Before tourism became the main source of income for the people here, they worked in tin mining, rubber and coconut plantations or the fishing industry (mostly small, offshore longtail boat fishermen). Until the end of the 1980's there were only a couple of small settlements in the wider area; hardly any foreigner ever passed through, except some Chinese immigrants who came here about 100 years ago. A small fishing village called Khao Lak, which was destroyed in the tsunami of 2004, gave name to a whole region. Khao Lak village was situated about 5 km south of what nowadays is called Khao Lak. At the beginning of the 90's the former rubber farming community "La On" became the central tourist spot. Yet still a village, it took over the name "Khao Lak town" and further development branded a whole region with this now popular name. Khao Lak today consists of the following villages and communities: La On, Bang Niang, Khukkhak, Pakweep and Bang Sak.

Local net fishing

In La On at Nang Thong Beach, the first touristy development took place in 1987 in form of the first Bamboo Bungalow Beach Resort (Gerd&Noi Bungalows) and the first organized dive trips to the Similan islands (Poseidon Similantour, at that time with longtail boats).

At the end of the 90's the first real boom took place when Khao Lak showed up in the catalogues of package tourism operators. But natural conditions, the ocean to the west and mountains to the east, limited further development in La On and Nang Thong Beach.
Bang Niang, 3 km north of La On became the next village to place further development for visitors from all over the world, mainly Europe with the biggest share coming from Germany and Sweden. Khao Lak could have died completely on the 26th of December 2004 when a massive tsunami rolled over the beaches, destroying everything in its wake. A lot of foreigners, but even more Thais and Burmese lost their lives on that day. But Khao Lak survived and is better than ever before, now having a strong community of supporters, visitors and lovers of Khao Lak that come back year after year or have decided to stay for good and enjoy the tropical way of beach life.

New hope shortly after the tsunami

How is Khao Lak post-tsunami?
This is the question a lot of people ask about Khao Lak. One of the areas most affected by the tsunami of 2004, Khao Lak has made an incredible recovery. Hotels have re-opened and are more stylish than ever, with new features and better facilities.
Around the area, shops, banks (and cash machines) as well as photo shops, bars and new restaurants with tempting menus are all ready to welcome back visitors. Local tours around the beautiful national parks continue to operate; divers report superb water clarity and excellent diving conditions around the renowned Similan islands. So if you want to see this naturally beautiful place and experience great hospitality, low prices and less crowds, come and visit soon; words spread out fast and secrets are quickly revealed.