Khao Lak Beaches
It might not be an island, but with miles of unspoiled
beaches unfurling in front you, Khao Lak has all the best
parts of a deserted island escape – without the high
costs or sacrificed material pleasures.
The chance to pack a picnic and find a your own plot of
paradise – just the crash of the waves, a few scurrying
crab, and that special someone – is very much a reality.
While each beach has ample supplies of the ‘big three’
– sun, sand, and surf – they also have minor differences
in personality.
We’ve done the tough work of inspecting every last
one, but that shouldn’t stop you from doing the same;
second opinions are always valuable in matters of extreme
importance.
Khao Lak Beach
Woods and waves come together at the southernmost beach
in Khao Lak. Quite possibly the area’s most shaded
stretch of sand, stately trees line the edge of the beach,
their branches reaching for the sea. A headland, impassable
on foot, blocks this beach from it’s neighbours to
the north, resulting in periods of absolute vacancy.
Please note that there are no beach chairs for rent, no
wandering vendors, and not much nearby but a few resorts
(some still under re-construction).
Hotels in Khao Lak Beach: The
Briza Beach Resort, Khaolak
Merlin Resort
Nang Thong Beach
The most peopled beach is by no means crowded; that adjective
is laughable in Khao Lak.
The half-dozen resorts that front the beach explain the
presence of people, and the sea view pools at those resorts
explain why most guests don’t quite make it all the
way to the sand.
Check out the Nang Thong’s hotel restaurants for late
afternoon drinks under the massive canopy of orange sky.
Hotels in Nang Thong Beach: Andaburi
Resort, Baan
Khaolak Hotel, Baan
Krating Khaolak, Khao
Lak Seaview Resort
Bang Niang Beach
The second most populous beach, Bang Niang, like Nang Thong,
is still nowhere near crowded.
A few longtails putter about in the sea, a small assembly
of resorts overlook the beach, and basic-but-cheap Thai
restaurants and massage huts – with paradise-perfect
views – perch on the small sand hill that slopes down
to meet the incoming surf.
Hotels in Bang Niang Beach: Khao
lak Orchid Beach Resort, Khaolak
Palm Beach Resort, Khaolak
Palm Hill Resort, La
Flora
Khuk Khak Beach
Khuk Khak Beach, with only a couple resorts tucked among
the pine trees and palm groves, marks the end of civilization
and the beginning of endless stretches of near-nothingness.
Following the signs from Khuk Khak Village to the beach
of the same name, jump off the main road on any trail that
leads to toward the water and enjoy the tranquility of isolation.
Here, you’re more likely to encounter local fisherman
going about their business than other travelers.
Hotels in Khuk Khak Beach: Khaolak
Bay Front Resort, Khaolak
Bhandari Resort
Pakarang Cape
While nobody actually calls Pakarang Cape the Horn of Khao
Lak, they could. Jutting into the sea, it provides a great
vantage point to view the beaches to both the north and
south.
Sparsely treed and littered with shells and broken coral,
it’s not the most sun-bather-friendly, but it’s
definitely interesting, easily accessed by car or motorbike,
and amazingly unpopulated.
Hotels in Pakarang Beach: Palm
Galleria Resort
Pakweeb Beach
Some of Khao Laks most sumptuous resorts are spread out
on Pakweeb (pronounce Pakweep) Beach’s several kilometers
worth of prime coastline, and for good reason.
The beach is lovely, though it may take a moment to realize
what sets this beach apart. National park status means no
motorboats; a fact so refreshing you’ll be hard pressed
to find a more peaceful location. As an added bonus, resorts
here know how important a clean beach is, and go to great
lengths to keep the sand in tip-top shape.
Hotels in Pakweep Beach: Le
Meridien Khao Lak Beach Resort, The
Sarojin
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