In a nutshell
- Khao Lak is known for its stylish and luxurious resorts. A vacation in Khao Lak is all about relaxation — with a few activities thrown in for variety.
- This article covers the 15 best hotels in Khao Lak, divided into categories: beachfront hotels, boutique hotels, family hotels, and budget picks.
- We explain the difference between staying in the center of Khao Lak versus the quieter northern beaches — so you can choose what suits you best.
- Our two personal top picks are the Bangsak Village and the Outrigger Resort — we’ve stayed at both ourselves.
- During the high season from December to April, hotel prices are quite high — book early. In the off-season, you can score some real last-minute deals.
Where to Stay in Khao Lak?
The Khao Lak vacation region is quite spread out and extends along roughly 30 kilometers of coastline.
For a better overview, we’ve divided Khao Lak into two areas.
- The Center: Around Nang Thong Beach and Bang Niang Beach
- The Beaches North of the Center: From Khuk Khak Beach, past Coconut Beach, all the way to Bang Sak Beach
Our tip: When choosing a hotel in Khao Lak, we’d suggest focusing less on the location and more on what you actually want from your stay.
From the north to the center, you only need about 15 to 20 minutes by taxi. Many hotels in the north also offer a shuttle, or you can rent a scooter.
That’s why we’ve sorted our 15 best hotels in Khao Lak by category (in ascending order by price) rather than by location. For each hotel, though, we’ve also noted where it’s located.
That said, we still want to point out the differences between the two areas.
A Hotel in Khao Lak's Center
Khao Lak’s center is in the south. Here you’ll find a solid tourist infrastructure — this is where most of the restaurants, shops, bars, and some of the coolest activities in Khao Lak are.
Every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, the Bang Niang Market is open here. You can try authentic food and pick up some nice souvenirs.
Along the beaches you’ll find some lovely beach hotels. In town, there are also charming boutique hotels and small, simple, budget-friendly places to stay.
Staying at the Beaches North of Khao Lak
The beaches north of the center are generally quieter. Personally, we find the beaches here a bit nicer than in the southern part of Khao Lak.
Along the beaches, you’ll find mostly resorts right on the beach. But there’s not much else around.
In the north there are only a handful of restaurants and bars outside the resorts — and food at the resorts is usually pricier than at local restaurants. In front of the resorts, there’s just one main road running along.
The Khao Lak Vacation Region on a Map
For a better overview — and so you know what we’re actually talking about — here’s the Khao Lak vacation region on a map.
We’ve marked the center in the south and the beaches of Khuk Khak, Coconut, and Bang Sak, which are among the most beautiful beaches in Khao Lak.
Our hotel recommendations are spread out across the entire region.
Our Two Personal Khao Lak Hotel Recommendations
First up, two very personal recommendations for where to stay in Khao Lak — we’ve stayed at both ourselves.
On both Thailand trips, we chose a resort in the north of Khao Lak. While there, we simply rented a scooter and rode into the center.
Bangsak Village
- In the north at Bang Sak Beach
- Right on the beach
- Breakfast included
- With restaurant
- Adults Only
The Bangsak Village is an adults-only hotel we can wholeheartedly recommend. With your toes in the sand, you’ll start the day here with a fantastic breakfast.
The beautifully landscaped property gives you a real jungle vibe — at night we could even hear the occasional animal sound.
The rooms are designed in a modern boho style with lots of warm wood elements. The hotel spa is right on the beach, and you can actually hear the ocean during your massage.
The value for money at Bangsak Village is simply excellent. In peak season, you can get a double room for under 150 euros.
Our tip: Since Bangsak Village is located far north of the Khao Lak center, rent a scooter from as little as 7 euros per day — for example from Jörg at 5star Motorbike Rental Khao Lak. Alternatively, the hotel shuttle will take you into the center or to the Bang Niang Market twice a day.
Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort
- In the north at Bang Sak Beach
- Right on the beach
- Breakfast available as an add-on
- With restaurant
- 5-star hotel
Our second personal favorite for where to stay in Khao Lak is the Outrigger Beach Resort. We stayed here during our Thailand road trip in the summer of 2024, after our days on Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi.
At hardly any other hotel have we experienced such attentive staff. We were always greeted with a smile, addressed by our first names, and even allowed to check out late.
An absolute highlight at the Outrigger is the pool area. Framed by tall palm trees and right on the beach — after our tour through Khao Sok National Park, we could really unwind here.
The rooms are super spacious with a clean, modern design. The beds are huge and incredibly comfortable, and there’s a great selection of family rooms too.
In peak season, the Outrigger is one of the pricier Khao Lak resorts. In the off-season, though, you can find real bargains — we paid only 40 euros per night. Breakfast can be added on.
Book the Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort
The Most Beautiful Khao Lak Hotels Right on the Beach
Of course, there are more Khao Lak hotels right on the beach — especially around the center, if you’d prefer to stay there.
Beyond our personal picks, we’ve chosen four more Khao Lak beachfront hotels that we’d definitely book on our next visit.
By the way: alongside the beachfront hotels in Phuket and the hotels on Koh Samui, Khao Lak has some of the most luxurious beachfront properties in all of Thailand.
For example, the hotels on Koh Phangan or the accommodations on Koh Lanta that are right on the beach tend to be a bit more modest on average. So if luxury is what you’re after, Khao Lak is seriously worth it!
Moracea by Khao Lak Resort
- In the center
- Right on the beach
- Breakfast included
- With restaurant
- 5-star hotel
If you want a hotel in Khao Lak with an authentic modern Thai style, we highly recommend the Moracea by Khao Lak Resort.
The rooms are spacious and incredibly stylishly furnished — warm wood furniture alongside a distinctly Thai design. We really love it.
The setting is breathtaking too. The resort is built into a hillside and the views are stunning. Staff can pick you up to get to the restaurant or the beach, and you’ll find pools on almost every level.
Every morning brings a truly varied breakfast with egg specialties, fresh juices, and fruit. The Thai cuisine at the hotel restaurant is seriously delicious too!
Book the Moracea by Khao Lak Resort
Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak
- In the north at Bang Sak Beach
- Right on the beach
- Breakfast available as an add-on
- With restaurant
- 5-star hotel
Want a Khao Lak hotel that’s not just right on the beach, but also has a really peaceful location? Then definitely check out the Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak.
Way up north at the beautiful Bang Sak Beach, you’re away from all the hustle and bustle. And yet a few authentic restaurants and bars are within walking distance — really great!
We also love the spacious rooms in a modern Thai boho design. Many rooms even have direct access to the exceptional pool landscape.
We recommend adding breakfast — every morning there’s a wonderful spread of European and Asian specialties. We’re big fans of the Mercure hotels in Thailand in general, and you’ll find one in our Bangkok hotel tips too.
Book the Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak
JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort and Spa
- Just north of the center at Khuk Khak Beach
- Right on the beach
- Breakfast included
- With restaurant
- 5-star hotel
One of the most popular Khao Lak resorts right on the beach is the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort. A definite standout here is the food.
Every morning, a delicious breakfast buffet is included. For dinner, you can choose between Japanese, Italian, or other specialty restaurants — seriously good!
We also love that free activities like yoga, kayaking, and various workshops are on offer. There are great options for kids, but also separate adults-only areas.
The rooms are large and modern, the staff attentive, and the spa area is dreamy. The location isn’t quite central, though — it’s about a 15-minute drive to the Bang Niang Market.
Book the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort and Spa
Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort & Villas
- Just north of the center at Khuk Khak Beach
- Right on the beach
- Breakfast included
- With restaurant
- 5-star hotel
For truly luxurious bungalows right on the beach in Khao Lak, the Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort is hard to beat. An absolutely dream-worthy place to stay.
First, you’ll be wowed by the modern, clean design with neutral colors and perfect accents. In the spacious rooms with ocean views, you’ll feel right at home.
A highlight is the location in a stunning lagoon. From the large pool, you have a direct view of the sea — and if you want to treat yourself, you can enjoy that same panorama from your suite with a private pool.
During your stay, a varied breakfast is included every morning. Two restaurants offer Thai, Mediterranean, or international dishes.
Book the Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort
Special Boutique Hotels in Khao Lak
Looking for a smaller hotel with a cozy, intimate atmosphere? And do you care a lot about beautiful design and a sense of exclusivity? Then a boutique hotel in Khao Lak is the way to go.
Here are three Khao Lak boutique hotels where you’re sure to have a wonderful stay!
If you generally love boutique properties, here’s a bonus tip: our hotel tips in Chiang Mai also feature a great selection of beautiful boutique hotels.
Hotel Gahn
- In the center
- Breakfast included
- With restaurant
- 10-minute walk to the beach
The Hotel Gahn is one of the more affordable boutique hotels in Khao Lak. In peak season, you’ll pay just under 100 euros for a double room — great value!
We especially love the understated elegance of the hotel. The rooms are designed in a minimalist-rustic style with Asian influences, and every detail has been carefully thought through.
That Asian influence carries over into breakfast too. Every morning you’re served Thai and local specialties. Really delicious!
From Hotel Gahn, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the beach, various restaurants, and bars. You’re also super close on foot to the Bang Niang Market.
The Sarojin
- North of the center at Coconut Beach
- Right on the beach
- Breakfast included
- With restaurant
- 5-star hotel
- Adults Only
Right on the beautiful Coconut Beach is the boutique hotel The Sarojin. A truly exceptional place to stay in Khao Lak with just 56 rooms set across expansive grounds.
Absolute highlight: Breakfast is served until 6 PM — and à la carte at that. It feels like going out for a really lovely brunch every day, with Asian and European dishes.
The rooms have an open-plan layout and a tropical-luxurious design. The bathroom is gorgeous too, with a rain shower and a large freestanding bathtub.
During your stay, you can relax by the pool, on the private beach stretch, or at the spa. Kayaks, SUPs, and bicycles are all available to borrow free of charge.
Cape Pakarang
- In the north at Laem Pakarang Beach
- Right on the beach
- Breakfast included
- With restaurant
- 5-star hotel
For a truly exclusive boutique hotel in Khao Lak with lots of privacy, we highly recommend Cape Pakarang.
There are only 8 suites here. All feature a modern, minimalist-industrial design with warm accents, and some rooms even have a small private pool.
Owners Bart and Zofie have created a peaceful, modern paradise right on the beach. With great warmth, they sometimes welcome their guests personally.
There’s a cool infinity pool, and breakfast is a mix of buffet and à la carte — including vegan options. A few affordable Thai restaurants are within walking distance.
The Best Khao Lak Family Hotels
Khao Lak is one of the best vacation spots for families with kids in Thailand, alongside Koh Samui, Koh Lanta, and Koh Phangan. The sand is usually fine and the water shallow, the waves gentle, and the tourist infrastructure excellent.
There are exciting excursions and activities in Khao Lak that you can do with kids. Many resorts have therefore specialized in families — here are three we’d like to introduce.
X10 Khaolak Resort
- In the center
- Right on the beach
- Kids club from age 4
- Breakfast available as an add-on, free for children under 12
- With restaurant
- 5-star hotel
One of the best family hotels in Khao Lak is the X10 Khaolak Resort. The property has its own dedicated area for families — perfect for a carefree getaway.
There are several highlights for kids. A huge pool landscape with a slide and water play features, and a cool kids club with activities like crafts, kids’ yoga, or pool bubble parties.
In the large family rooms, little ones have their own area with a bunk bed and colorful wallpaper. Breakfast is free for children up to age 12.
For adults, there’s free coffee all day long, and in the afternoon kids get popcorn and soft drinks. Dinner at the resort is a bit pricier, but there are some affordable restaurants nearby — though you may need a taxi for some of them.
The Sands Khao Lak
- In the center
- Right on the beach
- Kids club from age 4 & baby care
- Breakfast included
- With restaurant
- 5-star hotel
Looking for a family hotel in Khao Lak with a more stylish design? Definitely check out The Sands Khao Lak. A true paradise for the whole family.
Here too there’s a massive pool landscape with plenty of water play features and multiple slides. The kids club has a rotating program of creative and sporty activities, plus a large indoor playground.
For family rooms, you have several options: cool bunk beds, comfortable sofa beds, or a suite with two separate bedrooms. The design is bright, minimalist, and nautical.
Every morning, a delicious breakfast buffet is included. Prices at the restaurants and bars are a bit higher here too, but there are more affordable options outside the resort that you can walk to or reach by taxi.
La Flora Khao Lak
- In the center
- Right on the beach
- Kids club up to about age 8
- Breakfast included
- Restaurant
Even more centrally located than the other two family hotels is La Flora Khao Lak. Numerous restaurants, bars, and the Bang Niang Market are just a 10-minute walk away.
The daily kids club specializes primarily in creative activities — kids get their faces and bodies painted and make masks or jewelry.
More action is on offer at the indoor playground or the water play area with a small slide. The cool part: parents can relax right on the beach at the same time.
La Flora is ideal for families with toddlers or teenagers. There are also lovely, spacious family rooms with separate bedrooms. Breakfast is included and offers a wide variety plus delicious barista coffee.
Good and Affordable Hotels in Khao Lak
Khao Lak is one of the most expensive vacation regions in the country — especially during the best time to visit Khao Lak, which also coincides with the best time to visit Thailand overall. The area is dominated by upscale resorts, which drives prices up.
But there are also some genuinely affordable places to stay in Khao Lak that hold their prices even during peak season. Here are three great budget-friendly picks.
Casacool Hotel
- In the center
- 600 meters to the beach
- Breakfast included
- No pool
- No restaurant
If you just want a solid, affordable hotel in Khao Lak without any fuss, the Casacool Hotel is a great choice.
For around 40 euros, you’ll get a double room here — even during peak season. And an incredibly delicious, varied breakfast with different fruits, egg specialties, toast, and coffee is included.
Casacool is a small, family-run hotel. Owner Kai is super warm and helpful — she gives great tips, offers a free laundry service, and will even drive guests to the beach when she has time.
The rooms are designed in a simple Thai style. The nearest beach is about 600 meters away, but you’re right in the middle of the action, with restaurants, bars, massages, and a 7-Eleven all within walking distance.
Book the Casacool Hotel
Light Khao Lak Resort
- In the center
- 450 meters to the beach
- Small breakfast included
- With pool
- With restaurant
Want an affordable hotel in Khao Lak but don’t want to give up a pool? Then definitely check out the Light Khao Lak Resort, right in the heart of the lively center.
Ten charming bungalows surround the pool on the compact grounds of this resort. The atmosphere here is super cozy and intimate.
The rooms themselves have a simple but modern and bright interior. There are also great, affordable family rooms with a double bunk bed.
A double room in peak season costs between 50 and 60 euros, but you need to stay at least five nights. A small, simple breakfast is included, and there are several good restaurants in the surrounding area.
Book the Light Khao Lak Resort
Khaolak Forest Resort
- In the center
- Breakfast included
- With pool
- With restaurant
- 1,600 meters to the beach
A little more comfort at still genuinely great value for money — that’s the Khaolak Forest Resort. A small, family-run hotel with 47 rooms.
We especially love the beautiful, lush garden designed around the large pool — a peaceful retreat that’s still just a few minutes’ walk from the lively center.
The rooms are modern and simply but comfortably furnished. For more comfort, go for the villas with direct access to a second, exclusive pool — really cool!
A small highlight is also the variety at breakfast. Every morning you’ll find juices, croissants, coffee, eggs, and warm Thai dishes. One downside worth knowing: it’s about a 20-minute walk to the beach.
Book the Khaolak Forest Resort
Frequently Asked Questions About Staying in Khao Lak
Is Khao Lak expensive?
During the high season in Khao Lak — roughly December to April — many hotels are relatively pricey, largely because so many properties are luxurious 5-star resorts.
That said, even during high season there are budget-friendly options in Khao Lak. We introduce you to three of them above.
Food at the resorts also tends to cost more. In the restaurants outside the hotels and resorts, however, you’ll find prices just as affordable as anywhere else in Thailand.
A real money-saving tip: visit in the low season. It does rain more often, but prices drop dramatically — especially at the resorts.
What can you do in Khao Lak?
While many people associate Khao Lak mostly with chilling on the beach or at resorts, there are some great activities on offer too.
Our two favorites are a cooking class and a trip to Khao Sok National Park.
We’ve put together everything you need to know about Khao Lak in two dedicated articles:
The best attractions in Khao Lak and our travel tips
17 cool activities and day trips in Khao Lak
Khao Lak or Phuket — which is better?
It’s a question a lot of Thailand travelers wrestle with. Phuket and Khao Lak are only 1.5 to 2 hours apart by car, and the nearest airport is in Phuket.
Personally, we like Khao Lak a little better than Phuket. Even though it’s a popular destination, there are still noticeably fewer tourists here.
Khao Lak delivers a more relaxed vacation — aside from a few bars and restaurants in the center, it’s pretty low-key. You’ll spend your time unwinding at the resorts or heading out on an excursion.
On our first Thailand trip, we chose Khao Lak primarily because of the day trip to Khao Sok National Park.
It wasn’t until January 2024 that we finally got to properly explore Phuket and discover Thailand’s largest island.
Depending on where you stay on Phuket, you can have a relaxing vacation, do lots of sightseeing, or even hit the party scene. There’s also more to do on Phuket — the famous James Bond Island is located here, for example.
Check out all our tips for Phuket:
The best attractions and insider tips on Phuket
The 5 coolest day trips from Phuket
Our top hotel picks for Phuket
