The Place Khalok — Our Favourite Surf & Stay in Khao Lak

If you find yourself on Thailand’s Andaman coast and you’re looking for somewhere that feels like home — but with better waves — let us point you toward The Place Khalok in Khao Lak.

Run by our friends Chach and Jan, The Place is part boutique hotel, part surf shop, part café, and entirely good vibes. Chach is a photographer who traded Bangkok hustle for beach breaks, and Jan is an English teacher who made the same leap. Together they’ve built something special — a little hub where surfers, travellers, and outdoor lovers end up staying way longer than planned.

Why Khao Lak for Surfing?

Most people think of Phuket or the islands when they picture Thailand’s coast, but Khao Lak is where the surf scene has been quietly growing. The monsoon season (May to November) brings consistent swells to the Andaman side, and the breaks here are uncrowded, warm, and genuinely fun. You’re not fighting for waves with fifty other people. The water’s warm. The sunsets are unreal.

Whether you’re a beginner catching your first whitewash or someone who knows their way around a reef break, Khao Lak has something for you. And having The Place as your base makes it even better — Chach and Jan know all the local spots and are always happy to point you in the right direction.

More Than Just Surf

The Place isn’t just for surfers. The café is a proper hangout — good coffee, chill music, the kind of spot where you sit down for one drink and end up staying all afternoon. They stock outdoor gear and surf equipment in their shop, and the rooms are clean, comfortable, and affordable. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t try too hard because it doesn’t need to.

We’ve stayed here multiple times and keep coming back. If you’re planning a trip to southern Thailand and want something off the typical tourist track, The Place Khalok is it. Tell Chach and Jan we sent you.