Tropical Paradise: Coconut Beach & White Sand Beach, Khao Lak

Thailand is home to miles and miles of stunning coastline, soft sand and stunning islands. But not all Thai beaches are equal. A lot have fallen prey to over tourism and whilst they remain beautiful, they are no longer the deserted tropical paradises we imagine when we think of Thailand. Coconut beach and White Sand beach Khao Lak are two connected strips of sand in Khuek Khak and I think they really are the best beaches in Khao Lak.

I’ve lumped these two beaches together as there is no divider between the two, they merge seamlessly into each other so you wouldn’t notice moving from one to another. However at high tide they do get cut off so you’ll need to drive from one side to the other.

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Why are these the best beaches in Khao Lak

To me, these beaches are reminiscent of the Thailand of old. They are quiet, they are great value and they are simply stunning. The sand is plenty wide enough for everyone and the huge trees bordering the beach provide just enough shade to get you through the day.

You can hire loungers on the beach for around 50 Baht or do what we did and get a drink at the restaurant and enjoy it with your feet in the sand. If you just want to relax then bring a towel and some cold drinks and enjoy the beach for free.

You’ll find shaded massage salas at the beach edge. These were really great value and there is just something so special about getting an open air massage whilst watching the waves.

Top Tip: If you are visiting these beaches for sunset and after, bring a torch. There are little hermit crabs on the sand and you wouldn’t want to step on any.

Coconut Beach Khao Lak

Coconut beach is the quieter of the two. It is slightly further West than white sand beach. It’s probably where you’ll park if you’re just visiting for the day. It’s also where the best value bars and restaurants are located.

White Sand Beach Khao Lak

White sand beach is the busier of the two. It’s home to a couple of luxury resorts and is where most of the sunbeds to rent are.

This is a great beach for wildlife spotting. We saw heaps of little chipmunk/squirrels and plenty of crabs in the sand. It’s also a good place for birdspotting.

What is the sand like

The pale yellow sand really is so fine it looks white. It’s super soft underfoot although I’m not sure it would be great for sandcastle building.

Read Next: Things to do in Khao Lak with kids.

Where to eat on Coconut Beach Khao Lak

If you drive straight to coconut beach you’ll arrive at Coconut Beach Boatyard Restaurant. A great value restaurant serving Thai dishes and ice cold drinks. Later in the day they move the tables right on to the sand so you can enjoy your meal with your toes in the sand watching the sunset. Heaven!

Kids will love playing on the beach swings and in the sand whilst you sit back and enjoy the view.

If you walk further down the beach (heading away from white sand beach) you’ll come to Nok restaurant and the coconut beach bar. We stopped here for some ice cold coffees after our paddle. The service was fantastic and very welcoming and the drinks super cheap.

I loved that the toilets were located in a little shack out the back and the sink was open air, perched on a couple of tyres. This is not a slick modern beach club, its a basic bar on the beach and we absolutely loved it!

And White Sand Beach, Khoa Lak

White sand beach restaurant is probably the most popular on the beach as it’s close to two of the luxury resorts based there. Its a lovely locally run restaurant that serves great food at excellent prices. Light bites such as Spring rolls and satays are around 100 Baht and a beer just over 100 Baht. Here you can make use of the restaurants hammocks or enjoy your cocktail on a beach swing.

Where to stay near White Sand Beach Khao Lak

Kantary Beach

5 star Kantary Beach hotel is located right on the beach. It’s a gorgeous property with all the luxurious features you would expect. You can book a room with views of White sand beach and many of them come with a small kitchenette making a stay with kids an absolute breeze.

Book your stay at the Kantary Beach Hotel

The Sarojin

Another stunning 5 star property on White Sand beach is the Sarojin. This not a huge chain of resorts, it’s more of a beautiful boutique style hotel. All rooms are set in the tropical gardens and the two bed suites are a real treat for a family holiday in Khao Lak.

Book your stay at the Sarojin Khao Lak

Ao Thong Beach bungalows

If you’re more beach bum than luxury traveller a stay in one of the bungalows overlooking the beach could be for you. Whilst most definitely not the basic beach huts of old but still incredible value, these beach bungalows can accommodate either two or three adults and have air con, tvs and a lovely Thai design.

The Waters Khao Lak

During our stay in Khao Lak we booked in to the Waters hotel close to the centre of town. It’s a great value hotel with many pool access rooms. This hotel is all about the pools, it has 7 in total and is bright and contemporary by design. It’s around 15 minutes drive from coconut beach.

Book your stay at the Waters Khao Lak

Have a read of my recommendations for family friendly resorts in Khao Lak.

How to get to the best beaches in Khao Lak

White Sand and Coconut beach are really easy to get to from Khao Lak. Just order an Grab car or ask your hotel to get you a taxi. It should take any more than 15 minutes and cost you less than 300 Baht.

If you have hired a motor bike or car and want to drive yourselves, head north out of Khao Lak on the 4 (the main road out of town). Your then looking for Laem Pakarang road on your left after about ten minutes. The beach should be signposted from there. Or if you see them, follow signs to the Sarojin and the Boatyard restaurant from there.

Parking for Coconut Beach

We parked right outside the boatyard restaurant. It was free and they have plenty of spaces. Just make sure to stop in for a drink or some food.

Have I convinced you that these are the best beaches in Khao Lak? For me White sand and Coconut beach is where I felt most at peace during are recent visit to Thailand. It is where I felt most on vacation with my only concern being which cocktail to order next.

Pin for later for planning a trip to the best beach, Khao Lak