Complete guide to bus travel from Phuket to Khao Lak — schedules, prices, operators and booking tips.
Khao Lak is a laidback beach destination north of Phuket and the main jumping-off point for the world-famous Similan Islands — widely considered to have the best diving in Thailand.
Khao Lak is a compelling alternative to Phuket for those seeking beautiful beaches without the crowds, and it is the undisputed base for accessing the Similan Islands. Located just 70 kilometres north of Phuket, it is a quieter, more relaxed resort area spread along a long stretch of beautiful sand backed by forested hills.
The Similan Islands are a marine national park archipelago about 70 kilometres offshore, consistently ranked among the world's top 10 diving destinations. Visibility in the clear Andaman Sea can exceed 30 metres, and the underwater landscape includes dramatic boulders, coral gardens and abundant marine life. The islands are only accessible from Khao Lak (or Phuket, but the crossing is 2 hours longer from there).
Day trips and multi-day liveaboard dive boats depart from Tab Lamu Pier, about 10 kilometres north of Khao Lak town centre. Book with a local dive operator — there are dozens in Khao Lak offering trips at various price points.
Beyond diving, Khao Lak's beaches are excellent and far less crowded than Phuket. The Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park, which surrounds the resort area, offers jungle trekking and elephant spotting.
The following operators run regular services on the Phuket–Khao Lak route:
Compare prices across all operators before booking — fares can vary significantly by class and season.
Departures: 08:00–18:00
From: Phuket Bus Terminal 2 or Phuket Town minivan pickup
To: Khao Lak main junction
Schedules may vary by operator and season. Confirm departure times when booking, particularly during Thai public holidays.
✅ Book Similan Islands dive trips from Khao Lak — much closer than from Phuket.
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Book 1–2 days ahead on weekdays. During Songkran (April), New Year and long weekends, book at least one week in advance — buses sell out fast on popular routes.