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.

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 bay, 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 organised excursions to these islands, departing either from the Customs Pier (Tha Dan) on the Phang-ngamainland, 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-throughs and other underwater features offer a wide variety of opportunities for experiencing, while plenty of shallows afford excellent conditions for snorkelling.

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 Buri Pier (125 km. north of Phang-nga town), and takes 4 hours. Again the main attractions are scuba-diving and snorkelling, 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.

Other Attractions
Tham Phung Chang
This cave is located within the grounds of Wat Phra Phat Phra Chim Kaet behind the Provincial Hall. Inside are stalagmites, stalactites and a stream that runs all year round. Two-hour excursions on foot, canoe, or raft through the cave are available

Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park
The National Park covers an area of 18,000 acres. The main features are Namtok Lampi (a medium-sized cascade with three levels reaching a height of about 100 metres) and Ton Phrai (a large waterfall with a powerful flow year-round.)

Wat Suwan Khuha
Located at Mu 2, Tambon Krasom, this is one of Phang-nga’s most important and most fascinating Buddhist temples. Located within the temple compound is a series of superb caves, the largest of which (Tham Yai), measuring more than 20 metres by 40 metres, enshrines Buddha images, the biggest being a magnificent 15-metre Reclining Buddha.

Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park
Extending over a vast area, the park encompasses both mountain and coastal environments and includes a number of interesting features such as Hat Khao Lak, Hat Nang Thong, Hat Bang Niang. Khao Lak Mountain is famous for the shrine of Chao Pho Khao Lak and also the 5-tier waterfall of Lam Ru.

Tham Lot
Beautiful stalagmite and stalactite formations can be seen in this cave, which is located in the Ao Phang-nga area.

Ban Thung Tuek Ancient Town
Of interest to history buffs, the site of Ban Thung Tuek, in Amphoe Khura Buri, bears a few archaeological remains that attest to its ancient importance as a port of call for Arab,

Sporting Opportunities
Scuba-diving
Some of Thailand’s very best dive sites are located off the shores of Phang-nga, especially around Mu Ko Similan and Mu Ko Surin. To visit these waters is by joining excursions organised by dive operators.

Snorkelling
As with scuba-diving, snorkelling conditions in the waters off Phang-nga are excellent.

Sea Canoeing
Many of the islands in Phang-nga  are riddled with marine grottos, to which Phuket-based sea canoe operators offer organized tours.

Special Events
Free the Turtles Fair
Held usually in March at Hat Thai Mueang, the 7-day festival is celebrated by the release of baby turtles into the sea.

Getting There
By Air
Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways operate several daily flights from Bangkok to Phuket, from there you can take a bus or rent a car for the 58-km. drive to Phang-nga.
By Bus
There are four daily bus services from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal (Tel: 0 2435 1199) to Phang-nga, the journey taking 12 hours.
By Car
It is 788 km. from Bangkok to Phang-nga, the drive taking around 12 hours. From Phuket to Phang-nga is 87 km. with a travel time of about 1 hours.
By Rail
There is no direct rail service to Phang-nga, and the closest railway station is Surat Thani, a two-hour bus ride away. For more information, please contact Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station, Tel.1690 or 0 2220 4334. Website: www.railway.co.th

Accommodation
A range of hotel and resort accommodation is available on Phang-nga mainland, while basic accommodationn such as bungalows or tents is provided on both Mu Ko Similan and Mu Ko Surin. Full details are available from the TAT office in Phuketor www.tourismthailand.org.

Shopping
Phang-nga’s most famous local buys are its artificial flowers made from rubber and fish scales. The quite exquisite products are sold at the Phang-nga Provincial Agricultural Office (Tel: 0 7641 2019) and the Farmers Housewives Group. For many, Krabi, located 814 km. south of Bangkok, is the most beautiful province along the Andaman coast. It is the kind of place where tired clichés like idyllic and pristine take on a whole new meaning. With the display of characteristic beachesand qualified soft coast of the Andaman, fine white sand, warm clear water and lush tropical greenery spilling onto the shore, provides a dramatic backdrop to the sites. The locations are rust-hued cliffs, some soaring to 1,000 feet. There are also offshore islands, most famously the twin