Thailand Guides - Phang-Nga

Phang-nga Province is blessed with turquoise waters and striking rock formations. As the location of the famous James Bond Island it is also one of the most recognisable destinations in the world.

Overview

Phang-nga is situated 95 kilometres northeast of Phuket. Occupying a sheltered spot in the Andaman Sea it benefits from crystal clear waters, stunning coral formations and marine life. Within the Ao Phang-nga National Marine Park there are many small islands, limestone cliffs, strange rock formations, caves and traditional fishing villages. The town of Phang-nga itself is a small town on the mainland and does possess a certain charm but little of interest to see or do.

Attractions

Ao Phang-nga National Park was established in 1981 and covers an area of 400 square kilometres. Contained within the boundaries of the park are many weird and wonderful limestone outcrops and some of the last remaining mangrove forests in Thailand. Undoubtedly the biggest tourist attraction in the park is Koh Phing Kan or James Bond Island as it has come to be known. Many of the limestone islands and caves in the area feature prehistoric rock paintings and carvings. Images include human figures, bats, birds, fish and crabs. Paintings can be seen at Khao Khian, Koh Panyi, Koh Raya and Tham Nak.

Koh Panyi is a small island at the heart of Ao Phang-nga and the site of a famous Muslim fishing village built on stilts. The village attracts hoards of tourists during the day and has become extremely commercialised. Other less well-known stilted fishing villages are situated in the mangrove forests and include Ban Ling, Ban Mai Phai and Ban Sam Chong.

Mu Koh Similan National Park is 70 kilometres away from Phang-nga town and covers an area of 32,000 acres. The area, which is home to nine islands, is held in high regard for its outstanding beauty above and below the water. The largest island in the group is Koh Similan or Koh Paet which has a distinctive horseshoe-shaped bay and deep, clear water. Underwater many impressive rock and coral formations can be seen. The teeming archipelago boasts as much as 25 world-class diving venues. Interestingly, Similan islands are close to Surin Archipelago. The two island groups are renowned as the best snorkeling and scuba diving site in Thailand. Under the sea, the marine creature is of great variety, from massive soft corals, sea fans to colorful and rare fish. Besides numerous colorful coral reefs, divers are given the chance to see silvertip sharks, leopard sharks and sea turtles there are deep valleys - thanks to the visibility of the underwater scene that can be reached from 18 to 25 meters or even 40 meters at times.