Phang Nga is a Thai province situated along the Andaman Sea. It is known for its remarkable natural landscapes, including limestone cliffs, emerald-green waters, caves, and lagoons. The provincial capital, also named Phang Nga, is located on the main island.
Take a boat tour of Phang Nga Bay, stopping at Khao Phing Kan, famously known as James Bond Island after its appearance in the movie The Man with the Golden Gun. Dive enthusiasts can enjoy exploring the Similan Islands, considered one of the top diving destinations in the world. For a serene beach experience, stroll along the white sands of Khao Lak Beach, which has fewer crowds than nearby Krabi and Phuket.
If you're planning a trip to Southern Thailand, make sure to include a visit to Phang Nga to experience its stunning natural landscapes firsthand!
Songthaews, pick-up trucks with two bench seats for passengers, are a popular mode of public transportation in Phang Nga. Each ride typically costs THB 10-15. If you want more flexibility, you can rent a songthaew for the day. Make sure to negotiate the price with the driver to get the best deal.
Explore Ao Phang Nga National Park, renowned for its limestone karsts and white-sand beaches. Covering an area of 400 km², it includes the famous Khao Phing Kan and vast mangrove forests. You can enjoy full-day boat tours around the national park. Another top attraction is the Similan Islands, which offer some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in Thailand. Besides exploring the sea, visit Wat Suwan Kuha, an impressive temple inside a cave featuring a golden reclining Buddha.
If you only plan to explore Phang Nga Bay, one day is enough to see Ao Phang Nga National Park, including Khao Phing Kan (James Bond Island). You'll also have time for activities like kayaking and snorkeling. However, Phang Nga has more to offer, including the Similan Islands. To dive in the Similan Islands, plan for at least two days and one night. You can join live-aboard tours departing from Khao Lak for a hassle-free experience.
Don't miss Phang Nga Elephant Park, located near the town of Phang Nga, where you can interact with elephants and learn about their role in Thai culture. Phang Nga is also known for the Turtle Conservation Festival, held at Hat Thai Mueang Beach in Khao Lak. This festival, usually held in March, allows you to participate in releasing hatchlings into the sea.
The best time to visit Phang Nga is during the dry season, from November to April. During these months, the weather is pleasant with less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as island hopping and diving. Meanwhile, the monsoon season, from May to October, brings heavy rains and rough seas that can limit outdoor activities and boat trips.
Phang Nga is located approximately 780 kilometers south of Bangkok. The most convenient way to travel is by flying to Phuket International Airport, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Phuket, you can take a bus or taxi to Phang Nga. Alternatively, you can take a bus directly from Bangkok to Phang Nga, but this journey is less convenient as it takes around 19 hours.
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