Tag: Khao Lak family resorts

The Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: An Ethical Adventure for Nature Lovers

The scenic region of Khaolak in Thailand is where you find all manner of nature-based experiences. But there’s one in particular that’s heartwarming as it is educational – a visit to the Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary.

elephant
Image by willm78 from Pixabay

A Move Towards Ethical Tourism

The Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary is dedicated to providing a safe and caring environment for elephants – animals who often get swept up in exploitative tourist attractions in Thailand. In doing so, the sanctuary is doing its part to turn the tide towards ethical tourism as the country becomes increasingly popular as a tourist destination.

The Work of Gentle Caretakers

How can one be sure that these elephants are in good hands? The sanctuary has a team of dedicated mahouts who share close connections with the elephants and attend to all aspects of their wellbeing, from feeding them to bathing them to taking them for walks – there’s no safer place for these animals than the sanctuary.

Fostering Community & Education

In addition to caring for the elephants the sanctuary also welcomes visitors and tourists from nearby Khao Lak family resorts to create awareness of ethical wildlife tourism. They also work closely with local communities to ensure their work has a positive impact on the region.

Meeting the Gentle Giants

Tourists visiting from nearby resorts like Avani+ Khao Lak Resort will get to meet and observe these gentle giants and even interact with them through feeding and bathing sessions. The sanctuary also provides other experiences like tea plantation visits and cooking classes for the culturally curious.

Visiting Thailand’s International Tsunami Museum: Learning from Past Tragedies

While Khao Lak is known today for its serene atmosphere and beautiful scenery, this quaint village in Thailand is no stranger to heartbreak and tragedy. Severely affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, Khao Lak’s story is one of perseverance amidst devastation that is still told at the International Tsunami Museum in Thailand. If you are keen to learn more about this tragic backstory here is all you need to know about the museum project.

Jens Rusch, 1aa SchildTsunami, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE

Origins

After the initial devastation and helplessness caused by the Tsunami, students from Phang Nga University recognised the need for education and remembrance in Khao Lak. This led to the creation of the International Tsunami Museum which was officially opened to the public in 2008. The museum is now popularly visited by those staying in nearby Khao Lak family resorts.

Purpose

The museum was established with three specific goals. The first is to commemorate and honour the victims of the disaster. The second is to raise awareness about tsunamis and their causes. The third is to equip the local community with the right skills and knowledge to face future calamities and natural disasters.

Exhibits and Stories

The museum features informative exhibits such as timelines, artefacts and data boards that chart the impact of the earthquake and the destructive path of the consequent tsunami. The museum’s walls also feature personal accounts and stories which tell of the tragedy and loss faced by many individuals.

What to Expect

If you plan to visit the museum from a nearby resort like Avani+ Khao Lak Resort and learn about the village’s tragic past, you’ll need to be prepared for an emotional experience. The exhibits truly convey the devastation from the disaster that leaves visitors feeling a swell of emotions.