Khao Lak, rebuilding after the Tsunami

Rochine Williams
Dec 9, 2016
3 min read

Three hours drive in the pouring rain and we finally arrived in Khao Lak. The night before, in Krabi, there was a huge monsoon down pour and it wasn't until we arrived in Karbi, we found out it was very serious and people had been killed in landslides near to the town we had just moved from. We were of course shocked and relieved that we had moved on.

Khao Lak has been a little piece of paradise for us. Before arriving here, I did a lot of research about the area as I knew it was the worst place hit and affected by the catastrophic Tsunami back in 2004. It was saddening to see that after 12 years there are parts of the town that are still in ruin from the disaster. The trip into the town seems rather normal until you pass the enormous ship, that was washed up during the Tsunami and now forms the Tsunami museum and memorial site. I'd be lying if I said it didn't play on my mind and I can't imagine how terrified those people must have been but the people there have hope. Their land is again bringing tourism and the large luxury resorts that generate money and jobs for the local people are 2nd to none! Their energy and positive vibe is contagious and everyone you pass stops to say hello and make polite conversation. In all of the places we have visited in Thailand, this is by far the friendliest place. The people here are just wonderful and the service everywhere you go is 1st class.

On arrival we were greeted with a fresh fruit juice and flowers were placed on our wrists and neck. we were then guided around the resort by Laura the wonderful manager and finally shown to our room. Our beach front villa had a full wall of floor to ceiling windows that framed the sapphire sea and golden sand. Never before had we stayed in such luxury! There was fresh fruit on the table and bottled water delivered daily, along with a bed turn down service and a menu for pillows! Yes, that's right, you could choose the firmness of pillow you'd like and order it by calling reception! we'd never seen anything like it.

The resort itself was beautiful and we enjoyed swimming up to the bar and ordering a cheeky cocktail. What i didn't know was that, prior to arriving, Matt

had arranged a romantic dinner on the beach for us and it was just beautiful. The gazebo was set under the stars and decorated with fresh flowers, heart shaped leaves and illuminated with dozens of candles.

Walking around the town was super easy and we often went out of the resort to explore and eat. Thailand is full of amazing markets and Khao lak is no exception. There is a huge market selling everything from clothes, bags and household ornaments, to food, drinks and Scorpios on a stick...No, I wasn't brave enough, they looked disgusting! We did however, find our favorite board game, Jackpot, That we first came across in Phuket after a heavy night of gambling with the barmaid for shots of tequila! We bought one as a keep sake along with lots of souvenirs for our nearest and dearest. I'm going to be devastated to have to leave this amazing place but it has been the best possible ending to our Asian adventure.