Best Value Hotels in Khao Lak, Phang Nga Province

Ramada Khao Lak Resort is a four-pearl resort right on the beach, just a short boat ride from the Similan Islands. The 116 rooms and suites feature contemporary decor with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and air-conditioning for value rates. For a romantic getaway, an upgrade to the rooms with private pools, direct beach access, or whirlpool baths might be worth the splurge. There’s a hot breakfast buffet in the morning, a restaurant, and a coffee bar to satisfy guests’ dining needs (available all-inclusive rates). The freeform pool, spa, cooking classes, gym, and kids’ club manage to keep everyone entertained. The biggest drawback is the noise pollution from a next-door construction site and little to do or see within walking distance from the hotel. For an alternative hotel with similar amenities, Beyond Resort Khaolak is a quieter escape with an adult-only policy. 

The Khao Lak by Katathani is a four-pearl, family-friendly resort on Nang Thong Beach in the center of Khaolak. The 316 rooms are modern and stylish with nice natural light, mini-fridges, balconies, and direct pool access in some. Two restaurants serve fresh grilled seafood and international dishes and there are three bars, including a swim-up bar in the adult-only pool. A kiddy pool and free kids' club are available, along with numerous activities such as beach volleyball and Thai cooking classes. A full-service spa and fitness center are also on-site. Pitfalls include an often hectic breakfast buffet (that costs extra) and occasional crowding at the pool. Families might want to compare rates with Sentido Graceland Khao Lak Resort & Spa, which has similar features. Couples might prefer the Beyond Resort Khaolak, an adult-only property on the beach with spacious villas. 

The upper-middle-range Khaolak Oriental Resort -- situated in the heart of Khao Lak on Thailand's west coast -- is a 46-room, character-endowed boutique resort with a lovely outdoor pool that's a five-minute walk from the beach. One of the characteristics that set the resort apart from others in the area is its child-free policy; only guests 16 years and older are welcome. Spacious, modern rooms have balconies or swim-up pool access plus free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. Breakfasts are free and offer an excellent selection, but several facilities advertised by the hotel are actually at sister sites, like the spa and the lunch and dinner restaurant. All can be accessed by walking just next door. Guests looking for a kid-friendly hotel in Khao Lak may want to try the Centara Seaview Resort Khao Lak, which has a kids' club and where rates can be slightly lower.

This large, four-pearl resort is situated directly on one of Khao Lak's beautiful beaches with a small on-site lake where guests can kayak. It isn't the most modern resort in town, but it offers just about everything tourists or families could want at reasonable rates compared to its neighbors: a full-service spa, two outdoor pools, several restaurants, a fitness center, and plenty of activities. Rooms are bright and clean, with slightly bland decor, plus flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and balconies or patios. Ocean-facing Villas are also available. Although it’s not up to the style standards of other resort hotels in Khao Lak (such as Khaolak Merlin Resort next door), it is a fine option for guests looking to splash out a little less cash for a resort experience.

The 96-room Leaf on the Sands is a mid-range boutique hotel that's located a five-minute walk from Nang Thong beach and close to Khao Lak's shops, restaurants, and bars. The attractive, grassy grounds include two pleasant pools (though there are often insufficient loungers), as well as a spa housed in a traditional Thai-style outdoor pavilion. Rooms are spacious -- especially the chic bathrooms -- and feature simple, pleasant decor. The hotel's Rice Barn restaurant gets mixed reviews, as does the breakfast included in room rates. The free Wi-Fi access offers excellent speed and reliability, but is only available in rooms and not at the poolside areas. As an alternative, travelers could also try the Khaolak Oriental Resort, which includes a well-reviewed breakfast.

The Briza Beach Resort is a four-pearl, family-friendly resort on Lam Kaen Beach in the center of Khaolak. The 57 guest rooms are modern and stylish with natural light and neutral decor and include balconies/terraces, minibars, and direct pool access in some. Two restaurants serve international and Asian-inspired cuisine -- including free buffet breakfasts. There's also a lounge, and two bars -- one on the beach and one poolside. The main swimming pool features a cornered-off kids area and there's a kids' playroom. Beachside massage treatments are available in the small outdoor spa. Couples looking for an adult-only hotel with a larger spa should check rates at Beyond Resort Khaolak.