For many vacationers in Thailand, the island of Phuket, with its massive resort towns, is a bit too overcrowded and busy. As a result, neighbouring Khao Lak, with its long stretches of white sand backed by forested hills, is a welcome alternative. Here the warm waves make for a great day at the beach, and speedboat trips to the Similan and Surin Islands, as well as Khao Sok and Khao Lak/Lam Ru National Parks, are easily undertaken. In addition, five star accommodations are available all along these stunning beachfronts.

ABOUT Khao Lak
Khao Lak is a 20 km long strip of coastal resorts in Phang Nga Province on the Andaman Sea, located about 100 km north of Phuket Town. It is made up of a series of villages, located mainly in the Takua Pa District and partly in the Thai Mueang District of Thailand’s Phang Nga Province. The name “Khao Lak” literally means “Lak mountain”, and refers to the main 1,050m peak in this hilly region within Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park. The tiny village of Ban Khao Lak (the original beach), Hat Khao Lak, the bay of Khao Lak, and sometimes even the northern town of Takua Pa, make up the area generally referred to in travel literature as greater Khao Lak. About 2.5km north of Hat Khao Lak you’ll find Hat Bang Niang, an even quieter version of sandy bliss with skinnier beaches and fewer people. Meanwhile Khao Lak proper - also called Khao Lak Town by locals - is a hodgepodge of local restaurants and interesting, lively tourist markets. Daytime outdoor activities include hiking, elephant trekking, bamboo rafting, and a visit to either the Kapong or Ban Bo Dan hot springs. Travellers can also spend a somber moment visiting the International Tsunami Museum, which commemorates the 2004 tsunami disaster.

GETTING THERE
Khao Lak is approximately 60km north of the island of Phuket, accessible via Phetkasem Road, (Thai Route 4), one of four major highways in Thailand. Arriving via the Phuket International Airport (HKT) is the most common mode of access for travellers from Bangkok. Alternatively one can drive directly from Bangkok, and the 750km trip along Highway 4 takes approximately 11 to 12 hours.

MICE HOTELS

Pullman Khao Lak Katiliya Resort & Spa

The Pullman Khao Lak Katiliya Resort & Spa (formerly the Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort), offers a total of 229 rooms, as well as a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, sauna and massage facilities, water sports, tennis, and 6 different restaurants and bars to choose from. Meanwhile, the resort’s 4 meeting rooms provide business professionals and event planners with ultra-modern equipment as well as flawless service. The largest of the resort’s meeting rooms measures 400 sq.m, with a capacity for 720 people. Pullman’s fresh approach to the planning of upscale meetings, conventions, seminars, and incentive events also includes innovative break activities, and the support and coaching of in-house event managers and coaches.



JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa

Discover the treasures of the Andaman Sea at the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa - recipient of the 2010 Conde Nast World's Top New Hotels award. The vast landscaped grounds within the resort’s beachfront area boasts Southeast Asia’s longest swimming pool, while other amenities include 250 guest rooms, 43 suites, a fitness gym, whirlpool, spa, and 7 restaurants and bars to choose from. Event facilities include 15 meeting rooms, offering 3,000 sq.m of total meeting space, and the largest of these spaces has the capacity to accommodate up to 500 people. These comprehensive meeting facilities are complemented by expert catering staff and state-of-the-art audiovisual resources, and MICE organisers can choose from a selection of indoor and outdoor beachfront meeting facilities.



Centara Seaview Resort Khao Lak

With an absolutely perfect oceanside location - right on Nang Thong Beach - and a host of recreational facilities, the Centara Seaview Resort Khao Lak is a prime venue for incentive groups and MICE events of any size. Facilities include a swimming pool, fitness centre, games room, and tennis courts, while dining options include 5 elegant drinking and dining outlets. The resort’s largest meeting room, Khao Lak Hall, is in excess of 432 sq.m, and has a maximum capacity of 400 persons. There are also 3 intermediate meeting rooms, ranging from 56 to 200 sq.m, and each meeting venue offers a full range of audio-visual equipment, including overhead and LCD projectors, large screens, wireless microphones, and a built-in sound system.



Sentido Graceland Khao Lak Resort & Spa

Offering the highest level of comfort and superb service, in a spectacular seaside setting, the Sentido Graceland Khao Lak Resort & Spa is a perfect choice for large events and gatherings. The hotel is situated directly on a long sandy beach, and accommodations consist of a total of 338 spacious rooms, suites and villas. The rooms are decorated in contemporary Thai style, while the lobby and grounds are filled with funky furniture, cool décor, and exotic carved statues. There are 3 delectable dining options on-site to choose from, and for MICE events the resort’s state-of-the-art convention centre, situated in the central garden area, can accommodate parties of all sizes. The resort offers 12 meeting rooms in all, providing a total space of 1440 sq.m, with the largest conference room measuring 855 sq.m - offering has a seating capacity for 1,200 people. In addition, a full range of technical audio and visual equipment is available, with experienced staff on hand to assist.



Palm Galleria Resort

Located on Pakarang beach - one of the most beautiful in the Khao Lak area - the Palm Galleria Resort offers guests both the white sand and the clear waters of Thailand’s Andaman Sea coastline. The resort boasts spectacularly landscaped, verdant tropical gardens, as well as a large swimming pool. Each of the 98 guest rooms and suites is decorated in contemporary Thai style and overlooks either the ocean, lagoons, or gardens. For diners there’s an open-air restaurant, as well as swimming pool bar, and spa facilities for those needing to unwind. Finally, for meetings and MICE events, the 344 sq.m banquet & conference room can hold 300 persons theatre style.