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Khao Lak is a stretch of long, quiet beaches on the mainland north of Phuket, backed by rainforest. A car is the easy way to reach the national parks, the piers for the Similan Islands and the old town of Takua Pa.
Car hire prices in Khao Lak
From, total for 7 days
| Pick-up point | Small | Mid-size | Large / SUV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khao Lak | €215 | €280 | €305 |
Total for a 7-day rental, fully insured with everything included. Rates vary by car, availability and how far ahead you book. Updated 10 November 2026. About this price
What's included in the price
Zero excess
At Khao Lak, cars come with zero excess.
- Collision damage and theft cover
- Damage to windows, tyres, roof and undercarriage
- Lost or damaged keys and towing after an accident or breakdown
- Third-party liability, topped up to €10 million
- Unlimited mileage
- Local taxes and airport fees
- Fair fuel policy: return the car with the fuel level you picked it up with
Not included: Tolls on expressways and motorways; fuel; child seats and other extras you add at the desk; traffic fines and parking.
What to bring
- Driving licence
- Your own licence held for at least 1 year (3 years for some cars), plus an International Driving Permit.
- Credit card
- In the main driver’s name, for the deposit.
- Deposit
- About €136 to €545 (5,000 to 20,000 baht) depending on the car, held on a credit card in the main driver's name.
- Driver age
- From 21 on selected cars, from 25 on the others. Each car shows its age limits before you book.
- Additional driver
- Included with every car.
Picking up your car in Khao Lak
You collect your car in Khao Lak. Most visitors fly into Phuket, about 1.5 hours to the south; Phuket Airport is also a pick-up point if you want the car from the start.
Free cancellation
Cancel free of charge up to 1 hour before your rental starts. After that, the full price of the booking applies.
Driving in Khao Lak
- Traffic drives on the left. If you are used to driving on the right, an automatic makes the first days easier.
- Bring an International Driving Permit as well as your own licence. Thai law asks for both, and police checkpoints do check.
- One main road, route 4, runs along the coast. Hotels and beaches are on side roads to the west of it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does car hire in Khao Lak cost?
A week of car hire in Khao Lak starts at €215 for a small car, €280 for a mid-size car and €305 for a large car or SUV. That is the total for seven days, fully insured with everything included. Rates vary by car, availability and how far ahead you book. Updated 10 November 2026.
Is there an excess when I hire a car in Khao Lak?
Zero excess. At Khao Lak, cars come with zero excess. Updated 10 November 2026.
Can I cancel my car hire in Khao Lak for free?
Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 1 hour before your rental starts. After that, the full price of the booking applies.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car in Khao Lak?
Yes. About €136 to €545 (5,000 to 20,000 baht) depending on the car, held on a credit card in the main driver's name.
How far is Khao Lak from Phuket Airport?
About 1.5 hours by car, north across the Sarasin Bridge.
Day trips by car
- Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Lan Lake, rainforest and limestone cliffs, about 1.5 hours east.
- Thap Lamu pier, for boat trips to the Similan Islands, about 20 minutes south. The islands are open roughly from mid-October to mid-May.
- Takua Pa old town, with its Sino-Portuguese shophouses, about 40 minutes north.
- Phang Nga Bay, about 1.5 hours south-east.
When to go
November to April is dry and sunny. From May to October the monsoon brings rain and high waves; many beach resorts are quieter, and some close.