8 Best Hotels in Khao Lak, Phuket and the Andaman Coast

On a cliff above a beach, this boutique resort boasts a beautiful view and a path down to the shore that travels within Khao Lak Lamru National Marine Park. Within the resort itself, a quiet, natural atmosphere prevails. Rooms are in wooden cottages that are "rustic" in the sense that they do not have the usual explosion of silk fittings and Thai art that most resorts of this class have, but you'll hardly have to sacrifice any comfort here. Each room has a few deck chairs out front for gazing at the sea.

Octagonal villas with high ceilings, four-poster beds, and whirlpool tubs epitomize the luxury available to guests at this resort on a small private stretch of sand. Though the beach is nicer farther north, the water here is swimmable and, as it is on the south end of Nang Thong Road, the resort is ideally located for romantic beach walks. That is, if you can tear yourself away from the stunning tiered swimming pool long enough to explore the beach.

You can choose from standard bungalows or sea-view bungalows at this budget-friendly option. The latter have a much better location than the standard ones, which are beside a barren lot. The decor is basic wood and rattan but all the bungalows have decks and chairs. Budget rooms can have the air-conditioning shut off for discounted rates.

This lovely boutique resort has modern rooms with local Southern Thai elements, and most have balconies or daybeds; villas have more features, including private outdoor rain showers. Although La Flora appeals to urban professional couples looking for a romantic getaway, families are well accommodated in two-bedrooms villas and little ones will enjoy the Kid’s Club. Bang Niang Beach is great for sunbathing and swimming; there is also a small reef for snorkeling directly in front of the resort.

This sumptuous resort has been designed in classical Thai style, with a great deal of emphasis on wood and traditional craftsmanship. Here you'll find peaked-roof villas in landscaped tropical gardens. The main three-story building is a bit farther from the beach, and only the top floor has an ocean view. Deluxe rooms are luxurious, with hardwood floors, glass-enclosed baths that see through to the living room, and sundecks. Villas have canopy beds, triangular floor pillows, lounge areas, and outdoor rain showers.

The majority of rooms here are surprisingly inexpensive cottages that face the beach and are surrounded by well-maintained gardens. White concrete beachfront cottages have contemporary Thai interiors, outdoor garden showers, and decks with sun chairs. Beyond the pool (which has a great pool bar) and garden stand two modern, two- and three-story complexes with studios and roomy one-bedroom suites. Long walks along the beach are magical at sunset. Well-priced spa services are available next door at the Seaview Resort.

This is a stunning resort with scenic vantage points, and a unique design infused with Sino-Portuguese heritage. All the rooms and pool villas have local art and handicrafts and beautiful sea or garden views. There is a 1000-square-meter free-form swimming pool, kids club, wading pool and waterslide plus a fabulous beachside restaurant. This tasteful resort is surrounded by nature, close to a charming local village and within proximity to Khao Sak National Park.

This secluded luxury beach resort’s smaller size makes it intimate and exclusive. There are three room types, and they all have something special: garden rooms have large oval tubs in pebble-strewn indoor gardens, suites have outdoor tubs, and pool residences have private plunge pools and salas with lounge chairs. There are two restaurants on the property, the Ficus and the Edge, serving Thai and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. The resort provides a variety of activities, including day trips to the Similan Islands aboard a private speedboat.