Phang-nga

With a remarkable geological site, Phang-nga is essentially a province to explore, as well as where to find some of the country’s best scuba-diving spots.

Situated immediately north of Phuket, from where it is an easy excursion option, Phang-nga covers an area of 4. 170 sq. km. and its provincial capital lies 788 km. to the south of Bangkok. The province’s main attractions stem primarily from the area’s geological formations. This has produced an extraordinary number of islands, caves and rocky outcrops, the most notable being those preserved in the national marine parks of Ao Phangnga, Mu Ko Similan and Mu Ko Surin.

Inland the major sights are caves, waterfalls, temples and the archaeological site of Ban Thung Tuek. With a remarkable geological site, Phang-nga is essentially a province to explore, as well as where to find some of the country’s best scuba-diving spots. There are, however, beaches and a choice of resort accommodation, which allow for a tranquil vacation amid the most stunning natural scenery.

Climate
The rainy season is from May through to October, yet most days are sunny. The best time to visit is between December and April.

Islands
Ao Phang-nga
Designated a marine national Park in 1981, Ao Phang-nga covers a coastal and offshore area. Mangrove forests are found along the shoreline. However, the most striking feature is the hay, which is dotted with more than 100 islands, weirdly shaped limestone outcrops swathed in tangles of creepers, shrubs, and mostly uninhabited. Some rise sheer from the water, others are humped or jagged and all present a haunting aspect. Many have notable features. such as Khao Khian, where prehistoric rock paintings can be seen on the cliffs; Ko Panyi where there is a Muslim fishing village built on stilts: Ko Phanak with beautiful caves, and James Bond Island which is famous for the location of the movie “ The Man with the Golden Gun.” Several tour companies operate organized excursions to these islands, departing either from the Customs Pier (Tha Dan) on the Phang-nga mainland, or from Phuket.

Mu Ko Similan
Like Ao Phang-nga, Mu Ko Similan are also preserved as a national marine park, extending over an area of 32,000 acres. Set in the Andaman Sea about a 3-hour boat ride from the mainland, the nine islands of the archipelago are quite distinct from those of Phang-nga. The islands are of granite, not limestone which makes them a rare beauty. The formations are also uniquely different. Together with hiking trails and other onshore attractions, however, Similan’s reputation is its 30 excellent and dissimilar diving sites. Coral walls, huge sea fans and barrel sponges, rock reefs. Swim-through and other underwater features offer a wide variety of opportunities for experiencing, while plenty of shallows afford excellent conditions for snorkeling.

Mu Ko Surin
This National Marine Park, comprising five islands and covering more than 33,000 acres, is located north of the Similans. The islands are best reached from the Khura Bun Pier (125 km. north of Phang-nga town), and takes 4 hours. Again the main attractions are scuba-diving and snorkeling, as the coral formations are spectacular. However, the two largest islands, Ko Surin Nuea and Ko Surin Tai (North and South islands, respectively) have good potential for exploring on land, with several hiking trails and, on Ko Surin Tai, a Sea Gypsy village.