Pre-booked taxi is about 1800 baht to Khao Lak (about £30) from Phuket airport. My only visit to Khao Lak was pre-tsumani (and pre Sarojin). It was a pretty quiet resort then, entertainment centred on a few restaurants and bars and of course the hotels...I gather it can be very quiet out of season. When we've used a taxi from Phuket we've just gone to the airport taxi desk and ordered a taxi there.

I had lunch at the Sarojin, and thought it was quite stunning - great location, lovely hotel, wonderful staff, and have really pro-actively supported the local communities in the aftermath of the Tsunami.

From memory, there is very little nearby as it is on the outskirts of Khao Lak, but you can get a car into the town for other hotels & restaurants. If Sunbear mentions £30 for Khao Lak, I expect you will pay more for the Sarojin as it is further away. It is quite a long drive (I didn't walk down the beach though, so there might be something within walking distance as the Thai's are great at setting up shop next to rich tourists - thus the fab Reggae bar next to the Banyan Tree Phuket!)

Although saying that, i'm sure you could negotiate your way to saving £10-£15 when you get there, but to be honest, would you want to? Most tourists in Thailand are ripped of (well in Bangkok anyway) at the airport after a long flight, dealing with a new currency in a new place. I'd comment that it's not a cheap resort.

It is a great place though, you'll have an amazing time.

Thanks Sunbear & Travelling Sam for your replies.
We have now booked our holiday and have included the hotel pick-up.
It seems worth paying the extra for the comfort after a long flight - its a private collection in a 4WD with cold towels and refreshments! We are hoping its champagne / wine???!!! Can't wait!
We read on Trip Advisor a few lucky people have been upgraded to suites - chance would be a fine thing!

when are you off on your holiday?

Heading off towards end of next month, a week in Thailand and a few days in Singapore on the way back.
Hope the rainy season does not start early, BTW know Singapore quite well as my wife and I have stopped over on various trips over the years, however will be staying in Traders for first time, anybody have any feedback on Traders. Stayed in Traders KL last year and at check in were we offered a Club Room for $28 US extra a night which we thought was really good value as we got a room on a higher floor with a fantastic view of the Petronas Towers, breakfast in the Club lounge and evening drinks 5-7pm. Has body had a similar experience with Traders Singapore?