Discovery Khao Lak
Khao Lak, Thailand
- Rural
- Coast
- Foodies
- Culture
- Nature
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Explore coral reefs, mangroves, waterfalls and stay with local communities
Small-group and private tours which run out to the Similan and Surin Islands, rated among the best snorkelling in the world, along with mangrove kayaking through waterways to a hidden lagoon or family excursions to nearby Khao Lampi, Hat Thai Mueang National Park, cooking sticky rice over an open fire with park rangers before helping plant trees.
Discovery Travel became the first tour operator in Khao Lak to earn Travelife certification, and one of the first businesses in Thailand to receive the country's new five-star sustainability rating. The company co-founded the Sustainable Khao Lak Network, pushing local government on responsible tourism policy, and has planted over 300 mangrove trees and helped restore seagrass meadows lost to the 2004 tsunami with the fishing village of Baan Tha Din Deang.
Sustainability
Climate & conservation
- Zero single-use plastic, providing refillable water bottles on tours
- Small-group tours with a maximum of six guests
- Collecting rainwater for office use and setting AC to 26°C+
- Separating all waste to assist local collectors
- Ecosystem preservation / wildlife protection, Guides brief guests on best practices to protect coral, and the company avoids offering tours with harmful activities like animal shows.
Community & culture
- Employing licensed Thai guides with deep local knowledge of Khao Lak
- Working conditions aligned with Thailand's Labour Protection Act
- Founder of the Sustainable Khao Lak Network
- Tours designed for cultural immersion at local villages and temples
- Prioritising partnerships with other locally-run companies in Khao Lak
Commercial
- First and only tour operator in Khao Lak to be Travelife Certified
- Winner of the Responsible Thailand Award 2025
- Transparent business accounting, Operates with a formal zero-tolerance policy on bribery and corruption, and a commitment to fair and transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
- Leading responsible tourism initiatives in the Khao Lak region
In brief
- Price bracket
- £
- Type of tour
- Private/small-group day tours (snorkelling, kayaking, jungle, islands)
- Tour length
- Mostly single-day, some overnight options
- Activities
- Coral reef exploration, Mangrove tours, Waterfall visits, Hiking, Cultural visits, Cookery classes
- Setting
- Rural · Beach or coast
Best time to visit
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Visit during the dry season from November to April for the best weather and conditions.
Kids
Families with children of all ages are welcome on tours.
Accessibility
Tours include boat travel and exploring natural sites which may present challenges for mobility.
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Khao Lak, Thailand
Guide price · £ <£100 · ££ £100–300 · £££ £300–800 · ££££ £800+ pp / night
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