Marie Monde, Mange et Mode

By Marie Monde, Ramada’s Chief Eats Officer

• Khao Lak was my second stop on my world tour as Ramada Foodie CEO.  This trip marked my first trip to Thailand and was nothing short of INCREDIBLE! I wish this trip was at least a few days longer, but I made the most of it by sticking to a tight itinerary of non-stop adventure, food and fun, with some relaxation mixed in as well.  The Ramada Resort by Wyndham Khao Lak is pristine and perfect for the ultimate getaway.  From the second I arrived, I knew that this trip would be a great one.  With every sip of my Welcome Tea (chilled pandan tea) during check-in, I became increasingly at ease.  The enchanting initial walk to see my accommodations had me increasingly enamored with each step. And when I walked into my villa…I was IN LOVE! When I arrived in my room, I was greeted by a basket of fresh cut fruit, which I enjoyed outside on a lounger overlooking my villa’s private pool. 
• Khao Lak is easily one of my new favorite places and my only regret is that I hadn’t discovered the gem sooner.
• After several days of food and fun, I curated a list of 10 Tips for travel to Khao Lak.  Check them out below!

1.        Follow the “wai” 🙏

Thailand’s reputation for hospitality is alive and well in Khao Lak, especially at the Ramada Resort. The staff is incredibly accommodating, and the property has thought of every single detail to ensure a lovely stay. After my first hour on the property, I already began to understand why Thailand is called “The Land of Smiles”. 

Another thing that I observed early on is the Thai wai. The wai is completed by placing your palms together in a prayer pose, holding them just under the chin. One then bows their head, looks down, raises their head and smiles.

It is common courtesy in Thailand to return the wai.  Unless you are the King or a monk, it is considered rude not to return someone’s wai. 

The wai is often accompanied with sawadeekaaaa or sawadeekreb.  This universal greeting can be used any time of day for both hello and goodbye.  In Thai, gender follows the speaker, not the respondent.  Thus, as a woman, I’d say sawadeekaaaa regardless of if I’m speaking to a man or a woman, because I am a woman.  Similarly, a man would say sawadeekrep regardless of his audience. Note that I used several “a’s” in my spelling of sawadeekaaaa.  This was intentional, as the word is said in a way that really drags out the “a”, with a bit of a nasal intonation. (Imagine the sound that you make in yoga while exhaling through the mouth after taking in a deep breath through the nose). In contrast, the male suffix “-krep” is very quick and short.

This gender rule follows other Thai phrases that I learned as well.  For example, to say thank you, I’d say “Ka-pune-kaaaa” while a male would say “ka-pune-krep”.  One can also say merely “kaaaa” or “krep” to say yes or to signify acknowledgement, acceptance or understanding.  It is the verbal form of the American head nod.

So, when you receive the wai (which you undoubtedly will receive a LOT), please return it.  And for extra style points add in a sawadee.

2.        Do the cooking class! 👩‍🍳

The Resort offers a lovely cooking class taught by one of the property’s lead chefs.  My cooking class was one-on-one, and I even got to learn the authentic way to make one of my favorite Thai dishes: Panang Curry.  I like cooking Thai food in general, but many ingredients are a bit difficult to find outside of Thailand, such as kaffir lime leaves.  It was incredible to be able to perfect one of my favorite dishes with help from a Thai chef in Thailand while overlooking the ocean in the distance and wearing an adorable apron and chef hat.  I was first introduced to Thai cooking while living in the Netherlands, so of course some of my skills and flavor choices were not completely authentic.  This class taught me more of a Thai approach, which included learning how to make curry paste from scratch!

As if the cooking and learning wasn’t fun enough, I ended with one more task:  The taste test.  I enjoyed my panang curry and ate it alongside a few other lunch dishes.   When I return to Khao Lak, I plan to do the cooking class again.

3.        Take a hike! ⛰️

The Chong Fah Waterfall is located inside Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park.  The woodland area to get to the waterfall is jungle-like, with an immense variety of beautiful greenery.  The foliage and rocks are so beautiful that I kept stopping ever so often to simply take it all in.  Of course, a few of the stops were for photography purposes as well.

Before reaching the waterfall, there is a lovely little sign directing you to a “Fish Spa”.  I HIGHLY recommend making this stop.  There you will find a charming creek full of finger-sized fish.  But they’re not just any fish, they are the infamous Garra Rufa fish, colloquially known as the foot spa exfoliating fish.  Naturally inquisitive, I of course took off my shoes and joined a fellow hiker whose feet were already inside the creek a little ways down.  Though skeptical to try an artificial Fish Spa with tanked fish in Europe, I found it to be such cool experience to treat my feet to the activity in natural conditions.  As a bonus, this naturally occurring Fish Spa was free, whereas the artificial Fish Spas using tanks and imported fish cost a minimum of 15 € in Greece and Spain.   AND how many people can say that they received a pedicure conducted by fish in the middle of a Thai rainforest using only runoff water from a waterfall?!

After drying my freshly exfoliated feet, compliments of my fish friends, I put my shoes back on and continued up to the waterfall.  After only a few short minutes, I could already hear the waterfall and my anticipation for its beauty began to build.  After following the signage, I took the path down to a wooden bridge, followed by a large log carved to create a walkway to the rock entry of the waterfall.  It was cool to see how nearly untouched the waterfall was, even using a naturally occurring log to create a path over the stream.  Yes, it is a national park, but some parks around the world contain a bit more metal and other elements for bridges and other additions, so I found the utilization of natural elements particularly refreshing.

The rest of the stream leading to the waterfall is untouched, so be sure to use caution as you forge your own path while playing leapfrog with the large rocks to edge closer to the waterfall.  Luckily, a family was leaving as I arrived, so I was able to watch the dad navigate the rocks back to his family and roughly followed his path and rock choice.

After admiring the waterfall, I headed back down to exit the park.  The walk down was quicker, likely because I wasn’t stopping in awe every few seconds. But I’ll be honest, it was also a lot hotter and a bit less enjoyable, likely because I didn’t have excitement and wonder driving me like I did on the way up.  Nevertheless, it was a very easy hike and super doable for people of various fitness levels.  And the splendor of it all certainly makes it a worth-while escapade. There are 5 levels in total and the whole trek is about 2.5 miles in total.

So be sure to pack your water bottle, good walking/hiking shoes and your appetite for adventure!

4.        Visit Old Town 🧧

While in Khao Lak, a visit to Takua Pa Old Town is essential.  Dating back to the 13^th Century, Old Town is only a short drive from the Ramada Resort By Wyndham Khao Lak and boasts incredible architecture.  In Old Town, you will immediately notice the contrast between typical housing styles in Khao Lak and the Sino-Portuguese architecture that lines the beautiful streets.  The architecture tells the tale of city’s past, its history and the international influences that once predominated the area.  Old Town also has some delicious cafes and quaint little shops! 

In its heyday, Takua Pa, was one of the most important cities in Thailand. It was a foreign trade and tin mine hot spot and a cultural melting pot for Chinese, Indian and Arab immigrants, settling alongside Thai natives. The influx of Chinese settlers led to an influx of houses built in the Sino-Portuguese style, with many families still living and operating businesses out of their ancestral homes today.

Many of the local dwellings are multi-use, where the families conduct business in the front of the building and live in the back of the building.  This holds true for storefronts, ateliers and restaurants alike.

One such business sold beautiful hand-crafted tote bags and tasty local candy. You’ve GOT to try plum candy! There are several varieties, and all are delicious.  (if you don’t get candy in Old Town, don’t worry…the hotel puts yummy plum candy on your bed each night during turn down service).

Another cool feature that I learned from my buddy Nont while at a local café is that all of the older homes in Old Town have wells in the middle of the home, which date back centuries.

Speaking of cafes, there are two in the area that I highly recommend: Kopi Kuapa and Dok Kafae. Kopi Kuapa  offers all of the charm of Old Town, allowing customers to feel as if they’ve been transported into the past.  The café is cozy with both indoor and courtyard-style seating.  The courtyard is nestled between two buildings, which adds to the time-transport ambiance.  The courtyard’s layout also offers the perfect shaded area to beat the Thai heat, with snacks and drink in hand.  I enjoyed a yummy passion fruit tea with butterfly tea powder while taking in the cafe’s rustic, vintage décor. I also enjoyed some sticky rice wrapped in a bamboo leaf and a few other sweets.

Another great café in the area is Dok Kafae.  There is an abundance of beautiful street art and an iconic red door, fashioned in the Chinese style. The owners are super friendly, and the café offers a great menu! I especially appreciated that they also had oat milk as an option, as it was a bit tricky finding milk substitutes in many Thai cafes.  I ended up opting for the Iced Carrageenan Indo Milk Tea, which was a great choice!

After the cafes, we went to the Chinese Shrine at Thanon Sri Takuapa. It was built in the typical Chinese style and is still used today.  There I learned about their upcoming fasting festival and other upcoming events.

While in the area, I also recommend a quick visit to Boon Soong Iron Bridge.  The beautiful bridge was once used by tin mining workers and is still used by locals today.  As an added bonus, you can sometimes catch some great animal sightings while overlooking a vast green landscape.

5.         Save the Turtles! 🐢

I’ve always been fascinated by how turtles gain their gender based on temperature. However, it did not occur to me that the recent heat surges have put many turtle species at risk of extinction.  Luckily, the Queen of Thailand has made it her personal mission to protect Thailand’s turtles and has created the Sea Turtle Conservation Center.  The Center is on the Phang-Na Naval Base, where the baby turtles are cared for until they’re large enough to return to see and the older, sick turtles are cared for permanently.  There are numerous turtles as the Conservation Center, separated by variety and age.  It is incredibly soothing the watch the adorable baby turtles swim and splash about.

The entire Conservation Center can be viewed in about 30 minutes, making this a great stop while already out and about in Khao Lak.

6.      Visit a Thai Buddhist Temple ☸️

Buddhism is the practiced by about 95% of the Thai population, making a visit to a Buddhist Temple a great way to dive into Thai culture.  While in Thailand, I learned that all Thai men must enter monkhood in their youth.  Though the average time is three months, some stay for a few weeks while others stay considerably longer.  The time that one’s monkhood begins and ends is determined by an astrology chart.  Monkhood is an important act in a young Thai man’s life, as the act brings good karma and merit to one’s parents. 

When visiting a temple, one of the biggest things to note is respect.  After all, Buddhist temples are visually stunning, but they are also sacred to Buddhist and should be given due respect.  Before heading to a temple, be sure that you are dressed properly, ensuring your arms and legs are covered.  Also be sure to refrain from smoking or drinking on the premises and wear shoes that are easily removable.  In Thailand and in Buddhism at large, feet are considered unclean and unholy.  Thus, shoes must be removed before entering sacred areas, like temples, and are often removed when entering homes and spas as well.

Another note regarding feet, it is considered most proper to sit with the soles of your feet pointing away from Buddha images and monks. I noticed that many Thai people in temples sit on the floor with their feet tucked behind them.

If you hear fireworks while at a temple, have no fear! While at the Temple I learned that fireworks are a method of offering rejoice for receiving what one prayed for.  When praying, it is common to promise a firework exaltation after the blessing is received.  Thus, once the blessing occurs, parishioners must return to the temple and make good on their promise.

As a final note on temples, let’s talk about the threshold.  When walking into a temple, be sure to step over the threshold when going through a doorway.  Thais believe that a spirit resides in the threshold, making it a bad omen to step onto it.

While in Khao Lak, I went to the Khuk Khak Temple.  It’s close to the Resort and incredibly ornate.  I highly recommend a visit to this location!

(Tranquil view from the quad, where the yoga classes are held)

7.        Take the hotel yoga class 🧘‍♀️

I’m not sure if I was the only student enrolled for my session or what, by my yoga session was one on one and I loved it! It was on the green quad area in the middle of the resort, which added an additional sensory element.  I’m typically a hot yoga fan, so the weather outside was perfect for my session.  Additionally, I was serenaded by the birds and the faint sound of the ocean waves. 

When I arrived to the session, by mat and towel were already set up and the instructor was there to greet me.  She had a calm demeanor and soothing voice, two skills I highly value for a yoga instructor.

Though my session was a bit early (8:00 AM), it was a great way to start the day.  It also ended early enough for me to catch the complimentary hotel breakfast buffet.

8.        Eat at Sassi’s! (& at the Resort in general) 💙

As a foodie, one of the best things about the Ramada Resort by Wyndham Khao Lak is the on-site food! From the Complimentary Breakfast Buffet to the Afternoon Tea and Dinner and Cocktail options, every single menu item is so darn delicious!

In additional to the standard options, guests also have the opportunity to request Moo Kata, Afternoon Tea, and a romantic dinner on the beach.  Or, if you are like me, indulge in all of them! On my last day in Khao Lak, I even had a floating breakfast set up in the pool in my villa. 

For those wondering, Moo Kata is a form of Thai barbecue where you cook the food at your table.  The term little translates to “pork skillet” in English, but the method can be done with a variety of meats and vegetables and can include noodles and tofu as well.  At the table, I was given oil to grease the area where the meat/fish/tofu is cooked and a tea pot of hot water to add to the bottom base to allow my spring noodles and veggies to cook.  It was SOOO tasty! It was incredibly filling as well. 

Regarding the afternoon tea, my experience was slightly unorthodox, as I had it in the late afternoon about an hour after arriving to the resort.  To mix it up a bit further, I opted for a chilled Thai tea and a sampling of cocktails instead of the usual hot tea options.  However, I still had the food set up in the traditional way, on the beach atop a beach blanket, pillow seats and décor with a beautiful tower filled with layers upon layers of sweet and savory treats! I enjoyed my drinks and tea snacks while watching the sun fall over the ocean horizon on the beautiful beach.  Talk about an afternoon delight!

After watching my first Thai sunset, I went to dinner at Sassi’s for an incredible dinner of spring rolls, prawns, green mango salad and some mouth-watering green curry. 

The Romantic dinner is also a must! A waiter from Sassi’s comes to your private table for two set up on the beach under a candlelit canopy and allows you to order anything from the restaurant menu.  Some candlelit beach dinners only offer a prefix menu with limited options, but not Ramada! And the plating…just magnificent! For example, if you order an ahi salad, you get beautiful ahi stacked with precision into a pyramid leaning against the tower of lettuce, surrounded by a sea of  cheese shavings, a small mound of croutons and an edible flower, carved out of carrot with a cucumber stem and pepper center.  Each plate is a work of art! The mango sticky rice dessert was almost too beautiful to eat…but only almost, as I still ate it.

Also of note, on my last night, I had a movie night in my villa, with a projector set up to watch Netflix along my wall and a foodie surprise.  I was told that a projector would be brought to my room, but I had no idea just how lovely the set up would be.  I walked into my villa to a string of lights lining my walls and bed, a beautiful charcuterie tray on my bed and a bottle of my favorite Chilean wine chilling on the table.  I couldn’t have asked for a better last evening in Khao Lak! My day was pretty action packed, so after packing, I was completely exhausted.  If I’m being honest, it took all my strength to make it to dinner and I had completely forgot that a movie night was per-arranged for the evening.  It was the best surprise ever and totally rounded out my Khao Lak experience.  The service at the Ramada Resort by Wyndham Khao Lak is unmatched!

(Views from my sunset romantic dinner on the beach)

9.        Try fried bananas 🍌

While on the go in khao Lak, local snacks like fried banana make excellent mid-day fuel!  On my way back to the resort after the waterfall, we stopped alongside the road to grab some yummy snacks.  The woman was cooking both sweet potatoes and bananas.  She explained that she simply takes the banana/potato slice, pours it in a coating of rice powder mixed with coconut and then deep fries it. 

For such an easy process, the snack was so incredible! Crispy on the outside and nice and chewy on the inside. I got a large mixed bag with banana, purple sweet potato and orange sweet potato for less than one dollar USD.

As a note, there are several banana varieties in Thailand.  Many of them are rather small.  The fried bananas were made using one of the small varieties.  These tiny natural treats are creamier than the larger Cavendish bananas (the type usually found in the Americas and Europe).  They’re a bit more fragrant, naturally sweet and a bit custard like in texture.  Now, imagine them fried…incredible!!!

(slightly blurry photo from the bamboo raft via my waterproof tech bag)

10.    Bamboo Rafting is a Must! 🎍

My time in Khao Lak would not have been complete without a trip to Komol Corner’s Bamboo rafting.  I highly recommend this scenic activity.  A local guide takes you down the river on a traditional bamboo raft, with stops to swim along the way.  It was a relaxing way to take in the incredible ecosystem of the area.  The pace is nice and slow, so you really get to absorb the feel of the wind through your hair, the sounds of the water and the surrounding animals and the view of the forest and river, with an occasional splash or two to remind you that yes, this is real life, and you are not merely daydreaming the exciting experience.  The guide was friendly, and I even met the owner after returning to Komol Corner headquarters.  She was friendly as well and presented me with a cute souvenir photo with a Komol Corner branded frame.  I was also presented with a tray of fruit to snack on before heading back to the Ramada Resort.

I do recommend wearing a swimsuit under your rafting outfit, as you are bound to get wet and will likely want to take a quick dip in the river when in the shallow safe-to-swim area highlighted by your guide.  I also recommend bug spray and sunscreen throughout your stay in Thailand, but especially for this activity.  It was warm enough that the sun dried my body before ending my rafting session, but a towel may be a useful item to have just in case. The property also has a cute café called Kate and Ko, as well as an on-site restaurant. 

For more Tips, Photos and More, Check out http://mariemondelavie.com , WyndhamHotels.com/Ramada and https://www.ramadakhaolak.com and Follow @Marie_Mange_Monde , @ramadabywyndham and @ramadakhaolak on Instagram