The latest pictures from Ko Lanta in Krabi Province

Note: this page is an archive of information posted on a previous version of the Your Krabi site. It was created to disseminate information directly from the Krabi area in the wake of the 26 December 2004 tsunamis in the Indian Ocean. It has not been updated since January 2005, but has been kept in its original form for those who are interested in how events took place in the months following the tsunami.
For more pictures of Krabi, please see our current Krabi Photo galleries.
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These pictures were taken on 26 January 2005, exactly a month after tidal waves struck, on the western coast of Ko Lanta, where the vast majority of the holiday resorts on the island are situated. Our thanks to Pimalai Resort & Spa, who provided the transportation for this boat tour.

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POST TSUNAMI PICTURES FROM KO LANTA - 26 Jan 2005

The worst hit beach in Lanta was the thin strip of sand at its northwestern tip, known as 'Deer Neck', or Kaw Kwang. One resort here was badly damaged and many trees felled. This resort, and Twin Bay, nearby on the northern part of Klong Dao beach, will not re-open this season.
As for the rest of the island, it suffered minimal damage on only some of its beaches and now, a month later, most visible signs of destruction have been cleared up. Like most of Krabi province, it is much quieter than usual, with holidaymakers enjoying beaches almost to themselves.
Note the collapsed pavilion on this beach. All damaged buildings we saw have been inspected to see if they are structurally sound and sealed off for repair.
The famous beach bar, Otto's, which relocated to Klong Nin last year, is open and fine.
Kantiang Bay Bungalows, on one of the most beautiful stretches of sand to the south of the island, suffered no damage to any of its beachfront accommodation.
The Why Not? beach bar in Kantiang Bay.
The view of Kantiang Bay from the hillside bungalows.
One casualty of the tsunami was one of the most popular restaurants on the island, Same-Same-But-Different. The predominantly bamboo and wood structure was simply swept away, along with many antique vases and handicrafts that made up the restaurant's distinctive decor.
The restaurant is busily being rebuilt by a team of twenty workers and hopes to re-open next month, in time for the Lanta Laanta Festival.
Will it look the same as before, we asked the owner, Ko Liang (in the orange shirt). The answer, of course, was "same-same-but-different."
The five-star Pimalai Resort & Spa is certainly less busy than usual, but still providing a full service to its guests. Six of its beachfront villas suffered water damage, but will re-open next week.
Nature Bar, along with other 'hippy' bars on Klong Nin beach suffered damage to speakers etc. but are open as normal.
Longtail boats, both for fishing and tourist excursions, are back out and operational.
The new Lanta Casuarina Resort on Long Beach (Phra Ae) is intact.
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