Khao Lak: A fantastic getaway for families, newly-weds
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Thailand's hidden paradise
This is the second in a series of articles about Khao Lak. – ED.
KHAO LAK, Thailand - Apart from the plentiful leisure activities to enjoy, the Khao Lak resort also offers one of the best beaches in the world.
The turquoise-blue ocean is so beautiful that imply admiring it from the shore can be a satisfying experience.
Some beaches are ideal for swimming, but others are occasionally visited by jellyfish. It seems that all the beaches here are serene, un-crowded and inviting, providing the perfect place to do nothing but just lie on the sand and watch the waves hit the shore. There are few better places for family getaways.
A table for two set on the beach at the JW Marriott / Korea Times photos by Yun Suh-young
Some of the best resorts are located along the beaches and offer great views. For children, there are plenty of activities to enjoy within the resorts.
Khao Lak is also a great place for couples and newlyweds. At sunset, the coastline resembles a backdrop from a romantic movie.
At one resort, a romantic table for two was set on the beach. Someone must have been a lucky girl that day.
People crowd around a baby elephant which appeared on the beach at Le Meridien
It would be hard to find a better place for weddings than Khao Lak. According to a local marketing manager, the region is becoming increasingly popular for honeymooners because of its competitive prices. The stunning scenery also helps.
"Compared to the price they pay, the wedding service provided by the resorts are more than satisfying,” said Justin Moon, a PR manager in charge of Khao Lak resorts.
"Weddings can be arranged cheaper here than world-renowned holiday destinations in other countries. Some Indian guests rent the whole resort for weddings and this still costs less than paying for a single ceremony elsewhere.”
A street view of the Bang Niang Market which opens every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday in downtown Khao Lak
Relaxing spree
Of course, no visit to Thailand is complete without massages and other pampering.
The famous Thai massages are given while recipients wear loose, comfortable clothes and take variety of yoga-like positions on a mattress. Apart from twisting and turning arms and legs, each masseuse exerts pressure using her hands, palms and elbows. Set in a soothing atmosphere with relaxing music, the rhythmic pressing and stretching lasts for usually an hour or two depending on the program that each recipient chooses.
Thai massages are available at parlors around Thailand. In the Khao Lak region, these massage places are lined along the main Petchkasem Road in the Khao Lak downtown area. An hour long full Thai massage costs only 300 Baht ($10) at facilities in the downtown area.
Le Spa at Le Meridien
For those who want to enjoy massages inside a resort, each has its own spa and massage centers offering different treatments.
At Le Spa and Quan Spa in Khao Lak’s top two most luxurious resorts, JW Marriott and Le Meridien, massages are offered in a luxurious setting and prices begin at around 2,200 Baht ($75) for an hour on Thai massages and 2,800 Baht ($95) for an hour on aroma oil massages. However, Gold Card users are given a huge discount at $32 for both types of massage per hour.
Entertainment in Khao Lak
For all the beautiful nature to enjoy, Khao Lak is short on urban entertainment. This is definitely not a place for club hoppers and those looking for an exciting night life.
Quality bars are only found in the Khao Lak downtown area, which begins and ends along the main street, Petchkasem Road.
Quan Spa at JW Marriott / Courtesy of Private Label Hospitality Marketing Services
About 20 minutes away from the resort by taxi, the downtown area is crowded with souvenir shops, massage parlors, bars and restaurants. It also has grocery stores and markets that sell local food and fruits.
Along the main street, there’s an alley that stretches out to the beach side. That’s where the Bang Niang Market opens every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m.
The market is definitely worth a visit if you’d like to get a glimpse of Thai lifestyle and grab some local goods at a cheap price.
Although it doesn’t open for a long period, taking a stroll around the market in the late afternoon until it closes may be a good way to spend the evening.
The market offers local fruit, food, tea, marine products, clothes, souvenirs, and household goods that are fun to browse.
The market scenery changes when the sun goes down. To enjoy different images of the market, going at a later hour is recommended. The official closing time is 7 p.m. but it may close earlier or later depending on weather conditions or the number of customers.
One piece of advice is not to buy products at prices that are offered. As it’s a local market, they set the price higher if you’re a tourist. Prices are always negotiable so try your best. But don’t worry even if you do pay local prices, they are not so high.
Cost-effective travel
To be eligible for a “Gold Card” that not only gives spa and massage discounts but a variety of other benefits, using the Hana Tour “Gold Package” may be an option.
The Gold Package is three nights and five days for a round-trip flight and 5-star hotel accommodation at JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa or Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort. Prices for Le Meridien begin at 999,000 won and JW Marriott at 1,049,000 won. It offers over 60 percent discount for the spa, usage of resort facilities for free, and includes three meals a day at the luxurious restaurants within the resort.