We’re massive fans of both the Khao Lak area in Phang Nga, Southern Thailand, and Outrigger Resorts & Hotels. When the Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort invited us for our seventh stay in the Phang Nga region, we jumped at the offer.
The Khao Lak beaches are unspoiled and I’d enjoyed my previous stay at their sister hotel Outrigger Surin Beach Resort which was packed full of memorable moments. I was keen to see how the two resorts compared. Whilst Outrigger Surin Beach is found on the popular Phuket island, Khao Lak is a lesser-known but equally deserving holiday destination on the Thailand mainland.
Why visit Khao Lak?
Khao Lak is always in our humble opinion worth the trip. It is quieter than Phuket Island.
The white sandy beaches are very natural and whilst the hotels and resorts are beachfront, they’ve been developed to be set back and nestled amongst the trees. It gives a wonderfully unspoiled feel to this area, despite there being a plethora of holiday choices.
For now, and especially in May typically at the start of the rains, it is blissfully quiet.
Why stay at the Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort?
If you are after a good value hotel, on a gorgeous beach with staff who go out of their way to ensure you have a memorable time, then read on.
It’s a resort that caters well to a range of guests. When we stayed there were couples on a romantic break who have the option of a private villa and families with kids who can enjoy the Coral Kids’ Club. All of us were chuffed with the pristine beach and clear waters.
My verdict
Location
The resort is a 90 km drive from Phuket International Airport. It will take around 90 minutes.
I love telling my friends that I’m going to Khao Lak and they ask ‘Where’s that?’ You’ve only got to look at the impressive road connections to Phuket (and not a pothole in sight) to know that this is surely an area marked for significant tourist development. It still has the feel of being largely undiscovered and by that, we mean unspoiled, and not overly touristy.
This province is located on the Andaman Sea which offers both a cracking beach holiday AND if you want to prise yourself away from your sun lounger, you can either head out to sea to explore the Similan or Surin islands or head inland to explore the National Parks.
Resort Design
Our room was a Deluxe Garden Terrace. It is large with plenty of space to hang out and chill when you need to cool off a while from the heat of the day. Besides the king-size bed, there is a daybed for me, and a table and chairs for my Suduko-loving husband to sit and ponder solutions at. The first thing I notice is the elephant on the bed, the second is that giant wall-stenciled palm frond. I really, really, really want this in my home.
To me, it all screams switch off and have a great holiday. Outrigger says they wanted ‘to create a feeling of serenity, infinite horizons and one-ness with nature.’ Big tick, it works.
I love the room colour scheme and the black and white step-back-in-time photos on the walls. On the terrace outside garden chairs look out onto the lush gardens.
Housekeeping would win awards for their attention to detail and use of flowers, even the bath mat was been decorated with a flower. On the second day, Auka from housekeeping arrives with a beaming smile and a sweet dreams love heart, woven from a local palm.
Gotta love this stay!
Bang Sak Beach
If you like your beaches to be very natural, where you can walk in both directions for many kilometres, you will enjoy Bang Sak Beach. If you’re looking for the nearest nightclub stay in Phuket.
Turning right from the resort will take you along the northern more remote parts of the beach. This is definitely one of Khao Lak’s quietest beaches. To the left, we found ourselves entranced by the creations of sand art made by tiny crabs. This is the sort of destination where you can find joy in the simple things of life. You will also find a few beachside massage beds and some local restaurants. Reading the hotel’s online reviews guests had found both enjoyable.
Swimming Pool
One of life’s great pleasures is walking into the swimming pool here. Its warmth greats you like a long-lost friend. It is a lovely swimming pool surrounded by coconut trees and it won’t be long before the least dedicated swimmers amongst us are flat on our backs enjoying the palm trees. The pool is a good size with an infinity edge looking out towards the beachfront.
Grounds
A large landscaped garden is a feature in the middle of the resort. At breakfast, you have a lovely view of the gardens leading down to the beachside pool.
Food and Beverage
Food on site is a mixture of Thai and Western options. Compared with the fabulous dining at Nalu Bar and Grill at the Outrigger Surin Beach, the dinner food menu did not seem as extensive. However, we were there in the low season.
Breakfast at Mala Kitchen
The breakfast buffet offered an extensive array of choices. There was an egg station as well as tropical fruits and juices, salads, charcuterie options, freshly baked bread, and locally sourced jams together with a Thai selection. You have the option to dine in or sit on the outdoor deck overlooking the kitchen garden.
Edgewater Restaurant and Bar
We enjoyed the Edgewater Restaurant and Bar Our sunset drinks at the bar overlooking the beach were a highlight. We really enjoyed the singer too, who was happily taking requests from diners. It was a lovely atmosphere, live music is a key feature of dining at Outrigger.
Khun Wish the F & B Manager went out of his way to check in with us at each meal (did he ever have any time off?!) We can recommend their massaman curry.
Activities
Each day you have access to morning and afternoon activities organized by the resort such as Beach Volleyball, Thai Boxing, or start the day with Stretching or Yoga.
I joined others for an early morning yoga class with Khun Best. It was definitely the best way to start the day. The class was held on the sand, looking at the sea, wonderful!
Water Sports
For those into water sports, the Andaman Sea is a perfect place for sea kayaking or paddle boarding.
Gym
I also took myself off to the gym as I’m working on a fitness program that required weights. The gym is small but had everything I needed for my workout, including air conditioning! Workout is done, now it’s time for the serious business of doing nothing!
Beach Massage
There are three massage salas overlooking the swimming pool. Each has a fan within it, but even so, I found it really hot mid-morning in May and would advise a late afternoon appointment. Be aware depending on staffing levels you may need to book ahead.
I did wonder if I might feel a tad on show, given the sala is beside the swimming pool, but it is incredible how you soon feel super relaxed and then you don’t notice.
I was told there is an option for an indoor treatment room with air conditioning but most people prefer the beachfront location.
The Staff
The staff is a big part of what makes time at Outrigger Beach Resort so special. I have mentioned a few along the way here, but really hats off to all the staff for the incredible jobs they do, in helping everyone to have a fabulous holiday.
If you’re the sort of person that reads every review before you book a holiday, you will find a long list of people who have been mentioned for making people’s holidays extra special:
Discovering the local area
The hotel offers a shuttle service into Phang Nga town and a local market.
What else is in the local area?
There is plenty to do here in Phang Nga! Below are some ideas for our favourite activities outside the resort. Bear in mind there is plenty that we haven’t done from the Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary, International Tsunami Museum, Khao Lak Little Amazing Canoe ride, and snorkeling in the Surin Islands.
James Bond Island
The most famous attraction in the region is the world-renowned Phang Nga Bay, with its iconic limestone formations and picturesque islands like James Bond Island. You can read all about my tour on my previous blog: Wandering James Bond Island.
Similan Islands
It’s a 30-minute drive to Thap Lamu Pier, the main pier for boats going to the Similan Islands. We joined a Similan Islands tour with Seastar Andaman.
It was busy but well-organized! As we sped out to the islands by speed boat one thing we remarked on was how popular the tour was with local Thais, always a good sign and generally likely to mean you have a good value tour. We were given two opportunities to snorkel on two different reefs, and a lunch is provided on Koh Miang. In the afternoon we were able to climb up to Sailing Rock which gives an excellent view of Koh Similan.
Ao Phang Nga National Park
The marine Ao Phang Nga National Park has the biggest native mangrove forest in Thailand. There are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking. Bird lovers can seek out 180 bird species found in the park and animals from monkeys, and macaques, to Dugongs and porpoise in the waters.
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
One of my favourite places in Phang Nga is the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, it is 84 km away but worth the effort of getting there the views are spectacular.
Overall experience
The reason Outrigger Resorts & Hotels is one of my favorite resort brands is a combination of their lovely rooms, staff with beautiful hearts, and their wonderful beach locations. I always leave with memories of magic, and memorable moments.
Phang Nga is a great choice for those who are looking for a Southern Thailand holiday offering the beach AND nature.
The details
Address: 2/4 Moo 8, Bangmuang Takua Pa, Chang Wat Phang-nga 82190
Website: Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort
Contact: reservations.khaolak@outrigger.com
Airport transfer can be arranged as part of a booking, or you can organise a taxi on arrival.
Disclaimer: Little Wandering Wren was an invited guest of Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort
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8 comments
Hello Wren,
What a beautiful resort. Lovely views and photos. Take care, enjoy your day!
Thank you Eileen. We loved the Outrigger Beach Resort at Khao Lak, it was very peaceful and a beautiful resort as you say. I hope you are having a lovely day too!
Wren x
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and thanks too for sharing these amazing places with us…
Hugs,
Deb
Hi Debbie – lovely to see you here, sharing in the beauty of amazing Khao Lak and the Outrigger Beach Resort. Have a lovely weekend.
Wren x
The pool looks amazing. We rent places now with a kitchen, so we don’t stay at many resorts. But the pampering looks fun. The beauty around the area is outstanding. I heart travel!
I heart travel too Sharon! This resort was definitely an ultimate pampering stay where you can enjoy relaxing and unwinding at this beautiful beach and pool. Happy travels to you!
Wren x
…what a gorgeous place. There are Outriggers in Hawaii, perhaps they are owned by the same company.
Hi Tom, So gorgeous! And you are right, they are the same company. I love the fun vibe of the Outrigger hotels in Thailand and I can see how the influences come from that Hawaiian surf feel but also how it fits well with a Thailand Beach holiday.
You will also find Outrigger Resorts and Hotels in Fiji, Maldives and Mauritius, I would love to try them all! Once you find a hotel brand that you love, it’s an easy holiday choice just change the airline booking. We have not been to Hawaii for 11 years and must go back too.
Have a great week.
Wren x