Banks: 08:30 to 15:30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday
Shops: 10:00 to 18:00, daily; some open later and others open only at night
Business Offices: 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday

The only crime visitors should stay aware of is petty theft from your hotel room or bungalow. Always carry your cash, passport and valuables with you when you leave your room. If your resort has a safe, use it. Violent crime is extremely rare in Khao Lak, but single women walking the beaches at night should be cautious.

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz, with round two-prong sockets.

The food is generally well-prepared in the nicer resorts and restaurants, but be careful eating street food from the roadside stalls. Always drink bottled water and use plenty of sunscreen.

Should you have a serious medical emergency, you’ll need to head to Phuket, which has good hospitals. If they can’t help, catch a plane to Bangkok. For minor illnesses, there are pharmacies in Khao Lak.

Bangkok-Phuket Hospital : +66 76 245521

Thai is the language spoken in Khao Lak, although people involved in the tourism industry will be able to speak a little English.

Thailand uses the baht (BHT) as its currency. Notes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 baht. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, and 10 baht.

Khao Lak has several branches of the larger Thai banks, each of which has a currency exchange kiosk. You can also exchange money at your hotel, but usually at a worse rate. You will need baht at every restaurant and shop in town. No other currencies are accepted, and it’s a good idea to stock up on small baht bills as many shops can’t easily make change. Credit cards can be used in the larger hotels and a few shops. ATM’s can be found across Khao Lak and offer a convenient alternative to exchanging money.

Visitors may bring 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco, one litre of alcohol and a reasonable quantity of perfume without incurring a duty.

Things are much more relaxed at the beach than in other parts of Thailand, but that doesn’t mean you should forget the basic social rules. The wai, putting your palms together, is often used as a greeting, not handshakes. Don’t touch people on the head, and never put your feet up on a chair or table, or use them to point at something. Always remove your shoes before entering a room, temple or house unless asked to keep them on. Thais are quiet and polite, so do the same and try not to shout. Also, keep your cool in every situation, as public displays of anger are considered weak and uncouth. Finally, don’t talk about the king. Even the Thais don’t engage in casual gossip about the royal family.

Thais share their meals with each other, so the best thing to do is order a few dishes and a bowl of rice. The dishes will be put in the centre of the table and everyone can share. Service in beach towns is notoriously slack, so be patient and don’t expect prompt attention. Tips are not expected, but leaving your small change is nice unless the service was atrocious.

Thailand issues free 30-day tourist visas upon arrival to citizens from nearly every country. These can be extended for an additional ten days at the immigration office.

Your best source of information will probably come from your resort. With all the post-tsunami rebuilding, it’s likely there will be an official TAT tourist office along the main street before long.