Our Ocean Side Hotel in Khao Lak with a Baby

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• Travel Day and Check In
• Breakfast, Pool, Nap, Beach, Sleep, Repeat
  • Pool
  • Beach
  • Naps
• Swamp Water and a Beach Restaurant
• A Thailand Doctor
• A Fever and Heat Rash
• Thai Massages and Yoga on the Beach
• Custom Suit
• Monkey Attack and Excellent Food
• Summary

In the first two chapters of our Thailand adventure, we explored Bangkok (story here) and Khao Sok National Park (story here). After the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and the non stop exploring of the jungles of the National Park, we thought we might need to relax. Our next stop would be a beach resort on the coast of Thailand for seven nights where we would stay in Khao Lak with a baby.

Khao Lak is a very tourist oriented area of Thailand. It’s coastline is covered in white sand beaches and great quality new and refurbished resorts.  The area was devastated by a tsunami in 2004, that left thousands dead, and the entire coast needed to be rebuilt.  A tsunami warning system is now in place, and finally after many years, the area is getting back to where it was pre disaster.

Travel Day and Check In

We were sad to say goodbye to our tree house at Our Jungle Camp – Eco Resort, but also looking forward to our next stop. We made the one hour drive to Khao Lak where we booked the Outrigger Khao Lak, a beautiful beach resort. On our drive west from Khao Sok we stopped at a grocery store to restock on diapers, wipes, baby food and snacks and drinks for us. We would be at our next destination for a total of seven nights, and wanted some provisions in our hotel room.

After stocking up our rental car with snacks and necessities, we checked in at our hotel. At Manathai Khao Lak we had booked a king sized room, with breakfast included. The cost of our room for 7 nights and breakfasts was 21000 Baht (฿) which is about $680.00 USD.  Manathai bordered a new hotel development to the south of their property, and during the time we were staying, the new hotel was in the process of being built. We were at first given a room on the south side of the property, but the staff advised us to call the front counter if we thought the noise of the construction would be a problem for our baby during the day. Upon checking into our room, we decided it would be best to switch rooms. The construction noise wasn’t unbearable for us, but a tired 8 month old may disagree. We had planned this portion of our stay as a way to relax, and since the concierge offered to switch our room, we took them up on it.  

Our new room was on the north side of the property, and the construction noise could not be heard at all from inside our room. Much better. Always ask someone or bring up your concerns while traveling. Especially when traveling with kids. The construction was active during the day, but from most of the resort it could barely be heard. Around the pool you could hear some of the machines humming in the background, but with the sounds of the beach waves on top of it, it was mostly drowned out for us, and didn’t bother us at all.

After settling into our new room, we went for a walk around the hotel grounds. It was a beautiful place. The grounds were very well kept, and the pool area was welcoming. We planned to spend a lot of time in and around the pool. The beach was beautiful as well with white sand and constant waves hitting the shore. I have always been more of a pool person, and I have been slowly converting my husband Alex, from a beach bum to a pool goer.

Breakfast, Pool, Nap, Beach, Sleep, Repeat

Over the next six days in Khao Lak with a baby, we came to figure out a routine that worked very well for us. Most days we did the same things, but in a different order depending on weather, or how we felt. We did get a few downpours with thunder and lightning over the course of the week. We stayed out of the pool and off the beach during those times, and either sat in our room or on our patio while Fox took a nap, or we hopped in the car and went for a drive.

Our hotel room included a buffet breakfast. At the restaurant, you could choose from an indoor table or an outdoor table on the patio. We always chose an outdoor patio. The breakfast was good for a buffet. It had the standard western breakfast foods, eggs made to order, toast and pastry, yogurts, cereals, potatoes and sausages. It also had lots of Thai food options, such as soups, curry, rice dishes, fresh local fruit and noodles. Fresh juice and coffee were made to order as well.  

We took our time with breakfast each morning enjoying the sunshine on the patio. Our son, Fox, would eat and play with his food until we figured he was done. The hotel did have a couple of high chairs for use, but we usually just used our travel highchair by Summer Infant. As mentioned here, I love this thing. It has gotten so much use, and is so convenient. The hotel did supply highchairs but they were usually taken by the time we arrived for breakfast, as there were other families with small children as well.

Pool

Fox loved the swimming pool. Still does. Even at 8 months old he would stay in the pool forever if we let him. After breakfast each day we would either go to the beach or the pool, whatever we felt like at the moment. During November, which was the time of year we were visiting, it wasn’t overly busy. There were other families and couples, but we were always able to get seats by the pool, and had plenty of space to swim in the pool without being splashed or at risk of being kicked. The hotel did offer many floaties to borrow, all of which didn’t need to be checked out but were just available pool side for whoever wanted to use them. Waitresses were on hand walking around taking drink orders as well. Drinks were priced well, and were all delicious. Each drink would cost you around $3-5 USD depending on what it was. You could even get a whole coconut or pineapple to drink from. Fresh coconut water still in the pineapple, only cost you $2.00 USD. Water was available free of charge.

The water in the pool was not heated, but with the heat of the sun it was the perfect temperature. 

Beach

The beach was never busy. Since the hotel to the south of us was not occupied and currently under construction and the area to the north was just trees, there was no one to share the whole stretch of beach with. This has likely changed, as we visited in 2018, and the new resort is likely open now. We were able to walk to the north or south of us along the beach for quite a ways before we would come across more people. There were a couple beach restaurants within a couple of minutes walk of us, which was very nice to have a few more options for food, other than our hotel restaurant.

On one afternoon we went for a short walk down the beach. We were able to walk quite a ways before we came across a local family swimming in the ocean. Other than that, we were alone on the beach. We sat down and enjoyed the waves and sun for a time before making our way back to our hotel. A local dog even came and joined us.

Naps

As part of our daily routine while staying at our beach resort, we started to go back to our room for regular naps. This varied from our usual plan of not scheduling our holiday around naps. Babies will sleep anywhere. One of the biggest travel mistakes parents make is trying to get back to their hotel for a young kids nap time. If you schedule your day around when you need to be back at your room, you aren’t going to get very far, or have any time to see or do anything. You will go home feeling like you did nothing, and will most likely have done nothing. Since we spent most mornings staying at our resort anyway, we decided to relax and take some time in our room to rest and re-energize. 

Swamp Water and a Beach Restaurant

Breakfasts were always spent at our hotel buffet, but lunch and dinner were most often had off property. From the beach at our hotel, we could see Be Friend Restaurant a short walk away. The restaurant was on the beach with only patio seating and according to google, it’s reviews were mostly good.  One night we decided to take a walk over there in the evening to try out their dinner menu. It was already dark at this time, and all we had on us for light was the flashlight on our cell phones. The beach between our hotel and the restaurant was quite dark, with just a glow from the moon. My Husband Alex, started our walk with Fox in his carrier on his chest with me following along beside. As mentioned earlier there was marsh land directly to the north of our hotel. The water from the marsh connected to the ocean via a small stream. It was maybe seven to ten feet wide and only inches deep. The water draining from the marsh didn’t look overly dirty on the beach, but I saw the water where it was coming from, and knew it was likely teeming with bacteria.

I was wearing flip flops, and was skeptical of wading through the dirty water to get to the restaurant and the stream was too wide to jump over.  Alex refused to carry me over, the nerve.  I waded through in disgust and made it safely to the other side.  Don’t forget this bacteria infested water later on in the story.

After passing through the questionable water we had just a short walk left to get to the restaurant and I was taking care where I was stepping as I walked. Who knew what was lurking on a beach in the dark.  The further we got away from our hotel, the more crabs I started to see. They would scurry out of holes in the sand as we walked past, or scurry into them.  These weren’t huge crabs, but big enough, about the size of my palm.  It was the longest five minute walk of my life. I was very glad I did not have Fox strapped to my chest, as I thought for sure I was going to lose a toe by crab pincer.  It would have been a sight to see in daylight with my husband walking calmly in the lead carrying a baby, and me jumping and dodging crabs with random screams piercing the quiet night.

We finally made it to the restaurant, and in one piece.  The staff were instantly in love with Fox.  They all wanted to hold him, and kept bringing him toys to play with.  We ordered a couple of dishes to share, including a Tom Yum Soup and a yellow curry.  Everywhere I went, I ordered fresh fruit smoothies.  They were delicious and Fox was able to share.  

Dinner was inexpensive with curry dishes only costing around ฿150 which is about $4.80 USD.  For around $15.00 USD we had a good sized meal for both of us, each with a drink.  Fox would drink some smoothie, but otherwise would eat baby food we brought with us.

We did go back to this little beach front place for lunch on another occasion, but we ended up finding another restaurant we enjoyed much more.  

A Thailand Doctor

Upon waking up the day after our beach front dinner, we started our day with breakfast and then headed to the pool.  Once at the pool I could feel my toe throbbing.  Remember that bacteria infested water from the night before?  As I was wearing flip flops, I had a small blister that had formed on my toe from the strap of the sandal.  This was not unusual, but the throbbing was.  I washed my foot in the hotel room, but had no antibiotic ointment, or even any alcohol solution to give it a good clean with it.  We sat around the pool for a bit longer, and I watched as Alex and Fox swam.  My toe was still throbbing, and it had now started to turn very red.  The red had spread up my foot past my ankle.

I started to get worried about it turning into cellulitis.  We decided it was time to go into town and get some ointment to apply.  Travel tip from me to you that you think would be obvious…bring an antibiotic ointment with you!  A Polysporin or Neosporin, or something similar.  

We started by checking out a local pharmacy in town, but were advised that we couldn’t buy antibiotic ointments over the counter in Thailand, and I would have to see a doctor.  To the doctor we went.  We checked out google which advised there was a very highly rated doctor not far from where we were.  The Dr. Chusak Clinic was very busy.  We checked in at the counter and gave the lovely nurses my symptoms.  Despite it being quite busy, I only had to wait a few minutes.  I was ushered into another section of the clinic where I sat in a chair.  It was in an open space with other patients sitting in chairs as well.  It was odd as I was used to North American clinics which have separate rooms for each patient for privacy.  

The doctor came over and asked to see my foot.  He took a quick look, and advised it was only a mild infection, and nothing to worry about.  He would give me a topical ointment to apply 3 times a day, to keep it clean and it would heal up in no time.  He was not worried about cellulitis.  The entire visit was only ฿250, which is around $8 USD.  This included the antibiotic ointment.  While I was getting looked at by the doctor, Fox was enjoying the company of the nurses in the front.

A Fever and Heat Rash

After leaving the doctor we went back to our hotel for a nap.  I washed my foot and applied the ointment given to me.  For the rest of the evening we stayed at the hotel.  We sat on the beach and in and around the pool.  I stayed out of the water for the time being.  That night after getting Fox down to sleep, I started to feel really cold, with chills coming on.  I ended up falling asleep freezing with an obvious temperature.  When I woke up in the morning, I was sweating.  I had fallen asleep in pants and sweater as I was so cold the night before.  I now felt so hot, I immediately jumped into a cool shower.  It seems I had come down with a fever from the infection in my toe.  It only lasted those few hours and when I awoke, my toe was no longer throbbing, and my temperature was back to normal.  The ointment and the fever had helped bring down the infection.  The redness had faded as well.  The only downside to the fever was that I had developed a heat rash on my legs from sweating all night, and I was now incredibly itchy.  If I wasn’t prone to heat rashes and knew what they looked like, I would have been scared I was infected by something else.

Not related to my misfortunes at all, Fox had also developed a heat rash while in Khao Lak.  We were working on keeping his skin cool, and loose clothing on him to minimize any itching.  On a grocery store run, we picked up some Heat Rash Powder for Fox and I.  It’s essentially talcum powder to help remove any moisture from sweating.

If you are traveling to a humid environment with your kids or babies, it’s an excellent idea to research heat rash if you aren’t familiar with it.  Babies in particular are susceptible.  Profuse sweating clogs the sweat glands in their skin causing red, itchy bumps.  It will go away on its own, and is not harmful, just a little uncomfortable.

Thai Massages and Yoga on the Beach

While in Thailand, you need to get a Thai Massage.  There are many spas and masseuses to choose from.  Google is your best friend when traveling.  Before you leave your accommodations each day, research what you want to do, and find yourself a great rated one in the area.  At our beach side hotel, Manathai, there were two options without the need to drive anywhere.  The hotel itself offered massages on the beach.  A few cabanas were set up with sheets for privacy, and bookings could be made through the front desk.  The prices at the hotel were much more expensive than that of any off site masseuses. 

Directly next to the hotel, was a beach side massage service.  They had a small deck built out of wood, up off the sand, and a small front desk to book your appointment.  Alex and I took turns rotating days to get a massage.  A one hour massage on the beach cost ฿400 ($13.00 USD).  One of us would play with Fox on the beach while the other got a massage for an hour.  The next day, we would trade. 

The hotel offered activities each day you could opt to participate in.  Traveling with a baby, we weren’t able to do too many activities unless we wanted to take part separately.  Most mornings a yoga class was offered and anyone could come and join.  Not being someone who frequently does yoga, I decided to give it a go.  Alex and Fox watched from further down the beach.

Custom Suit

Thailand is known for its custom suits and tailored outfits.  Alex was interested in taking a look at some tailors while we were in Thailand.  In Bangkok, Alex found a tailor with high reviews, so he went and had a custom vest and dress shirt made.  We picked up the vest and shirt the day before we left Bangkok.  Alex loved it.  The fit was excellent, and the quality seemed really great.  For both items, it cost about ฿1750 ($56.00 USD).

Alex was now thinking he wanted a custom suit made as well, but we had run out of time to have one made in Bangkok.  Upon getting to Khao Lak, there were many tailors around the area to have a look at.  We brought up trusty google again, and found some places with the highest reviews to go and check out.  We ended up choosing one in town.  It had a very fitting name of The Best Tailor.   

While Alex was being measured for his new suit, Fox played on the floor of the shop.  It was nice and cool inside as the air conditioning was on.  It was welcomed after walking around in the heat of the outdoors.  We probably spent about an hour getting Alex measured and going over what fit he wanted, and after much deliberation on fabric colour and pattern, we were able to pay a deposit and leave for lunch.  The suit would take about 3 days to make, and we could come back at that time to pick it up. 

When pick up day arrived, we headed back for a final fitting.  The suit looked great.  They did an excellent job.  The two piece suite cost around ฿9400 ($300.00 USD).  

Monkey Attack and Excellent Food

On our first travel day into Khao Lak, we passed a little roadside restaurant not far from Manathai.  It was just on the side of the road, set back a little ways.  The building itself was more of a lean to, with no real indoor space.  The kitchen appeared to be open air, as well as all the seating which was just plastic tables and chairs.  

On our third evening in Khao Lak we decided to give it a try.  The restaurant, we learned, was called Inn Thaifood.  When we first pulled our car into the driveway, I noticed in the neighboring yard there was a van parked and something was sitting on the hood of the van.  Upon closer inspection, it was a monkey.  The monkey wasn’t alone though.  This monkey was grooming a kitten. 

We were ushered over to a table by a waiter who spoke no english and given a menu with large pictures and a price next to each one.  We ordered two beers, pineapple fried rice, pad thai, and a yellow curry which came with rice.  After placing our order, the waiter brought us our beers, as well as a platter of fresh cut fruit to enjoy while we waited.

I still had Fox in his carrier.  While we waited for our food, I stood up and walked back over to our car to take a picture of the monkey and the kitten.  They were still sitting on top of the van in the neighbouring driveway which was about 20-30 feet away.  There were shrubs between us and the other property, so even if I wanted to get closer, I couldn’t.  I had finished taking a picture, and was pointing at the monkey for Fox to see.  

As I turned around to head back to our table, I heard the monkey jump off the car, so I turned back around while walking and realized the monkey was running very quickly towards me.  While moving backwards I was getting ready to kick this monkey in the face, as it definitely looked like it had intent to bite me.  Lucky for me, the monkey came to a dead stop right in front of me.  The waiter came running out yelling and screaming at the monkey.  The monkey took his threats seriously as it retreated back to its kitten friend, who had also jumped off the van, and was watching the show from under a bush.

Our waiter came over to make sure Fox and I were okay.  He kept mimicking a biting motion with one hand, while grabbing his other arm with that hand, as if to tell me that the monkey will bite!  I believed him at this point.  We watched the monkey from the safety of our patio table until our food arrived.  I needed my cold beer at this point.  I narrowly dodged another doctor visit.

When our food arrived, it looked delicious.  The Pineapple fried rice came in an actual pineapple that was cut in half to be used as a bowl.  The pad thai was huge, with giant prawns on top, and the curry smelled divine.  We dug right in.  It was the best food we had had yet, and would remain as one of the best for the remainder of the trip.  During our stay in Khao Lak, we frequented this restaurant at least three times, despite almost losing a limb to a monkey.  The cost of our meal, three entrees, two beers and a platter of fruit only cost us ฿350.  This is less than $12.00 USD.  We tipped generously when we left and advised them we would return.

Summary

Our Thailand holiday wasn’t over yet. Our next stop was going to be Chiang Mai, for the Lantern Festival (Story Here).

Khao Lak with a baby was an amazing experience.  If you are looking for a holiday in Thailand where you can have a safe and consistent home base, this is a great area.  Day trips are possible to the surrounding areas, but you should rent a car if you want flexibility.  You could just stay at the resort the entire time as well.  We found inexpensive food within walking distance.  The pool was amazing and the beach and water were excellent as well.  Don’t forget to try out a Thai massage too.  There were activities for the kids each day, however with Fox being so young, we didn’t pay any mind to what type of activities they were.  Manathai had a similar vibe to an all inclusive resort, but on a much smaller and quieter scale.

All in all we really enjoyed our relaxing time in Khao Lak, despite a doctor visit and an irate monkey.  We made many memories with Fox, that at 3 years of age now, he already enjoys looking back at the pictures of himself during our trip.  Take the leap, and book your trip with your baby, wherever your choice destination is, just make sure to bring Polysporin!

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