Police Boat 813 Tsunami Memorial
The 60-ton police patrol boat the 2004 tsunami left in Bang Niang, about 1 km from the beach, now a free memorial park opposite Bang Niang Market.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 08:30–18:00
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Details
- Phone
- 076 481 484
Full opening hours
Tours that include Police Boat 813 Tsunami Memorial
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Police Boat 813 Tsunami Memorial.
Why go, and how to do it well
Police Boat 813 is the most direct way to understand what happened to Khao Lak on 26 December 2004. The Buretpadungkit, a 60-ton Royal Thai Police patrol boat, was anchored about a nautical mile off the coast that morning, guarding Princess Ubolratana, who was staying at a beach resort here. Her son was among those killed. The wave carried the boat about 2 km from its anchorage and left it in Bang Niang, roughly 1 km from the beach, and it has stayed exactly where it landed ever since.
The boat sits in a small memorial park on Highway 4, and standing beside it is what makes the height of the water real in a way photographs don't. Information boards around the park tell the story of the day, and a small exhibition room shows photographs, newspaper front pages and video footage, with donations going to a local school. A separate, larger tsunami museum stands a few steps away on the same stretch of road if you want more after this.
I'd give it half an hour and pair it with Bang Niang Market, which sets up directly across the highway on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons. It's a memorial first, so dress and behave the way you would at one.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
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Best rated within a 15-minute walk
Tours that include Police Boat 813 Tsunami Memorial
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Police Boat 813 Tsunami Memorial.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Police Boat 813 Tsunami Memorial, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 4 minLemon RestaurantRestaurants & Food · 350 m · 4.8★
- 5 minBang Niang MarketMarkets & Shopping · 380 m · 4.2★
- 5 minGecko Bar , KhaolakNightlife & Bars · 380 m · 4.7★
- 6 minCherrun Thai Massage KhaolakWellness & Spas · 440 m · 4.7★
- 6 minMr. Chay BarNightlife & Bars · 500 m · 4.9★
- 6 minTiki Bar Bang NiangNightlife & Bars · 500 m · 4.6★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Police Boat 813 Tsunami Memorial, round out your day in Khao Lak with contrasting stops nearby.
Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road), Moo 5, Ban Bang Niang, Khuekkhak Subdistrict, Takua Pa District, Phang Nga 82190, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore temples & culture nearby
All within 3.6 km away of Police Boat 813 Tsunami Memorial.
Wat Phanat Nikhom
A tranquil Buddhist temple in the Ban Bang Niang area, offering a glimpse into local spiritual life.
Somdej Ong Pathom Shrine
A revered Buddhist shrine in Khao Lak featuring a prominent seated Buddha image worth visiting.
Wat Phadung Tham Phothi Wat
A peaceful Buddhist temple in Khao Lak's Khuekkhak district, offering a quiet cultural retreat.
Bun Tao Gong Temple
A local Chinese shrine in Khao Lak offering a glimpse into the region's spiritual and cultural heritage.
Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Go Early Morning
Major temples like Wat Pho and Wat Arun are dramatically less crowded before 9 AM. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.
Police Boat 813 Tsunami Memorial: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Police Boat 813 Tsunami Memorial worth visiting?
Police Boat 813 Tsunami Memorial holds a 4.2★ rating from 502 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Khao Lak.
What are the opening hours of Police Boat 813 Tsunami Memorial?
Police Boat 813 Tsunami Memorial is typically open 08:30-18:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Police Boat 813 Tsunami Memorial?
The best months to visit Khao Lak are November – April (Similan season Oct 15 – May 15), with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February (strong European family season) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: May – October (rough seas, Similans closed).
Where is Police Boat 813 Tsunami Memorial located?
Police Boat 813 Tsunami Memorial is at Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road), Moo 5, Ban Bang Niang, Khuekkhak Subdistrict, Takua Pa District, Phang Nga 82190, Thailand, in Khao Lak. Getting around Khao Lak: Songthaews along the main coastal road (Phetkasem highway); Motorbike rental (฿250–300/day; the resort areas string along one road).
Also popular in Khao Lak
Khaolak Super Mart
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NAREE Massage
A highly regarded massage venue in Khao Lak, open late daily for post-beach relaxation.
Sea Dragon Dive Center
One of Khao Lak's original dive operations — Similan liveaboards and day trips run with decades of local experience, from the town that gates the islands.
Similar Temples & Culture across Thailand
The Big Buddha, Phuket
A 45-meter marble Buddha on a hilltop, though the front is closed and you'll be viewing from behind.
Princess Cave
Get there by 8am or the tour boats will take the whole beach off you.
Wat Phra Yai
A 12-meter gilded Buddha, free entry and 360-degree views over the bays make it half an hour well spent.
Buriram Castle
Castle-style architecture built for photographs, and it works best after dark when the heat's gone.
