'This luxury tropical destination is cheaper (but better) than Hawaii or Fiji.'

I've always been of the opinion that the best kind of holiday is a lazy holiday. 

Not a holiday that requires a bum bag and a 12-page itinerary, but the kind where you can drink a cocktail and read a book (preferably whilst lying in the sun on a beach chair). 

A proper holiday should feel like a reset, not a race.

In fact, I'd call myself somewhat of a lazy-holiday connoisseur. I've done Fiji, Cairns, Vanuatu and Hawaii. But in January, I found the best (and cheapest) destination yet…Thailand.

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I'll admit, when a friend first suggested the idea of Thailand, I was hesitant. My mind went straight to crowded tourist traps like Phuket, or Maya Bay, which now gets closed for a two-month period annually to recover from environmental damage caused by over-tourism and pollution.

But then I discovered Khao Lak.

Located along the Andaman Sea, about two hours north of Phuket, Khao Lak is everything Phuket isn't. While Phuket is known for its bars and nightlife, Khao Lak offers a slower, more serene pace: secluded beaches, lush jungle backdrops, and a laid-back coastal vibe.

Image: Supplied

How to get there.

We flew directly from Sydney to Phuket with Jetstar, which took about nine hours.  Once we landed, we took an airport transfer to our resort in Khao Lak, which was a two-hour drive north.

While many resorts can organise transfers for you, our flight arrived quite late at night, so arranging transport in advance is a must to avoid the stress of figuring it out when you're jet-lagged and sweating in the Phuket humidity. 

Where to stay.

We kicked off our trip at Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, nestled on the white sands of Bangsak Beach. This place seriously looked like it was straight out of The White Lotus (without the murder, of course).

Our days were spent exactly how I like them: stretched out on a beach chair with a cocktail in hand from Coconut Joe's, the resort's beach bar.

This place also boasts three pools, including one with a swim-up bar.

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The resort had something for everyone. If you're someone who exercises on holiday, you will appreciate the well-equipped gym, while families can take advantage of the Le Méridien Family Kids Club, which ran activities all day, like cooking classes, arts and crafts, Muay Thai lessons, and even foam parties.

Other great options in Khao Lak.

There's no shortage of excellent accommodation options in Khao Lak.

For families with young kids, check out the Mai Khao Lak Beach Resort & Spa.

From just $103 a night, this one's a hit with children thanks to its epic pirate ship splash pool, waterslides, and nightly kids' musical shows.

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For a romantic getaway, The Sarojin is an adults-only, upmarket resort perfect for couples.

For backpackers on a budget, Khao Lak has plenty of hostels and guesthouses starting from as little as $20-40 AUD per night. It's a super affordable destination, even if you're travelling on the cheap.

Where to eat.

When we booked our stay, we opted for an all-inclusive food and drinks package. Honestly, it was worth every cent! 

Each morning started with a generous buffet breakfast that had something for everyone: Thai omelettes, steamed pork buns, fresh fruit, pastries, and even a waffle station (which quickly became a daily ritual).

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For lunch and dinner, we had the choice of the resort's Italian restaurant or a nightly themed beach buffet. Picture this: a Thai cover band serenading us with Taylor Swift classics while we feasted on everything from green curry to oysters, pasta to grilled satay skewers, and, of course, endless Thai desserts (hello, mango sticky rice).

The best part though? All-day gelato.

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While most of our meals were at the resort, we did venture out to try Pam's Restaurant & Cooking Class, and it was a highlight.

Set in a magical, lantern-lit garden, Pam's offers an authentic Thai dining experience. Think perfectly stir-fried Pad See Ew, Pad Thai, pineapple baked rice and red curries. Even my incredibly picky younger sister was happy, thanks to the chicken nuggets and chips on offer.

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If you're after something more casual and affordable, head to the Bang Niang Market. Open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 2pm to 10pm, it's bustling with energy.

Here, you'll find everything from Nutella stir-fried ice cream to fried insects (if you're feeling brave), and $3 Mojitos. It's the perfect place to wander, graze, and soak up the vibe.

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What to do.

I know I said I'm all about a lazy holiday, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to do! Khao Lak strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure, offering something for absolutely everyone.

Just next door to our resort was a beachfront massage hut, where you could get an hour-long head and neck massage right on the sand for just $30 AUD. Ocean breeze, the sound of the waves, and a deep tissue massage? Yes, please.

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If adventure is more your thing, check out the Similan Islands. Located about 75 minutes from Khao Lak are the Similan Islands, a protected archipelago of 11 islands in the Andaman Sea.

Because access is limited, the best way to visit is via a guided tour. We went with a local tour company who picked us up from our resort and served breakfast before introducing us to our Spanish tour guide, Luis.

With a small group of about 15 people, we hopped on a speedboat and headed to Koh Similan (Island #8) which is known for its dramatic rock formations and jungle-fringed beaches. As soon as we jumped in, we were greeted by a sea turtle, casually swimming alongside us as if we were locals.

Throughout the day, we snorkelled in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life (think, the entire cast of Finding Nemo), explored hidden coves, and were treated to a Thai green curry lunch before heading back to the mainland.

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Hot tip — book an early morning tour to beat the crowds because snorkelling spots get busy after midday. And if you're prone to seasickness, don't forget your travel calm because the water can get a little choppy depending on the weather.

Prefer to stay on land? Khao Lak still delivers. Lam Ru National Park is a short trip away and offers hiking trails, jungle walks, waterfalls, and secluded beaches.

Beyond its food stalls, the Bang Niang Market is also great for shopping. Browse local jewellery, handmade candles, woven bags, souvenirs, and clothing. Many resorts offer free shuttle buses into town, making it super easy to pop down for an afternoon or evening browse.

It was safe to say we left Khao Lak with our suitcases full of local goods, tummies full of Thai food and totally refreshed.

So, if you are looking for your next relaxing holiday destination, Thailand is it!

No longer will I spend hundreds more dollars going to other tropical destinations for my holidays. In fact, I've already rebooked Thailand for December this year.

Feature Image: Supplied.