Khao Lak Hotels and Resorts
In the sense of accommodation Khao Lak is somewhat on an expensive side. You won’t have any problems to find a room in a THB2000+ price range, though it can be tougher if you are on a shoe-string budget.
Budget
Those on a tight budget should head to Nang Thong and Bang Niang beaches, with the second one generally offering a slightly better value for money.
Walkers Inn (26/61 Moo 7 Phet Kasem Rd) is one of the few, and probably the best, real backpacker options. It’s located at the southern end of the main road in Nang Thong beach. With prices starting at THB150 (both in low and high season) for a bed in a mixed dorm, this is the most affordable solution you’ll find in Khao Lak. There’s no air-con in the dorms, but the beds are comfortable enough and the shared bathrooms with hot showers have been recently revamped and are kept clean all day long.
The chilled and relaxed atmosphere makes Walkers Inn a perfect solution for a solo traveller willing to meet like-minded crowd to hang out. Double fan rooms with shared bathrooms (THB300 – THB400) and air-con rooms with private toilette (THB450 – THB600) are a good alternative for those who want a bit more privacy but still searching for a backpacker’s vibe.
For a quieter solution In Nang Thong, check out Banana Bungalows (4/147 Moo 7), a number of small but comfy and clean bungalows surrounding a swimming pool located on a peaceful street just off the main road. Prices start from THB400 in the low season and go up to THB700 in the peak season; add THB100 for an air-con.
More traditional guesthouses are easily found in Bang Niang. They generally offer good value for money – spacious rooms with enough furniture, a TV, free Wi-F and private bathroom.
Sandy House (57/5 Moo 5, near the Sheraton Hotel) is where we stayed and for THB500 (THB700 in high season) it was a deal. Check out a couple of rooms before you pay since they’re all different and some of them are way bigger than the others. Along the main road near the junction to the beach, Riverside Guesthouse has cheaper fan rooms (THB300) but they’re a lot more spartan.
Mid-Range
On the road that heads to Bang Niang Beach Thai Life Guesthouse (67/51 Moo 5) offers big, modern and well-furnished double rooms with comfy beds, tile floors, spacious bathrooms with hot showers, flat screen TVs and Wi-Fi with rates starting from THB800 in the low season. Close to everything, they also have a nice little on-site restaurant with good Thai food. The staff are friendly and speak good English. Definitely a place to stay if it suits your budget and Bang Niang is the beach of your choice.
Right in the middle of Nang Thong Beach, a few steps from the ocean, Nang Thong Bay Resort has nicely designed and furnished concrete bungalows arranged around a new swimming pool facing over to the beach and some cheaper rooms in a two storey building in the garden behind the pool. Everything is always kept super clean and the special attention is given to the maintenance of the nice garden. The low season rate (THB1000 for a standard bungalow) is a definitive bargain while in the high season prices will start from THB1800. The more expensive rooms (THB3000) that can host up to 4 guests are ideal for families searching a quiet place right on the beach.
Top End
With a higher budget the possibilities to splash up are almost endless with luxury resorts that can be found all along the coastline, including some major international chains like Marriott and Le Meridien. More private resorts are located in the northern Khuk Khak or the southern Khao Lak beach, but if you don’t want to give up to all the comforts of the central beaches then several exceptional options are available there as well.
Widely regarded as the best hotel in Khao Lak, Casa de la Flora is located on Bang Niang beach and it’s the place to go to for honeymooners and whoever else is ready to spend at least THB10,000 for a room with private pool. Prices go up to THB30,000 for a private beachfront villa (of course always with a private pool).
