Khao Lak

Khao Lak was one of the areas most affected by the tsunamis that arose as a result of the earthquake in Sumatra in December 2004. A large number of foreign tourists were affected. The Sofitel hotel (owned by the French Accor group) located directly on the coast consisted of most resorts along the coastline of low-rise villas and 2-storey buildings.

Because of its location in a low area directly on the coast, the invading water had free play here. Over the five kilometer long coastline, most of the resorts had been washed away up to the higher highway. About 6,000 Thai, workers from Burma and foreign tourists died here. The evacuation of the foreigners got underway quite quickly due to the efforts of Thai aid workers. The movie The Impossible about a family on holiday that is lost by the enormous tidal wave plays a part in Kao Lak and is also included here.

When it is also on your bucket list:
picture source: http://www.elegantresorts.co.uk