How to Choose the Right Accommodation for Your Khao Lak Stay

As one of Thailand's most popular travel hotspots, Khao Lak attracts solo travellers, couples, and families to its leafy confines. Revered for its natural attributes, including its sprawling national park, this region offers tourists the best of both worlds in that one can be in close proximity to the sea as well as tropical wildernesses. Whether one is visiting Khao Lak for a weekend or a longer vacation, here's how to choose your base for a holiday.

Narrow down Your Requirements

Before choosing a resort base for your Khao Lak getaway, it is crucial to hone in on what your needs are as a tourist. Khao Lak can be divided into seven major zones, and each of these locations offers something different to the travelling masses. Those who are in search of five-star resorts are unlikely to find impressive properties close to Khao Lak village, while backpackers are unlikely to find accommodation options on the beach within their budget. Khao Lak provides not only beach villas and bungalows but also resplendent rests in the mountains or tropical interior surroundings. This is why it is necessary to consider how much you are willing to spend and the type of atmosphere and activities the hotel or resort offers access to.

Khuk Khak

Those on the lookout for a less touristy part of Khao Lak will be enchanted with Khuk Khak. Ideal for a relaxing and laid-back vacation, Khuk Khak is close enough to access the hustle and bustle of town life but also far enough not to let it disturb an otherwise tranquil atmosphere. There are a number of hotels close to Highway 4 for those who wish to go into town more often, and most of the accommodation options in this area are budget friendly and smaller when compared to the average tourist hotel in Phuket. Beachfront 5-star resorts are also available in Khuk Khak, while the choices may be limited.

Pak Weep

Located 12km away from the heart of Khao Lak, Pak Weep is another peaceful piece of paradise for tourists with discerning tastes. Home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in Khao Lak, the area is where the Avani+ Khao Lak Resort and other beachfront Khao Lak resorts are found. This region of Khao Lak is also close to the captivating Namtok Sai Rung waterfall, which is also called the Rainbow Waterfall by local tourists. Some of the best things to do for those who are based in Pak Weep include enjoying picnics and romantic dinners by the waterfall.

Lam Kaen

As the location of the actual Khao Lak village, Lam Kaen lies to the south of the Khao Lak mountain. Separated from La On, the capital, by towering hills, the only beach in the area is South Beach. There are a number of popular resorts and hotels occupying Lam Kaen where the Thai Royal Navy Base and the Turtle Conservation Centre are situated. Ton Pling and other waterfalls are also part of the landscape, while the iconic Lampi Waterfall is just 20 minutes away from Lam Kaen.

Bang Niang

Just 10 minutes outside La On, the city centre of Khao Lak, Bang Niang is a busy and active tourist hotspot complete with restaurants, bars and shopping venues. Hotels near Bang Niang Beach tend to be more costly than those near the main road, but staying close to the hubbub rather than the beach may prove advantageous for those who love to hit the souvenir shops and late-night drinking holes in town.

La On

La On, located in the vibrant Khao Lak, serves as the pulsating centre for avid shoppers and food enthusiasts. It offers an ideal stay for those who wish to indulge in endless shopping sprees and dine to their satisfaction. La On is also home to the finest diving centres, bustling shopping malls, exciting nightlife options, and well-stocked supermarkets. Even during the off-season, this highly touristic region remains lively and bustling with activity.