Always a famous tourist destination, Khao Lak, Thailand became even more well known in 2004 after the Indian Ocean tsunami, when many of Khao Lak’s resort hotels were demolished by the enormous waves. Six years later, and not only have the resort hotels been rebuilt, but budget hotels have also been renovated or newly built that offer lovely accommodation for a cheap price. For backpackers, budget travelers and the many divers who come to Khao Lak, these budget hotels offer some of the best accommodation in the area.
Palm Galleria Resort – Situated close to Pakarang Beach, Palm Galleria Resort has been named one of Khao Lak’s top resort hotels yet, surprisingly, it often has extremely low rates compared to the standard of accommodation, so fits in a budget hotel category.
At Palm Galleria Resort, guest rooms are decorated in modern Thai style and are quite spacious. Each room has a balcony, some with ocean views, a refrigerator and mini bar, an ensuite bath with separate shower and bath tub, a coffee and tea maker, flat screen TV with satellite and an in-room safe.
The hotel itself is lovely. It has a large swimming pool with several Jacuzzis, a children’s pool, a sauna, and a spa where you can enjoy various Thai-style massage and beauty treatments. There’s also a beautiful restaurant overlooking the swimming pool and the beach, and a fun poolside bar.
Rates at Palm Galleria Resort are currently 1,853 baht ($61), which includes all tax and breakfast.
R.T. Hotel – A superb budget hotel located a few minutes walk from Bang Niang Beach in Khao Lak, R.T. Hotel is a family-run hotel, recently renovated and offering budget accommodation that still comes with a lot of extras.
Each guest room is large, and features en suite bath with shower, TV with satellite, air-conditioning, a minibar and tea and coffee making facilities. There are also fan rooms available if you really want to stay on the cheap.
The hotel has a mini-mart, a coffee shop serving breakfast, lunch, coffee and snacks, a laundry service, and an internet cafe. If you’re driving, R.T. Hotel also has a parking lot with free parking for any guests.
Room rates at R. T. Hotel are budget price, beginning at only 600 baht ($20) a night for a fan room or 1,000 baht ($31) for an air conditioned room.
Suwan Palm Resort – You’ll have trouble believing Suwan Palm Resort is a budget hotel as it’s absolutely gorgeous.
At Suwan Palm Resort, you have a choice of five levels of guest room from Standard Room all the way up to the luxury Suwan Palm Suite. But, every room is decorated in lovely teak wood, and features en suite bath with robe and slippers, mini bar, refrigerator, TV with satellite, electric kettle and in-room safe. All rooms have either beach or mountain views, and all have private balconies.
The hotel has spa and massage facilities, a large open-air swimming pool, and don’t miss Ton-Thong Restaurant if you like gourmet cuisine. There’s also an extremely fun Irish pub on the hotel grounds, where you can play pool or enjoy a pint and, if you have the kids with you, the Suwan Palm Resort has baby sitting services too.
Suwan Palm Resort currently has rates as low as 1,347 baht ($42) a night for a Superior Room.
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