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.
Danijel (far right) from Go Travel Phuket meets R. Kobi (far left), author of Discovering Khao Lak, in Phuket
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).
The self-published book was initially only available on Amazon. After a very positive response, it was expanded and brought into local bookshops too.
And why Khao Lak over Phuket?
The author uses Khao Lak primarily as a base for excursions into the surrounding region. These are his three must-dos:
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.
This approach has even led to tour operators discovering new destinations through the book:
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
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.
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
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 →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 →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.
Get the Book
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