The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani Resort

Stayed just 1 night in between other hotels booked. Having stayed before we were optimistic as previous stays had been good. They have extended greatly and sadly the hotel has lost its more personal touch. The adults only Manta Ray room for breakfast has been situated right next to the children’s pool which is a very strange. There is quite a noisy atmosphere around high wasn’t at all relaxing. Sadly we won’t be back.

As returning guests to Katathani for the fourth time and The Sands for the second time, we were excited to be back. However, our experience this time was somewhat disappointing, starting with the reception. Upon arrival, we were not given the room we had booked. Instead, we were offered what was described as an upgrade, but in reality, it was a ground-floor room next to the dining area—far from the sea-view room we had originally chosen. Thankfully, Chita, guest services was incredibly helpful and apologetic, ensuring we eventually got a more suitable room. When we last visited The Sands in 2016, it was a peaceful, boutique-style hotel that focused on ambience and serenity. Unfortunately, the atmosphere has changed dramatically. With the recent addition of a small water park, the hotel now caters primarily to families. One of the most noticeable differences was breakfast. It used to be a calm, relaxing start to the day, with coffee and tea served at the table. Now, it feels more like a chaotic, all-inclusive buffet, with guests scrambling for food. While this may suit families looking for a lively experience, it wasn’t quite what we were hoping for. Had we known about these changes, we would have likely booked The Little Shore (next door), another Katathani property that still emphasises tranquility. That said, The Sands remains a great choice for families—it’s in a fantastic location, and the facilities are well-maintained. However, for couples seeking a quiet, boutique experience, it may no longer be the ideal choice. Would we return? Likely not, but we’d still recommend it to those traveling with children.

What a wonderful resort to spend your hard earned holiday! My wife, our 9 year-old son and myself, booked 15 nights here from Feb 18th through March 5th, and we cannot recommend this hotel enough. We booked from the UK with TUI. When you arrive at The Sands (it’s just an hour and a half from Phuket airport), you immediately realise that not only is the resort very aesthetic, but it’s smack-bang in the centre of Bang Niang town. This allows you really easy access to some of the best shops, bars, restaurants and the night market that Khao Lak has to offer, and this is why you’re best off opting for b&b, rather than all inclusive. There is an AI option with The Sands - go for it if you prefer - but I, personally, would advise against this due to the hotel’s location. You’ll miss out on so much. The resort is large, but when you’re there it truly does not feel like it. It’s very family oriented, but you’re not surrounded by children. It definitely provides for all holiday makers. The beach is straight out the back, with kilometres of walking on the sand in either direction. The beach is not the best ‘insta’ beach you’ll find in Khao Kak - Coconut beach/White Sands Beach/Memories Beach are all within 20 mins tuk tuk ride of The Sands and they are prettier - But hey, sand is sand, right?! There’s a guy selling his own hand made necklaces 400 yards if you turn right. Lovely fella, and 200bht per. We had a family room that you could see the splash zone pool from. There are two slides and a lazy river, plus a small kids’ water play area in the family pool section, and a swim-up bar. The main beachside pool is a split pool with a separate jacuzzi area, and also has a swim-up bar. It’s 100 yards from the beach. There is a small, adults’ only pool that we obviously couldn’t access. These pools have restaurants in very close proximity, and the splash zone has a guy serving up fresh Roti - really great value, 100-150 baht a pop. Our room was very compact and had everything you needed. Water and coffee/tee replenished every day. It overlooked the lake that had fish feeding twice a day, morning and evening. The ‘big show’ was the monitor lizard who made an appearance whenever food was available! Our room was very clean - you can leave your little leaf out to get the chambermaids to clean throughout daily if you wish. We asked them maybe every 3 days. They were all very polite, really friendly, and thorough, and they seemed to be surprised when we didn’t need a room clean. On occasion, we had towel decorations and fresh flowers on our beds. Great service! As we were celebrating my wife’s birthday, they brought us a cake, which was lovely! There was a lady called ‘Mee’ who just fell in love with our boy because he can speak a bit of Thai, and she seemed to really appreciate this! We were booked on a b&b basis. I would recommend this over all inclusive due to the location of the resort. Breakfast at The Floating Market was pretty good. It does get a bit samey over a fortnight, but there is always something to eat, whatever your preference. All palates are catered for. You have to walk in and wait by the desk for a staff member to greet you, ask your room number, and another person will then show you to your table. We did notice that quite often families just walk in, choose a preferential table to them (usually outside), and wonder why they had no cutlery or placemats. There is so much to do at The Sands. Whether you like to ‘gym’ it, chill out, get a massage, plan your wedding, put your children in the kids’ club, or play pool/table tennis/big chess, there is no preference that’s been ignored. We didn’t meet a staff member who wasn’t happy, nothing is too much for this team. From the front of house staff, through to the gardeners. The in-hotel gift shop has so much to offer - food, drinks (alcoholic and non), toys, clothing, postcard posting service, and loads more. And it’s not that much more expensive than the 7/11’s. We went to Coconut Beach twice, and it was beautiful. If you find a beach bar/restaurant and buy food or drinks, you get your sunbeds for free. We found one called ‘Restaurant the beach bar’ and we had the best Laab we’ve ever had, amazing fried chicken and prawns, with a great host/barman and a wonderful Auntie cooking brilliant food in a tiny kitchen. So cheap, so good! So. Food! The food at The Sands is meant to be amazing, but.. We didn’t eat lunch or dinner at the resort. There are literally 40 plus bars and restaurants within a ten minute walk. Just wander up the drive from the hotel and turn right, then take your pick. They are very much cheaper than the hotel food, and the best ones aren’t the ones that you see recommended before you come. We ate out every night, and our favourites were; *Go Pong *835 Market Streetfood Restaurant *Jai *Larn Deo *Focus Bar fried chicken (just in evening) *Lamuan Seafood We went to Pam’s and it was fantastic, but the setting helps - the food (although brilliant) was no better than the tiny tin shack places. Best bar we found was Landing Bar. Really friendly team, cheap drinks, music and sport on their TV. Focus Bar was also really chilled. We would recommend for your trips: *Surin Islsnd *Khao Lak mini golf and labyrinth maze *Ethical elephant sanctuary and river rafting *La Vela resort for their KOKULO beach dj/barman show/fire show/unlimited lobster buffet (including wagyu beef!) *813 boat Tsunami memorial *Coconut beach for the day Rung Ontour Khaolak and Ann Suvipawadee Khawsong were our go too’s for booking tours. Both amazing service. You can access them both via fb. You can buy anything you will really need from the 7/11 shops (there’s two within 5 mins walk from The Sands), but remember that you can’t buy alcohol between 2 & 5 every day from them. Pack of cigs - less than £2! If you book this resort, in our opinion you will be blown away. Whoever manages this place truly knows what they’re doing. We cannot find fault. For the money, it’s perfect. The service you receive, the location, the food choices within such a close proximity, and just the general feel of the place, it’s all just bang on at Bang Niang! Just don’t forget to grab yourselves a 79baht Mojito on your walk back every night!! Amazing resort, amazing times. Loved it.

Turned up for day 1 of pur belated 30th wedding anniversary holiday, which was delayed due to illness. So far, impressions are one of amazement with the location, amenities, and staff and to top if off, walked into a swim up beach view room room with an anniversary cake. What a kind gesture and one that will stay with us for a long time.