Ban Khao Lak Travel Forum

Hi there!
We, four adult, plan to travel to Khao-Lak mid of March. We have stayed in Kata-Beach (Phuket) in May of 2004 and saw the situation after the Tsunami. At all places there were constructions. And my question is now: How is the situation at the moment in Khao-Lak?

Has anybody news about the MERLIN RESORT KHAO-LAK? How is it arount the hotel?

Thanks in advance for Your kind reply.

Best regards!

Hajo

Hi Hajo,

I'm currently in Khao Lak and have been for the past four months. First off, I stayed at the Merlin just two weeks after the tsunami and was there visiting about three weeks ago. Most of the resort has not been touched by the tsunami, only the bungalows near the beach and at 'sea' level. When I stayed there one year ago, you wouldn't have known it was hit, unless you looked around at the beach area. Today, they bungalows are under construction again and they have replanted much of the greenery. A resort on the north side of the Merlin is now under re-construction and likely won't be open until next year's season. If you want to stay at the Merlin, I say go ahead. All the restaurants are open and the staff is welcoming. There are, however, other resorts closer to the heart of Khao Lak. I would recommend (if you are in the Merlin price range) the Nang Thong Bay Resort, Khao Lak Palm Beach Resort, Khao Lak Suwan Palm are nice. If the Merlin is out of your price range, then the Nang Thong resort is very nice. All new and a nice beach. Further north you can stay at the La Flora. Its a 4-5 Star hotel in Khao Lak (closer to Ban Niang) and also been rebuilt.

As far as construction, well, that will be going on for years. But I can say with honesty that Khao Lak is much quieter and more secluded than the Phuket destinations. If you want rows of beach chairs and bothersome beach vendors, then stay south. If you want seclusion, warm and friendly locals and a place you can feel at home in, then Khao Lak is the place.

I've been here for months and will be here for many months more. I've come here to build playgrounds for children after the tsunami and fell in love with the place. You can, too!

Hi Hajo,

We have just got back from 3 days diving based in Khao Lak, this was out first time there. LIke the last reply, construction work is everywhere and will be for ages; if your children are young, there may not be a lot to do there. There was a 4.0 earthquake off the coast yesterday while we were diving, many of the locals literally ran for the hills. From speaking to the locals, many have left never to return, due to the memories of what happened. It's still a good place to go, some nice restaurants and bars to choose from. If its a quiet and relaxing time you are after, its a wonderful place

So Hajo,

How was your stay in Thailand? Did you end up staying in Khao Lak? If so, can you tell us about your experience. Where did you stay?

Thanks and Sawasdee Khap!

For those of you whom are asking about the situation in Khao Lak, I must say that they have painstakenly have worked to bring Khao Lak back into one of the finest destinations in Thailand.

With blood, sweat and tears, the people of Khao Lak have rebuilt many of the resorts, shops and restaurants. Many of the dive shops are open for business, too.

I make Khao Lak my home now and can tell you first hand that things are looking great!!

Here is a SHORT list of places that are open for business!

MUKDARA RESORT
MERLIN RESORT
SAROJIN RESORT AND SPA
RAMADA RESORT AND SPA (FORMALLY PALM ANDAMAN)
NIANG THONG BEACH RESORT
SUWAN PALM RESORT
LE MERIDIEN
SUNSET BEACH RESORT
COUSIN RESORT
PALM BEACH RESORT

SEA DRAGON DIVE CENTER (YOU SHOULD SEE THEIR NEW BUILDING!!)
IQ DIVE CENTER
KHAO LAK DIVE

HAPPY SNAPPER BAR
FISHERMAN BAR
O'CONNER PUB
GECKOS SPORTS BAR & GRILL (FORMALLY VIKING STEAKHOUSE IN BANG NIANG
VIKING STEAKHOUSE IN DOWNTOWN KHAO LAK

AND MUCH MORE!!

I suggest you go to www.mykhaolak.com to see many others.

This place is just 80km north of Phuket Int'l Airport and much quieter and more beautiful than that of Patong Beach. And much closer to the Similan Islands, James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay.

Hope to see you all here!!