Khao Lak, consisting of a number of beaches, belongs to the Phang Nga province, located some 50 kilometers north of Phuket. Khao Lak is notorious for its ubiquitous piece and quiet. There is practically nothing stressful around — for instance, Jet Ski and parasailing are forbidden — and the unique Thai friendliness and hospitality are evident on every single inch here.
Most famous beaches at Khao Lak are Bang Niang Beach, where the vast majority of hotels belong to the luxury bracket, and Nang Tong Beach with its southern part widely referred to as Sunset Beach.
Almost Wiped Out by the 2004 Tsunami
Between Christmas and New Year 2004, Khao Lak was more or less wiped out by the horrendous tsunami. Thousands of people died on the island, perhaps more than 10,000, out of which Swedes constituted the biggest group of nationality. Nowadays, things are back to normal — at least on the surface.
A National Disaster Warning Center has been established to counteract the tsunami disaster from happening again. Metrological and seismologic data is being gathered continuously from everywhere in the world. All along the Andaman Sea, there are towers ready to alarm in several languages in the case of an emergency.
