By Nom - 18 July 2023
The Best Activities For Teenagers In Khao Lak
Khao Lak is an excellent choice for families or couples looking for a laid-back relaxing holiday with beautiful, untouched stretches of white sand beaches and lush tropical rainforest reaching right down to the beach.
Khao Lak is also perfect for travelling with teenagers as it is filled with natural thrilling experiences that cater to their energy and interests.
As our kids get older they seem to be perpetually glued to their screens and have little interest in the beach which can present a unique challenge, but fear not, there are plenty of adrenaline pumping activities to make your family trip to Khao Lak enjoyable and memorable.
Khao Lak offers multiple child and teenager friendly activities and places to visit, making it a perfect destination for families.
Khao Lak is renowned for its perfect endless white sandy beaches, where children can play on the sand and in the sea for hours. There are also opportunities to experience thrilling water sports like snorkelling, diving and kayaking.
But what do you do when they are tired of fun on the beach? It can be difficult to find suitable things to do with teenagers in tow. Luckily Khao Lak has plenty of fun activities to please everyone from Quad Bikes to Elephants, River Tubing to Mini Golf and Muay Thai Training to Bamboo Rafting.
Our teenagers had the most fun and adventure River Tubing and ATV Riding. They also enjoyed seeing turtles up close at The Sea Turtle Conservation Centre and shopping in the Biang Niang night market.
With so many different activities and places to visit to choose from, it can feel overwhelming. To assist, here is a list of what we consider to be The Best Activities For Teenagers In Khao Lak.
For more Khao Lak inspiration you can also head over to our dedicated page Khao Lak: Ultimate Guide & Things To Do for more activities and places to visit in and around Khao Lak.
Do you want to read this later? Save this PIN on your Thailand Board on Pinterest and read it later
The Best Activities For Teenagers In Khao Lak
Khao Lak offers a diverse range of activities for visitors seeking a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Away from the stunning beaches Khao Lak offers multiple active and unique experiences.
Khao Lak is the gateway to the Similan Islands, offering world-class diving and snorkelling opportunities with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
The surrounding National Parks, such as Khao Sok and Lam Ru, provide opportunities for jungle trekking / hiking and waterfall excursions, allowing nature enthusiasts to explore the lush landscapes and encounter local wildlife.
Visitors can also enjoy boat trips to the nearby Surin Islands or embark on a memorable Bamboo Rafting adventure along scenic rivers.
With its combination of natural beauty and outdoor activities, Khao Lak caters to a wide range of interests, making it a captivating destination for families with children of all ages.
Best Activities For Teenagers In Khao Lak:
Hanuman World Ziplining - Phuket
Andamamda Waterpark - Phuket
Similan Islands Trip
James Bond Island, Panyee Island and Kayaking Lod Cave – Phang Nga Ba
Keep your travel plans flexible, all of these tours come with free cancellation and you can reserve your spot now and pay later.
Khao Lak already has everything you need for a wonderful holiday but you can take it to the next level with a unique adventurous experience blending activities for those who love peaceful rafting and exciting ATV rides.
We enjoyed a unique experience that combined adventure and nature - perfect for entertaining teenagers. You can enjoy these activities separately or combined. ATV Adventures can be 1 or 2 hours.
1. Bamboo Rafting & ATV Adventure in Khao Lak
Immerse yourself in the ultimate fusion of nature and adventure with a River Tubing experience in the Kapong District of Southern Thailand. Explore untamed landscapes, drift along serene rivers on an inflatable tube and conquer the rapids with a thrilling River Tubing Adventure.
We enjoyed a unique experience that combined adventure and nature - perfect for entertaining teenagers.
Discover the perfect blend of tranquility and adrenaline - Read our Blog here!
For more information and to book your River Tubing Adventure click here
2. Kapong River Tubing Nature Tour
This unique 18 hole mini golf is straight off the set of an Indiana Jones movie. The course trails its way through jungle vegetation and temple ruins with distinctive & creative obstacles.
The entry is dominated by an ancient temple wall which features a seated Buddha with a waterfall cascading from a four metre height.
The Maze is a labyrinth of hedges and pathways, meandering back and forth with hidden nooks & crannies, where you can rest in comfort admiring the flora and fauna, while you catch your breath and try to work out how to escape.
Whether you’re a hardcore minigolf fanatic or just looking for a fun way to spend time while on vacation, KhaoLak Mini Golf is the place to be. Bring your family, bring your friends – it’s great outdoors entertainment for everyone, suitable for all ages!
3. Khao Lak Mini Golf & Maze
A great place to visit to see turtles up close is the Royal Naval Sea Turtle Conservation Centre which is actually located inside the Thai Navy base at Taplamu. You can easily drive yourself here, like we did or book a well-organized tour with a knowledgeable guide. Most tours to the Sea Turtle Conservation Center are child-friendly and often include relaxing bamboo rafting, visiting and feeding elephants, and/or a visit to a nearby waterfall. You can book one of these small-group half-day tours and be assured of an unforgettable experience!
The Conservation Centre is run by Royal Thai Navy staff and volunteers and its aim is to protect turtles and help them to thrive by looking after sick and injured turtles and releasing healthy turtles back into the sea. Older and sick turtles are cared for permanently as they couldn’t survive on their own.
Children love being able to see many turtles of various ages and sizes and learning about their life cycles and how important it is to care for the environment.
You will also find the wreck of the T 215 boat which has been preserved as a memorial to those that lost their lives in the 2004 Tsunami. It is not quite as well preserved as the famous Police Boat T813 in Bang Niang.
4. The Sea Turtle Conservation Centre
The beach here is stunning and hosts sculptures of a whale and a turtle each full of plastic bottles that have been collected on the beach.
The Sea Turtle Conservation Center is worth a visit, but don’t expect a lot of activities to do here. You will likely spend 30-60 minutes here. It’s a great place to observe tiny and full-grown sea turtles. Children are always excited to see them!
You can either book a package tour or incorporate some of the nearby DIY activities below if you are looking for something else to do after your visit.
There are toilet facilities and a café on site.
Open every day 08.30 – 16.30. Entry fee THB60 per person.
If you drive yourself there you will be required to stop just inside the security gate and to sign in. One person from the group will be required to leave their passport, Thai ID Card or driving license which can be collected on exit.
If you prefer a guided tour, check out the options available here and combine with other experiences.
There are several places in and around Khao Lak where you can have an up-close ethical experience with elephants, Thailand’s national animal.
Most places offer Special “Care Programs” which are designed for tourists to have a wonderful meet-and-greet with elephants without breaking ethical rules or harming them.
Some places also offer a bathing experience with these giants, though this activity isn’t banned, it is not considered ethical. It is a personal preference which type of activity you participate in. Whichever you choose you will have a fun, unforgettable experience getting up close and personal with elephants feeding them from the palm of your hand.
5. Khao Lak Elephant Experience
There are several half-day or full-day tours you can choose from which combine an elephant experience with other popular activities including hotel pick-up and drop-off. You may choose to add bamboo rafting, The Sea Turtle Conservation Centre or a waterfall for a refreshing dip!
If you want to have an unforgettable experience with these giants – you are not alone! Everyone agrees that elephants are amazing and intelligent creatures. Explore your options here.
6. The Dredger Cafe And Bang Mara Hill - Takua Pa
Sitting on top of a small hill with breathtaking views, this is the place to visit for Instagram photographs! Unfortunately it is not advertised a much as it should be and is often overlooked.
There are two ways to get to the top. There are stairs opposite the Boon Soong Iron Bridge or you can park in Wat Bang Mara and either walk up the steep hill or take the songtheaw ride up. There is a small entrance fee which is partially refunded when purchasing food or drinks in the Dredger Cafe. We paid THB60 each for the ride up and entrance and used our coupon for delicious refreshments in the Dredger Cafe.
There are several cool places for photographs and you can see the Boon Soong Iron Bridge from above. Part of the complex is a waterpark suitable for small children. There are rooms and glamping tents available, you can even sleep inside the dinosaurs!
Takua Pa is approximately a 30 minute drive from Khao Lak. Why not combine the trip with The Little Amazon Tour and if you go on a Sunday you can also take in the Takua Pa afternoon Street Market.
7. The Little Amazon - Takua Pa
Located approximately 6km North of Takua Pa Town is an amazing mangrove forest that you can explore by canoe.
The Little Amazon is a wildlife tour along the Klong Sang Nga canal where you will see Banyan trees, snakes, reptiles, birds, fish and monkeys. Your guide paddles the canoe through the beautiful forests leaving you hands free to take amazing photographs. You will feel like you are in the real Amazon!
You can find The Little Amazon on Google Maps and you can contact them directly through Facebook here
8. Muay Thai Training
Muay Thai, a traditional martial art, is deeply ingrained in Thai history and is the National Sport of Thailand.
Muay Thai is a full-contact combat sport that uses stand-up striking, sweeps, and various clinching techniques. Known as the "Art Of Eight Limbs", it is characterised by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees and shins.
Muay Thai training is just one of the many ways to keep fit in Thailand and is perfect for teenagers looking for something different.
You can join a group training session or take a private lesson. Train to fight or train for fun and to improve your fitness levels.
This is the youngest member of Sunny Travel Explorers enjoying a training session at the highly recommended Empire Muay Thai in Khao Lak.
For kids who love nature and exploring, Khao Lak has many opportunities with numerous waterfalls, hikes and an exciting nature trail along the coast.
Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park - Hat Lek Nature Trail - Hat Lek Beach (Small Sandy Beach) - Ton Chong Fa Waterfall
This National Park is a much-visited nature reserve named after the mountains Khao Laken and Lam Ru. It is a small park covering an area of 125 km² and it is popular for its hiking trails, waterfalls and sandy beaches. It is also home for many species of flora and fauna. The park is home to various interesting mammals, over 170 species of birds and many reptiles and amphibians.
The park is spilt into two areas, the coastal zone with the Nature Trail and Small Sandy Beach and the inland zone with the popular Ton Chong Fa Waterfall.
9. Nature Trails and Waterfalls
Ton Pling Waterfall is a great little waterfall at the South end of Khao Lak. The best thing about this waterfall is that it is very easily accessible right next to the parking area without the need for a hike through the rainforest to get there. We walked from The Khao Lak Merlin Resort, a distance of 1.3km.
Once you cross the highway the road is small and quiet and there are lots of different types of flowers and birds to enjoy as the road gently ascends to the waterfall.
There is a small waterfall drop and cool clear water cascading over numerous boulders. You can take a dip in the water and climb over the rocks for photographs. We recommend wearing water shoes and be careful as the rocks are slippery.
It is quiet and peaceful here with lots of lush greenery all around.
Ton Pling Waterfall
10. Hanuman World Zip Lining - Phuket
Hanuman World is the biggest zipline park in Thailand located in the lush rainforests of Phuket. The park offers Ziplines, Abseiling, a unique exhilarating High Speed Roller Zipline and a Sky Walk.
Hanuman World is an excellent destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts looking to experience the beauty of Phuket's rainforests while participating in exciting outdoor activities. These thrilling experiences are suitable for visitors of all ages and skill levels making it a great choice for families and individuals looking for an adventure in this tropical paradise.
Our family had immense fun at Hanuaman World, with teenagers it is a perfect way to spend a day. We really liked the way you can select the package that suits your wishes and budget. We completed all 32 Platforms and 16 Ziplines and added the Roller Zipline (which was terrifying!) and Sky Walk.
Our package included a lunch buffet and water. There are drinks and snacks available to purchase separately and of course you can buy your photographs and videos at reception afterwards.
The experience is extremely professionally run and the guides were super fun!
Hanuman World is located on Phuket Island and is approximately a 1.30 hour drive but well worth it!
There are various ticketing options, all with free cancellation, find out more here
11. Andamanda Water Park - The Great Water Kingdom - Phuket
Andamanda Water Park is a tropical paradise for those seeking aquatic adventures and family fun. This popular water park has five colorfully themed zones and offers 29 thrilling waterslides, 12 extreme waterslides, a wave pool and a lazy river.
Andamanda is the perfect escape from the tropical heat with its variety of thrilling water slides, tube rides, pools and kid-friendly splash zones. So, whether you're looking to relax poolside or indulge in some adrenaline-pumping water activities, Andamanda Water Park is a fantastic destination to beat the heat and create lasting memories.
Adults can enjoy a drink at one of the 2 swim-up bars, the perfect way to relax. You can savour a dining experience at the unique floating village restaurant, reminiscent of the Thai floating markets. Tuck into local dishes and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
We spent a whole day at Andamanda and apart from eating lunch, we were on the go all day! The rides are amazing fun and terrifying at the same time!
Andamanda has all the facilities you would expect from a large waterpark: changing rooms, toilets, showers, lockers and towel hire (fee payable for lockers and towel hire). You can preload your electronic wristband with money to spend on food and drinks to save carrying cash with you.
There are also 'add-ons' available such as hiring a private cabana or VIP seats for the day or even a deluxe water villa.
You can purchase the professional photographs of yourselves at reception on your way out.
Andamanda is located on Phuket Island and is approximately a 1.30 hour drive from Khao Lak.
Skip the queues by booking online with reserve now pay later. Find out how here.
The Similan Islands, a group of 9 granite islands, located in the Andaman Sea off the western coast of Thailand, are renowned for their pristine beauty and vibrant marine life. These tropical gems are part of the Mu Ko Similan National Park.
The Islands are world-famous and best known as a divers and snorkellers paradise. It’s one of the best diving sites in the world offering crystal-clear waters and an underwater wonderland filled with colorful hard and soft coral reefs and diverse marine species including colourful fish, rays and sharks.
Above the waterline, the islands boast stunning white sandy beaches framed by lush vegetation, creating a picturesque backdrop for visitors.
Most excursions leave from Tablamu Pier by large speedboats and the crossing takes about 70 minutes. On a slow boat, it will take 3 hours.
Keep in mind, the Similan Islands National Park opens from mid-October until Mid-May. Outside this period, the park is closed.
The best way to get to the islands is by booking a trip locally or online, trips usually include a full-transfer service from your accommodation to the Similan Islands and back.
12. Similan Islands - Divers & Snorkellers Paradise
Khao Sok National Park including the magnificent Cheow Larn Lake is an incredibly beautiful and vast place to visit. The rainforest here is estimated to be over 160 million years old, one of the oldest on the planet.
Khao Sok is a must-see place if you are looking for a true tropical jungle experience including exotic wildlife, caves, waterfalls and hikes to amazing viewpoints. The raw natural beauty and serenity cannot be explained in words or video, it is somewhere that has to be experienced. There is a magical energy surging through the area that touches your soul which is why visitors rate this area so highly.
13. Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Larn Lake
The vast rainforest spans 739km2, including the impressive man-made 169km2 “Cheow Larn” lake. The towering limestone cliffs, the spectacular lake, the abundance of wildlife and the overall serenity is what makes this area precious.
Khao Sok is home to rare flora and fauna, such as hornbill birds, gibbons, and elephants. It is also home to Asian Black and Sun Bears but sightings are rare. You will be able to spot exotic wildlife during an early morning or evening safari.
While there are fantastic day trips to Khao Sok, you cannot really fully immerse yourself in the wonderous beauty of the area. You can explore and compare one day and multi-day trips and book online here.
There are several multi-day packages available as it is recommended to stay at least one night. You can choose to sleep on the lake in a floating bungalow or stay in an amazing rainforest treehouse or lodge. Whichever you choose, waking up with the sounds of exotic wildlife is really something special and being surrounded by nature will relax and calm your mind.
Spending a night on Cheow Lan Lake is a wonderful experience, kids will love waking up on the lake! They will also love exploring the lake with their complimentary kayak and enjoy jumping in and diving from the floating bungalow deck.
The easiest and most convenient way to experience Khao Sok is to book a recommended tour which includes transfers.
There are several different tour options available each with unique highlights.
You can also find specific night safaris or cooking classes.
Browse all Khao Sok National Park recommendations here.
Whichever experience you choose you will fall in love with Khao Sok and wish you could stay.
14. James Bond Island, Panyee Island and Kayaking Lod Cave – Phang Nga Bay
James Bond Island, also known as Koh Tapu, is located in stunning Phang Nga Bay. It became famous after it was featured in the 1974 James Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun."
There are many organised tours to this breathtaking location which include a stop at Koh Tapu and Khao Phing Kan with it's amazing vertical rocks. Most tours will also include a visit to Panyee Island, a floating Muslim village and kayaking through the Lot sea caves marvelling at the wonderous limestone formations.
Panyee Island is unlike anything you've seen before in Thailand, it is an old Muslim community of around 1,600 people descended from 2 seafaring families that came from Java in the 18th Century.
Within the same period that they migrated here, the law that limited land ownership solely to people of Thai national origin went into effect, and in order to evade that, the community started building houses on stilts and continued to expand into the bay.
Today there is an entire community of over 360 families, complete with a mosque, a school and a football field all built on stilts. You will be astonished strolling around the maze that is the crisscrossing streets of Panyee Island discovering restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops.
Lot Cave is a collection of small caves that barely surface above the water under a large limestone mountain. It is a popular place to go kayaking around and sliding under these caves, full of amazing stalactites.
Some of the caves are extremely low and you will need to lie flat on your kayak in order to pass through. For us, the most exciting part was passing through an extremely small opening in pitch darkness to emerge into a small, quiet cavern illuminated by sunlight through the ceiling.
A day trip to Phang Nga Bay including a stop at James Bond Island is a favourite day out from Khao Lak, reserve your tour now with book now pay later here.
Watching the sunrise at Samet Nangshe viewpoint in Phang Nga is a stunning experience. The viewpoint offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Phang Nga Bay, with limestone karsts rising from the water and mangrove forests, creating a picturesque scene.
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is a 78km drive south from Khao Lak. It is north of Phuket over the Sarasin Bridge. You can get there from Phang Nga by motorbike, rental car or taxi.
Sunrise is the best time for photographs although at any time of day the view is spectacular.
Read our complete guide everything about Samet Nangshe viewpoint
15. Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
Where To Stay In
Khao Lak
With a series of small villages stretched over 20 km of beautiful coastline it can seem daunting to choose where to stay.
Broadly speaking the three main areas of Khao Lak are Bang La On, Bang Niang, and Khuk Khak.
Bang La On is the most developed area with many resorts and tourist facilities.
Bang Niang is a bit more laid-back and North of Bang La On.
Khuk Khak is the most rural of the three villages, North of Ban Bang Niang.
On Khao Lak South Beach you will find the Lam Kaen area which is the original Khao Lak village, south of the Khao Lak mountain.
For a quiet getaway choose Ban Bang Niang, Khuk Khak or Lam Kaen.
Further North there are 3 more areas considered to be within the Khao Lak region.
Right after Khuk Khak you will enter Pakarang, mainly a fishing village with some resorts and the popular Pakarang Cape and Pakarang Beach.
The villages of Pak Weep and Bang Sak are just beyond Pakarang and have the most secluded beaches. THey are are much smaller than Ban La On, Bang Niang or Khuk Khak, but they offer a more authentic Thai experience. Stay in Pak Weep or Bang Sak if you like it quiet and don’t mind spending most of your time at a luxurious resort.
We stayed at The Khao Lak Merlin Resort which was absolutely amazing. The Khao Lak Merlin Resort is an award wining natural eco resort where the rainforest meets the sea.
The resort is set in an enchanting rainforest and no trees were removed during building.
There is an abundance of wildlife here including birds, water monitors and slow loris. Guided nature walks place place within the hotel grounds early morning and at night for a chance to glimpse stunning birds and the nocturnal Slow Loris.
Our kids loved the Khao Lak Merlin Resort as it is set right on the beach so there's the option of pool or beach. There's a small games room for kids with a pool table, dart board and board games.
The Stamp Rally was fun family activity and we learned more about the plants and wildlife in the gardens.
Find out more about this leading eco-resort and check availability here.
We were extremely lucky to see four Slow Loris on a night walk and we had a tree frog visit our room!
There's lots of space here and no stampede for sunbeds.
Read Our Thailand Travel Blogs
Read Our Malaysia Travel Blogs
Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.
SUBSCRIBE
Subscribe to our newsletter to always be the first to hear about recent Blogs and adventures.
