What Resort Was the Impossible Filmed?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re a fan of heart-warming movies, there’s no way you could have missed ‘The Impossible’ – a movie that tells the true story of one family’s experience during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The stunning visuals and gripping performances have kept audiences hooked since its release in 2012.

But have you ever wondered where the movie was filmed? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the beautiful resort that was used as the primary filming location for ‘The Impossible.’

The movie was filmed on location in Thailand, which was one of the countries hit hardest by the tsunami. The primary filming location for ‘The Impossible’ was Khao Lak, a picturesque beach town located on Thailand’s west coast. The specific resort used for filming was the Khao Lak Merlin Resort, an expansive property that features lush gardens, multiple swimming pools and easy access to the beach.

Why Was Khao Lak Chosen?

Khao Lak was chosen as the primary filming location for ‘The Impossible’ due to its similarity to the actual location where the real-life family depicted in the movie stayed during their vacation. The production team scouted various locations in Thailand before finally settling on Khao Lak due to its stunning natural beauty and proximity to Phuket International Airport.

What Scenes Were Filmed at Khao Lak Merlin Resort?

Many of ‘The Impossible’s’ most memorable scenes were filmed at Khao Lak Merlin Resort. In particular, several scenes featuring Naomi Watts and Tom Holland were shot at one of the resort’s swimming pools. Another key scene that takes place towards the end of the movie was filmed on one of Khao Lak’s beautiful beaches.

If you’ve seen ‘The Impossible,’ you’ll know that water plays a major role throughout much of the film. To create realistic-looking tsunami sequences, parts of Khao Lak Merlin Resort were transformed into a disaster zone. The resort’s lobby and restaurant areas were used to film scenes depicting the aftermath of the tsunami, with debris and wreckage scattered throughout.

What Is Khao Lak Merlin Resort Like?

While ‘The Impossible’ showcases Khao Lak Merlin Resort in a state of disarray, it’s worth noting that the property is actually quite stunning under normal circumstances. The resort features more than 400 rooms, all of which are decorated in a contemporary Thai style. There are several restaurants on-site, as well as multiple swimming pools and an indulgent spa.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand and want to experience some of the magic of ‘The Impossible’ for yourself, consider adding Khao Lak to your itinerary. Even if you’re not a fan of the movie, this beautiful beach town is well worth a visit. With its stunning natural beauty and laid-back vibe, it’s easy to see why Khao Lak was chosen as the primary filming location for one of Hollywood’s most memorable disaster movies in recent years.