Memories are Made of This
For a long time now, Memories Beach Bar on Pakarang Beach has been a favourite hang-out of dedicated Khao Lak beach fans – from couples and families to backpackers and surfers. Here’s why…
I
f you are looking for the quintessential tropical beach bar – and if you’ re thinking powdery white sand, ice cold beer, Bob Marley and hammocks – then you can stop right here as your quest is over…
Memories Bar is in many ways the ultimate beach hotspot, yet it’s even cool enough to have it’s very own Surf Shop operating out of the same venue.
Your Hosts
Memories Bar is owned and operated by Khun Ching, 33, and his wife Toa and family in the same location on Pakarang Beach where Ching first worked as a boy in his uncle’s restaurant – cleaning the beach and opening parasols for guests from the nearby resort, now
the Apsara.
Khun Ching and Daughter Krateng
Born and raised in nearby Takua Pa, Ching dropped out of college in Bangkok to work here when he was younger and with the help and support of his wife and family he has now built up a thriving and established business.
What happens Here
The beachfront site includes a bar, restaurant, bungalows and for the last three years the Pakarang Surf Shop, which hires out boards and gives surfing lessons. There is also beach massage.
Special Events
Memories Bar holds a quiet and romantic ‘Candle Night Dinner’ every Thu. night. Live music (English songs) on Tue. and Sun. nights. Fire Shows on Mon.,Tue.,Thu. and Sat. nights.
Ambience and Vibe
Friendly and super-relaxed.The second you get within even a few metres of the main bar and restaurant you can feel the laid-back vibe begin to take over your body. Everything at Memories happens at its own pace and that’s what makes it such a special place. Couples laze on sun- beds on the beach outside the bar… a father enjoys an ice cold beer while his infant son sleeps in a hammock nearby… waiters amble from table to table with big smiles all around. You get the distinct feeling at Memories that everyone is doing their own thing all on the same, chilled wavelength.
Food and Drink
Exactly what you’d expect and want on a beach restaurant menu. A mix of Thai and international dishes, with everything from breakfast and burgers to Thai curries and omelettes. Simple yet satisfying whether it’s a daytime snack or a candlelit dinner under the stars.
Service
Always friendly, but can be a little ‘hit and miss’ occasionally depending on who is on duty and how busy the bar is. Expect to sometimes wait a little while for your food or bill to arrive, especially at busy times, but never to the point of it becoming annoying and hey, you’re on the beach after all…so what’s the rush, man?!
Good to Know
For the more hard-core travellers out there, Memories also has 5 simple bamboo beach bungalows for rent, situated just metres from the main beach. Call them direct for current rates or to make a booking.
Pakarang Surf Shop
Ching bought his surf business 3 years ago before he could even surf, and it’s now his greatest passion.
In the green season you will find him out every day in search of the best waves and recently he even came a respectable 4th-place in an annual longboard surfing event in Kamala, Phuket.
Pakarang surf shop has 20 long and 20 shortboards for rent as well as two surf guides teaching every level from absolute beginner to advanced.
Memories Beach Bar & Pakarang Surf Shop
Bar serving food, surf shop, budget accommodation, beach massage
Opening Times: Open daily 09.00 – 00.00 hrs
Website: Memories Bar Khao Lak
Phone: 089 729 2251
HOW TO GET THERE
Driving north on Highway 4 from central Khao Lak, pass Bang Niang and the gas station. A few hundred metres after the gas station drive past the large home improvements store ‘Home Mart’ on your right and take your next left turn at the top of the hill, just before the large sign for the Elephant Camp.There is a small sign here for Memories Bar which is about 3km away at the far end of this winding road.
