Khao Lak Emerald Beach Resort & Spa

Amazing hotel the only downside was that breakfast could be better. Serve actual pancakes instead of the ones in the strange machine. Really enjoyed our stay here and it was in the ideal spot for us

We booked this hotel based on how it looked and it’s close enough location (short drive) from various things but could have not made a bigger mistake. First of all, we had arrived early due to our transfer (2 hours early) and asked if our room would be ready (we did not expect anything from at least trying). They said yes and would be up to 15 minutes. We allowed 30 minutes before asking again and at that point the same person said no, room not ready until 2pm as that is check in time. A couple we knew arrived at the same time and did not get fed these lies. Later on the day, we wanted a cab to get some food. We went to the taxi rank and was quoted 650. We decided to use Grab/Bolt where the prices were 200 THB. A bolt arrived within 15-20 minutes. When we got in and turned the corner, the men from the taxi rank (at least 5 of them, maybe 10 after what happens) surrounded the car and did not allow our cab to move. After about 5-10 minutes of speaking at the cab driver and not letting him move (including taking pictures of his plates, where we felt tremendously unsafe) the men opened the car door and demanded we got out. We went back to the hotel and reported this after feeling shaken up. all the hotel did was walkie talkie to the same men and asked what happened. And then quote us a 800 BHT return trip. Turns out all of Khao lak cab services are run by this taxi group and the hotel turns a blind eye to it. They tried telling us bolt/grab does not operate in the area (even though I sit in one on my way to the airport now). Even getting a 5-10 minute cab to get food is 4x the price and hotel doesn’t care as it does not directly operate the service. ALSO, when we had no other choice to get around, we were being charged extra specifically for staying at this hotel. We put this to the test when we asked about dropping off to 2 locations, one the hotel and one the shop around the corner. The driver would always ask which hotel before asking the price. The staff were generally quite difficult to ask questions. When all this happened, the initial staff member could not understand us and then the shift manager (I assume) was very useless and kept repeating that this is just how it operates (not considerate of the fact we’ were forced out of the car and felt scared - visibly I’d say). They tried to spin it as other services are banned and you can’t even order one. Even the next day when trying to see if our airport transfer was safe, the lady I spoke to did not understand what I was asking, and when I put it into translate you can tell she wanted to say it wasn’t safe and we should spend the extra 700 THB and go with the local taxi people. That conversation happened for 10 minutes with neither side knowing what was going on or getting anywhere. Overall this taxi price fixing and intimidation ruined the whole trip for us. We shouldn’t have felt uneasy trying to get around or being overcharged for visiting as tourists/staying in a particular hotel. Room was nice enough, breakfast was okay, toilet didn’t flush, good access to a beach BUT staff really unhelpful, even the management when trying to report what is clearly a massive alissue that they are part of. The main reason we stayed in Khao lak was for the similan islands and returning from khao sok. Even we knew this we would have booked a day trip from Phuket!

A beautiful resort on the beach … stayed for 12 nights B and B. All amenities on your doorstep bars and restaurants a 5 minute walk away . Complementary transfers to Khao Lak Centre and Bang Niang markets . Staff very friendly and very happy to help in any way .. Benjamin in reception was great.. treated myself to a few Thai massages on the beach .. Perfect … thoroughly recommend .. very sorry to be leaving!

Absolute joy to stay at this hotel. Very near shops and other amenities. Lovely food. Lovley pool and right on the beach. Hubby was well looked after by the staff as he has a gluten allergy. Kitchen made food for him and it was delicious. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff. Very clean hotel, rooms spacious. I took ill and had to go to the clinic. Mook, customer service took full control and ordered a car to take me and the car to bring me back after treatment. All complimentary. Mook checked up on me on my return and again the next day to Ensure I had everything that I needed. Excellent member of staff. Superb place. Will definitely be back when next in Thailand.

I had a very nice and relaxing stay at the resort. The atmosphere was peaceful, and the property itself is beautiful. Sitting by the beach bar and watching sunset is the most highlight of the stay. A special mention to Mook, who was extremely resourceful and helpful throughout my stay — she made everything easy and enjoyable. Overall, it was a great experience, and I would definitely love to come back again!