Khaolak Oriental Resort

Tucked into a white-walled enclave with red tile roofs with trimmed hedges and palm trees, the Oriental is more intimate than many other Khao Lak spots. Its open-air lobby and reception area are stylishly rustic and enclosed only by low wooden benches around stone-topped tables, and there is a small bookshelf with a nice variety of literature to read at one’s leisure. The adjacent Le Siam Restaurant, at the hotel's sister property, serves as the lunch and dinner spot for this hotel. It's also an open-air venue, with wooden railings, a brick patio, and several ornate lanterns hanging from the ceiling. The restaurant’s bar is named after an enormous ancient Banyan Tree that sits nearby. Guests can also relax by the long tiled pool, which has poolside service with light snacks available throughout the day and evening. The pool runs canal-style through the center of the property between the buildings. Ground floor rooms alongside the pool have direct access to the water and there are narrow footbridges connecting the buildings over the water. It is possible to walk from one end of the property to the other in less than five minutes and most guests are couples of all ages.

The hotel is situated in Khao Lak, on Thailand’s west coast on Nang Thong beach. Khao Lak is much more sedate than many coastal towns, especially the ones in Phuket down the coast, and guests looking to party hard may want to consider other locations. The hotel is not directly on the beach, but the sand can be reached in five minutes on foot. There is a supermarket a 10-minute walk from the hotel and several other resorts and restaurants are within walking distance. Nature lovers can find Khao Lak National Park just over the town's main road, and Ton Chong Fah Waterfall is a 35-minute drive from the hotel. Pakarang Reef and the Similan Islands, popular for snorkeling and diving, can be reached in about 30 minutes by boat. The small town of Takuapa is 30 minutes away by car. Phuket is less than two hours away by car and Phuket International Airport is an hour and 15-minute drive.

Rooms here are spacious, modern, and simple, with off-white walls and red wood floors. Each room is decorated with colorful lotus paintings as well as carved lamps and tropical flowers. Red wood furniture with Asian silhouettes is set about the room, though we did spot wear and tear in some places, and beds have white duvets with blue throw pillows. Every room has either a small private balcony, a patio with a couple of chairs, or direct access to the narrow pool that runs throughout the property. There is also a bamboo love seat, coffee table, desk, satellite TV, minibar, safe, free Wi-fi access, air-conditioning, and coffee/tea-making facilities in every room. Bathrooms are lovely, covered from floor to ceiling in eye-catching tan marble tile with rustic faucets and hand-carved sinks on spacious vanities. Marble walk-in showers have rainfall showerheads and similarly rustic-modern fixtures plus toiletries. 

This adult-only resort offers several freebies, including Wi-Fi access in rooms and throughout the property, free parking and a large buffet breakfast serving fresh fruit, eggs, meats, coffee, juice, and local specialty dishes. Guests receive a welcome drink and fruit basket upon arrival. There is a free shuttle with service to nearby restaurants and attractions and Thai cooking classes are available. There is no official on-site restaurant, but Le Siam, at the hotel's neighboring sister property, serves lunch and dinner. Meals are good, and light snacks and beverages are also available through poolside service at the Oriental's outdoor pool. There is also a fitness center. The spa at the hotel's sister property has a wide variety of massages, facials and beauty treatments available. There is a computer station with printer and fax machine available to guests. The front desk is open 24 hours, and bike rentals, airport transfers, tour bookings and taxis are all available upon request. Guests should keep in mind that this hotel does not allow children under the age of 16.