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X10 KHAOLAK RESORT - WHERE HAPPY MINDS STAY!
No dear reader, X10 does not stand for a supersonic rocket to Mars or Red Bull’s latest soft drink. X10 is a fantastic resort located on Bang Niang Beach in Khao Lak, Thailand. During the last days of the year 2021, after a period of two and a half years that we had not visited Thailand, we decided to celebrate the turn of the year 2021 – 2022 here. Below you can read our review of X10 Khaolak Resort and about New Year’s Eve in Khao Lak.
Image: Thailand Magazine
Where in Khao Lak is the X10 Khaolak Resort located?
It is not always easy to indicate where exactly a location in Khao Lak is located… Some call the beach of X10, Khuk Khak Beach, others Nang Thong Beach. But we and X10 itself call the beach where this nice resort is located Bang Niang Beach. Bang Niang is known, among other things, for the Bang Niang Market, but also for the cozy restaurants that can be found in this area of Khao Lak. For us and many others, Bang Niang is the center of Khao Lak.
Just off the busy main road of Khao Lak
X10 Khaolak Resort is located on a small quiet road less than a five minute walk to the main road that crosses through Khao Lak. So you have no trouble at all with the busy traffic, but you are on your way to discover Khao Lak in no time. Own transport, like a car or scooter, is ideal if you want to visit the area easily. Of course you can also make use of the many cabs and vans that can take you to any desired location. Walking you must assume at least half an hour to get to the busier part of Bang Niang.
Bang Niang Beach
On the west side of the resort is Bang Niang Beach, which in turn borders the Andaman Sea. A not too wide golden sandy beach, which gets deep quite quickly in the sea. So keep a close eye on the little ones. We enjoyed this beach right in front of the resort and therefore had a few hours of sun and sea every day. We also counted down to 2022 on this beach, more on that later.
DID YOU KNOW?
Many beaches in Thailand are quite affected by low tide. Bang Niang Beach, the beach at the X10 Khaolak Resort is less affected by this.
In the (immediate) vicinity of X10 Khaolak Resort
To be honest, in the immediate vicinity of the resort there is not much to do, at least if you’re on foot. With your own transport or a cab it is a completely different story. Within a few minutes you are at the Bang Niang Market, 2.5 km from the resort. If you drive a little further than ten minutes, you are on Nang Thong Beach or Khuk Khak Beach. Drive further north and at some point you’ll end up at beautiful White Sand Beach or calm Pak Weep Beach.
There are also plenty of great restaurants and bars within a 10-minute drive of the X10 Khaolak Resort. But don’t worry, there is plenty to do at the resort as well. So even if you spend a few days without leaving it, that’s very doable. Besides, the food and drink there is great, plus you are in good hands thanks to the helpful and friendly staff.
TIP!
Nature lover? Then visit the Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park, located 10 km from the X10 Khaolak Resort.
In good hands!
Whether it was morning, afternoon or evening, and wherever we encountered the staff of X10 Khaolak Resort, everyone was incredibly friendly and service-oriented! Especially the super sweet people of the F&B (food & beverage) department made us feel very comfortable. We immediately felt welcome and laughed a lot together. This is one of the reasons why we highly recommend this resort in Khao Lak!
Checking in
Upon entering the resort, it was immediately clear that we had made a good decision! After a warm welcome by the manager and two ladies at the desk, they offered to leave our backpacks in the resort under guard. Through an email we had let the staff know that we were going to take a two night break for a booked tour to the Surin Islands. After our visit to this beautiful destination, we wanted to “dock” in a familiar environment. As it turned out, X10 was a fantastic choice!
Image: Thailand Magazine
TIP!
Visiting Khao Lak between mid-October and mid-May? Then visit the Surin Islands or Similan Islands. Another tip and one of the must visit Thai destinations is visiting the Khao Sok National Park. Via Thailand Magazine you even can get a discount on tours to these three destinations. Send us an email or a message through our socials (Facebook or Instagram).
The lobby
The lobby of the resort is huge, with the reception desk on the right side where you are kindly checked in. Seating areas have been created everywhere in case you need to wait a while for an appointment, such as a cab, or while checking in. In the extension of the lobby, space has been created where there are even more benches. In our case (Covid-19 period) there was also a coffee maker and kettle placed where guests of the resort could get free coffee and tea. The resort even has an ATM machine, very convenient and something we rarely encounter in a resort. There is also a small store where you can buy snorkel gear, mosquito repellent or something to drink/snack, always convenient!
DID YOU KNOW?
X10 Khaolak Resort makes clever use of a handy app that is activated after checking in with your room number. With this it is possible to request room service and other convenient services such as a different type of pillow or viewing the outstanding bill.
SUPPORT
Image: Thailand Magazine
The layout of the Deluxe Pool Access (our room)
Our Deluxe Pool Access room of 36 m2 was spotless. We were very enamored with the neutral color use of the furniture and decorations in the room. It gave our room a calm atmosphere without too much fuss. Directly to the left, upon entering, was a large built-in closet containing a safe, two soft bathrobes, slippers for inside and an ironing board+iron. Next to it was a cabinet where luggage could be placed and further on the same side of the room, a long dresser with TV and plenty of work space.
During our multi-day stay at the X10 Khaolak Resort, we slept royally in our cool room with a blissfully soft bed!!! Of course, there was also a minibar and kettle in our room. Nice to wake up with a cup of coffee or on the terrace before bedtime to have a refreshing drink together. In the room there was also a small sofa and table, but given the large terrace, the choice was easy and we did not use it for a second.
The bathroom
When we walked into our great room, we immediately found the clean 4m2 bathroom on the right with a comfortable rain shower and neat bathroom cabinet. The pressure and adjustable water temperature of the (rain) shower was absolutely top notch, something that can sometimes be quite disappointing in Thailand. We gratefully used the free extras such as toothbrushes, shaving kit and more useful toiletries.
Image: Thailand Magazine
The terrace
Fair is fair, the terrace, with direct access to a swimming pool, was the one we used the most, besides the comfortable bed. Especially the day after our visit to the Surin Islands, this was the ultimate place to retreat and relax. On the terrace of 6 m2 were two sun loungers, a parasol, table and drying rack. Everything we needed those days!
Other types of rooms at X10 Khaolak Resort
X10 Khaolak Resort has many more great room options to offer its guests. Some rooms are ideal for couples and others are more suitable for a family with (young) children or a group. The Deluxe, Deluxe Pool View and Deluxe Pool Access rooms can be booked as a room with a large double bed or two single beds.
Deluxe
The Deluxe room is for the person/couple who wants to enjoy a nice vacation in luxury, but with a limited budget. The rooms are between 35 and 39 m2 and are distributed on the first, second and third floors of the different wings of the resort. All Deluxe rooms have a balcony with two comfortable chairs and a table.
Deluxe Pool View
This room option is almost identical to the Deluxe room with the only difference being the view over a pool of the X10 Khaolak Resort.
Deluxe Triple
The Deluxe Triple is found on the second floor of the X10 family wing. The room is large, with the balcony covering almost half of the 65 sq. ft. A wise choice for families with children, as in addition to two huge beds, there is also a sofa in the room that can be slept on.
Kids Suite
How grateful the kids will be to you/you with such a great room! There are two types of Kids Suites, one of 55 m2, where the kids sleep in a bunk bed, and an even bigger Kids Suite of 76 m2. The latter option is more like an apartment and consists of a master bedroom with a large double bed, a spacious living room including adjoining bathroom and an additional bedroom for the kids. There are two single beds and a bathroom. In addition, this Kids Suite has not one but two terraces.
Two-Bedroom Suite
Finally, the suite has two spacious rooms that all have an adjacent balcony. Both rooms also have private bathrooms on the other side of the balcony, one with a bathtub and the other with a shower. The Two Bedroom Suite at the X10 Khaolak Resort is the ultimate option for a family with two (young adult) children who want to have a great carefree vacation in Khao Lak. The first one contains a large double bed, a sofa and a TV cabinet that can also be used for working.
Fast internet, silent airco and much more
All rooms at the X10 Khaolak Resort have silent air conditioning for perfect climate control. Of course, a fast and stable wireless internet connection is available in every room. In addition, each room has at least a TV, minibar, safe and other items that belong to a full-fledged luxury resort like X10. Coffee and tea can be prepared with the kettle, but we recommend you order a cappuccino at the bar near the beach. The friendly lady makes it something very special every time. Read on…
Food & Beverages
Out of all the Khao Lak resorts we have stayed at so far, we found the dishes at X10 Khaolak Resort to be the most delicious. The love for the art of cooking was reflected in all the dishes served. It was partly for this reason that we chose to dine at the resort on New Year’s Eve. We enjoyed the tremendously friendly and professional team that works here. Thanks for the nice company dear ladies and gentlemen!
Guests can enjoy Western and Thai dishes to their heart’s content at two restaurants scattered around the property. Unfortunately, the main restaurant, the Main Restaurant, was closed in December 2022 due to Covid-19 and was used as a breakfast room. Fortunately, the Seaside Seafood Kitchen was open. This restaurant has a huge terrace and is located between the main pool and the beach. By the way, don’t be fooled by the name, because not only fish and shellfish are served here.
Of course, in a class resor like this, a bar cannot be missing. That’s why there are also two bars to be found. The large bar is called the Beach Bar and is located on the large terrace of Seaside Seafood Kitchen. The other bar is a classic pool bar and guarantees a delicious cocktail or mocktail while you cool off in the pool water.
Seaside Seafood Kitchen
Since only Seaside Seafood Kitchen was open, we ate here during the afternoon or evenings we were at the resort. The menu offers a wide range of Western and Thai dishes and time after time we feasted on the outstanding quality of the dishes. At lunch, for example, we enjoyed shrimp in a crispy jacket, a healthy tuna salad and spicy Som Tam salad. For dessert, we shared the most delicious brownie we had ever tasted in Thailand!
Other times we enjoyed a tasty penang curry with pork and the Reef and Beef, a combination of tender tenderloin and juicy Cajun Style shrimp. Add to that a serving of crispy fries, sautéed tomatoes and a corn on the cob topped with butter and tadaa you have a delectable Reef and Beef à la X10! Of course, a coconut while eating or on the beach could not be missed.
New Year’s Eve Dinner
So said, so done, since the food and service at the X10 Khaolak Resort was so good, we chose to dine here. The normally so cozy center of Khao Lak still felt quite deserted by Covid-19 and at X10 it was not too crowded, but very cozy. A voucher allowed us to join the five-course dinner devised by the resort’s chef. Each table was equipped with festive attributes such as a large festive pointy hat. Nice that the team had thought of this!
First up we had a bonded mushroom soup and then a tartlet of raw tuna, mango and avocado. Course three consisted of spaghetti with mussels and then guests could choose a main course with meat or fish. The two of us chose the tenderloin, served with an excellent gravy, mashed potatoes and crunchy greens. For dessert, we were served a chocolate lava cake with fruit. An excellent dinner including great service and a cozy atmosphere!
At the bottom of this review of the X10 Khaolak Resort, we briefly describe how the rest of our New Year’s Eve had gone.
Breakfast, a good start of the day!
Each morning we took our seats outside at the Main Restaurant where breakfast was prepared for the resort’s guests. As with many luxury resorts (in Thailand), breakfast often consists of a buffet with a choice of Western and Asian dishes. Yes, this was also the case at X10 Khaolak Resort. Only here, despite Covid-19, there was a lot to choose from. From (sweet) rolls to sashimi and from noodles to cornflakes with yogurt or milk, as well as fruit, egg dishes, pancakes and Thai curries.
In terms of beverages, there was a choice of fruit juices or tea and the coffee was perfect. Every morning we took a seat outside at the Main Restaurant where breakfast was prepared for the resort’s guests. Lovely to wake up this way, breakfast was a great start to the day for us!
TIP!
Order a cappuccino from Khun Tan during your visit to X10 Khaolak Resort, she is a true cappuccino artist and makes it a beautiful work of art time after time! Give her warm regards from Thailand Magazine.
Image: Thailand Magazine
Facilities at X10 Khaolak Resort
Feeling bored? That’s really not going to happen at the X10 Khaolak Resort! In addition to the two restaurants and bars, you will find no less than five swimming pools on the beautiful grounds. There are also plenty of other activities that we will go into in more detail below.
5+2 pools
On the grounds of the resort you can find several pools. There is even a true children’s paradise including slide, fountains and the whole ratchet plan. In total, there are three pools adjacent to the different apartments, like ours, two children’s pools, a pool located on the front section near the reception and the main pool facing the adjacent beach.
Main Pool
This pool built in bar is located next to Seaside Seafood Kitchen and the adjacent beach in Khao Lak. All around, guests can relax on the many sunbeds with or without an umbrella. A nice thing about this pool is that palm trees are placed everywhere, even on small islands in the pool itself. The pool starts with a depth of 0.70 meters and goes down to a depth of 1.20 meters.
Three Deluxe Pool Access pools
In the resort, there are about 30 rooms with their terraces adjacent to one of the three pools. Across from these pools are a number of sunbeds with parasols. By a number of islands or well placed palm trees and shrubs you still have enough privacy in the rooms or on the terrace. The pools are at their deepest 1.20 meters and if you plunge from your room into the pool, it has a depth of 0.90 meters.
Pool at family rooms + pool for the little ones
In the resort, there are about 30 rooms that have their terrace adjacent to one of the three pools. Across from these pools are a number of sunbeds with umbrellas. With a number of islands or well placed palm trees and shrubs you still have enough privacy in the rooms or on the terrace. The pools are at their deepest at 1.20 meters and if you plunge from your room into the pool it has a depth of 0.90 meters.
Children’s paradise
Imagine you’re about six years old… It’s a sun-drenched tropical day in Thailand and you’re vacationing with your parents for the first time in the land of smiles. One day you find yourself in a place with giant mushrooms, a blue water slide and fountains here and there splashing far above your head… Great right? Add a nice little pool of max 0.45 meters deep and as a child you will experience the ultimate vacation feeling, right? Welcome to the X10 Khaolak Resort little one!
DID YOU KNOW?
There is a Kids Club especially for the kids (and parents). Here the little ones can play to their hearts content from 09:00 to 17:00 while parents can (finally) enjoy that well-deserved vacation in that exquisite resort they’ve been dreaming about for months!
Sports and games
Staying healthy and fit is no problem at all at the X10 Khaolak Resort. Here you can not only eat deliciously healthy food, but also work out in the dedicated fitness room. From 06:00 to 22:00 guests can use various cardio machines or strength training equipment. For enthusiasts, there is even a separate aerobics room on the premises. Do you prefer to take it easy without too much effort? Then enjoy a game, pool or table tennis with your friend or guest of the resort.
The Sun Spa
After an intense workout or a long day of wandering through Khao Lak, there is nothing better than to relax and unwind. Take a massage or spa treatment at the resort’s dedicated spa. From body wraps to Thai massages, the team at The Sun Spa will make sure you’re completely relaxed and recharged. Even a manicure or pedicure can be booked here.
In conclusion
We have felt so much at home at the X10 Khaolak Resort that we would like to thank the entire team for a wonderful stay! The people at the reception were very service-oriented. Among other things, they were very helpful in storing our backpacks when we went to the Surin Islands for two nights. The F&B team was not only very friendly but also very sociable., We miss you guys! And finally the manager, we chatted for a while during our arrival and he took his time for us, a pleasant person with a big hospitality heart!
If you are looking for a good accommodation in the center of Khao Lak, X10 Khaolak Resort is definitely one to consider. The resort offers a perfect accommodation for that carefree and relaxing vacation. Here you can relax and completely escape from the busy daily life. A well-deserved vacation in Khao Lak for families and couples alike.
Our 2021/2022 New Year’s Eve
Returning to our New Year’s Eve… After a nice dinner at the resort’s restaurant, we decided to stroll towards the adjacent beach of the X10 Khaolak Resort. By now it was about eleven o’clock and we had picked up a bottle of bubbly to toast the new year.
In addition to a bottle of champagne, we had also brought along a large wishing balloon. Actually, we are not very fond of this, but this one was made of natural materials and we have brought it from home in our backpack several times in the past seven years.
Yep! This wishing balloon has been abroad at least five times and has never been lit…In the end, the timing couldn’t be better, because while the Netherlands, our home country, was in a strict lockdown, we thought it would be a good time to launch this wishing balloon on behalf of the home front.
Important detail…after we unpacked the balloon, we found that it was broken and damaged in several places. Very good natural materials, but not really practical to carry it from the Netherlands to faraway places. Not only was the wooden frame broken in several places, but there were also holes in the paper sail of the balloon itself.
The funny thing was that in the distance, to our left and right, dozens of wishing balloons were being released everywhere. “That’s us again” we said, laughing. After the countdown and the celebratory “chock dee ka/krub” (congratulations), it was time for the test… How much happiness would those Thai congratulations actually bring directly… The two of us held the balloon carefully so it wouldn’t fall apart, we lit it, held our breath and waited in suspense for a few minutes as the balloon filled with hot air. We couldn’t believe it, already staggering, the balloon rose into the air until it had finally become a lit dot in the dark night. So you see, never give up and have faith even if things look bad sometimes!
Image: Thailand Magazine
Chock dee ka/ krub to you dear readers!
Ilonka & Riel
Actual prices and regular information
For current prices of this super good resort in Khao Lak, you should check Booking and/or Agoda. You also support Thailand Magazine by booking through our partner links. We receive a small commission on your booking. This doesn’t cost you anything extra and this way we can continue working on our great passion, sharing our love for Thailand and promoting the land of smiles.
Check in: 15:00 / Check out: 12:00
Address: 338/9 Moo 6, Petchakasem Road, Ban Bang Niang, Khuk Khak, Takuapa, Phang Nga 82220, Thailand
Phone number: +66 7642 8920