On our trip to Phuket in January 2023, we decided to stay in the Khao Lak area, which is a little further north of Phuket town. The hotel we were staying at, the Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort, had an excellent offer price, and after some research I decided to book it straight away.
This area of Khao Lak is very quiet and I wouldn’t recommend it for those who prefer a more lively atmosphere. We loved our stay, and I highly recommend the hotel, which I will give more details below.
Photo 1: Beach at the Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort
Photo 2: Sunset on the beach at the Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort
Some may prefer to look for hotels on beaches that suit their preferred type of holiday. Here are some of the names of the most popular beaches in Phuket:
Below are my recommendations for beachfront accommodation in Phuket. I’ll start with the hotel we stayed at and approved of, followed by other recommendations based on reviews I’ve read.
When we arrived at Phuket airport, our hotel arranged driver was waiting to take us to Khao Lak, which was about a 90-minute drive. There’s not much to see around the hotel, except for what we were looking for – the beach!
The beach was fantastic, always very quiet. Every day there were warnings about possible jellyfish in the water, but luckily, we didn’t have any unwelcome encounters, and I didn’t see anyone else get stung.
The hotel offered stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and even morning yoga sessions on the beach, all free at the time of our stay (not sure if they still do).
When I was looking for hotels, I made sure they had a kids’ club, as lying on the beach isn’t exactly a child’s idea of entertainment. Maria Rita loved the kid’s club and always asked to go back to join in the various activities they organised.
For me, the only downside to the hotel is that the restaurant is quite pricey. However, there were a couple of local restaurants along the beach, one of which was right next to the hotel, which helped to balance the budget. Oh, and there was also a massage hut on the beach with very affordable prices.
The hotel had a shuttle service to the nearest village (at extra cost), but we didn’t use it and I didn’t feel the need to leave, except for our trip to the Similan Islands. On that day the hotel staff were very thoughtful and packed us a breakfast for the trip, as we had to leave very early.
I would highly recommend this hotel, and if you book in advance, the prices can be very reasonable, especially compared to other hotels in the area.
Photo 3: Garden at the Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort
Photo 4: Beach at the Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort in the early morning
Photo 5: View from one of the beach local restaurants next the Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort
Other hotel options for a beach holiday in Phuket
(Based on reviews I’ve read, not personal experience)
Like the Outrigger, this resort is located in Khao Lak, further away from Phuket town. However, it’s on a road with several restaurants, cafes and shops, so there are more options nearby.
The resort is very popular with families with children, as there are plenty of activities on offer, including a kids’ club and even a water park. I wouldn’t recommend it for those who prefer smaller and quieter hotels, as it is a large resort.
Located on Kata Noi Beach, south of Phuket town, about an hour’s drive from the airport. The Sands and Katathani Phuket Beach Resort are part of the same hotel group, and like the Sands, this is a large resort with several pools, including one with water fountains and slides for children, as well as numerous restaurants.
The main road leading to the resort has local restaurants and convenience stores. Kata’s night market is just a 7 minute drive away.
Located north of Phuket, in Khao Lak, next to its sister property, the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites, which offers two-bedroom accommodation, perfect for larger families. This luxurious five-star resort (with prices to match) offers a wide range of activities for guests and is considered one of the most popular hotels in the region
The resort has direct access to the beach, with local restaurants nearby.
This resort is located near Bang Niang Beach in Khao Lak. It’s the cheapest option on this list and offers great value for money. The resort is conveniently located close to Bang Niang market and several local restaurants and shops. Although it doesn’t offer any specific activities for children, families are welcome.
However, it may not be as family friendly as some of the other resorts mentioned above. The beach is a short 5-minute walk from the resort.
Check out the post on where to stay in Phuket Old Town and the post on Things to do in Phuket.
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