Phang-nga Bay or Ao Phang-nga National Park 

The Phang-nga National Park covers a vast area both onshore and offshore of about 250,000 rais (100,000 acres), covering the areas of Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Takua Thung, and Amphoe Ko Yao. It was declared a national park on 29th April B.E. 2524 (1981). Ao Phang-nga National Park is the second seacoast national park after Tarutao National Park.

Located northeast of Phuket, Phang-nga is reowned for its island-studded bay of haunting natural beauty. Typically, the approach to this wondrous seascape is via a river estuary which mangrove swamps evoke a primeval mood. The eeriness takes a dramatic turn as the estuary widens and the bay is suddenly revealed sprouting count-less weirdly shaped limestone outcrops swathed in tangles of creepers and shrubs. Some rise sheer from the water, others are humped or jagged abd all present an unearthly aspect.

While Phang-nga is most famous for its island-studded bay, the province's mainland offers a number of excellent beaches that are mostly overlooked by international travellers. Khao Lak is a delightful stretch of sand studded with granite boulders. Further interest lies in an offshore coral reef, 45 minutes away by boat, where the conditions are ideal for snorkelling.

Interesting in Phang-nga Bay

Several islands have notable features such as:

Koh Panyi is a small island which consists of limestone hills and plains. This is an interesting Muslim community. There are about 200 households of fishermen who have been living here for many years. On the island, there are several restaurants and souvenir shops.

Koh Phanak is a wonderful island which is the location of several caves that house stalactite and stalagmite formations as well as small cascade, which flows onto several tiers. This island can be called as "James Bond Island" because of it was the location of the movie "The Man with the Golden Gun"

Khao Phing Kan this island is called this name because of its nature of being split into two halves. The smaller rock slid down, with its foundation stuck under the ground and the upper parts still leaning against each other. Behind the mountain is the location of perfect scenery. Into the blue sea of Khao Tapu, a nail-shaped island, there is a solitary pillar. It is the most remarkable charm of the national park.

Khao Machu, It consists of a striking appearance rock formation on the way to Ko Panyi. It resembles a dog; its head, body, with a bushy tail.

Khao Khian, It is situated on the way to Panyi Island. There are pre-historic paintings which feature various kinds of animals on the cliff which stands above the sea. A research from the Department of Fine Arts has indicated that these paintings are over 3,000 years old. So this can be assumed that the paintings were painted by seamen who used this place to escape from the monsoon.

Tham Lot is a lofty limestone cave with a giant hollow whereby boats can pass through. In a hollow, numerous stalactite formations on its ceiling are there, beyond the hollow is a beautiful sight of the mangrove forest.

Koh Hong, with huge and little mountains. Sailing to this island gives you a feeling of being surrounded in a large hall with two doors. You will be given an immense feeling of the power of nature's creation.

Getting There

Ao Phang-nga National Park is situated 12 kilometers from Phang-nga town. Travel 8 kilometres from the town via Highway No. 4, then turn left into Highway No. 4114 and continue for 4 kilometres to the Ao Phang-nga National Parks headquarters where visitors will recieve tourist information. The trip can also be made by riding a local bus from Phang-nga town. Several tour operators in Phang-nga and Phuket organise a day trip to Phang-nga Bay.

Accommodation in Phang-Nga

For more information contact Ao Phang-nga National Park at 80 Mu 1, Tambon Ko Panyi, Amphoe Mueang, Phang-nga 82000 or tel. +66 7641 1136, +66 7641 2188.

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