Coastal Khao Lak is a luxury resort haven, loved for its secluded beaches and laidback vibes, all within a stone's throw from bustling Phuket. These are the best it has to offer.
If you’re seeking a holiday that has it all, with ultimate flop-and-drop vibes, look no further than Khao Lak. This secluded destination, about one hour’s drive north of bustling Phuket, is one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets. Why? Because it offers the tropical, palm-fringed beauty the country is famed for and exceptional, high-quality resorts, yet still remains relatively untouched.
In just an hour, you can swap the neon lights and vibrant nightlife of Phuket for dreamy stretches of white-sand beach – Khuk Khak and Bang Sak are highlights – and some of the largest swimming pools in Asia. Here, the hardest decision you’ll have to make all day is which cocktail to order next.
Read on to discover our best of the best.
Natai Beach Resort
Want the best of the both worlds, with the secluded beaches of Khao Lak and the vibrancy of Phuket both within easy reach? Natai Beach Resort is located slap-bang in the middle of the two. Although you might not even want to leave: with a pristine stretch of private beach, a palm-lined oceanfront pool with infinity edge, onsite restaurant offering Thai and western dishes, a pool bar, gym and spa, it's the perfect package.
JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa: Award-winning family fun
JW Marriott is renowned for its five-star elegance, and its Khao Lak outpost is no exception. JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa has an incredible array of facilities, including nine restaurants and bars, a spa, huge lagoon pool and sports courts offer something for all ages. Little surprise it was awarded Best Luxury Family Hotel in Asia in the 2021 World Luxury Hotel Awards. New attractions for families include a wave pool, water trampolines and games zone.
The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani: Separate wings for adults-only serenity and a kids’ splash park
Nestled on 200 metres of prime beachfront and framed by lush green hills, The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani offers a dreamy escape for every type of traveller. Separate wings create different ‘zones’, where families can enjoy splashy fun, couples can chill out and beach-lovers can wake to the sound of the waves lapping the shore. Cute marine-themed touches in the family rooms, a fun kids’ club and colourful water slides are designed with starry-eyed little guests in mind, while an adults-only pool, holistic spa and candlelit dinner service ensure moments of serenity for grown-ups.
The Haven Khao Lak: Child-free luxury with some of the largest saltwater pools in Thailand
Haven by name and haven by nature: you’ll certainly find it hard to tear yourself away from The Haven Khao Lak, where guests of 12 and over are welcomed for beachfront serenity. The incredible 5,000sqm saltwater pool winds its way around the entire resort, while the scent of exotic flowers dances on the breeze. Its lead-in guest rooms are generously sized, while oceanfront jacuzzi upgrades add a dash of romance. Looking to immerse yourself in local culture? Try your hand at a Thai cooking class or batik painting, available to book through the resort.
Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak: Brand-new beachfront resort inspired by a Thai village
A truly exciting addition to Khao Lak’s luxury resort collection is Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak, whose unique layout is designed around a winding canal, reminiscent of a Thai riverside village. Aside from palm-fringed prettiness at every turn, it offers a raft of five-star facilities to rival the area’s most established resorts. A stretch of private beachfront beckons with white sands and azure waters, while three swimming pools – including an oceanfront infinity pool with bar – are inviting for a cooling dip and icy beer on a hot day. When it comes to food, expect authentic Thai and international flavours and canal-side dining at two restaurants. Ready to completely check out? The dreamy spa, staffed by highly trained therapists, is on hand with aromatic treatments to soothe and relax.
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Khao Lak: Top-rated beachside luxury close to markets and outlying islands
Consistently rated among the top 10 hotels in Khao Lak, Ramada Resort by Wyndham Khao Lak is a beachfront resort nestled between lush national parks and the gem-drop islands of the Andaman Sea. If exploring is high on your agenda, you’ll be perfectly placed to do so here: Bang Niang Market and the International Tsunami Museum are within a 15-minute walk, while temples and waterfalls, including Ton Chong Fa, are a short drive away. In your downtime, enjoy beachside lounging by the freeform pool and treatments at the spa, where bubbling jacuzzi baths and herbal steam rooms await to envelop you.
Robinson Club Khao Lak: Award-winning favourite with facilities and entertainment for all ages
Set on a private beach of sugar-fine sand, Robinson Club Khao Lak captivates guests with its array of activities and facilities, including nine restaurants and bars. Love a swimming pool? You’ll be truly spoiled for choice here, with three ‘premium’ pools, two dedicated kids’ pools and a family pool to choose from. There are two water slides for the younger members of the family, while kids’ clubs for ages 3+ are on offer for fun in the sun. Adults are the primary focus here, but youngsters are quietly catered for to ensure a happy escape for the entire family. Golf, watersports and tennis are all available, while evening entertainment includes themed culinary nights, a fortnightly street food festival, poolside quizzes and live music.
Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa: French-inspired luxury
Just steps from the pristine sands of Bangsak Beach is Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, an impressive resort that perfectly marries Le Méridien’s European-style hospitality with authentic Thai touches. This is especially evident across its six restaurants and bars, offering everything from beachside seafood to fresh coconut drinks. Three lagoon pools, a whirlpool and a luxury spa beckon for adults, while little ones are welcomed at the kids’ club. Ask the concierge for excursions including Khao Sok rafting, Similan Islands snorkelling and golfing.
Discover Khao Lak
Feature image: Natai Beach Resort.
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