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Khao Lak Update from Oct 1st.Khao Lak Report:I visited Khao Lak for four days at the end of September and following are my attempts to answer questions asked by forum members. General Comments: It is easy to be distracted by the huge construction projects going on just about everywhere in the Khao Lak area. But – if you stay focused on the reasons you came – you will notice the beautiful beaches, friendly people, and wonderful food that keeps bringing people back to this simple paradise. This is a low season report – so many places may be closed or preparing for high season at this time. New and CURRENT maps: New maps of the Nang Thong Beach, Bang Niang Beach, and Cape Pakarang areas are linked from the home page of A map for Nang Thong Beach area is at: http://khaolaklovers.com/map.html A map for the Bang Niang Beach area is at: http://khaolaklovers.com/map2.html And, a map for the Cape Pakarang area is at: http://khaolaklovers.com/map3.html Baan Khao Lak Resort: The Resort is at the bottom of the hill as you come into Khao Lak town from the national park area. Once you get into the six lane boulevard – you have gone to far – go back to the beginning of the boulevard and you will find the entrance – almost across the street from the Phu Restaurant and Bungalows. Phu Restaurant and Bungalows: Closed at this time – opening for high season. I went by to try the highly recommended restaurant – but no luck! Budget Car Rental: The only book agent I found was on the Bang Niang Beach Road half-way between the main highway (Highway 4) and the beach road – but the travel agency was closed for low season at this time. Al always you can contact them via their main office on Phuket. Info at: http://phuketdelight.com/phuket_car_rent.htm Restaurants and Bars near the Merlin on Khao Lak Beach: Jo Seafood on the north end of Khao Lak Beach is upgrading their restaurant – and expect to be open for high season. At the moment the immediate area is still in disrepair – but you won’t notice from inside the Merlin Resort. The area offers a realistic look at what the Dec 26th, 2004 tsunami wrought. Gecko Sports Bar and Grill: On the Bang Niang Beach Road – just a bit down from the Tsunami Craft Center. Opening about Nov. 1st. Good news! Right next to the Gecko is a new branch of the Viking Steak House – whose main restaurant is on the main road in Khao Lak Town. Always excellent, if the Gecko is closed, just go next door, you won’t be disappointed! Bars and Nighclubs – live music: Best at the moment – the Happy Snapper on the main road in Khao Lak Town: Best “Up and Coming” Resorts: Khao Lak Seaview’s Jacuzzi Bungalows “Tsunami Victim’s” Restaurant between the LeMeridien and the Similana on Cape Pakarang: I stopped by to see if the gibbon was still in captivity – but the restaurant remains closed for the high season. Of great interest if you are in the area – go to see the aviary that is inland about 50 meters inland between the LeMeridien and the Tsunami Victim’s Restaurant. Go at sunset or sunrise to hear the songs of the exotic birds resident there. Well done! Trends for the Area: Everything seems to be upgrading and improving. Bali Bathrooms with outdoor showers seems to be the new fad – and wonderful it is to shower in the rain or under the stars – while in complete privacy, of course. Only in Khao Lak will you find so many bungalows and villas right on the beach. No possible due to the expense of Phuket – Khao Lak offers much more than even Phuket offered ten years ago. More about Khao Lak:
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