Exclusive Author Interview

Planning a holiday in Khao Lak? You'll quickly notice there are countless travel guides about Phuket — but almost nothing specifically dedicated to Khao Lak. One author who changed that is R. Kobi, with the guide "Discovering Khao Lak" (German edition: "Khao Lak Entdecken").

We at Go Travel Phuket have had the pleasure of meeting the author personally. Now in its 3rd edition with over 260 pages and more than 500 personally tested tips, it is the most thorough guide to Khao Lak we know — and one we genuinely recommend to our guests.

We asked R. Kobi six questions about how the book came to be, what makes Khao Lak so special, and where to find experiences you won't read about anywhere else.

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Discovering Khao Lak — 3rd Edition By R. Kobi · 260+ pages · 500+ tested tips, routes, maps & online links · Also available in German as Khao Lak Entdecken
Go Travel Phuket's Danijel meets R. Kobi, author of Discovering Khao Lak travel guide, in Phuket

Danijel (far right) from Go Travel Phuket meets R. Kobi (far left), author of Discovering Khao Lak, in Phuket

01
How did the idea come about to write a Khao Lak travel guide?
We come from a family that loves to travel and always prepared carefully before every trip. It makes holidays so much richer when you know something about the culture and the places you visit.

After many trips to the region — first Phuket, then Khao Lak — the way of travelling changed too: first with friends, then as a couple, then with a child, and now as a senior traveller (even if it doesn't feel that way).

In 2016 we were putting together things to do on our next Khao Lak holiday and noticed there simply was no travel guide for the region. It was tedious and time-consuming to piece everything together from the internet. So the idea came up to write one ourselves.

The self-published book was initially only available on Amazon. After a very positive response, it was expanded and brought into local bookshops too.

02
What do you personally find most fascinating about Khao Lak and Thailand?
Oh — simply everything! The country, the people, the climate, the food, the culture. It is the combination of sea and rainforest, the warmth of the people, the year-round sunshine, and the wonderful food. For a holiday, it is simply perfect.

And why Khao Lak over Phuket?

We prefer Khao Lak because it is quieter, yet still has everything. Good restaurants, a little nightlife, beautiful uncrowded beaches, nearby attractions — and genuinely off-the-beaten-track spots, if you just know where to look.
03
Which three places or experiences in Khao Lak would you most recommend to visitors?

The author uses Khao Lak primarily as a base for excursions into the surrounding region. These are his three must-dos:

Phang Nga Bay — at the very least for the view, or ideally a full tour on the water. There are also tours that go well beyond the standard routes.

Khao Sok National Park & Cheow Lan Lake — an overnight stay at the park or on the lake is a one-of-a-kind experience. Wildlife, nature, silence.

Snorkelling or diving at the Surin or Similan Islands — the underwater world here is simply breathtaking.
04
Do you have an insider tip that rarely appears in mainstream travel guides?
Actually, a great many — the whole guide is designed to give practical information about attractions and experiences, not just the classic group-tour sights, but everything you can do independently: by renting a vehicle or hiring a private driver.

This approach has even led to tour operators discovering new destinations through the book:

We were among the very first to describe the Samet Nangshe viewpoint over Phang Nga Bay back in 2017 — long before it became well-known. Today it is on everyone's list. But there are alternatives... described in the book!
05
Who is the guide particularly aimed at?

The guide is for visitors to Khao Lak and Phuket who want more from their holiday than just hotel and beach. In practice it covers every type of traveller:

  • Families with young children
  • Couples looking for romance
  • Independent adventurers and explorers
  • First-time visitors to Thailand
  • Long-time Thailand fans discovering something new
  • Older travellers looking for comfortable but interesting experiences
It even includes tips for rainy days. With 260 pages and over 500 tested suggestions, maps, and route ideas linked to online maps — there is something for everyone.
06
Are you planning further editions or new books?

Discovering Khao Lak is now in its third edition — this time with full colour photos. The guide is updated every year to keep it current and useful.

We want to keep doing that. But we are increasingly aware of the flood of fake travel guides hitting the market — they look great, have beautiful descriptions... and are completely useless. AI-generated filler, full of generalities and errors.

This is exactly why genuine reader reviews matter so much — they are what keeps the project going despite the enormous effort involved. Follow the latest news at khaolakkompakt.com.

Book the Author's Top 3 Excursions

All tours personally guided or curated by the Go Travel Phuket team

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Phang Nga Bay Tour

Explore the dramatic limestone karsts, floating villages, and hidden caves of Phang Nga Bay — one of Southeast Asia's most iconic seascapes. Available as a day trip from Phuket and Khao Lak.

View Tour →
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Khao Sok National Park & Cheow Lan Lake

Journey into one of the world's oldest rainforests. Float on the emerald waters of Cheow Lan Lake surrounded by jungle-clad peaks — available as a day trip or overnight experience.

View Tour →
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Similan Islands Snorkelling & Diving

The Similan Islands rank among the world's top snorkelling and diving destinations. Crystal-clear water, vibrant coral reefs, and stunning marine life. Seasonal departures from Khao Lak.

View Tour →

Why We Recommend This Guide

At Go Travel Phuket, we visit the hotels, restaurants, and attractions we recommend ourselves — before we recommend them. That is exactly the approach we recognise in Discovering Khao Lak: every tip in the book has been personally tested and verified.

What sets it apart from the generic content flooding the market today:

  • 500+ tips across 260 pages — all personally verified
  • Independent travel advice: car hire, private taxis, self-guided routes
  • Lesser-known spots and alternative viewpoints not found elsewhere
  • Maps and route suggestions with links to online maps
  • Annual updates to keep all information current
  • Content for all traveller types — including rainy-day ideas

Combine the book with live tips in our Go Travel Phuket Facebook group and you will be better prepared than most travellers arriving in Khao Lak.

Discovering Khao Lak and Khao Lak Entdecken travel guides by R. Kobi

Get the Book

English titleDiscovering Khao Lak (Compact)
German titleKhao Lak Entdecken
AuthorR. Kobi
Pages260+
Tips500+ tested & described
🛒 Buy on Amazon (English) 🛒 Kauf auf Amazon (Deutsch)

Planning Your Khao Lak Holiday?

Our team at Go Travel Phuket is German-speaking, based in Phuket, and knows the region personally. We are happy to help you plan the perfect excursions.

© 2026 Go Travel Phuket · Tour operator for Phuket & Khao Lak · German-speaking · Reliable