Introduction to Phang-Nga

Though the town is quiet, it is surrounded by natural parkland, featuring caves, uninhabited islands, coral reefs and archaeological sites.

While unremarkable in itself, Phang-Nga town is surrounded by hauntingly beautiful national parks with striking rock formations, limestone cliffs and uninhabited islands.

Colorful Wildlife
Ao Phang-Nga National Park, with its famous "James Bond Island" from the 007 film The Man with the Golden Gun, has hundreds of rocks and cliffs with picturesque coves and mangrove forests. The waters of Ao Phang-Nga support several species of sea snake, and giant two-banded monitors (some longer than two meters) live in the mangroves. The islands host various reptiles and mammals, including gibbons, macaques and langurs.

Prehistoric Art
This wildlife has long interested humans, evident from the wealth of local prehistoric rock art, especially at Khao Khian, Than Nak and Koh Panyi. The latter hosts a 200-year-old Moslem fishing community whose cliff-bottom houses are all on stilts: visit around mid afternoon, after the tourist boats have gone.

Cave Walks
Suan Somdet Phra Srinakarin Park also contains limestone cliffs, and some have caverns and tunnels with walkways from which to view the pools below. For cave enthusiasts, Wat Tham Suwankhuha has a 15-meter reclining Buddha in a grand, ornately decorated cavern; a smaller one contains numerous assorted effigies.

Diving & Hiking
For good beaches, try the west coast of Phang-Nga Province or cruise out to Muu Koh Similan (The Similan Islands), about 60 km from Hat Khao Lak and Thap Lamu. The beaches here are nice for swimming and snorkeling, while diving offers excellent visibility. Koh Similan, the largest island, has hiking trails and good sea views from its highest point. The island's rich wildlife includes porcupines, lemurs, pythons, dolphins, turtles and up to 32 bird species.