Khaolak Bhandari Resort and Spa

Lizard at Khao Sok National Park

by phil_uk_net

It is always a treat for me to see wildlife. A visit to Khao Sok National Park proved to be disappointing. There are many animals there apparently but I didn't see one. When I left to get the bus back to Khao Lak this little fella was waiting by the bus stop. I saw more wildlife at the bus stop than I had done in the park!

Khao Lak and Vicinity

by Paul_the_Seeker

"Where We Stayed"

My sister-in-law booked this hotel for us. It was brand new, and, if you want to be away from most development and be near streches of peaceful beaches, this place may be a good choice. It is far from the busy area, so your dining options will be limited to the hotel restaurant, which was alright, or those of nearby hotels. Transportation to the busier Khao Lak area was pretty expensive for Thailand. It was by songtheaw(pickup-truck-style "bus") that the hotel had to call and cost B300 each way, although that was for 13 people.

This hotel is mainly a large, curving three-story building, but there are several private, fancy bungalows too. It is not a cheap hotel.

Personally, I would prefer to stay closer to the national park (or in the national park). See my other photos of this area.

"Hotel Pool"

This night shot of the pool area shows the main building in the background. The dining area is on the bottom level and is open-air. There are a few mosquitos at night, so bring bug repellent if your blood is sweet.

The pool is fairly large and nice, with an adjoining children's pool and a jet-spa (not heated).

"Beach at the Hotel"

It is not a crowded place and is lined with casuarina trees. The sand is not white, but is clean. The water is not that clear, so no great snorkeling here. It is shallow with small waves (at least during the "winter" northeast monsoon), so is alright for children.

Just down the beach, where those beach umbrellas are, or were, is a fancy bungalow resort called Theptharo Lagoon Beach Resort, which was just opening. I heard after the tsunami that the eldest princess was there with her son. He was lost in the tsunami. The prince personally flew down and searched by helicopter. He was too late to save his nephew, but saved several others during the search. The body of the princess' son was later found. Several staff members of the royal family were lost too.

"Hiking"

There is a trail leading south down to the rocky coast at Khao Lak Lamru National Park. It eventually leads to a beach, but we stopped here, where the coast is rocky. It is a nice little hike, mostly in the shade with a tiny bit of easy climbing. There were a couple people fishing here, and the view was very nice.

"Nam Tok Lampi"

"Nam tok" means waterfall. This one is in Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Muang National Park, several kilometers south of Khao Lak (there are signs). It's funny how the common internet descriptions say this waterfall has three tiers, each about 100 meters tall. Baloney! There are four tiers, each maybe 10 meters tall.

There is a trail that climbs alongside the falls to the left. It becomes quite strenuous, but is not a problem if it has not rained, which would make it muddy. The view from the tiers is nice. You can go for a refreshing swim in the pool below.

"View from the Top"

Well, what else can I say?

"View from the Bridge"

There is a cable suspension footbridge farther downstream, where this shot was taken.