Phang-nga
Phang-nga General Information
The province of Phang-nga is located some 788 kilometres from Bangkok. It covers an area of 4,170 square kilometres.
Phang-nga is a province with two characters - land and sea - and packed with national parks that guard magnificent scenery with immensely different attractions.
Most famous is Ao Phang-nga National Park, a geological wonder filled with islets, sunken caverns and startling rock formations rising sheer out of the sea. The bay is extremely sheltered ideal for expeditions of sea canoes to explore the many fascinating caverns with their own eco-systems.
Phang-nga's andaman coast offers parks of a different kind. The island groups of Surin and Similan are renowned for their beautiful unspoilt beaches and spectacular underwater scenery, attracting divers from around the world. Khao Lak is a coastal park full of birds, mammals and scenic waterfalls, with a number of hotel developments after Tsunami disaster in December 2004.
Phang-nga Festival Information
- Free The Turtles Fair
Free The Turtles Fair is annually held in March at Thai Muang Beach. A celebration takes place for 7 days. During the festival baby turtles raised by the Fisheries Department are released into the sea at Thai Muang Beach.
Phang-nga Attactions Information
- Namtok Hin Lat
This waterfall is located 8 kilometres to the east of Kapong District office. Three canals merge to form the origin of the crystal clear waterfall. The water from the falls gather into a stream and flows through a field of naturally beautiful arrangement of rocks and boulders.
- Namtok Saeng Thong
Namtok Saeng Thong On the opposite side of Kapong Hospital, is the access road to the waterfall, 6 kilometres further on. It is a medium-sized waterfall, having 11 levels altogether. The falls run all year round.
- Namtok Lamru
This 5-tiered waterfall is located within the area of the National Park. It is 9 kilometres from the branching road from Highway No. 4090, passing Kapong District office on the way to Lamru village, and another kilometre to Lamru waterfall.
- Mu Ko Similan National Park
Similan is a Yawi or Malay word, which means nine or a group of nine islands. This is located in Tambon Ko Phra Thong, Amphoe Khura Buri, occupying an area of 32,000 acres. It was declared a national park on 1st September 1982. Similan is a small group of islands comprising nine islands stretching from north to south, respectively, namely: Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang (two adjoining islands), Ko Payan, Ko Payang, and Ko Huyong. The National Parks office is located on Ko Miang. Similan is highly praised for its beautiful scenery, both onshore and underwater. It is situated 70 kilometres from Phang-nga town. Best time to visit is between November and April.
Interesting attractions in the National Park include:
Ko Similan or Ko Paet is the largest island in this group of islands. It has a distinctive horseshoe-shaped bay. The average depth of the water is 60 feet. Underwater is full of rock formations and coral reefs in several shapes and forms such as deer, leaf, brain, and mushroom. The latter one is the most unspoiled coral found in the country. Its soft sandy beach is very beautiful and diving around here will let you see a lot of fishes and coral. To the north, lies a striking large rock formation with astonishing shapes such as boot and Donald Ducks head. The upper part of the beach is an ideal lookout point with a rock of a sailing boat shape.
Ko Ba-ngu is the ninth island of the Similan group of islands. It has a strange feature. Looking from one point, the shape of a skull can be seen. Underwater is as beautiful as a valley full of coral reefs, deep gorge, and various sizes of fish.
Ko Huyong, the island offers the whitest and longest beach of all the nine islands. During turtles' egg laying season, from November to February, there would be tracks on the beach from turtles that come onshore to lay eggs, resembling centipede tracks.
Ko Miang is the second largest island among 9 islands after Similan Island. It is where the office of the National Park is located. The island offers a scenic beach which is suitable for camping.
- Mu Ko Surin National Park
Situated in Tambon Ko Phra Thong and covering an area of 84,375 rais (33,750 acres), Mu Ko Surin is an archipelago of 5 islands: Ko Surin Nuea, Ko Surin Tai, Ko Ri, Ko Khai, and Ko Klang. It was declared a national park on July 9, 1981. The archipelago is located in the Andaman Sea, near the Thai-Burmese sea border, to the west coast of Thailand. There are beautiful and unspoilt coral reefs; the area is suitable for snorkelling. The best time to visit is from November to April.
Ko Surin Nuea has several bays. The most well-known bay is Ao Mae Yai, the largest bay that offers calm waters. To the southeast of Ko Surin Nuea lies Ao Luek, which is so deep that the sea appears dark green, offering splendid shallow corals as well as sea weeds, sea flowers, coral lines, and various species of fish. Sea Gypsy Village, a Singha, or Morgan, Sea Gypsy tribe resides on the shore of Hat Sai En, Ko Surin Nuea. There are 130-150 sea gypsies who still hold on to their traditional ways of life and still live in their boats. On shore, there is a wooden sculpture resembling the Indian Totem Pole and is considered a sacred area. Every year, on the 15th day of the waxing moon in April, the sea gypsies in this village would worship their respected spirits. The event lasts for 3 days. Ao Mai Ngam, situated to the west of Ko Surin Nuea with the National Parks office nearby. There is a 2-kilometre walking path that you can take to enjoy the natural features of Hat Mai Ngam or you can take a longboat ride. The lovely bay provides fresh water and a long beach that is best for snorkelling and swimming. Ao Chak, situated to the north of Ko Surin Nuea. The bay possesses unspoilt coral reefs.
Interesting attractions on Ko Surin Tai include Ao Tao, situated to the east of the island. The bay is home to numerous sea turtles and magnificent coral reefs. Ao Phakkat, situated to the south of Ko Surin Tai. It is where unspoilt coral reefs can be seen.
Ko Klang or Ko Pachumba has a scenic bay called Ao Mangkon. The bay is teeming with splendid coral reefs and many schools of various kinds of fish.
Ko Khai or Ko Torilla, situated to the south of Ko Surin Tai. On the eastern side of the island there is a long stretch of unspoilt and picturesque coral reef. Snorkelling is the most recommended activity here.
- Si Phang-nga National Park
Covering the areas of Amphoe Khura Buri and Amphoe Takua Pa and situated 100 kilometres from Phang-nga town, this park was established in honour of His Majesty the King on his 60th birthday anniversary. This forested piece of land is home to a large variety of flora and fauna. Getting to the park, visitors can take Highway No.4 (Takua Pa Ranong) and then take a right turn at Km. 756 for another 5 kilometres. Interesting attractions in the park include:
Namtok Tam Nang , located 4.5 kilometres from the National Parks office, and another walk of 500 metres will take you to the 60 metres-high waterfall. The surrounding area is full of lush vegetation and big shady trees making it nice and cool.
Namtok Ton Toei is a 45 metre-high waterfall. A journey on foot, and back, that begins from the National Park takes about 3 hours. On the way, there is a small 10 metre-high waterfall, Namtok Noi, to be seen. The path passes through groves of big dense evergreen trees and vine forests.
Namtok Ton Sai - Before you reach the check point into the Park, you will come upon a small path on your right and a 15-minute walk down this path will lead you to a lovely waterfall. The 20 metre-high falls is in a dense grove of banyan tree and is worth a visit.
- Ko Yao
Ko Yao covers an area of 137 square kilometres. The majority of the population are Muslim. The island is made up of 2 large islands: Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai.
Attractions on Ko Yao Noi include:
Hat Pa Sai, situated 7 kilometres from the District Office on Ko Yao Noi. This white sandy beach is covered with shady trees. From Hat Pa Sai, a scenic view of the islands of Krabi province can be seen in the distance.
Hat Tha Kao,situated 5 kilometres from the District Office on Ko Yao Noi. The beach features boulders, rocks, and pebbles of various shapes, size, and coloration. During the low tide, you can walk to another small island nearby.
Attractions on Ko Yao Yai include:
Ao Ti Kut, located at Ko Yao Yai. This bay has a white sandy beach. To the north of the bay, there is a beautiful rocky cape with a beach lined with pine trees.
Ao Klong Son offers a beach of fine, white sand and shady pine trees. On the left end of the beach is a colourful rock formation with equally beautiful multi-coloured pebbles. Swimming and snorkelling to see beautiful coral is recommended.
Ao Hin Kong, situated on Ko Yao Yai. It is a shady beach lined with Cotyletobium trees. This bay is home to young rays, which makes it unsuitable for swimming. Ao Hin Kong is also a habitat of Muslims who earn their living from fishing.
Ao Lan, the bay offers a beautiful beach, ideal for swimming. To the north, there is a cape which has a steep cliff and at the base of the cliff, the water is quite deep. Boat riding is the most convenient mode of transport to get there.
Ao Sai is blessed with powdery white sand. The bay also has beautiful rock formations. Swimming can be enjoyed.
Hat Lo Pa Raet features a long stretch of a white sandy beach teeming with groves of coconut trees. To the north of the bay is a cape with a beautiful rock formation and the water around the cape is suitable for swimming.
Laem Nok Ok, located on Ko Yao Yai. The beach here has rock formations and pebbles of many colours. Swimming is recommended.
- Khao Chang
Khao Chang is a huge mountain resembling a crouched elephant situated behind Phang-ngas former city hall. It is considered a symbol of Phang-nga. Inside the mountain, there is a dark and long cave called Tham Phung Chang which is full of stalactites and stalagmites. Exploring through the dark cave have to be done both on foot and by boat since some parts of the cave are always flooded.
- Phang-nga Bay or Ao Phang-nga National Park
The Phang-nga National Park covers a vast area both onshore and offshore of about 250,000 rais (100,000 acres), covering the areas of Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Takua Thung, and Amphoe Ko Yao. It was declared a national park on 29th April B.E. 2524 (1981). Ao Phang-nga National Park is the second seacoast national park after Tarutao National Park. It has striking scenic views because of a mass of limestone formations scattered around in the sea near the shore. Also, as a result of natural changes; caves and rock formations have been formed. The park is also fertile with mangroves. Best time to visit is between December and April. The most popular way to visit is a boat ride to various islands, which include:
Ko Panyi is a small island made from limestone hills and plains. This is an interesting Muslim community. There are about 200 households of fishermen. On the island, there are many restaurants and souvenir shops.
Ko Phanak is a beautiful island with caves that house stalactite and stalagmite formations as well as small cascade, which flows onto several tiers.
Khao Phing Kan Named so because of its nature of being split into two halves. The smaller rock slid down, with its foundation stuck under the ground and the upper parts still leaning against each other. Behind the mountain is a superb scenery. Looking into the sea one finds Khao Tapu, a nail-shaped island, a solitary pillar in the sea. It is the most remarkable attraction of Ao Phang-nga National Park.
Khao Machu, a striking appearance rock formation is located on the way to Ko Panyi. It resembles a dog; its head, body, with a bushy tail.
Khao Khian, is on the way to Panyi Island. On the cliff which stands above the sea, there are pre-historic paintings featuring various kinds of animals. A study by the Department of Fine Arts has indicated that these paintings are over 3,000 years old. They are assumed to have been painted by seamen who use this place to escape from the monsoon.
Tham Lot is a lofty limestone cave with a giant hollow whereby boats can pass through. In a hollow, there are numerous stalactite formations on its ceiling, beyond the hollow is a beautiful sight of the mangrove forest.
Ko Hong, with big and small mountains. Sailing to this island gives you a feeling of being surrounded in a large hall with two doors. It will give you an immense feeling of the power of nature's creation.
- Sa Nang Manora Forest Park
This is located in Tambon Nop Pring, and approachable by driving on Phang-nga - Krabi (Highway No. 4) route for 4 kilometres, then take a right turn for another 4 kilometres. The park contains shady cascades and small basins as well as a 2-kilometre nature trail.
- Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park
This was declared a national park in August 1991. The park occupies a vast area of 150 square kilometers and covers Amphoe Thai Muang, Amphoe Kapong, Amphoe Takua Pa, and Amphoe Muang.
There are many interesting attractions:
Khao Lak ,the mountain is located 25 kilometres from Amphoe Takua Pa, on Route No. 4 (Thai Mueang - Takua Pa), taking a left turn between Kilometre markers 56 and 57. Before reaching Amphoe Thai Mueang, the mountain - Khao Lak - can be seen. On the mountain, there is the Chao Pho Khao Lak Shrine. Opposite Khao Lak lies a stony beach with rocks and boulders of all sizes strewn all over the beach.
Laem Pakarang ,located on the Takua Pa - Khao Lak route. Driving from Takua Pa town on Phetkasem Road, the cape will be on the right, another 5 kilometres down the side road. It is a sandy beach piled with deer coral washed up on the beach by strong waves thus giving the beach its name. The beach is blessed with groves of pine, making it ideal for camping and relaxation.
Namtok Ton Chong Fais located on the Takua Pa - Khao Lak route like Laem Pakarang. Driving from Takua Pa town, the waterfall will be on the left, a right turn and going for another 5 kilometres. The cascade runs all year round and the surroundings are blissfully calm and cool under the trees shade.
- Ban Bo Dan Hot Springs
Ban Bo Dan Hot Springs, located in Tambon Na Toei, on the Andaman coast. If you are coming from Phuket, pass through Khok Kloi intersection, and keep going straight on. At the kilometre 6 marker, you will see the entrance, then go another 3 kilometres further. The water of the natural hot springs are laden with minerals such as sodium and calcium, which are believed to relieve rheumatism, numbness, and help lessen the tension of both body and mind, as well as being beneficial to your complexion and hair. Mineral baths are available daily.
- Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park
The park occupies an area of 45,000 rais (18,000 acres). It was declared a national park on April 14, 1988. Interesting attractions in the park include:
Namtok Lampi, located at Mu 6, Tambon Thai Mueang, on Phetkasem Road (Highway No.4), between kilometre markers 32 and 33, and taking an unpaved access road for another 1.5 kilometres. It is a 6-tiered waterfall that runs all year round.
Namtok Ton Phrai can be reached by taking a 7-kilometre unpaved access road between kilometre markers 28 and 29 and then continue on foot for another kilometre. It is a huge waterfall that runs all year round. Visitors are encouraged to visit the falls in the dry season, as access will be easier.
Hat Thai Muang, located in the Thai Muang Sanitary area. Going into the area, take the right-hand road for about 1.5 kilometres, then drive another 5 kilometres on the beach road to the National Park office. The 13-kilometre long beach has fine white sand and runs along the Highway. The area is blessed with crystal clear water. The recommended time to visit is between November and February. Sea turtles come to lay their eggs on the shore, thus creating a tradition of walking on the beach to watch turtles lay their eggs on a moonlit night. When the eggs hatch, you can join in releasing them into the sea during the Sea Turtle Festival in March each year.
- Wat Rat Uppatham or Wat Bang Riang
Situated on Khao Lan hill in Tambon Bang Riang, 11 kilometres from the Thap Put District office on Phetkasem Road, this temple contains several structures including an elaborate bell-shaped pagoda called Chedi Phutthathambanlue. The hilltop pagoda overlooks surrounding undulating mountains and hills as well as a huge Buddha image and a Guan-yin Chinese Goddess statue.
**Information Reference : tourismthailand.org
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