Khao Lak Hotels – Your General Overview

In and around Khao Lak, there are about 50 hotels, with a slowly rising trend. Most of them are located directly on the beach, stretching over roughly 30 kilometers and 12 different beach sections – from the southernmost Kalima Khao Lak to the northernmost Pullman Khao Lak Resort.

From Fishing Village to Holiday Paradise

About 50 years ago, Khao Lak was still a small fishing village with virtually no tourism. This began to change in the 1980s and 1990s with the arrival of the first dive schools.

One of the main reasons why Khao Lak has grown to its current size are the offshore Similan Islands (around 58 km away, an island group of 9 islands) and the Surin Islands (around 75 km away, consisting of 2 main and several smaller side islands). Both still offer water sports enthusiasts fantastic diving and snorkeling experiences – but they can be relatively busy depending on the season (open mid-October to mid-May).

Khao Lak Road 55 yers ago

Hotels in Southern Khao Lak

Hotels such as Emerald, X10, or The Sands are located at the southern end of Khao Lak. These are spacious wing complexes (3–4 stories high) and, in my opinion, ideal starting points for excursions such as:

• the Bang Niang Market (Mon, Wed, Thu & Sat in the afternoon/evening),

• the Chong Fa Waterfall,

• the Lamru National Park, or

• the Turtle Conservation Center.

You can easily order a taxi through the hotel reception. For around 300 Baht, you’ll be driven safely to your destination.

Robinson Club Khao Lak

Relaxed Hotels North of Khao Lak

If you’re looking for a quieter and more relaxing atmosphere, you’ll find it at hotels like Apsaras, The Haven, or JW Marriott Khao Lak (5–7 km north). Hotel shuttle buses (usually for a small fee) take you to and from the center of Khao Lak in about 10–15 minutes. Tip: Right at the freshly renovated “Takola” building (2023) at the Bang Niang traffic lights, you’ll find the hotel bus stop. Ask your reception for details about the shuttle service.

Merlin Khao Lak

Secluded Beaches Further North

About 10–15 km north of Khao Lak, you’ll find hotels like Kantary Beach, The Sarojin, Beyond Resort Khao Lak, or Robinson Club. Here, the beaches become noticeably quieter and more secluded.Beach restaurants offer affordable and delicious food, and an authentic Thai massage on the beach (from around 300 Baht for 45–60 minutes) is highly recommended while enjoying the fresh sea breeze.

Apsaras Khao Lak

The Northernmost Hotels

The hotels located furthest away from Khao Lak center include the Pullman Khao Lak, Graceland, Grand Mercure, Le Menara, and Bangsak Village. Despite the relative seclusion, you’ll usually find money exchange offices, small shops, massage studios, and beach restaurants within walking distance. Note: Not every hotel has an ATM directly on-site – best to check beforehand.

Ramada Khao Lak

Conclusion

I hope this overview helps you with your hotel choices in Khao Lak.If you have any detailed questions about specific hotels, I’ll be happy to help.

Best regards,

Stephan Werner

Note: Some of our articles are created with the support of modern AI tools – however, every line is personally reviewed, enriched and adapted by us. This way, we combine technology with real on-site experience.