Ramada Resort by Wyndham Khao Lak

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Khao Lak is a relaxing beach-front resort in a boutique setting, set directly on Bang Niang Beach on Thailand's beautiful east coast and rated 4.7 by past guests. You are close to the world-famous Similan Islands and surrounded by national parks, with Phuket International Airport less than an hour away. Free buffet breakfast is included every morning, and the resort's easy pace suits couples, families and anyone simply looking to unwind by the sea.

You can choose from five room categories, each with free buffet breakfast and a king bed or two queens. Deluxe Oasis Rooms open onto a balcony overlooking the pool and garden, while ground-floor Deluxe Lanai Rooms swap the balcony for a private terrace and sun loungers. Deluxe Jet Tub and Deluxe Jet Tub Lanai Rooms add an in-room jet tub for a romantic touch, and the Private Pool Villa is the most secluded choice, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing its own enclosed pool, garden and pavilion.

Younger guests have their own play area, children's pool and playground, making this a straightforward choice if you are travelling as a family. Multilingual staff and a concierge desk are on hand for tour and ticket assistance if you want help planning a day out, and a small gift shop covers last-minute souvenirs. Meeting rooms and event planning services are also available for anyone combining leisure with business.

You can cool off in the resort's outdoor pool or head to the spa for some quiet time away from the beach. A fitness centre stays open throughout the day if you want to keep up a workout routine during your stay, and a hot tub gives you another way to relax after a day exploring. The swim-up Pool Bar sits right alongside the pool, so a cold drink is always within easy reach.

Four venues cover your breakfast through to nightcap. The Kitchen serves a hearty American-style breakfast buffet, while Sassi's Beach Club brings you Thai and international dishes with views over Bang Niang Beach. The Mellow Bean is the spot for panini, coffee and cakes over free WiFi, and the swim-up Pool Bar keeps exotic cocktails and cold drinks coming poolside on a hot Khao Lak day.

Step outside and you are already on Bang Niang Beach, with Police Boat 813, a landmark left by the 2004 tsunami, about a kilometre inland. A few minutes further on, the Chong Fah Waterfall drops ten metres through the jungle, and Khao Sok National Park invites a trek on foot or by elephant through its surrounding rainforest. Phuket International Airport is under an hour's drive away, making the resort an easy base for exploring this stretch of Thailand's Andaman coast.