Lah Own Khaolak Resort

Lah Own Khaolak Resort is a small, practical resort for travellers who want a comfortable base at a modest price and who plan to spend most of their time out and about. It has 59 rooms in four categories, a pool, a garden, a restaurant, a bar and a terrace, and it sits on Petchakasem Road in Khuk Khak, a couple of minutes by car from the centre of Khao Lak. It is not a beachfront property, so the beach is a short drive rather than a stroll, and the lower rates reflect that. All four room types look out onto the garden and sleep two: a Standard Room with a king bed, a High View Standard Room with twin beds, a Deluxe Suite with two large twin beds and a High View Deluxe Suite with a king bed. Rooms have air conditioning, balconies, refrigerators, coffee and tea makers, safes, flat-screen TVs with cable and rainfall showers with free toiletries, which covers what most visitors need after a long day on a boat or in the jungle.

Location needs a little planning. Nang Thong Beach is about a three-minute drive, Sunset Beach about four minutes and the main Khao Lak area two minutes, while Bang Niang Beach and the Little White Sandy Beach are within a few kilometres. A supermarket is a walk of under twenty minutes. In practice most guests use taxis, tuk-tuks or a rented motorbike for beach days and evening meals, so factor in the cost and ask the front desk about the best way to get around.

The resort works well for a trip centred on the Similan and Surin Islands, Khao Sok and Phang Nga Bay, because tour operators collect from hotels in the area and the road network is easy. Breakfast may be included on some rates, but check your rate when you book, and the airport shuttle is available for an extra charge. Free Wi-Fi and free self parking are provided. Phuket International Airport is a drive of a little over an hour.

Because the property is small, the volume of guest feedback is modest, so read recent comments and judge the details yourself. Scores for cleanliness and service have been very strong, but a small sample is not a guarantee. If you need a beachfront setting, a large spa or children's facilities, step up to one of the bigger resorts. If you want a clean room, a pool and money left over for tours, this is a good fit.

Timing is flexible. The dry season from about November to April is the busiest, with higher rates, while the wetter months from May to October bring bargains and quieter roads. Some rates offer free cancellation, so look for those if your plans may change, and ask the hotel about late arrivals if your flight lands in the evening. Pack a light rain jacket, sun protection and insect repellent for any season.