along the affected coastline. In April 2012, it received its most recent test following an earthquake off the coast of Sumatra. Audible warning sirens alerted the local population to the possibility of a tsunami roughly 2 hours before estimated landfall, allowing the populace to move to higher ground inland. The 2012 film The Impossible is based on the true story of the family of María Belón, who survived the 2004 tsunami, and was also filmed in Khao Lak. Administration The Khao Lak region falls almost entirely within the Khuk Khak Sub-district (tambon) of the Takua Pa District (amphoe) of Phang Nga Province. The Takua Pa District is divided into eight sub-districts. The village of Ban Khao Lak does not fall within the Khuk Khak sub-district, the area commonly thought of as "Khao Lak". Weather in Khao Lak The weather in Khao Lak can be separated into two distinct seasons. The dry season between November and April, and the monsoon season from May to October. Khao Lak is mostly warm all year round with temperatures averaging around 28°C to 32°C. In the dry season it is not uncommon for Khao Lak to go without rain for around six weeks at a time. This is the main tourist season when the weather is more settled. During this time the wind generally comes from the East, meaning the town is sheltered by its position on the Western side of the mountains near the coast. In the monsoon season however the wind changes direction and comes from the West where it reflects off of the mountains and causes strong winds, waves and storm like conditions in the area. References External links A detailed map of the Khao Lak area A detailed map showing Khao Lak at the time of the 2004 tsunami Photos of the rescue work after the tsunami National Geographic Society: The Deadliest Tsunami in History Discovery Travel Khao Lak - Khao Lak Weather Beaches of Thailand Tourist attractions in Phang Nga province Geography of Phang Nga province Populated places in Phang Nga province