All you need to know about the land of silk and smiles
The tsunami that hurtled into
This was the worst natural disaster the world had known. The exact number of deaths will never be known. In
I made my first visit to Khao Lak only days before the tsunami hit. I was amazed at the number of resorts, hotels, inns and associated attractions that awaited the visito
r. When I returned days later, most of what I had seen earlier had been transformed into rubble. Now years later the missing villages and resorts have been replaced. Tourism returns, fishermen are back at work and life goes on.
The beaches in Khao Lak are among the finest in
One thing the tsunami did not affect were the forests and mountains that lie to the east of Highway 4 and are part of the Khao Lak -
Several waterfalls can be reached from Highway 4. They are well sign posted. Other falls are best visited by entering the park from Takuapa in the north or from
The Sarojin Resort
This resort deserves the word exquisite. This piece of paradise is already winning awards thanks to the great efforts of the owners who have checked and double-checked that everything works as it is supposed to work.
This is an exp
ensive boutique resort but this place is something very special. You sense the luxury and elegance when you enter the portals to the lobby. There are 10 acres of landscaped gardens leading down to an expansive white sand beach. Walkways, manicured lawns, infinity pools, lotus ponds and scrumptious gourmet restaurants surround the 56 guest residences (they do not call them rooms here). The 56 residences are in seven low-rise buildings and are spacious each one very private with an assortment of attractions. There are private gardens, sundecks with couples baths, rainfall showers, plunge pools and spa pools. Each residence is privately entered by crossing a stream in the grounds and through a private garden terrace. Inside, the residences combine contemporary décor with traditional Thai furnishings. The Sarojin offers guests facilities you would expect to find in one of those mega resorts. There is a state of the art fitness centre, several infinity swimming pools, Jacuzzi, a croquet lawn, mountain biking, and a selection of water sports including catamarans, sea kayaks and windsurfing. Guests can also take advantage of a library, Thai cookery cla
sses and market visits. The Pathways Spa offers a selection of traditional massages and spa treatments. There is a selection of restaurants at the Sarojin, which serve the finest gourmet cosine. Ficus offers international cuisine whilst The Edge specializes in seafood and fresh al fresco cuisine. Guests can also choose to dine within the privacy of their residence as well as source the finest wines from the resort's own wine cellar.
This is expensive; rooms begin at 12,500 Baht ($380) and reach as high as 33,650 Baht ($1,015) for the top residence in peak season. However, the resort’s website does offer some attractive packages, which give you a little more for your money. Once you have stayed here, it is easy to understand why the prices are high – and why the resort is winning awards. Contact details: Address: 60 Moo2, Kukkak,Takuapa. Telephone: 076 427900, fax 076427906. www.sarojin.com
Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach
This is Khao Lak’s premier resort. It was devastated by the tsunami and there was a concern that it may not have been rebuilt. The successful future of tourism in Khao Lak was dependent on it being rebuilt – and it was. And the new resort is even more spectacular than the original.
The 243-rooms and villas are set amid landscaped gardens overlooking the pristine beaches on the northern end of Khao Lak. The resort has three swimming pools, a yoga and fitness centre, tennis courts and wa
ter sports. The hotel operates a Penguin Club, a centre for children offering a range of amusing activities. The hotel’s seven restaurants and bars feature international cuisine. The low end of the accommodation, the deluxe rooms, have a sitting area, broadband data port, and 29-inch flat screen TV, bathroom with separate bathtub and rainfall shower. The rooms here are expensive but the hotel website has some special offers, which include gourmet dining packages and spa packages, which makes a stay here more affordable – and more enjoyable. Contact details: 9/9 Moo 1. Kuk Kak. Tel: 07642 7500, fax 07642 7501. www.khaolak.lemeridien.com.
Scenes from the tsunami
The Ramada Resort K
hao Lak
This 84-room resort, like the other resorts described on this page, is located directly on the beach. The property opened in 2007 and offers attractive package deals on its website. The packages normally include a 90-minute massage and breakfast. The resort has eight beachfront villas and the rooms are all in low rise clusters, most of them enjoying views of the
Contact details: Ramada Resort Khao Lak, 59 Moo 5, Tumbon Kukkak, Takuapa District,
