7 Days in Khao Lak

We ended our trip to Thailand with a 7-day stay in Khao Lak. This serene location in the south of Thailand may not be for those looking for an action-packed adventure, but after a week of bustling around Thailand, it was perfect for us.

We stayed at the Haven Hotel, which has over 5000 square metres of saltwater pools. Our room featured a swim-up terrace, and the view was unrivaled. This had everything I wanted in a relaxing hotel – poolside cocktails, a gorgeous beach just steps away, and of course, breakfast included.

We spent a lot of time relaxing on Khuk Khak Beach, just outside our hotel. The beach was almost empty most of the time, but within walking distance to the busier area of Bang Niang, which was perfect. It offers incredible views of sunset, and you can book a beachfront massage as well.

Coconut Beach is an excellent place to venture out for a day. Its beautiful white sands and the turqouise waters takes every beach lovers breath away. There are several dining options right nearby, although for the majority of our meals we stayed close to our hotel.

This trip was a good reminder to look into activities offered by your hotel. Haven offered fitness classes including yoga and tai chi, bike tours, and excursions. We took advantage of their excursion package (which included lunch!) and got to visit some local destinations that we might have missed otherwise.

Maya Bay

Made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio’s 2000 film “The Beach,” Maya Bay was closed to tourists in 2018. When millions of people wanted to visit this popular location, the coral reefs of the area were almost completely destroyed. After allowing the local ecosystem some time to recover, Maya Bay is now re-opened to visitors. Surrounded by looming cliffs, Maya Bay is a tucked away retreat that is perfect for kayaking. The lively coral reefs make it perfect for snorkeling.

Phi Phi Don

Not far from Maya Bay, on a peninsula of Phi Phi Don, we got to visit Monkey Bay. The local inhabitants – macaques that eat crabs – give the island its name, and put on quite a show for visitors. These cheeky stars are known for providing great photo ops, from posing with tourists to wrestling in the water while onlookers laugh. The beautiful reefs here offer great snorkeling, and the quiet cove makes a great spot to just relax and watch the show the macaques put on.

A word of caution – don’t feed or approach the monkeys unless you want to spend your trip getting a rabies shot at the hospital!

Bamboo Island

Bamboo Island is almost entirely surrounded by reef, making it a world-class snorkeling destination. Its white sands make it a popular tourist destination.

Khao Lak certainly offers copious opportunities for snorkeling. If getting a glimpse of life under the water is appealing to you, you won’t be disappointed by the scuba diving either. With several local tour companies offering scuba tours, you can find dive instructors who lead dives in multiple languages.

Bike Tour

Another amenity our hotel offered was free bike rentals. We ended up using the bikes as our main means of transport during our stay in the area. Our initial tour took us from the hotel to the Bang Niang Market, which gave us a great feel for the area.

Bang Niang Market

Open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, the Bang Niang Market is yet another example of the famous Thai street markets. With a variety of food stalls, this market offers everyone the chance for a treat – whether you want to be safe or adventurous! Those with a more cautious palate will enjoy the BBQ chicken or donuts, while those looking for some heat can find curry that really packs a punch. And those looking to try something new won’t have a problem finding it – from scorpion to the world-famous durian fruit.

Whether you’re shopping for a souvenir or handmade artisan goods, the Bang Niang market is worth a trip.

Dining

We were lucky enough to have a few great restaurants within walking distance of our hotel, and the food was so good we ate there several times! Here are our local dining recs: (not sure what the nearby restaurants were – map is showing Andaman, Verve 29 and The Beach?)

There’s no shortage of restaurants serving ultra-fresh seafood in the area. Pam’s Restaurant is one of the top-rated restaurants in the area, with authentic Thai curries and perfectly-prepared seafood. With garden-fresh vegetables and flawless service, Pam’s is a must-visit during your time in Khao Lak. As a bonus, you can book a cooking class to learn how to bring some of this fabulous cuisine home with you.

Spinach Restaurant, despite its name, offers a huge selection of traditional and innovative dishes. From duck curry to papaya salad, this place is worth a stop if you venture south.

For a coffee and breakfast fix, Mata Cafe offers Scandinavian-inspired treats. With an impressive coffee list and a selection of baked goods, this place is worth a stop if you’re in the area and need a caffeine fix.

Bussaba is another favorite of locals and tourists alike with its beautifully presented food and excellent service.

If you’re looking for a break from the crowds and the noise of the city, I can’t recommend Khao Lak enough. It’s the kind of place where no one will blink an eye if you spend all day everyday relaxing on the beach with a book, but when you want some socialization, there are lovely restaurants and shops around to provide you with some things to do. Add Khao Lak to your list for your next visit to Thailand!

In search for adventure on your next Thailand trip? Then check out my blog post about the capitol Bangkok. You wont regret it!