Khao Lak is on the Andaman coast just north of Phuket.
The route
Fly to Phuket International Airport (via Bangkok), then a road transfer of about 60–90 minutes north — Khao Lak is actually closer to the airport than much of Phuket.
From Pattaya
Route via Bangkok to Phuket, then transfer. An overnight-or-longer trip.
Getting around
It is a low-rise strip; taxis, hotel transfers and scooters cover the beaches.