have not yet written a trip report but a few words on khao lak.

We had to be in phuket area for our jungle pick-up but we didn't fancy phuket again so opted for KL. Got a last minute rate at the Orchid hotel and it was fab. Remote (which was good!). about 50 rooms, 3 stories in a horseshoe shape so everyone faces the ocean. freeform pool just in front with orchid islands and swim up bar. then an expanse of lawn with loads of loungers and wooden structures with palm leaf roof to lounge on, just a few steps from the sea, which was very warm. beautiful beach. you had to walk half and hour in either direction before reaching the next hotel. hotel had a shuttle into town every 2 hours in day, half hourly at night, 50b pp. it was fantastic. giant rooms and great service. restaurant the only let down. it was okay but could have been so much more being beachfront and private. check it out! we paid £40 per night in jan. also popped in to see Baan Khao Lak. it too looked very swish but not everyone faced the ocean. it looked like a very nicely kept condominium complex but on the edge of town so you could easily walk in. Pool nothing to shout about.