In September there is a slight decrease in temperatures, matched by a minimal increase in rainfall. Temperatures still reach 32°C at the hottest point of the day, averaging 28°C and dropping to a milder 24°C occasionally. Sun-cream is still recommended along with light, airy clothing as there are 5 hours of sunshine per day during this month.
Although still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors without a jacket, the chance of rain showers increases. There are 23 wet days in the month and 347mm of rain, the second highest amount all year in Khao Lak.
Families and couples looking for somewhere to stay during their holiday in Khao Lak, Thailand should consider the Khaolak Sunset Resort. Set on the edge of a tropical forest, this complex is located on a private sandy beach and offers a range of facilities and services, including room service, air conditioning, restaurants and satellite TV.
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 WiFi, 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 wifi. There are also large 42-sq-metre triple rooms and family suites with two bedrooms.
Pakarang Cape is the most westerly point on the mainland, and at low tide a great place to hunt for shells, coral and smooth pebbles. The beach is popular with surfers.
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.
Another great option is Sunset Beach is located in Khao Lak Lamru National Park, among jungle trees and lush rainforest.
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.
Take in beautiful views whilst you enjoy traditional Thai dishes at the Phu Khao Lak resort's restaurant. Situated inside the hotel, this eatery offers a great selection of cuisine, specialising in fresh sea food.
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.
Walkers will be thrilled to know that Khao Lak boasts a selection of hiking and walking trails. Guided tours along the coast are easy to arrange at your hotel, or if you'd prefer something a bit more laid-back you can opt for a boat trip along the Khlong Thap Liang estuary. Between Bang Sak and Khao Lak you'll find a series of beach trails which are great to discover on foot or by motorbike. Some of the trails lead to secluded beaches which are ideal for taking it easy and relaxing in peace.
If diving is on your holiday to-do list, you should make time to visit the Sea Dragon Dive Centre one of the most popular dive centres in the resort. Specialising in live-aboard, diving and island day trips, this company offers loads of PADI dive courses for people of all abilities.
Golfers will be happy to hear that there is a number of greens in Khao Lak. Tublamu Royal Navy Golf Course is one of the best 18-hole courses and is situated a short distance south of the resort. Because it's located in one of the region's most stunning bays, the course boasts fantastic coastal vistas on one side and incredible woodland landscapes on the other.
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.
