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The Delights of Phang Nga
Phang Nga has its key attractions of caves, waterfalls, temples and the archaeological site of Ban Thung Tuek. It is also blessed with a remarkable geological site, which made Phung Nga a vital province to explore as well as one of the best scuba diving sites in Thailand. Absolutely, Phang Nga features many breathtaking beaches, and some choices of resort accommodation, which is perfect for a peaceful vacation amongst the most wonderful natural scenery.
Climate
The rainy season lasts from May to October, yet most days are sunny. The best time to visit is between December to April. Islands
Ao Phang-nga
Ao Phang-nga covers a total area of 400 square kilometers, established a marine national park in 1981. Mangrove forests along the shoreline are perfectly fertile and pristine as well as the biggest area in Thailand. The park covers an archipelago of 42 islands and islets. However, the park has its remarkable feature of weirdly shaped limestone and mostly deserted. This classic karst landscape was formed by Phang Nga fault movements that crush the enormous limestone obstructs into geometric formations. Many have great features, such as Khao Khian, where prehistoric rock paintings can be seen on the cliffs; Koh Panyi where there is a Muslim fishing village built on stilts; Koh Phanak features beautiful caves, and “James Bond Island” which is famous for the location of the movie “The Man with the Golden Gun.”
Many tour operators organize a trip to visit these islands, the boats depart either from the Customs Pier (Tha Dan) on the Phang-nga mainland, or from Phuket.
Mu Koh Similan
Similar to Ao Phang Nga, Mu Koh Similan is also preserved as a national marine park in 1982, covers a total area of 32,000 acres. The park is in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Phang Nga Province. It takes about a 3-hour boat ride from the mainland. The archipelago covers nine islands of Koh Bon, Koh Bayu, Koh Similan, Koh Payu, Koh Miang (two adjacent islands), Koh Payan, Koh Payang, and Koh Huyong. The islands feature classic scenery of granite, not limestone which makes them an exceptional beauty. The formations are also uniquely different. Its nature hiking tracks and other onshore attractions are also popular, however, Similan’s reputation is its 30 wonderful and extraordinary dive sites. Sloping coral reefs, huge colourful sea fans and barrel sponges, rock reefs, swimthroughs and other underwater delights provide a wide variety of diving experiences, while plenty of shallows offer excellent conditions for snorkelling.
Similan Islands No.8 is the best spot. Fantasy Reef is a great spot to enjoy the magnificent of underwater boulder formations that cover this huge area. 
Mu Koh Surin
This National Marine Park was declared on July 9, 1981. It consists of five islands including Koh Surin Nuea, Koh Surin Tai, Koh Ri, Koh Kai, and Koh Klang. The park covers the area of more than 33,000 acres, is located north of the Similans. The islands are best accessible from the Khura Buri Pier (125 km. north of Phang Nga town), and takes 4 hours. Its key attractions are scuba-diving and snorkelling, due to its spectacular coral formations. However, the two largest islands, Koh Surin Nuea and Koh Surin Tai (North and South islands, respectively) feature good potential for exploring on land, with several hiking tracks and, on Koh Surin Tai, there is a Sea Gypsy village or Moken community.
Other Attractions of Interest
Tham Phung Chang
This cave is located within the grounds of Wat Phra Phat Phra Chim Kaet behind the Provincial Hall. This cave is another Unseen Thailand. There are stalagmites, stalactites and a stream that runs year-round. Two-hour trips on foot, or by canoeing, and rafting through the cave are available (contact Thongthae Sea Canoe Tel. 0 7641 2292.)
Khao Lampi-Haad Thai Mueang National Park
The National Park has a total area of 18,000 acres. It was declared a national park on April 14, 1988. The key features are Namtok Lampi (a 6-tired waterfall reaching a height of about 100 metres) and Ton Phrai (a large waterfall with a powerful flow year-round). Haad Thai Mueang is a long beach where the Sea Turtle Festival is held annually.
Wat Suwan Khuha The temple is located at Mu 2, Tambon Krasom, this is one of Phang-nga’s most important and most glamorous Buddhist temples. This temple features both historical and archaeological significance. Located within the temple boundary is a series of wonderful caves, the largest cave is Tham Yai with its measurement of more than 20 metres by 40 metres, enshrines various manners of Buddha images. The biggest Buddha image is a magnificent 15-metre Reclining Buddha.
Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park
The national park was declared in August 1991. It covers a vast area of 150 square kilometers including Amphoe Thai Mueang, Amphoe Kapong, Amphoe Takua Pa, and Amphoe Mueang. The park encircles both mountain and coastal environments and offers a number of interesting features such as Haad Khao Lak, Haad Nang Thong, Haad Bang Niang. Khao Lak Mountain is renowned for the shrine of Chao Pho Khao Lak and also the 5-tier waterfall of Lam Ru. Laem Pakarang features groves of pine, which make a perfect place for camping and relaxation, and Namtok Ton Chang Fa (waterfall).
Tham Lot
Beautiful stalagmite and stalactite formations can be seen in this cave, which is located in the Ao Phang-nga area.
Ban Thung Tuek Ancient Town
Located in Amphoe Khura Buri is Ban Thung Tuek. It shows a few archaeological remains that attest to its ancient importance as a port of call for Arab, Indian and Malay merchants engaged in the spice trade.
Wat Rat Uppatham or Wat Bang Riang
Located in Tambon Bang Riang on Khao Lan hill, the temple offers several structures including an elaborate bell-shaped pagoda called Chedi Phutthathambanlue. The hilltop pagoda features a view of wavy mountains and hills as well as a huge Buddha image and a Guan-yin Chinese Goddess statue.
Koh Yao has an area of 137 square kilometres (34,000 acres). The majority of the population is Muslim. The island is comprised of 2 main islands: Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai.
Sporting Opportunities
Scuba-diving
The best dive sites of Thailand are located off the shores of Phang Nga. Mu Koh Similan and Mu Koh Surin especially feature breathtaking diving spots. To explore these spectacular waters is possible by joining a diving trip organized by various dive operators. With newly discovered reefs, Khao Lak Marine National Park is home to a abundance of marine creatures.
Snorkelling
All features are similar to scuba-diving, snorkelling conditions in the waters off Phang Nga are superb.
Sea Canoeing and Kayaking
Many of the islands in Phang Nga feature mangroves, limestone, coves, caves and streams. These spectacular features have transformed the area into a paradise. Tourists want to try out canoeing and kayaking, contact Phuket-based sea canoe operators for an adventurous journey. Khao Lak is another popular place to explore.
Special Events
Free the Turtles Fair
Held usually in March at Haad Thai Mueang, the 7-day festival is celebrated by the release of baby turtles into the sea.
Getting There
By Air
Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways operate several daily flights from Bangkok to Phuket, from there you can take a bus or rent a car for the 58-km. drive to Phang Nga.
By Bus
There are four daily bus services from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal (Tel: 0 2435 1199) to Phang Nga, the journey takes 12 hours.
By Car
It is 788 km. from Bangkok to Phang Nga, the drive taking around 12 hours. From Phuket to Phang Nga is 87 km. with a travel time of about 1 hour.
By Rail
There is no direct rail service to Phang Nga, and the closest railway station is Surat Thani, a two-hour bus ride away. For more information, please contact Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station, Tel.1690 or 0 2220 4334. Website: www.railway.co.th
Accommodation
A range of hotel and resort accommodation is available on Phang Nga mainland, while basic accommodation such as bungalows or tents are provided on both Mu Koh Similan and Mu Koh Surin.
Shopping
Phang Nga’s most famous local buys are its artificial flowers made from rubber and fish scales. The quite exquisite products are sold at the Phang Nga Provincial Agricultural Office (Tel: 0 7641 2019) and the Farmers Housewives Group.
Reference: Tourism Authority of Thailand
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