Phang Nga Bay

It is also home to many outstanding natural attractions including the stunning views of Phang Nga Bay, the idyllic Similan and Surin Islands, and the gently white sandy beach of Khao Lak. This is the ideal destination for all visitors, especially sea sports lovers.

In the 18th century, there were 3 cities with equal administrative status in Phang Na: Takuapa, Takuatung, and Phang Nga. The city of Phang Nga was founded in 1809 under the reign of King Rama II, during the war with the neighboring Burmese. To strengthen the defensive power in this strategically important area, in 1840, Phang Nga became a province and Takuatung was downgraded into a district. In 1931, Takuapa was also merged into Phang Nga province. On December 26, 2004, Phang Nga was one of the places devastated by the destruction of the Indian Ocean Tsunami. However, under the effort of the government, the citizens as well as international aid, Phuket has witnessed the rise of Phang Na once again to become one of the best destinations in Thailand despite the destruction and sufferings from the natural disaster.

The aerial view of Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Province is located in the western part of Peninsular Malaysia and encompasses many islands of Phang Nga Bay, the most famous of which is James Bond Island - a ridge of limestone rising to hold the sea, spectacular as portrayed in The Man with the Golden Gun Movie. Ao Phang-Nga National Park (Phang Nga Bay), one of the most visited places, was established in 1981 to protect many of these beautiful islands. Similan Islands – an ideal destination for diving lovers also belongs to Phang Nga province.

Andaman Coast is famous for national parks, each with a unique look, yet all are beautiful. The Surin and Similan Islands are attractive to tourists for pristine beaches, majestic underwater landscapes as well as being a destination for divers from all over the world. On the mainland of Phang Nga, Khao Lak is well known for a coastal park with all the rare birds, exotic mammals, romantic and charming waterfalls, as well as many luxurious and affordable hotels. Although it was devastated in 2004 by the tsunami, the park has been completely rebuilt and attracts countless tourists every year.

Beautiful seaview in Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga is indeed famous for its majestic beauty, especially Phang Nga Bay. The bay has hundreds of islands including Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai and Koh Tapu (James Bond Island), the island where the movie "The Man with the Golden Gun" was filmed. Phang Nga is also home to two of the most beautiful island groups in Thailand: Mu Koh Similan National Marine Park and Mu Koh Surin.

As one of the leading tourist destinations in Thailand, Phang Nga has a myriad of attractions keeping visitors' hearts and impressions. The following are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Phang Nga. Ao Phang Nga National Park was declared a national park in 1981. It has many scenic spots and highlights with limestone blocks scattered in coastal waters and fanciful caves. The park is fertile, rich with mangroves, and several islands in the vicinity. Ko Panyi: a fishing village on stilts.

Fishing village in Phang Nga

Mu Ko Similan National Park: a group of nine islands also attracts curious tourists. Mu Ko Surin National Park: an archipelago of five islands: Ko Surin Nuea, Ko Surin Tai, Ko Ri, Ko Khai, and Ko Klang, suitable for an adventurous trip. The islands located in the Andaman Sea, near the maritime border between Thailand and Burma, also worth visited. There are beautiful coral reefs, which are suitable for diving. Ko Phra Thong: A large island northwest of Phang Nga is another beautiful spot. On the island, there are many beautiful beaches and a large freshwater reservoir. At Khao Lak - Lam Ru National Park: There are lush pine forests, suitable for camping and relaxing. Finally, the Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park is famous for a long pristine beach with the Sea Turtle Festival held every year.

Phang Nga National Park

Like other tourist destinations, Phang Nga has restaurants that serve both Thai and international cuisine. However, Thai food in the South varies slightly from that in central and northern Thailand. Known for its pungent spicy taste, southern Thai recipes are strongly influenced by Malay, Indonesian and Indian cuisines as these countries have played a historic role in the region. Representative dishes of these influences include Massaman- an Indian-style Muslim curry, and Khanom Jeen- rice noodles filled with fish curry sauce. Seafood is also one of the specialties of the region. Fresh fish and shellfish are often displayed outside the restaurants nearby the beach where diners can choose the dish you want, the ingredients you favor as well as the way you want to cook the seafood. As for regional specialties, Koh Panyi is famous for shrimp while Takuapa is known for Chinese baked goods. These are all of the must-try food that every tourist should experience when coming to Phang Na.

Phang Nga Seafood

Phang Na’s famous accommodation includes the extremely comfortable resorts or cultural homestays, where you can either enjoy a luxurious stay or an “into nature and culture” experience at Phang Na. Buses from Bangkok to Phang Nga depart daily in the morning and in the evening which takes about 12 hours. For more information, tourists can call the South Bus Terminal or Phang Nga Bus Station. There is no direct train to Phang Nga. Thai State Railway has a daily train service between Bangkok and Surat Thani. Visitors can get to Phang Nga by getting off at Surat Thani station and take a bus to Phang Nga for 2 hours. The airport closest to Phang Nga is Phuket. There are many Thai and international airlines flying from destinations in Thailand and abroad. From Phuket, visitors can take a bus, rent a car, or take a taxi (about 1,200 baht) to Phang Nga. You can also fly to Krabi, then rent a car or take a small bus to Phang Nga, which takes about 2 hours.