If you’re coming to Thailand for nightlife, Khao Lak probably isn’t the one
But if you’re coming to properly switch off by the beach, it absolutely is – and Devasom is exactly the kind of place that makes sense here.
Khao Lak sits north of Phuket and feels worlds away from it. Life moves slower, the beaches are quieter, and the surrounding national parks give you the option of doing something active without tipping into full adventure mode: more gentle jungle hikes, waterfalls, coastal walks and boat trips rather than full-on itineraries. It’s a destination for people who want nature, space and calm.
Set on a quiet stretch of sand, Devasom is deliberately small, with just 69 rooms, all facing water – either the Andaman Sea or the lagoon that runs through the property. There’s a lot of breathing room for the number of guests, which means no fighting for sun loungers, no background noise, and none of the churn you get at bigger resorts.
The architecture nods to traditional Thai forms but keeps things clean and contemporary, with open walkways, water features and carefully framed views that make the whole place feel considered rather than showy. Rooms are generously sized, many with jacuzzis or plunge pools, proper baths, Dyson hairdryers and a complimentary minibar that’s replenished daily.
There’s a huge central pool, free chilled water circulating all day so you’re never scrambling for a bottle, and a genuinely lovely beach with clear, warm water that stays quiet even at peak times. Kayaks and bikes are complimentary if you want to explore the local area, and if you’re in the mood to balance out all that lounging, there’s a yoga pavilion overlooking the lagoon, plus a solid gym and daily classes should the guilt of relaxing kick in.
In the evenings, the library lounge doubles as a listening bar every Wednesday. When we visited, the soundtrack came courtesy of Maft Sai, founder of Zudrangma Records, a Bangkok vinyl shop with excellent taste. The spa is another highlight, both in terms of setting and treatments. We fully drifted off during a Tibetan sound bowl session.
Food is split between a Thai restaurant serving traditional Takola dishes, a regional style native to Thailand’s Andaman coast, shaped by centuries of trade and influenced by Thai, Chinese and Indian cooking. There’s also a more relaxed beach grill for seafood and sunset dinners with local ingredients used throughout. Sustainability runs quietly through the place, from no single-use plastics and food waste converted into livestock feed to beach clean-ups, a local school lunch fund and an annual scholarship for one student.
And if you do find yourself itching for structure, there’s a weekly calendar of activities: cooking demos, wellness sessions and gentle group stuff, though doing absolutely nothing is very much encouraged.
Devasom is calm, considered and quietly luxurious; the sort of hotel you book when you want a proper reset, and one that makes it surprisingly hard to leave once you’ve settled into its rhythm.
Key Information
Address | 79 Moo 3, Khuk Khak Beach, Khao Lak, Takua Pa, Phang Nga, Thailand 82190
For more information | devasom.com
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