Nestled between the balmy Andaman Sea and the raw beauty of Khao Lak National Park, the tranquil village of Khao Lak with just a sprinkling of hotels, restaurants and shops offers peace and serenity. Regeneration in the area has seen a host of deluxe resorts, boutique hotels and traditional bungalows built sympathetically to retain its untouched charm and laid back spirit. With a picture postcard landscape of enchanting waterfalls and mysterious temple caves combined with shimmering shores and natural wildlife, it is an idyllic hideaway where you can unwind in stunning surroundings
A gateway to some of the top dive areas in southern Thailand, Khao Lak originally started as a diving destination, with people drawn by the enchanting Similan and Surin Islands. With colourful coral gardens and an underwater world teeming with anemones in a kaleidoscope of reds, yellows and blues, you are also likely to encounter white tip sharks, rays, snappers, barracudas and turtles in the shimmering water that lap the glittering shores. Spend your days listening to the sound of the surf as you run your fingers through the soft sands, perhaps lying under the shade of the palms and casuarinas pine trees that lace the beach or create your own adventure in the enchanting rainforest filled with wildlife and vibrant colour.
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Khao Lak hotels and apartments
Our hotels and apartments in Khao Lak include Best Western Palm Galleria, Khao Lak Merlin Beach Resort, Royal Bangsak Beach Resort, South Sea Grand Pakarang Resort And Spa, Twin Centre Best Western Palm Galleria And Horizon Beach Resort, Twin Centre Grand Mercure Fortune Bangkok And Khao Lak Merlin, Twin Centre Imperial Queens Park Hotel And Royal Bangsak Beach Resort and Twin Centre Merlin Beach Resort And Khao Lak Merlin.
More Thailand holiday destinations
Looking for holidays in Thailand? Our Thailand holiday destinations include Bangkok, Khao Lak, Krabi, Phuket, Phuket Karon, Phuket Kata, Phuket Naiyang Beach, Phuket Panwa and Phuket Patong.
Beaches
Capture the essence of pure relaxation as you lay on Khao Lak's powdery gold dust sands, which snakes along the coast for miles and with rocky outcrops that are fun to explore. A sleepy, well-kept secret, this quiet beach is perfect for those seeking the ultimate getaway where you can find peace in luxurious and naturally beautiful surrounding. Hat Thai Muang beach further south has a colony of nesting leatherback turtles during the winter months and has 20km of iridescent waters which are heavenly for swimming.
Eating out
There are plenty of good eateries dotted around Khao Lak serving seafood, Thai cuisine and Italian dishes. Choose from a cluster of cool stilt beach bars and restaurants or dine at one of the resorts luxury hotels. Try tasty Thai food, a spicy blend of Asian and European influences such as Dim Sim, parcels of minced chicken, shrimp and crab meat steamed in a bamboo basket with soy sauce, Yam Koong, the Thai's favourite soup, a clear broth with spiced prawns and Green Curry, made from freshly pounded green herbs, coconut and Thai aubergine - all served with fragrant rice. Finish your meal with a traditional dessert like lemongrass and coconut rice pudding or refreshing griddled mango.
Nightlife
Nightlife is quiet and relaxing in Khao Lak and mainly hotel based with a handful of bars lining the beach and a captivating cluster of stilt bars overlooking the lagoon-like waters. Watch the dramatic red and orange sunset as it sinks into the horizon, silhouetting distant islands and illuminating the golden reflection of the sea. Evenings focus on sitting under a star bedecked sky, listening to the clinking of ice cubes as a refreshing drink is poured for you and hearing the waves wash up on the sand.
Shopping
With the ambience of a secluded hideaway, unspoilt Khao Lak has very few shops with a handful sprinkled along the main road, which is encircled by lush National Park. You can buy all the basics you will need as well as some local handicrafts including jewellery, silk, batik, ceramics, clothing and tailoring, which make ideal gifts to take home.
Local information
Visit the enchanting waterfall of Tohn Prai in the heart of the Thai Muang National Park, the captivating Wat Tham Suwanhuka grotto temples, which are mysterious cavernous shrines with Buddha images and the coral gardens shimmering in the Khao Lak waters, ablaze with sparkling colours and marine life. Take a trip to the Similan or Surin Islands lying off the coast of Phang-Nga, famous for their diving and breathtaking beauty with tropical fish and clear seas. Whatever your walking ability, it is heavenly to wander around the sun dappled Khao Lak and Laem Ru National Park with a myriad of exotic plants and wildlife and a landscape of undulating valleys, mangroves and estuaries.
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