Baan Khaolak Resort

Khao Lak beaches and resort

by bulldogtwo about Phu Khao Lak resort

I would highly recommend Khao Lak area just north of Phuket. It is very laid back and if you are inclined to rent a moped and look around you will be able to find beaches that have no one on them, deserted! We stayed at Phu Khao Lak resort, very quiet, VERY nice and fair price. Jim the owner and her family are great hosts, the bungalows are great! I would also try Haad Thai Moung beach at the National Park, 20 minutes south of Khao Lak. As you go in though the entrance keep following the tarred road and pick a spot anywhere, beach will be on your left. When we were there in November we had miles of beach to ourselves, good swimming and warm water. There are good beaches right around Khao Lak but again we are looking for something a bit more secluded and more off the beaten path.
I had lived and worked in Thailand, but never had been to Khao Lak, This was one of the most relaxing and best times I had in Thailand. A lot had to do with Phu Khao Lak resort, good food too by the way. Phu Khao Lak resort Peaceful, tranguil.
Haad Thai Maung National Park, great beach

Cheap, clean and quiet

by Yezber about Phu Khao Lak Resort

This place is located on a big piece of land some 500 m from the beach. They only have something like 20-24 rooms in 5-6 bungalows - and it's soooo quiet - only an occasional gecko and the cicadas.

Most rooms only with fan at 400-500 Baht for a double. You get clean sheets and towels daily - a bit unusual in this price range. Besides the pleasant accommodation they also have a very good restaurant. At the peak around 19-20 in the evening you should actually book a table! And the food isn't more expensive than anywhere else.

Khao Lak beaches and resort

by bulldogtwo about Phu Khao Lak

Yeah, it may be a bit wet but it "usually" doesn't rain but acouple hours a day and sometimes only at night.
Anyway, if you are not into the party scene then i would recommend Khoa Lak beaches. They are very nice, clean and not a lot of people even during the heavy tourist months. I would also highly recommend Phu Kho Lak resort. Family run, great restaurant and the bungalows are well worth the money, usually aroung 1500-2000B. They are well furnished and so clean that I thought we were the first to be in them. There is no TV or radio however, but for us that was a plus. This is not located right on the beach but is across the road and it was not an inconvenience at all. We are definitly going back for both the beaches and the resort, it was one of the best trips that I have had in Thailand, specifically because of Ph Khao Lak resort. If you decide to go there, see Jim and she'll set you up.
Have fun!

Family trip to Khao Lak

by mrak

"Why Khao Lak is great"

Khao Lak is laid back and friendly! Khao Lak has no sex trade that was visible, no touts, no street hawkers hassing you, and everyone you meet seems glad that you are there!
Accommodation is the main cost, the best Thai restaurant (Jai) has main courses at 60 baht.

The main centre of Khao Lak is spread along the main road, and consists predominantly of restaurants, tour agents, dive centres handicrafts, brand copy stalls, etc.
Main activity is the beach, and the typical tour consists of bamboo rafting, jungle walks, and elephant trekking. Similan Islands are a very worthwhile day or overnight trip - incredibly clear waters, and great snorkelling, although the coral was clearly dynamited.
A trip to Khao Sok National Park is also worth a 3 day detour (next trip, we are definitely going back next year!)

"Where to stay"

we stayed at Ghan Bin Garden Resort. Brand new bungalows aircon on the beach, and they do very cheap long term deals. One night here- it was too small for 4 of us, then Baan Khao Lak (pictured) which was brilliant, and a 5 minute walk into town. Only downside - the bedwetters who get up at 6am to reserve their poolside deckchair for the day, then don't use it till much later. Thats OK, much fun can be had by moving the possessions all around and watching the result!