Khao Lak (, ) is a series of villages, now tourist-oriented, mainly in the Takua Pa District and partly in the Thai Mueang District of Phang Nga Province, Thailand. The name "Khao Lak" literally translated means 'Main Mountain'. This was one of the peaks used by ancient sea farers as a landmark to guide them into the safe harbor at Thaplamu. Lak mountain is one of the main peaks in the hilly small mountainous region (maximum height in Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park. The tiny village of Ban Khao Lak, the original beach, Hat Khao Lak, and the bay of Khao Lak (Ao Khao Lak) actually all lie in the Lam Kaen sub-district of Thai Mueang District. However the name Khao Lak has now grown to enclose many other villages in the area, mostly on the Northern side of the mountain in the Khukkhak sub-district of Takuapa district. Location Khao Lak is located in Phang Nga Province of Southern Thailand. Approximately 100km from the Island of Phuket, 130km from Krabi town and 30km from the old tin mining town of Takuapa. Beaches Beach boundaries are fluid, and vary with local prejudices, official government pronouncements, and the marketing efforts of local resorts. It is generally accepted that Khao Lak beaches include (from south to north): Khao Lak Beach, south of the headland marking the southern boundary of the region Nang Thong Beach, in the village of Bang La On (frequently called—mistakenly—Khao Lak) Bang Niang, in the village of the same name some 2–3 km (1.5 to 2 miles) north of Bang La On Khuk Khak, in the village of the same name some 2–3 km (1.5 to 2 miles) north of Bang Niang Cape Pakarang, north of Khuk Khak Bang Sak, north of Cape Pakarang Taken together, these beaches stretch for some along the Andaman Sea. All beaches are public, as are all beaches in Thailand. Economy Since the tsunami, Khao Lak's infrastructure and economy have bounced back. Coastal resorts have been reconstructed or repaired, and new ones have been built or are in the process of being built. In 2016, there were reportedly 7,822 hotel rooms at 104 registered accommodations. Occupancy rates range from 70-90 percent during the high season period (November–March). History The lush area around Khao Lak was once called Takola. Artifacts dating back to 1,400 years show evidence it was a significant coastal town and trading post