Phang-nga is located just to the north of Phuket on the western coast of the peninsular part of southern Thailand, with an area of 4,171 sq.km. Its long sandy coast (220 km.) and large numbers of limestone islands (161) and mountains make it one of the most scenic provinces of Thailand, and that is why it boasts as many as six national parks, including three on the sea.
Phang-nga's attractions are divided according to the counties they belong to. If you want to find some specific places, see the lists on the right.
 ** Similan Islands National Park
This world-renowned marine national park, occupying an area of 128,000 sq.km., is 50 kilometres off the west coast of Phang-nga in the Andaman Sea. Due to the plentiful natural beauty found on the islands and the abundant coral gardens and marine lives under the sea, the Similan Islands are rated by the Skin Diving Magazine of USA as one of the top ten island groups on earth.
Lined from north to south, the nine islands are: Ko Bon, Ko Ba Ngu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang, Ko Payan, Ko Payang and Ko Hu Yong.
 ** Surin Islands Marine National Park
The Surin Islands are located about 70 km. northwest of Khura Buri county and close to Thailand's marine border with Myanmar. Consisting of five islands, the Surin is famous for the beautiful coral reefs in shallow water and so they are excellent for snorkeling.
Two main islands are Ko Surin Nua (North Surin Island) and Ko Surin Tai (South Surin Island). The park office is located at Mae Yai Bay of Ko Surin Nua, but Ao Luek or Deep Bay is famous for its dark green water and most beautiful coral reefs and aquatic plants.
Another interesting feature of the islands is the village of sea gypsies of the Sing tribe which is on Sai En beach of Ko Surin Nua. The sea gypsies here are the last group which still maintain their traditional way of living. About 1.30 hours away from the islands are Richelieu Rocks , a spot for viewing whale sharks.
Like Similan Islands, Surin Islands are open from 16 November to 15 May and the best time to visit the islands is from December to March.
The dive operators in Phuket also have diving excursions to the Surin archipelago, but the prices are rather high due to longer distances compared to the Similans.
** Attractions around the bay
Tham Lot is a limestone grotto sculptured by weather and the sea water. The cave is large enough to allow two or three boats going through side by side. There are also stalactites hanging down from the roof, but not as beautiful as those found in a mountain cave, probably because their formation has been constantly interfered by forces of nature. Tourists popularly canoe to explore nature here.
Khao Phingkan and Ko Tapu which are near each other, some 10 km. from Tham Lot. Khao Phingkan means (two) hills leaning against each other. In fact, the two islets (hills) forming Khao Phingkan are connected by a tiny beach. But one of them is split in two, with one leaning against the other. Standing alone in the sea some 200 metres from Khao Phingkan is the tiny Ko Tapu, or Nail Islet. Looking like a spike driven into the sea, it is perhaps the most photographed object in the whole marine park. It has become a symbol of the park, especially since the Hollywood production -The Man with the Golden Gun, starring James Bond, was partly shot here.
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Ko Panyi is a popular place for a seafood lunch. It presents a very special sight with all restaurants and some 500 houses built on stilts over the sea. In fact, they constitute a centuries-old Muslim fishing village, complete with a mosque and a school.
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Khao Khian or Writing Hill is where a shallow cave contains coloured drawings of people, crocodiles, dolphins and sharks estimated to be about 3,000 years old.
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Ko Hong is a jewel on Phang-nga Bay due to its beautiful sea views and several caves on sea accessible only by canoe. The west of the island features high cliffs and lagoon while the east comprises a bay and a curved white sand beach.
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Ko Phanak By canoeing through its small opening on sea at low tide, visitors will enter a wonderful hidden world of its emerald lagoon. Here is a favourite spot for tourists and a new star in Phang-nga Bay.
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| Ko Khai consists of 2 virgin islands, located in the south of the bay which is easily accessible from Phuket, taking only 35 minutes. The sand is white and powdery and the sea is pure and crystal, ideal for people who love tranquility, swimming and sunbathing. |
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