Ban Khao Lak Nightlife

As you may have already read, the Dragon Bar on the beach was completely destroyed by the tsunami 2 years ago. However, I visited Khao Lak in late November 2006 and discovered the remaining family members have infact clubbed together and opened a restaurant in Khoa Lak town. Its located just off the main road just past the Viking. The food is of excellent quality, as is the service. Perfect for families and couples, at £6 for two including a starter and main course, you would be charged at least £20 a head for back home. The family have built the new restaurant from scratch themselves from wood from the beach - we saw it with our own eyes! Decorated traditionally, with flowers, shells, teak, photos of friends/family past and present, and a 'water wall' the atmosphere is second to none. So please give it a try if your in the area, you will not be disspointed.

Dress Code: As per Thai tradition, please leave your shoes at the door!

I still haven't figured out what a snap bar is but this place has live music in the evenings - the only place in Khaolak, I believe, that does.

The building and decor is all natural and it is probably the nicest place in the area. Take a look at the gorgeous staircase leading up to the first floor restaurant. It reminded me of the Disney version of the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse!

The staff are very friendly and the food is not bad either. It's mostly Thai though so maybe not the place to go if you fancy something Western.

If you have some musical ability the in-house band seem more than willing to let you show off your talents on stage.

It's a popular place with the local farang diving community.

Dress Code: None.

This is a lovely, quiet bar right on the beach and on most nights you will find it almost empty. The barman is a friendly guy who mixes a mean cocktail. He makes a point of using only fresh ingredients in the cocktails and not out of cans. As a result the drinks taste great.

It is a very relaxing spot. There is music but it is laid-back and ambient. The only other sound is the sea as the waves crash gently on the beach.

Dress Code: Bare feet and shorts.

Ten months after writing the above I went back looking for the Dragon Bar. The picture shows what I found. This is typical of what has happened around Khaolak in the last two years. Very sad.