Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Museum in Phang Nga serve as poignant tributes to the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. It sits quietly on the Northern part of Takua Pa District. There is no surprise that few tourists would venture far enough to find the Museum. But for those who do, it’s a humbling and unforgettable experience.
Getting to Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Museum is not the easiest feat. Booking a ride via Grab from our hotel proved tricky. Drivers were few, which isn’t surprising given how remote this area is. After about 20 minutes of patient waiting, we finally managed to secure a driver. The ride took us approximately 25 minutes through peaceful rural roads, giving us a glimpse of the local life.
We managed to discuss with our driver to take us to various other stops too. Not only did this save us the hassle of finding transportation again, but the rates were also reasonable. If you’re planning a visit, I recommend arranging your ride in advance or hiring a local driver for the day.
Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Museum
We visited the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Museum, which offers free admission, but we found the place completely deserted. Our visit began with a short video presentation on tsunami preparedness, and how to remain calm in the face of such disasters. A staff member then guided us through the timeline of the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami on December 26, 2004.
This wasn’t just a history lesson. It was a retelling of a heartbreaking event. The tsunami claimed over 1,000 lives in this village alone. It destroyed over 90% of the village’s buildings, and severely damaged more than 400 boats. Six Thai provinces, including Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Ranong, Trang, and Satun were affected.
The next section of the museum displays artifacts – damaged household items, personal belongings, and remnants from the day the waves struck. They not only serve as a reminder of the devastation but also highlight the incredible resilience of the local community.
In the aftermath, villagers worked together to build a network of tsunami escape routes, clearly marked by signs scattered throughout the village. These signs show directions, destinations, and distances to the nearest safe zone. Each year, the community conducts a tsunami evacuation drill to honor those lives that were lost. It is also to prepare the current generation for a disaster we hope never happens again.
The Tsunami Evacuation Tower
Just outside the museum stands a striking structure inspired by a traditional fishing trap – the tsunami evacuation tower. This multifunctional tower serves as a refuge in case of emergency and as a lantern-lit memorial at night. From the top, you get a panoramic view of the coast and the tranquil village below. Also, a nearby wave wall shows the waves’ height, with boat models highlighting the scale of destruction.
Ban Nam Khem is just one stop in the larger Tsunami Remembrance Route in Phang Nga. Other sites include:
- Police Boat T813 Tsunami Memorial
- Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial
- Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Museum
- Tsunami Cemetery for Unidentified Victims
In conclusion, visiting the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Museum is not your typical tourist activity. It is solemn and deeply educational. While getting there may take some effort, especially with limited transport options, it is a place to go beyond the beaches and bars of Thailand.
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Visitor Information
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday & Public Holidays – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Close on Monday to Tuesday
Location: พิพิธภัณฑ์สึนามิบ้านน้ำเค็ม Bang Muang, Takua Pa District, Phang Nga 82190, Thailand