Apsaras Beach Resort & Spa, Khao Lak (Phang Nga)

The hotel itself is larger than i imagined but the location is superb right on the beach at cape pakarang.not near to or across the road from as you find at some "beach" resorts. It would be ideal for a honeymoon or romantic anniversary. We chose a pool access room and it was excellent. A large balcony with 3 steps into the free from pool or just sit waist deep on the tiled bench seat at the corner of your private pool. The open plan bedroom/bathroom gave an impression of extra space whilst still maintaining privacy. There were some very thoughtful touches in the room too. Apart from the usual bathrobes and slippers there were beach shoes, umbrellas seperate colour coded towels for the beach and pools and a large canvas bag in which to carry all this plus your beverages and lotions.the large flat screen tv looked very nice but it didnt have an adequate chice of channel to bother switching it on - not even the bbc world news!!!!! The staff here are also very friendly and efficient. On my arrival we were greeted in a seperate " chill out" area from the formal reception desk and offered cold towels and a welcome drink. When i tried to tip the " bell boy" for delivering my baggage i was politely told that he couldn't accept it because he was the manager - team work! I would probably stay here again but not in low season

This hotel has stunning views but a very scary pier!!!!. The pier where the boat brings you is not stable and is moving all the time with the waves so walking on it is a balancing act - very scary for kids , elderly people and adults. The restaurants offer mediocre quality food and charge you way too much - the prices are almost comparable to european prices and not the rates you expect to find in thailand at all. Since the main town is difficult to access and you have to depend on hotel's shuttle boat to bring you to and from the town pier of krabi - they have you like a prisoner and therefore take advantage of your vulnerability and overcharge for everything.

Basically I can say a positive stay, but there are much better resorts in the area for different reasons. In a such secluded place like White Sand Beach they should have more activities for guests. It`s a place for those who don`t want to leave the resort. You have to walk quite a lot to find a motorbike rental, which is essential if you want to move around and go to Khao Lak center (about 7-10 km faraway). Spa prices and packages are quite expensive, but that's Apsaras. If your reason for a trip to Thailand is to enjoy the Spa benefits, keep fit and relax, this is your place.