We were thrilled to be invited to check out Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa. This luxury hotel in Southern Thailand promises to be “where adventure meets relaxation.” The resort boasts one of the most comprehensive experience sections on any Thailand hotel website.
Dive into our insider’s guide for what awaits you at this secluded beachfront retreat.
‘Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa is a gem. The location, resort, and staff showcase the very best of tropical Thailand. You can have a brilliant holiday here whether you are two years old and heading off to the Kid’s Club or retirees on a grey nomad tropical escape. From burnt-out executives needing some R&R to those who want to keep fit and active or as a base to tour many interesting parts of Khao Lak and Phang Nga Province, there is space for all, and everyone is well catered for.” Little Wandering Wren in March 2024
Why choose Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa?
This is our sort of resort: From the moment we arrived and wandered in past the art-painted entrance walls to a warm reception, an Endless Summer welcome drink, and a cool towel, we thought this was going to be good! The staff have that effortless, laid-back style where you are immediately charmed to take a deep breath and start unwinding.
The website offers Destination Unlocked, with nearly 100 things to see, do, and love while staying at Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa. We love a relaxing beach stay and were certainly up for seeing how many activities we could complete. The answer was plenty.
Why choose Khao Lak?
This is one of my favourite areas in southern Thailand. We never think twice about saying yes to 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐨 𝐋𝐚𝐤 because we love its tranquillity.
Located on the Andaman Sea, the area appeals to visitors because of its calmness and endless beaches. It’s very natural, and there is plenty to see and do in and out of the hotel.
We find Khao Lak offers better value and is quieter than neighbouring Phuket. The location is fabulous for those who like to discover more tucked-away, tranquil destinations.
Where are guests from?
We were there during the high season (March), and most guests had travelled internationally. We heard many different languages spoken. Many were from Europe, mostly Russians, Germans, Scandinavians, and some were British.
In the low season, the guest list changes, and Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa becomes a popular resort for the Thai domestic market.
The hotel is located along the beachfront but set back from the shoreline, a characteristic all the hotels in this area share. This gives the beach a very natural unspoiled feel.
Room choices:
All 269 rooms, suites and villas have horizon views of the ocean or pool outlooks. We were excited to be shown to Room 2116, a ground-floor pool entry room in Building Two.
Room Tour
The pool-access king bedrooms at Le Méridien are luxurious and amongst the most spacious around, starting from 43 sqm.
The beds are incredibly comfortable, and the welcoming bed art and messages scattered throughout our room make you feel special and truly at home. We find everything from the coffee machine, bar fridge, bath salts for an in-room spa experience, and even the thoughtful provision of beach sandals.
I adored two standout features: jumping straight into the warm swimming pool from our private terrace and the luxurious bathroom. I particularly enjoyed a long soak in the oversized bath, which is cleverly designed with a window into the bedroom (including a privacy blind if desired), which sat alongside a walk-in rain shower.
Additionally, the bedroom features a cosy daybed sitting area and a convenient desk for those who need to work while enjoying the beach ambience. The Wi-Fi service was excellent; you might be remote, but won’t feel disconnected.
Our Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa Room Tour on Instagram
Swimming Pools
Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa has three large swimming pools, which weave between the buildings. I read there are 2.4 km of lagoon pools here. I’m unsure if that’s true or a local myth, but one thing is for sure: you will get a decent swim here. Many an hour of our happy holidays were spent swimming and relaxing in the outdoor jacuzzi pool, not forgetting the Bamboo Pool Bar!
Wren’s tip: If you are after fitness, don’t forget to join one of the water-based classes. I attended Aqua Aerobics and Aqua Tai Chi.
Bangsak Beach
The beach was also a highlight. There were plenty of sun loungers and convenient spots to grab beach towels and drinks.
The beachfront offers a variety of complimentary water sports, including paddleboarding or kayaking. Motorized water equipment is prohibited on Khao Lak beaches, preserving the marine life of the Andaman Sea in all its splendour and the peace and quiet of the stunning Khao Lak coastline.
Wren’s tip: Take a wander up and down the beach. We loved seeing the local fishing boats coming and going with their catch of the day. You will also find local restaurants and beachside massages on offer.
This area of Thailand is renowned for snorkelling and scuba diving on off-shore coral reefs. Although some coral may have washed up along the shore, most of it is below the breakwater and does not impact guests’ enjoyment of the beach.
Wren’s tip: Wear your beach shoes.
Dining:
Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa has a whopping seven restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering everything from intimate sunset dining to themed buffet dinners with fire shows and kids’ menus. We chatted with a couple of the chefs and liked all the thoughts and considerations that go into the guests’ dining experience. They want you to walk away saying the food was a highlight.
We encountered many guests who had opted for all-inclusive dining packages, and we would certainly consider this option on our return visit.
The resort certainly caters to a diverse array of preferences, and for an upscale resort, it offers some tempting specials, such as Happy Hour and two-for-one ice cream at Le Scoop.
We were particularly impressed by the resort’s commitment to prioritizing sustainable seafood, a testament to their dedication to responsible dining practices:
“We proudly source our seafood responsibly, directly supporting the Morgan villagers, native people of Phang Nga. Their traditional, small-scale fishing methods contribute to a sustainable seafood supply chain, ensuring the ocean’s health while promoting the well-being of local communities. At our resort, every delectable dish is a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship and ethical dining.“
Breakfast:
The breakfast buffet at The Nest was huge, and there was surely something for everyone and all dietary requirements. I liked their daily health juice shots. Guests could choose between air-conditioned indoor eating and outdoor seating on the Terrace.
Wren’s tip is to enjoy their signature Egg Benedict; the eggs come from their own Le Ka Tak Farm.
Lunch:
We opted for daily lunch at The Nest. The diverse menu featured an excellently prepared selection of international, Thai, and Indian dishes. We can also recommend authentic Indian food.
The Pizzeria
This is the place for those who want to taste Italy in Thailand. The staff was incredibly accommodating, going out of their way to accommodate my special dining requirements. Having just come off a detox week, pizza was not supposed to be in my diet; however, it was impossible to resist!
Wren’s tip: This a-la-carte restaurant also does nice takeaway pizzas from 18:00 to 22:00. I could see a pizza and a beer on the beach as a great romantic under-the-stars option; just saying!
Beach Grill
Dinner at The Beach Grill offered varying buffet themes throughout the week. We loved the added allure of dining on the lawn by the beach, with live music, and they offered an incredible fire show on some evenings.
Coconut Joe’s
We enjoyed Coconut Joe’s beachfront bar. Here, a tropical cocktail and panoramic sunsets create the perfect sundowner.
Marriott Bonvoy Elite card club members may be lucky to receive an invitation to an exclusive evening cocktail party on designated days by the shore. Nothing beats a glass of La Vie rosé wine with a sunset!
The Spa
Never one to miss out on a good in-house spa experience, I took the opportunity to take advantage of one of the spa’s special offers: a Body & Soul Package, which included a 60-minute aromatherapy oil massage and a choice of 30-minute treatments. I went with a mini facial; what a treat! I loved the blissful experience, and my sensitive skin enjoyed the natural spa ingredients. The price was THB 1,650 net per person.
Activities
The diverse activities program changes daily, offering something for everyone. From an extensive Kids Club program to a fabulous 24-hour gym and organized complimentary daily fitness activities: Tai Chi, Muay Thai, and various yoga and pilates sessions, I enjoyed starting each day with a class, and the sunset yoga class on the lawn by the beach was lovely, too!
Things to do in and around the resort
Activity Lounge
The resort has an Activities room, and we challenged each other to a pool game, played darts for the first time in many years, walloped balls into goals with a table football challenge, and then collapsed to watch some of our favourite tennis players playing tennis on the sports TV channel.
At Lattitude Bar, we enjoyed an iced coffee and a Jenga game! I told you there is lots to do here at Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa.
Tours and sightseeing outside the resort:
Courtesy Bus to local town
You are a 15-minute drive to the local town, and the hotel offers a regular courtesy bus service into Khao Lak town. The drop-off is near Bang Niang market. This market is open on selected days from 14:00 to 22:00, offering 300 stalls that sell street food and souvenirs.
Bird Discovery Walk
If you like birdwatching, then 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 is the place for you! There are 47 bird species around our hotel, and at 7 AM, you can join a free bird-watching walk.
We were supplied with binoculars and a bird book to help identify what we saw. I’m a lousy bird photographer, but we had fun and found about 10 different types of birds, including the White-throated Kingfisher on the wires. The highlight was a magnificent bee-eater.
Self-guided bike tours
We couldn’t resist the opportunity to use the new, rather smart complimentary bikes to explore the local area. It was a very pleasant, breezy experience peddling through rubber and oil plantations, and we especially enjoyed the coastal ride. Oh my gosh, those beach views!
There are plenty of suggested local bike adventures you can enjoy. You can even cycle to the local Island of Koh Ko Khao, about a 20-minute ride and a short boat trip. It’s flat and suitable for a good ride.
Tours and sightseeing further afield
Little Amazon
I have always wanted to explore Takuapa’s hidden waterways, and our stay at Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, just a 20-minute drive away, provided an ideal opportunity.
The enchanting world of Little Amazon is nestled within the serene Bang Nai Sang Canal and named for its resemblance to the lush tropical forests of the Amazon.
Little Amazon is a community tourism project that offers a glimpse into a thriving ecosystem. From ancient Banyan (Ton Sai) trees to elusive wildlife, this small forest waterway is a hidden gem of Khao Lak that should not be missed. We really enjoyed paddling through the waterways with our guide pointing out wildlife along the way. For more, see our visit on Instagram
Ask at the tour desk to arrange.
Golf Anyone?
For golf fanatics, Phang Nga has plenty of choices. The closest golf is Kirinara Golf, a 9-hole golf course.
Two of our favourites are:
Katathong Golf Resort and Spa, known as “The Valley of Dreams,” offers an exceptional 18-hole championship golf course. Inspired by the region’s storied tin mining past, the landscape boasts elevated greens and tees, providing a spectacular golfing experience. Tee off early for the most spectacular early morning misty views.
The Aquella Golf Resort and Country Club is popular with local and international visitors. This beautiful 18-hole golf course sits along the stunning Andaman Sea. The greens are in excellent condition, and you will play across flowing streams and past Casuarina woodland.
James Bond Island
The region’s most famous attractions are the world-renowned Phang Nga Bay, iconic limestone formations, and picturesque islands like James Bond Island. You can read about my tour in my previous blog, Wandering James Bond Island.
Similan Islands National Park
Khao Lak is also the gateway to this famous archipelago in the Andaman Sea. The islands are about a 90-minute speedboat ride from Khao Lak, and you can snorkel in stunning coral reefs or hike to some magnificent viewpoints.
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, we remarked on how popular the tour was with local Thais, which is 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 lunch was provided on Koh Miang. In the afternoon, we could climb up to Sailing Rock, which gives an excellent view of Koh Similan.
If you are scuba qualified, Khao Lak is a great base for diving in the Similan Islands. The nearby Surin Islands are another option for regular day trips and scuba diving.
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 in the park and animals from monkeys and macaques to Dugongs and porpoises in the waters.
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
One of my favourite places in Phang Nga is the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint. It is only a 40-minute drive (35 km), and getting there is worth the effort; the views are spectacular.
Other suggestions
The Le Méridien Khao Lak team has heaps of recommendations; we have only scratched the surface of ideas for the Khao Lak area. Depending on the season, there are so many local nature trips and waterfalls we would love to return to and visit.
Recommendations include Sri Phang Nga National Park, the Turtle Conservation Centre at Takua-pa Navy Base, Tong Chongfa Waterfalls in Bang Niang and the Sai Rung Waterfalls.
Wren’s Top Tips for the best stay:
This beautiful hotel is a popular destination wedding venue. Check out the hotel website for announcements of any big events to be held here; otherwise, you could find yourself in a Thai Bollywood wedding party that lasts days!
Get out and explore the region; we have only just started our love affair with Phang Nga. Judging by the incredible roads built, this area is set to have a tourism boom. Enjoy it whilst it remains relatively undiscovered.
Rooms: A swim-out pool room is lovely!
The details
Address: 31 Moo 7, Bangmoung, Takuapa District, Phang Nga Province, Khao Lak, Thailand, 82190
All the details and more can be found on Le Meridien website.
Getting there
Flights to Khao Lak, Thailand
Phuket International Airport (HKT) is the nearest airport to Khaolak. As the third largest airport in Thailand, you can fly to 56 destinations with 50 airlines. Direct flights are to/from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, India, Dubai, Qatar, Bangkok and more. As Aussies, we like the Jetstar direct flight from Melbourne to Phuket, which takes 8 hours.
Driving or resort transport?
Arranging transportation through the hotel is the best option for hassle-free transportation to Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa. Once you arrive, you’ll find that having a car isn’t necessary, as any tours booked will include transport.
We have been driving in Thailand for many years and drove to the resort, which is straightforward and on excellent roads. In Thailand, other road users can be unpredictable. However, crossing the bridge from Phuket to Phang Nga always brings a sense of relief. We appreciate the quieter roads compared to the bustling streets of Phuket, where navigating through novice scooter riders can be a bit nerve-wracking.
Overall experience
We hope you have enjoyed our guide to the delights of Le 𝐌é𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧 Khao Lak Resort & Spa and destinations and activities worth exploring while there. We had a fabulous stay. There is so much to see and do in and around the resort, and the rooms are beautiful.
Mega thanks Le 𝐌é𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧 Khao Lak Resort & Spa for this lovely invitation. We love the idea of a relaxing beach hotel, but we like to fill our days with activities, get to know the surrounding countryside, and enjoy Thai culture and cuisine in the local neighbourhood. You offer the perfect combination – we will be back.
Disclosure: Little Wandering Wren was a Le 𝐌é𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧 Khao Lak Resort & Spa guest and received a hosted stay. All opinions are my own.
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8 comments
This resort looks so amazing! Would love to go back there! Loved our trip together to the Similan islands!
I had hoped this would bring back happy memories of your holiday in this area Inge! Your photos of Khao Lak at the time were fabulous. I was excited to have this opportunity to explore the Bang Sak Beach area too. Thanks for stopping by and we hope you can come to Thailand again soon.
Wren x
Hello Wren,
What a beautiful resort and beach! Sounds more relaxing than Phuket. You know I would love to do some birdwatching in that area! Thanks for sharing your visit. Have a great day and happy weekend.
You would love the bird watching and wildlife in general in this area of Thailand, AND you’d be able to take a decent photo of what you see! thank you for stopping by.
Have a lovely week.
Wren x
Another beautiful resort in Thailand. I love the beautiful scenes and views. It’s like paradise.
Hi Carol yes Thailand is blessed with some fabulous places to stay. Le Meridien Khao Lak was a joy to visit for sure. As you say a paradise holiday destination.
Thank you for reading this blog post!
Wren x
Many thanks for such a comprehensive review.
It looks and sounds very nice.
All the best Jan
Thank you Jan, we loved our stay at Le Meridien Khao Lak it was fun to provide this review especially as they is so much to do, in and around the resort.
All the very best to you.
Wren x