(A Travel Companion’s Guide)
There’s something almost magical about arriving at an airport in a foreign land the burst of warm air, the slow whirl of unfamiliar signs, the slight panic of not knowing where to go next. If you’ve just landed in Phuket and are heading to Khao Lak, rest assured you’re not the first, and you won’t be the last. The route is well-trodden, but like most things in travel, the devil is in the details.
Let’s unpack the options.
The Geography of It
Khao Lak lies about 80 kilometres north of Phuket International Airport. That’s not terribly far, but it’s far enough that you’ll want to think carefully about how to get there especially if you’re coming off a long-haul flight, bleary-eyed and lugging a suitcase that weighs as much as a small child.
The journey, if done right, takes about 1.5 hours. If done wrong — well, it could take all afternoon.
Option 1: The Private Transfer (Highly Recommended)
Think of this as the first-class lounge of overland transport. You step out of arrivals, someone’s there holding a sign with your name on it, and within minutes you’re in a comfortable, air-conditioned car headed north. No detours. No haggling. No waiting for someone else’s luggage to come off the carousel.
This is, by all accounts, the fastest and most comfortable way to get to Khao Lak. You’ll pay more for it around 1,800 baht for a standard sedan or van but if you’ve just flown halfway around the world and value peace of mind over pinching pennies, it’s money well spent.
And here’s something to note: not all airport taxis are equal. Some are official. Some… less so. If you value safety, insurance, and not being taken on the scenic route for no reason, pre-booking with a licensed provider is a wise move.
Option 2: Shared Minivan (The Backpacker’s Choice)
If you’re happy to trade privacy for savings, the shared minivan is a middle-of-the-road option. Prices range from 300 to 600 baht per person, and departures are usually coordinated once enough passengers have assembled. Sometimes this is quick. Sometimes you wait. Sometimes you wait a long time.
The journey itself is pleasant enough, if you don’t mind making a few extra stops. There’s a camaraderie in shared travel, after all as long as you’re not seated next to someone with a loud phone call and durian in their bag.
Option 3: Public Bus (For the Patient and the Prepared)
Yes, it can be done. No, it’s not particularly easy.
To take the bus, you’ll need to first get to Phuket Town about an hour from the airport and from there, catch a second bus heading north to Khao Lak. This will set you back about 250 baht in total, and a good chunk of your day.
It’s slow, sometimes chaotic, but undeniably local. If you’ve got time, no tight check-in schedule, and a love for watching the world roll past a dusty window, this might just be your kind of adventure.
But if your suitcase has wheels that jam, or you’re travelling with children or jetlag, I’d politely suggest you give this one a miss.
Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on your priorities. If comfort, speed, and direct service matter most, a private transfer is the clear winner. If you’re watching your budget but still want a straightforward ride, a shared minivan strikes a decent balance. And if you’re the type who views transport as part of the journey — with all its bumps and waits and wondering the public bus is your stage.
One Last Thought
The trip from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak isn’t long, but it sets the tone for your stay. How you begin often shapes how you feel when you arrive.
If you’d rather start your holiday with your feet up and a breeze through the window rather than counting passengers or worrying about timetables it’s worth choosing the route that brings peace, not stress.
After all, isn’t that what travel is meant to be?
