Ban Khao Lak Travel Forum

My husband and I have stayed in Khaolak for the last three years. We know that the places we stayed in have been destroyed. We were due to come back again in May but were wondering if we should, we want to support the locals by spending our money, but don't want to get in the way if people are still grieving or if the locals have gone.
We were thinking of staying at the Similana resort or the Baan Krating resort both of which are still operating. Any feedback would be appreciated.
We are going to Patong as well, but were just not sure whether to come further North.

Yes, go there! As the local says; "we need our income from tourists visiting us, not donations."
Charter from scandinavia started again first of feb. Khao Lak was filled with norwegians and many many sweedes.... Don't think you are alowed into those worse hit places like Khao Lak and Phi Phi when your a "normal" tourist.
The beach at Patong are almost empty now, not a normal high season this year.

Here are some useful links
http://www.phuketgazette.com/
http://www.phuketstar.com/
http://www.phuket.com/index.html

Have a nice trip to lovely Phuket.

GREAT REPLY ruffen. I totaly agree.

A couple of weeks ago I was in Krabi. The western press and lame travel agencies have certainly done a good job in scaring off the tourists. Most areas are rebuilt now. Phi Phi was still closed down two weeks ago when I was last there, they are rebuilding and were very badly hit.

If Khao Lak is suffering now, they definitely should be up and running to full steam by end of March. Krabi was already fully repaired (minimal damage), and Ao Nang looked fantastic - and empty.

Come and spend your money, and North too !!!!

Different things about Khao Lak I hope if they can do until the end of this year but I don't think so just been there and around on 1st Feb.
Suraphon

You can go there without any doubt. I just returned from Khao Lak and many hotels and resorts are damaged or fully destroyed. However it came to my notice that the Thai people are working very hard to get the tourists back. If they grieve, they don't show you. A remarkable kind of people and very flexible. You would help them by staying there. I myself was there to do some identificationwork and had not much time to see more of the country but after this sad work I take my wife to Khao Lak or Phuket at the end of this year and go back there.

Harry