beach Resort – Beachfront resort with family rooms, a kids’ pool, and easy access to the calm beach.
• X10 Khaolak Resort – Spacious resort near Bang Niang with multiple pools, a kids’ club, and rooms suitable for families.
• Sawasdee Home Stay Resort & Pool – Small homestay-style resort with a central pool, quiet location, and cozy family rooms.

💡 Crew Tip: Choose a place within walking distance of the beach. It’s much easier with small children: no long transfers with strollers or sleepy toddlers. Also, think about your kids’ routines: if they still nap in the afternoon, it’s handy to have a pool nearby, so you can relax while the little ones rest.

Travelling to Khao Lak with babies or toddlers is easy and family-friendly. Many resorts provide cots and baby essentials, and most activities are doable, but planning for naps, mosquito protection, and long excursions is important.

Many family-friendly accommodations in Khao Lak provide baby cots or toddler beds. It’s smart to request these in advance. We also used to bring a portable baby crib ourselves for extra certainty.
Mosquitoes can be present, especially in the evenings. Large beds often have nets, but toddler cots sometimes don’t. Consider bringing a lightweight travel mosquito net or baby-safe repellent.

Khao Lak has some small supermarkets and local shops in town. You can usually find:

• Diapers & baby wipes
• Some formula and baby food
• Limited snacks and essentials

If your child prefers a specific brand of formula, wipes, or diapers, it’s best to bring them with you. Some items are available, but choice is limited compared to home.

Most family-friendly resorts also provide baby cots, high chairs, and sometimes bottle warmers or sterilising equipment. Availability can vary, so it’s wise to request these in advance.

Most activities in Khao Lak are suitable for little ones:

• 🏝️ Calm beaches like Nang Thong and Bang Niang
• 💦 Gentle waterfalls
• 🐢 Turtle Sanctuary
• 🛶 Bamboo Rafting

Longer trips like Khao Sok National Park or Similan Islands require careful planning:

• Similan Islands trips may be rough at sea and less suitable for babies.
• Boat trips or jungle treks may not align with nap schedules.
• Always check weather conditions and whether the itinerary allows for breaks

• Stay within walking distance of the beach for easy access with kids.
• Choose a place with a pool near your room to relax while the child naps.
• Bring a baby carrier or sling for walks where strollers aren’t practical. Check out our absolute favorite baby carrier from Tula.
• Pack some baby food and snacks, since local stores may have limited options.

Planning a family trip to Khao Lak? Here’s everything you need to know about the best time to visit, what to pack, getting around, and staying healthy with little ones.

The best time to visit Khao Lak is during the dry season, from November to April, when the sea is calm and most tours are running. The wet season (May–October) can bring heavy showers and some tours may be cancelled, but prices are lower and everything is greener.

Most restaurants in Khao Lak are very welcoming to families. You’ll find kids’ menus at several places, and staff are happy to prepare simple meals like plain pasta, rice, or grilled chicken.
High chairs are available in many restaurants, especially around Bang Niang and Khao Lak Beach.

Best family-friendly restaurant in Khao Lak:
TipTop Restaurant – our favorite spot for families! They have a kids’ menu, friendly staff, and baby chairs. The food is fresh and tasty, and it’s one of the most popular choices among traveling families.

If your little one is picky, there are also several Western-style cafés and bakeries that serve pancakes, smoothies, and sandwiches.

Packing for Khao Lak is quite similar to packing for Bali: light clothes, sun protection, and baby travel basics.
👉 Check our full Bali with Kids Packing List for ideas and download your free family packing checklist below.

Essentials to bring:

• Baby carrier (handy for beaches and short walks)
• Compact stroller – we use this Cybex Stroller
• Diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, pacifiers
• Swim diapers (harder to find locally)
• Sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellent
• Passports, cash & credit card
• Reusable water bottle – check this water bottle

Khao Lak is compact, so getting around is easy.
You can:

• Use Grab (the local ride app — perfect for short rides or day trips)
• Rent a car or private driver if you’re exploring nearby areas like Phang Nga or Phuket
• Walk or cycle around the main town areas

You’ll need a local eSIM or Thai SIM card to use Grab and navigation apps. We always use Airalo and you can get 15% off your eSIM with our partner link below:

Khao Lak has a few good clinics and small hospitals for common issues like ear infections, fever, or stomach problems.
For emergencies, Takuapa Hospital and Bangkok Hospital Phuket are the best-equipped options nearby.

Always travel with:

• Sunscreen and mosquito spray
• Travel insurance (essential for families)
• Basic first-aid kit
• Baby paracetamol or ibuprofen

Khao Lak is a wonderful destination for families in Thailand, offering calm beaches, nature adventures, and plenty of activities that are easy to reach with little ones. What you choose to do depends on your children’s ages, your family’s pace, and how you like to travel.

For families with younger children, staying near the beach or main town is often ideal. You get convenience, easy access to restaurants and shops, and still plenty of quiet moments for relaxing. Almost anywhere in Khao Lak can work for families as long as you plan your days around your kids’ needs.

If you’re curious about combining Khao Lak with other family adventures in Southeast Asia, check out these guides:

Thailand:

• Thailand with Kids
• Ao Nang & Krabi with kids
• Best Time to Visit Thailand with Kids
• Top things to do in Phuket with Kids

Bali & Lombok:

• Bali with Kids
• Lombok with Kids

Malaysia:

• Kuala Lumpur with Kids
• Sepilok with Kids
• Semporna with Kids
• Kinabatangan River with Kids

📥 Want more? Visit our 👉 Family Travel Shop for printables and travel journals to make your trip even smoother.

📌 Save this guide to Pinterest and follow us for weekly tips on family travel in various places.
📸 Say hi on Instagram, where we share behind-the-scenes from our family adventures.

Happy travels and enjoy your Khao Lak adventure! 🏖️
– The Little Passport Crew

FAQ: Khao Lak with Kids

Is Khao Lak a good destination for families with young children?

Yes! Khao Lak is quiet, safe, and very kid-friendly. Beaches are calm and there are plenty of family activities nearby.

What are the best things to do in Khao Lak with kids?

Visit calm beaches, waterfalls, bamboo rafting, Khao Sok National Park, and turtle sanctuaries. Some boat trips like Similan Islands are better for older children.

Where should families stay in Khao Lak?

Big beach resorts, family villas, or simple homestays near Nang Thong or Bang Niang beaches are ideal. Many offer pools and kid-friendly amenities.

When is the best time to visit Khao Lak with kids?

The dry season from November to April is best. Weather is sunny, seas are calm, and it’s perfect for beach and nature activities.

Is Khao Lak safe for babies and toddlers?

Yes. The area is generally very safe. Watch sun exposure, use mosquito repellent, and check weather conditions for boat trips.

What should I pack for a family trip to Khao Lak?

Bring light clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, hats, baby essentials like diapers and wipes, a carrier or stroller, and any preferred formula or snacks.