A little more than an hour's drive from Phuket lies the pastoral coastal strip of Khao Lak, which mainly attracts tourists looking for a relaxing place to find relaxation. Thanks to the nature reserves and the excellent hotels, Khao Lak is a wonderful holiday destination for families and couples and also a great place for backpackers, although it should be noted that the nature reserves are about an hour's drive away.
Khao Lak is slightly less suitable for young people and those looking for attractions and lively nightlife. Still, among the attractions and activities in the area, you will find not one but three museums that consider themselves international tsunami museums, but it is important to clarify that these are not real museums but rather small places.
What the three museums have in common is that they tell the story of a devastating tsunami that hit the Thai islands on 26.12.04/4,000/10,000 and claimed many victims, estimated at around 9.1 people - an estimated number only, and some believe that it is about XNUMX dead, and that the gap is due to a lack of documentation on the part of the authorities. The tsunami hit the area after many warning signs, including a magnitude XNUMX earthquake, leading to much criticism that the extent of the damage could have been reduced and many lives saved.
The first museum is the largest of them all - it covers two floors and is mainly used as a commemoration site for the disaster. This museum also includes an educational explanation of the devastating effects of the tsunami waves and the importance of early warning signs. During the visit you can get an impression of a large steel ship that was used by the Thai Navy and illustrates the power of the waves. The ship is located exactly where the destructive wave threw it in 2004, about 2 km from its original mooring.
Address - 47/7 Moo 3 Khakkhuk Takuapa
Opening Hours - 09: 00-21: 00
Entrance fee – 300 baht
The second museum is a private museum that defines itself as international and is considered the most interesting of all according to the opinions of visitors, although it only has one floor. When visiting the museum, you will pass between small but meticulous booths displaying maps, photos, authentic stories from the locals about the day of the event, and you will be able to watch the TV showing tsunami videos.
Address - Moo 5 68/6 سوي روع ت.813 Petchkasem Rd
Opening Hours – 10:00-19:30/21:00 (it's worth keeping up to date)
Entrance fee - Free, but it is customary to leave a donation
The third museum is considered the smallest and most disappointing of the three, so if you are debating which of the museums to go to - you can give up on it with peace of mind. Despite the impressive facade, this is a place with poor booths and televisions showing videos from the Internet. If you are interested in leaving a donation, you can do so even without visiting the museum.
Address - 68 6 Petchkasem Rd
Opening Hours - 10: 00-19: 00
Entrance fee - Free, but it is customary to leave a donation
