Refurbished Khao Lak Resort, any reviews

Hello, we are planning our 5th trip to Thailand next august and some time in Khao Lak. Doing some research, I%26#39;ve discovered this resort and it seems it has been totally refurbished, especially pool and jacuzzy villa. I would appreciate reviews and comments.

Thanks !

Refurbished Khao Lak Resort, any reviews

Certainly looks very nice from the beach. Excellent position and not far to walk to central KL.

Refurbished Khao Lak Resort, any reviews

What is the exact name of the place you are asking about? I am looking for a place over New Years that is on the beach but close to town.

The resort in question is the Khao Lak Resort. It is located on Khao Lak Sunset Beach but there are a number of resorts both at that beach and neighbouring Nang Thong Beach that are directly on the beach and ';near to towm';. In the case of Khao Lak, ';near to town'; or Khao Lak Town, usuually means Bang La On which has most of the restaurants, shops and bars. However, just a couple of miles north is the expanding area of Bang Niang, which also has resorts on the beach, its own share of restaurants and bars with new ones opening daily and, in my view, a better sense of community than La On.

Have a look at the excellent map at http://khaolaklovers.com/Khao-Lak-Map.htm and the further link to http://www.khaolaklovers.com/KhaoLakMap.html

for the various resorts and their locations then if you want more information on any open a new thread and we%26#39;ll try to help.

I know it is a fair way off buy Christmas and New Year in Khao Lak is its busiest time and resorts get booked out very quickly so you are wise to be looking, and booking, early.

Thanks. I posted a new question partly similar to this one before I saw this reply. A question my wife also had was, how easy is it to get to some of the islands from Khao Lak? Do we need to to get to Phuket first?

By some of the islands do you mean Phi Phi and others nearer to Krabi? If yes, then you can get therev either from Phuket or from Krabi but there are tours going there from Khao Lak which would connect at either Phuket (about 1 1/2 hoursc away) or Krabi (about 2 1/2 hours away but nearer Phi Phi and other islands in that area.

Similarly youn can visit Phang Nga Bay from Khao Lak.

We have 9 nights available in that vicinity of Thailand, following 8 nights in Chiangmai and a couple in Bangkok. We love a good beach, snorkeling and playing in the water, but not all day, every day. I know that in some places you can kayak around the limestone caves, etc. So I guess we want a combination of real relaxation and quiet, with access to other activities too.

Do you think there is plenty for a family to do in Khao Lak, or might a visit to Krabi as well as Khao Lak be better? Driving hours each way to Krabi or Phuket isn%26#39;t a good option for us.

Thanks for all the advice!

I think there is plenty for a family to do in Khao Lak and no better place for a day%26#39;s snorkelling at the Similan or Surin Islands, two world class sites. Elephant trekking, Khao Sok National Park just over an hour away, Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island - OK to see from the water but don%26#39;t go on it. It%26#39;s small and vcastly overcommercialised. Sea Kayaking into the Hongs - inland lagoons entered through caves - is great fun and educational for the kids) are a few suggestions and of course, great beaches.