Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
from 2300B), which takes in views of coconut groves and is nestled at the edge of the
mangroves, is one of the best on the Andaman coast.
We especially love the pool with its stylish lounging huts that hover above the crystal-
blue water, and a cooking class takes place on the banks of the Takuapa River, where you
can watch water buffalo amble by. No kids allowed.
Eating & Drinking
This is no culinary capital, but there are a few local haunts where tourists congregate to
rehash the day's diving yarns. Early-morning divers will be hard-pressed to find a place to
grab a bite before 8.30am.
Go Pong
OFFLINE MAP
(Th Phetkasem; dishes 30-100B; noon-10pm)
Get off the tourist taste-bud tour at this terrific little
streetside diner where they stir-fry noodles and spicy rice dishes, and simmer an aromatic
noodle soup that attracts a local lunch following. If you dig the pig, try the stewed pork
leg with rice or the Chinese broccoli with crispy pork. Both are worthy.
THAI
$
Jumbo Steak & Pasta
( 08 7269 3928; Th Phetkasem, Ban Khukkhuk; mains 70-220B; 10.30am-10pm Thu-Tue)
A hole-in-the-
wall joint in Ban Khukkhuk, just past the police boat, launched by a former line chef at Le
Meridian who does beautiful pasta dishes of all varieties: penne arrabiata, spaghetti alla
carbonara, a host of pizzas and some terrific steaks. Dishes are an incredible value (hence
the local expat scene), though portions aren't huge.
ITALIAN
$
Phu Khao Lak
OFFLINE MAP
( 0 7648 5141; Th Phetkasem; dishes 80-300B; 8am-10pm)
With its cloth tables spilling to the
edges of a lawn at the southern end of the Khao Lak strip, this place is hard to miss. And
you shouldn't pass it by - there's a huge menu of Western and Thai dishes here with
ample descriptions, all cooked to perfection.
INTERNATIONAL, THAI
$$
THAI
$$
Takieng
( 08 6952 7693; 26/43 Moo 5, Bang Niang; dishes 80-350B; 11am-10pm)
Set on the east side of high-
way just before the Bang Niang turn are two open-air Thai restaurants beneath stilted tin
