Hotels - Khao Lak - Thailand

The accommodation in the Khao Lak area tends to be scattered along its beaches and on the small lanes leading inland to the main coastal road. Even before the 2004 tsunami, Khao Lak was dominated by mid-range to upscale beach resorts, and today this is even more so. There are very few budget options, and they tend to be well away from the sand, or located in outlying villages.

Although the majority of resorts in Khao Lak are upscale and tend to mildly resemble each other in terms of design and amenities, there are a number of standouts that really are something special. The award-winning Sarojin is one of the more sublime boutique resorts, where the emphasis is on style and design as much as service. Its location a few minutes north of Khao Lak is on one of the region's most picturesque bays.

Another great choice for luxury is Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort, which was completely rebuilt after the 2004 tsunami. Also located just north of the town core, guests enjoy a wonderful mix of comfort and natural beauty. The Merlin Khao Lak is also a top-end resort that rivals anything along the Andaman coast. Expect excellent service and some special amenities at these luxury beachside resorts.

Not every resort in Khao Lak is expensive, however. The majority of the accommodation falls into the mid-range category with rooms under US$100 a night. Among the top choices for this price range is the Best Western Palm Galleria Resort, located on lovely Pakarang Beach. The Apsaras Beach Resort & Spa and the Ramada Resort Khao Lak are two other excellent hotels that give you real value for money and superb locations.

There are a handful of guest houses along the main road and just off it on the tiny side lanes. These guest houses tend to be the cheapest lodging in Khao Lak since they aren't on the beach. If money is an issue, you can still easily walk to the beach in minutes from anywhere along the main road.

The beach at Ban Bang La On is considered Khao Lak's main beach and hub for activity. It is here that visitors will find the most selection of beachside resorts, restaurants and shops. For maximum convenience, this is the area where you want to stay. You can walk everywhere of interest in the commercial section, and the beach is long and beautiful.

Just to the north of this central hub is the less commercial village of Bang Niang. Although the village itself is not on the beach, there are a number of affordable guest houses tucked into the side lanes and the sand is not far away. As you continue north along the coast, other small fishing villages appear as well as a few upscale private resorts.

Khao Lak extends for many kilometres northwards and development seems to be focusing more on the untapped beaches outside the commercial core. Every resort is inclusive enough so that you don't need to leave the property. In fact, most visitors come to Khao Lak for precisely that depth of solitude and quiet.