About an hour’s drive north of Phuket sits Khao Lak, one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets: the same tropical, palm-fringed coastline the country is famous for, with five-star Khao Lak resorts to match, but a fraction of Phuket’s crowds.
Swap the neon lights and nightlife for the white-sand stretches of Khuk Khak and Bang Sak beaches, and pools that rank among the largest in Asia; The Haven Khao Lak’s alone is the biggest saltwater pool in Thailand, running the full 380-metre width of the resort. This is a coast built for doing nothing at all – and these are the Khao Lak resorts to do it at.
The Little Shore Khao Lak by Katathani
This beachfront resort joins the much-loved Katathani collection, bringing private pool suites to the sands of Nang Thong Beach. From family pool suites for up to four, to romantic villas for two with outdoor bathtubs, each beachside hideaway promises privacy and space. Amid the resort’s lush tropical gardens are an infinity pool with a swim-up bar at Koko’s, plus two restaurants spanning international dining at The Kati and elevated Thai cuisine at Param Para. The spa offers a signature Black Sand treatment, and the Artisan Boutique & Café is on hand for browsing locally crafted gifts. Guests also enjoy access to the resort’s sister property, The Sands, next door.
The Haven Khao Lak
You’ll find it hard to tear yourself away from The Haven Khao Lak, where guests 12 and over are welcomed for beachfront serenity. The 5,000sqm saltwater pool – the largest of its kind in Thailand – winds its way around the entire resort, while the scent of exotic flowers dances on the breeze. Its lead-in guest rooms are generously sized, while oceanfront jacuzzi upgrades add a dash of romance. Looking to immerse yourself in local culture? Book a Thai cooking class with Chef Nhong or try your hand at batik painting; both run directly through the resort.
The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani
Set on 200 metres of prime beachfront and framed by lush green hills, The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani offers an escape for every type of traveller. Three separate wings create different zones, where families can enjoy splashy fun in the Aqua Wing, couples can chill out in the Seaside Wing and beach lovers can wake to the sound of waves lapping the shore in the Lagoon Wing. Marine-themed touches in the family rooms, the Sands Castle kids’ club and colourful water slides are designed with little guests in mind, while an adults-only pool, holistic spa and candlelit dinner service ensure moments of serenity for grown-ups.
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Khao Lak
A longtime favourite in Khao Lak, Ramada Resort by Wyndham Khao Lak is a beachfront resort set between lush national parks and the gem-drop islands of the Andaman Sea. If exploring is high on your agenda, you’ll be well placed to do so: Bang Niang Market and the International Tsunami Museum are within a 15-minute walk, while temples and waterfalls, including Ton Chong Fa, are a short drive away. In your downtime, enjoy beachside lounging by the pool and treatments at the spa, where bubbling jacuzzi baths and herbal steam rooms await.
Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa
Just steps from the sands of Bangsak Beach is Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, an impressive resort that blends Le Méridien’s European heritage with authentic Thai touches. This is especially evident across its six restaurants and bars, offering everything from beachside seafood to fresh coconut drinks. Three lagoon pools, a whirlpool and a luxury spa beckon adults, while little ones are welcomed at the kids’ club. Ask the concierge for excursions including Khao Sok rafting and Similan Islands snorkelling.
JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa
Following a major expansion, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa now has 11 restaurants and bars, a spa, and a 2.5-kilometre lagoon pool with sports courts, a wave pool, water trampolines and a games zone – something for every age. The resort won the Travel + Leisure Asia Luxury Awards in both 2024 and 2025, and was named one of Thailand’s best resorts at the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak
A truly exciting addition to Khao Lak’s luxury resort collection is Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak, whose unique layout is designed around a winding canal, reminiscent of a Thai riverside village. Aside from palm-fringed prettiness at every turn, it offers a raft of five-star facilities to rival the area’s most established resorts.
A stretch of private beachfront beckons with white sands and azure waters, while three swimming pools – a beachfront infinity pool with Soak Bar attached, a garden pool tucked into greenery, and a dedicated kids’ pool – are inviting for a cooling dip and icy beer on a hot day. When it comes to food, expect authentic Thai and international flavours and canal-side dining at two restaurants, Patio and Green Mango. Ready to completely check out? The spa is on hand with aromatic treatments to soothe and relax.
Robinson Club Khao Lak
Set on a private beach of sugar-fine sand, Robinson Club Khao Lak runs on scale: nine restaurants and bars, three premium pools, two dedicated kids’ pools and a family pool, all spread across the resort’s grounds.
Two water slides keep younger guests busy, and the Roby Club kids’ programme runs from age 3. The resort puts adults first in its programming, but families are well provided for throughout. Golf, watersports and tennis are all available, and evenings bring themed culinary nights, a fortnightly street food festival, poolside quizzes and live music.
Discover Khao Lak
Feature image: JW Marriott Khao Lak
