First Impressions of Khao Lak, Phang Nga

This was my first visit to the beaches of Khao Lak in Phang Nga province. Although my stay was brief, just two nights and three days, it was enough to recharge my batteries and return to work feeling refreshed.

This post aims to share beautiful photos of the Similan Islands before the islands closed on May 15, 2016, as the monsoon season officially began. It also includes a mini-review of the beautiful and private Sentido Graceland Khaolak Resort and Spa.

Note:

This trip was planned a long time ago, so long that I almost forgot the travel date.

We flew from BANGKOK to PHUKET on Nok Air, departing early in the morning at 5:40 AM.

Upon arriving in Phuket around 7:00 AM, we picked up our rental car from Thai Rent A Car. The daily rental fee was approximately 800 baht. For this trip, we were fortunate to drive a brand-new Toyota Yaris. With everything in order, we set off on our journey!

From Phuket Airport, it takes about an hour to reach Khao Lak. You will pass the Thap Lamu Pier, where you will board the boat to Similan Islands.

Relax on the first day by checking into the hotel. The next day, we will explore the Similan Islands.

For this trip to the Similan Islands, I chose to use the services of WOW ANDAMAN. The service was excellent, and I was very impressed.

This company has a large private pier at Thap Lamu Pier. They offer tours to the Similan Islands, Koh Tachai, and Surin Islands. Prices vary.

Our trip took place on May 14, 2016. The island will be closed to tourists in just one day due to the monsoon season, which poses a danger to visitors. This closure also provides an opportunity for nature to regenerate.

Upon arrival at the WOW ANDAMAN pier at approximately 8:00 AM, a generous breakfast spread awaited us. We enjoyed a hearty meal before embarking on our journey. During registration, we each received a colored wristband, indicating our assigned boat. Notably, the tour operator typically separates Thai and international tourists into different groups.

Before boarding the boat, a dedicated guide will provide a detailed explanation of the chosen route and direct you to collect your diving equipment, including fins and masks. Life jackets and towels will be provided on the boat.

It's time to travel by speed boat... As soon as we got on the boat, we were confused because there was a huge ice bucket in the middle of the boat. It was full of various drinks for us. It was really good in three countries.

The Similan Islands are located approximately 70 kilometers from the mainland, with a boat journey taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Similan National Park consists of 9 islands. The first island we visited was "Miang Island" (Island Four), where we spent about an hour swimming in the crystal-clear turquoise water.

Continuing on by boat, we went diving around the Similan Islands (Island Eight), which is one of the larger islands among the nine.

Due to the approaching monsoon season, the sea waves and wind were quite strong, limiting our snorkeling time.

However, don't worry... let's continue. Another must-visit spot when you arrive at Similan Island is to climb up to the "Hin Ruea Bo" (Sail Rock), a high-angle viewpoint with panoramic views...

The climb to the top takes about 15 minutes, but once you reach the summit, it is advisable to take photos with caution.

The height and thrill are intense. One misstep could send you plummeting to the depths of the sea!

Please do not enter or climb. This is for your safety.

After a tiring climb, it's time to head down for lunch. WOW ANDAMAN offers a buffet spread of both savory dishes and fruits, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied. After lunch, there's about an hour of free time. Most Thai people choose to relax on the beach, while foreigners tend to enjoy swimming and sunbathing.

The Similan Islands trip ended with beautiful memories. Here are some pictures to share with you.

Let's continue with a review of the accommodation for this trip... For this trip, I stayed at the SENTIDO GRACELAND Khao Lak Resort and Spa. The name may not be familiar to Thai people... but let me tell you, it's truly beautiful.

This resort is located in Khao Lak. If you are driving from Phuket, it is about 15 minutes past the Khao Lak city center. Be warned that there are hardly any hotel signs along the way, so it is best to use GPS navigation for your first visit. From the main road, you will need to drive into a small side street for a bit before you reach the SENTIDO GRACELAND kingdom. Just the entrance gives you a sense of how peaceful this place must be.

Visit http://www.gracelandkhaolak.com/ for hotel photos and pricing.

Upon arrival at our destination, we checked in and were immediately struck by the grandeur of the lobby. Its beauty left us speechless.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a complimentary set of welcome drinks, cookies, and refreshing towels while they wait for check-in.

The staff here are a mix of Thai and foreign nationals. The receptionists in particular have to speak English fluently. 555

Approximately 99% of the guests staying here are foreigners, giving the impression that you are not in Thailand.

Guests enjoy their privacy. The nature of the guests who stay here is to eat and sunbathe all day long.

The hotel's remote location necessitates a car for convenient transportation. To compensate, the hotel offers a comprehensive range of amenities, including a bowling alley and workshop classes. These classes cover various activities, such as batik fabric making, animal-shaped towel folding, and beach yoga. A schedule of activities is provided upon check-in.

In conclusion, Sentido Graceland is ideal for guests seeking a truly "relaxing" getaway, where they can unwind without leaving the premises and enjoy a leisurely stay on-site.

The room we stayed in this time was a Deluxe Pool Access Room. We were very lucky to be upgraded for no apparent reason, but we are very grateful.

This hotel is incredibly large. Guests can request a golf cart to transport them from the lobby to their rooms, which is available 24/7.

The room boasts a sleek and elegant ambiance. The spacious bathroom features a bathtub for soaking, with a see-through design from the outside, offering a unique opportunity for romantic moments.

The balcony of the room provides direct access to a plunge pool, which is shared among approximately five rooms in the same zone.

The room offers complimentary fruit sets and free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel.

Let's take a look at the atmosphere around the hotel... The highlight here is the large tropical-style swimming pool located next to the beach.

Lush greenery and wooden bridges adorn the pathway, creating a truly serene atmosphere. Let's take a look at the captivating scenery!

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