Located in the south-west of Thailand, Khao Lak is a coastal holiday resort which enjoys typical tropical weather patterns. There are two definitive seasons a very hot, dry season and a slightly cooler, wet season. January is part of the dry season with only 30mm of precipitation across 3 days of the month. Rain, when it does occur, does so as light rain.
January is also slightly cooler than other times of the year in Khao Lak, as the resort experiences average temperatures of 28°C, rising up to 32°C during the warmest part of the day. Evenings offer a much welcome relief from the heat, with temperatures dropping down to around 23°C after sunset. A dip in the sea, at 27°C should be very pleasant.
There are 9 hours of sunshine per day at this time of the year. The length of the day stays essentially constant; January 3 is the shortest day with 11:24 hours of sunlight; January 30 is the longest with 11:35 hours. The sun rises around 6:45am and sets around 6:15pm.
When it comes to accommodation, Khaolak Orchid Beach Resort is a great place to stay. This 3.5-star boutique resort is family-owned, with direct access to the secluded Khuk Khak Beach. Located only a short distance away from the Khao Lak National Park, this complex offers many facilities and services, including free Wi-Fi, daily breakfast, welcome fruit basket, swimming pools, restaurants, spa, Jacuzzi, shuttle bus to Khao Lak Centre and airport transfers. There are various types of accommodations: classic rooms, with or without balcony, and deluxe rooms, some with their own Jacuzzi. Within each room are 32-in LCD TVs, satellite, bathtub, mini-bar, telephone, hairdryer, safe and free Wi-Fi. There are also large 42-sq-metre triple rooms and family suites with two bedrooms.
Families and couples looking for somewhere to stay during their holiday in Khao Lak should also consider the Baan Krating Khao Lak. Nestled in a tall cliff, the complex offers fantastic views across the resort and is found close to many shops, bars and restaurants. This charming, boutique village is secluded and private, just one hour from Phuket Intl Airport. Relaxing facilities include a refreshing swimming pool, Spa Pamper, Wana Dalah restaurant and Wana Beach Bar. Nearby adventures include the Sicilian Islands, Phang Nga Bay, and Buddhist caves. Couples can enjoy a Thai or Western Wedding on the romantic beach. Guest rooms include 14 deluxe rooms and 18 pavilion rooms, ranging from 27- to 40-sq metres.
Nang Thong Beach is idyllic, with golden sands, casuarina trees and coconut palms. Stay here to be near the best facilities: restaurants, souvenirs shops, photo shops, pharmacies, bookstores, street vendors and diving schools.
Bang Niang Beach is located just north of Khao Lak, about 10 minutes' drive away. The beach is not as centrally located as other beaches like Nang Thong, but is near some of the top resorts--La Flora, Ramada, Ayara, Sudala and more. While you're in the neighbourhood, be sure to check out the impressive tsunami museum.
Chong-Fah Seafood (Bang Niang Beach) is a simple yet delightful restaurant with dining pavilions and wooden furniture. They serve traditional Thai seafood dishes from 8am to 10pm right off the Bang Niang Beach.
A Thai/Western fusion favourite is Dao Thong (Opposite Bang Niang Market), serving dinner only, and mostly traditional dishes with the occasional attractive international flair. La Roma (opposite the market) is an Italian pizza trattoria that stylishly mixes Thai with pizza. Another fusion experiment is Victoria Tandoori Night (Opposite Mukhdara Resort, Soi Bang Niang #1), specialising in Thai and Indian set menus with a takeaway option.
If you're trying to impress a date, try The Candle (Soi Bang Niang #1), for its classy Thai menu with international touches. With its brickwork exterior, Thai wine list and innovative dishes, this is the place to impress.
New Year's Day is a huge event in the resort, when the bars and restaurants that line the main street throw fantastic parties in celebration.
Khao Lak is one of the best places in the world for snorkelling and diving. Wicked Diving boasts the greatest diving packages in Thailand, whilst still being environmentally friendly. Here you'll find a selection of courses on offer, with something for everyone from first timers to experienced divers.
The Old Takua Pa Sunday market is a fantastic place to visit to enjoy a spot of lunch or a snack. Located several kilometres north of the resort, this market is lined by colourful buildings which provide many photo opportunities.
