Khao Lak with Kids –
The 15 Best Activities for Families

The Turtle Conservation Centre near Khao Lak is one of the most moving experiences for families in all of Thailand. Injured sea turtles are nursed back to health, nesting sites are protected, and baby turtles are raised before being released into the sea. Included as part of the Khao Lak Safari Day — no separate booking needed.

Khao Sok is one of the oldest rainforests in the world — older than the Amazon. Just 60–70 km from Khao Lak, it offers families three distinct options:

Option A: Khao Sok Day Tour (from age 5)

Our Khao Sok Day Tour combines a canoe trip on the Sok River, an elephant experience (feeding and possible bathing in the river), a visit to a monkey temple and the Takua Pa market. Perfect for families with children from age 5. For children under 5, the Khao Lak Safari Day is the better fit.

The breathtaking Cheow Lan Lake surrounded by limestone cliffs — Option B and C of our Khao Sok tours © Go Travel Phuket

Option B: Khao Sok Lake / Cheow Lan (from age 10)

Cheow Lan Lake — a vast reservoir surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs — is one of the most spectacular sights in Southeast Asia. This tour includes a jungle trek of approximately 1.5 hours and a drive of around 2 hours each way from Khao Lak. We therefore recommend it for older children and teenagers from age 10.

Option C: 2-Day Tour with Overnight (from age 5–6)

The ultimate family adventure: both programmes combined, with an overnight stay in a spectacular Treehouse in Khao Sok National Park (Rock & Treehouse Resort). Treehouse Resort, jungle sounds at night, monkings on your balcony in the morning — for children from about age 5–6, an adventure they will never forget.

Gliding down a quiet jungle river on a traditional bamboo raft — wide, stable and guided by an experienced local. The current is gentle enough for toddlers, and at several points children and parents can jump in. It will get wet. Very wet. That's the whole point.

Khao Lak's beaches are long, wide and barely crowded — ideal for families. Here's an overview of the best stretches:

• Bang Niang Beach — Most popular family beach, calm water, shallow entry, restaurants along the edge.
• Nang Thong Beach — Central beach with many nearby hotels, restaurants and shops.
• Coconut Beach & White Sand Beach — Quiet, very natural beaches in the northern area — perfect for families seeking space.
• Bangsak Beach — Far north, very popular with families, shallow water, beautiful nature. Home to popular resorts: Outrigger, Robinson, Mai Khao Lak, Graceland Khao Lak and Avani+.

The Night Safari is a truly unique experience — and definitely not for the faint-hearted. It starts around 6:00 PM as darkness falls over Khao Lak, beginning with a canoe trip on the Little Amazon after dark. With torches you spot snakes, night birds, slow lorises and other nocturnal creatures — a completely different world from the daytime.

This is followed by a jungle trek of approximately 1.5 hours behind Khao Lak, searching for nocturnal animals: spiders, snakes, geckos and amphibians. The guide lights up the undergrowth — and what he finds is regularly spectacular.

No dinner, no show. This is real nature, not a theme park. That's precisely what makes it so special.

Off-road vehicles on mud tracks and jungle trails, past rubbertree plantations and hills — the ATV adventure in Khao Lak is loud, muddy and absolutely hilarious. One of those excursions children talk about most when they get home. All clothing will be mud-covered afterwards. Proof it was fun.

• Children from about age 4 can ride in front with a parent (safe seated position)
• From about age 10–12, experienced children may drive independently
• Available mornings and afternoons
• Choose 1-hour or 2-hour programme

Beyond our group tours, we offer a wide range of private tours for families wanting maximum flexibility — your own pace, your own priorities, your own schedule.

Private tours are available for almost all our programmes: Khao Lak Safari, Similan Islands, Khao Sok, Little Amazon, Night Safari and many more. A German-speaking guide is bookable subject to availability — please specify when enquiring.

The Anda Adventure in Song Praek National Park in Phang Nga combines three action highlights in a single day: white water rafting, ATV on off-road trails and zipline through the jungle. A full adrenalin day in stunning natural scenery.

This tour works best for children and teenagers from age 10–12 — younger and the physical demands and thrill factor are less well matched. For older children and teenagers it's simply the most exciting day of the holiday.

The Elephant Welfare Center is a genuinely special experience for families because it includes direct contact and real bathing — no riding, no shows, no chains. Children can feed the elephants up close, walk with them to the river and help with bathing. An intimate, heartfelt encounter that creates a deep bond between children and these magnificent animals.

The staff tell the story of each elephant — many were rescued from difficult situations — and for many families this is the most emotionally memorable experience of the entire holiday.

Around Khao Lak there are several accessible waterfalls ideal for a family outing. Nam Tok Ton Chong Fa in Lamru National Park is the best-known — a multi-tier waterfall with natural swimming pools. The walk takes around 30–40 minutes on marked trails. Beautifully cool, stunning, and free.

The Bang Niang Walking Street Market runs Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings and is one of the most charming markets in Khao Lak. Local stalls with freshly prepared Thai food, juices, crafts and souvenirs — all at very local prices.

Children love it: grilled bananas, mango with sticky rice, chicken skewers from the grill, sweets in every shape and colour. Come around 6:30pm, bring cash in small notes, and let the kids choose what they want to try. A relaxed, wonderful family evening.

We offer two beautiful tours by large boats in Phang Nga Bay that suit different age groups perfectly:

Setting out on the Andaman Sea Kayak tour in Phang Nga Bay — exploring hidden caves, mangroves and lagoons by kayak © Go Travel Phuket

Andaman Sea Kayak (from age 4–5)

In stable double kayaks you paddle through mangrove channels, into sea caves and onto hidden lagoons — places no motorboat could reach. Completely self-paced, with experienced guides who know every channel and viewpoint. Children feel like genuine explorers in untouched nature. Ideal for families with children from about age 4–5.

Golden sunset over Phang Nga Bay during the Twilight Sea Canoe tour — one of the most magical evenings you'll ever experience © Go Travel Phuket

Twilight Sea Canoe (from age 12, return ~10:30–11 PM)

The twilight programme is the evening, more magical version — and for older children the more intense experience. You paddle through caves and lagoons at dusk and after dark, including bioluminescent plankton that glows blue when you touch the water. Truly magical. The programme also includes a visit to James Bond Island and dinner on board. Return to hotel is around 10:30–11:00 PM — too late for younger children. We recommend Twilight from age 12 and above.