Phang-nga

Phang-nga, a seaside province by the Andaman Sea with scenic views of forests and islands. The province offers superb natural beauty both onshore and underwater.
The province of Phang-nga is located some 788 kilometres from Bangkok. It covers an area of 4,170 square kilometres.

Attractions

The outer islands of Phang Nga are considered to be one of the world's best scuba diving grounds. Popular trips are live - aboard diving excursions to the Similan Islands, home of the most beautiful and colorful soft corals in the world, plus a whole range of coral fish, manta rays and other exotic marine animals. Visibility is often more than 100 feet, and the warm water temperature doesn't really require a wetsuit, though only accessible during the months of October-May. The nine Similan Islands became a national marine park in the mid-1980s, and the name 'Similan' is thought to derive from a Malaysian word meaning 'nine'. Accordingly, the islands are called Koh 1 to Koh 9 based on their location from south to north, with the southern most one being Koh 1. The park headquarters and tourist facilities are located on Koh 4. At Koh 9, underwater grottoes and swim-through tunnels add to the islands' appeal to divers.

The remote Surin Islands consist of 5 islands and is also another superb scuba diving sites with a pristine marine ecosystem. The islands are virtually uninhabited, except for a few sea gypsies. The surronding sea offers and outstanding array of soft corals with frequent sightings of rays and the elusive whale sharks. It is also a marine national park.

Aside from the spectacular limestone cliffs and islands of unusual rock formations, the Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park has other interesting attractions. The bay is home to a village of Muslim sea gypsies living on Panyi Island. About 200 families live on this tiny island with their homes built on stilts above the water. Tham Lot is a 50-m long sea tunnel through a limestone mountain, with stalactites hanging from the roof and is accessible by a small boat or canoe/ kayak.

The island of Koh Khao Phing Kan (Cliffs Leaning on Each Other Island) and nearby Koh Tapu (Nail Island) in the Phang Nga Bay were made famous in the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) and are the highlights of numerous boat tours. The later island is a isolated, sheer, thin stack that just appears from the water and has some forest scrub clinging to the cracks.

The holy Wat Tham Suwan Kuha (Cave Temple) houses a reclining Buddha, tiny shrines, and chedis interspersed among the stalactites and stalagmites in the cave.

City Attractions

Phang-nga Bay or Ao 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 Mueang, Amphoe Takua Thung, and Amphoe Ko Yao. It was declared a national park on 29 th 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 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 cascades, 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 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 ParkKhao 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 the 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.

Ao Phang-nga National Park is situated 12 kilometres from Phang-nga town. Travel 8 kilometres from the town via Highway No. 4, then turn left into Highway No. 4114 and continue for 4 kilometres to the Ao Phang-nga National Park's headquarters where visitors can obtain tourist information. The trip can also be made by riding a local bus from Phang-nga town. Several tour operators in Phang-nga and Phuket organise a day trip to Phang-nga Bay.

Chartered boats around Phang-nga Bay are available at the following piers:
- Customs Pier or Tha Dan, located at nearby Phang-nga Bay Resort. There are various sizes of chartered boats. Prices range from 600-3,500 baht per boat.
- Ao Phang-nga National Park's pier, speedboats and long-tail boats available.
- Surakun or Kasom Pier, located in Amphoe Takua Thung.

A trip to Ao Phang-nga National Park takes around three hours, with a half-day tour arrangeable. The Phang-nga Bay Resort near the Tha Dan pier offers comfortable accommodation. There are bungalows and tents available at the National Park. For more information contact Ao Phang-nga National Park at 80 Mu 1, Tambon Ko Panyi, Amphoe Mueang, Phang-nga 82000 or tel. 0 -7641-1136, 0-7641-2188.

Phang-nga town is a quiet little town with none of Phuket's hubbub but a great deal of its own charm.

Khao Chang is a huge mountain resembling a crouched elepant situated behind Phang-nga's 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.

Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park is opposite the former city hall. This is a beautiful public park surround by limestone mountains. There are two adjoining caves called Tham Ruesi Sawan and Tham Luk Suea, in which a stream and formations of stalactites and stalagmites are found.

Sa Nang Manora Forest Park 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.

Phang-nga Wildlife Nursery Station is situated alongside Phetkasem Road, Tambon Tak Daet. From Phuket, the station is located on the route to Phang-nga Bay. It nurses rare and nearly extinct wildlife, particularly birds, including mynahs, parrots, hawks, pheasants, and peacocks. The station also houses some interesting animals such as mountain goats, monkeys, bears, and ducks. It is open daily from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information call 0-7641-3261.

Ton Pariwat Wildlife Conservation Area is situated in Tambon Song Phraek, on a route between Phang-nga town and Kapong district. To get there, visitors travel 5 kilometres from Phang-nga town along Highway No.4, then take a right turn at Ban Song Phraek for 10 kilometres. There, one finds shady plants, streams and a waterfall. Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park is opposite the former city hall. This is a beautiful public park surround by limestone mountains. There are two adjoining caves called Tham Ruesi Sawan and Tham Luk Suea, in which a stream and formations of stalactites and stalagmites are found.

Sa Nang Manora Forest Park 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.

Phang-nga Wildlife Nursery Station is situated alongside Phetkasem Road, Tambon Tak Daet. From Phuket, the station is located on the route to Phang-nga Bay. It nurses rare and nearly extinct wildlife, particularly birds, including mynahs, parrots, hawks, pheasants, and peacocks. The station also houses some interesting animals such as mountain goats, monkeys, bears, and ducks. It is open daily from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information call 0-7641-3261.

Ton Pariwat Wildlife Conservation Area is situated in Tambon Song Phraek, on a route between Phang-nga town and Kapong district. To get there, visitors travel 5 kilometres from Phang-nga town along Highway No.4, then take a right turn at Ban Song Phraek for 10 kilometres. There, one finds shady plants, streams and a waterfall.

Khura Buri

Mu Ko Similan National Park "Similan" is a Yawi or Malay word, which means nine or a group of nine islands. It is located in Tambon Ko Phra Thong, Amphoe Khura Buri, occupying an area of 32,000 acres. It was declared a national park on 1 st 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 Park's 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 a boot and Donald Duck's head. The upper part of the beach is an ideal lookout point with a rock that resembles a sailing boat.
- 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.

Diving Spots : There are several diving spots that suit both snorkelling and scuba diving. The famous scuba diving spots including rock formations that lie to the west of Ko Tachai where whale sharks can be seen, Ko Bon, Christmas Point rock formation, Fantasy rock formation, and Ao Kwang En (to the east of Ko Paet), etc. Snorkelling spots are scattered around these nine islands. The interesting points are by the sailing boat rock, Ao Kwang En, and behind Miang Island.

Getting there: Thap Lamu Pier, located 70 kilometres north of Phang-nga at Amphoe Thai Mueang, is the nearest point to Similan. A boat trip takes around 3 hours. There is no regular boat service for travellers to the island. Boats leaving from Thap Lamu are suitable for group tours and the boat rentals range from 8,000-10,000 baht, depending on various factors. It is sometimes possible for individuals to hitch a ride or pay a reasonable fraction of the rental cost on a boat chartered by a group. This method is by no means certain and should be an option only for the adventurous who have time to spare. Visitors may contact the park office at Thap Lamu (Tel: 0-7659-5045) for further information.A boat trip from Patong Beach, Phuket takes around four hours. Visitors can contact Seatran Travel Tel: 0-7621-9391-2. Diving companies in Phuket also organise a three-day trip. Prices range from 9,000 to 25,000 baht, depending on the level of luxury, and includes food, and accommodation.

Accommodation
There are bungalows and tents as well as restaurants available on the island. For more information contact Mu Ko Similan National Park, Mu 1, Thap Lamu, Tambon Lam Kaen, Amphoe Thai Mueang, Phang-nga 82120, tel. 0-7642-1365 or 0-7659-5045.

Mu Ko Surin National Park, located in Tambon Ko Phra Thong and covering an area of 84,375 rais (33,750 acres). This 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 15 th 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 Park's 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 is 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 is situated to the south of Ko Surin Tai, 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.

Getting there: Travelling to Mu Ko Surin can be initiated from several different points:
- Khura Buri Pier is the nearest point to Mu Ko Surin. Khura Buri is some 125 kilometres north of Phang-nga. A boat trip takes around 4 hours. There is no regular boat service for travellers to Ko Surin. Boats leaving from Khura Buri are suitable for group tours.
- Amphoe Kapoe Pier is in Ranong Province. The trip takes 7 hours. Visitors may contact Chansom Tara Hotel (tel: 0 7783 5317-9) which has boats leaving Chan Damri Beach for trips to Mu Ko Surin.

Note: The best tip for individual travellers is to join a trip out of Phuket that includes Mu Ko Surin on the itinerary. This typically lasts at least 3 days and includes visits to Mu Ko Similan.

Si Phang-nga National Park, covering the areas of Amphoe Khura Buri and Amphoe Takua Pa and situated 100 kilometres from Phang-nga town. The park was established in honour of His Majesty the King on his 60 th 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 Park's 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 trees and is worth a visit.

Admission is 200 baht. Visitors wishing to stay overnight in the park should bring their own tents. Contact the Si Phang-nga Nation Park at tel: 0-7641-2611.

Ko Phra Thong, located in Tambon Phra Thong. It is a large island northwest of Phang-nga. The island is an ideal holiday paradise containing unspoilt natural beauty as well as wonderful beaches. There is a large fresh water reservoir on the island. You can charter a boat ride from Khura Buri pier to the island. The trip takes just over an hour. Private accommodation is available.

Takua Pa

Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park was declared a national park in August 1991. The park occupies a vast area of 150 square kilometers and covers Amphoe Thai Mueang, Amphoe Kapong, Amphoe Takua Pa, and Amphoe Mueang.

There are many interesting attractions:

Khao Lak, is a mountain 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 Fa is located on the Takua Pa - Khao Lak route like Laem Pakarang. Driving from Takua Pa town, the waterfall will be on the left, take a right turn and continue for another 5 kilometres. The cascade runs all year round and the surroundings are blissfully calm and cool under the trees' shade.

Hat Bang Sak, located in Tambon Bang Muang on Phetkasem Road, on the Thai Mueang - Takua Pa section, between Km.76-77 and take a side road for another hundred metres. The beach of Bang Sak has clean white sand and stretches along a grove of shady pines. Accommodation and restaurant are available on the beach.

Hat Khao Lak, 32 kilometres from Takua Pa, is now an interesting destination for domestic and overseas tourists. It has the advantage of a beautiful, long beach of Andaman Sea and the green mountains of Khao Lak-Lamru National Park parallel to the coast. The accommodation at Takua Pa along Khao Lak and Bang Sak Beach are built in the original southern architectural style. With the combination of the hospitality of the local people who love nature and the environment, the seaside town of Khao Lak -Takuapa has a unique charm and attracts many tourists to the area.

Kapong

Namtok Lamru This 5-tiered waterfall is located within the area of the National Park. It is 9 kilometres from the branching of the road from Highway No. 4090, passing Kapong District office on the way to Lamru village, and another kilometre to Lamru waterfall.

Wat Narai Nikayaram, situated at Mu 3, Tambon Le, 14 kilometres from the Kapong district office. The temple houses stone carvings of the God Narai, Phra Lak, and Sida, from the Ramayana Epic. These sculptures are related with"Takola" town (the former name of Takua Pa) and the proliferation of Indian culture into this region.

Namtok Hin Lat, 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 gathers into a stream and flows through a field of a naturally beautiful arrangement of rocks and boulders.

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.

Thap Put

Namtok Tao Thong, located in Tambon Bo Sen, 19 kilometres from Phang-nga town or 8 kilometres before Thap Put district. This shady waterfall originates from a stream flowing from a dark cave.

Wat Rat Uppatham or Wat Bang Riang, located in Tambon Bang Riang, 11 kilometres from the Thap Put District office on Phetkasem Road. The temple, situated on Khao Lan hill, 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 Kuan-yim Chinese Goddess statue.

Thai Mueang

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 You can get to this attractive waterfall 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 Mueang, located in the Thai Mueang 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.

The Chulabhorn Underwater Park Conservation Centre, near Thap Lamu pier, provides knowledge on undersea natural resources to visitors and the public. The Centre is housed in a 2-story building and exhibits the value and importance of undersea natural resources and environment, the new aspects of marine eco-tourism, and the wonders of the undersea world. Call 0-7644 -3299-300 for more information.

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.

Takua Thung

Tha Nun Beach From Highway No. 4, proceed towards Phuket using Highway No. 402. Before you reach Phuket island, you will arrive at the Pak Phra straits, on both sides, you will see the beach. Every year, sea turtles come to lay their eggs at this beach.

Namtok Raman, located near Wat Suwannakhuha, take a right turn at Kilometre 31 marker and keep going for another 7 kilometres. The medium size cascade is set amidst a grove of big trees and the falls run all year round.

Wat Suwannakhuha, located in Mu 2, Tambon Krasom. Take Highway No. 4, (Phang-nga - Ban Khok Kloi route) for 7 kilometres and upon reaching the kilometre 31 marker at Amphoe Takua Thung, there is an asphalt road going to the right to the temple, one kilometre away. The locals call this temple "Wat Tham".

This is the most interesting temple of all in Phang-nga since it is of historical and archaeological importance. Within the boundary of the temple is a mountain with numerous caves. Tham Yai (Big Cave) is located at the lowest level and, inside, the total length of the cave walls is decorated with ceramic tiles, bowls, as well as terra cotta ware and Benjarong ware. It is also used as a temple and houses various types of Buddha images, one of which is a splendid reclining Buddha image. You can also see many Royal Monogram inscriptions on the walls of the cave.

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 Offering 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.

Getting there: Travelling to Ko Yao can be made from Phuket, Phang-nga, and Krabi, but the most convenient route of all is from Phuket.
To get to Ko Yao Noi, visitors can take a ferry departing from Phuket's Bang Rong Pier at 11 a.m., 12 noon, 1 p.m. 2.30 p.m. and 5 p.m. On return, the ferry departs from Ko Yao Noi at 7 a.m. and 7.30 a.m. One-way fare is 40 baht. The trip takes 45 minutes. A chartered long-tail boat costs 1,000 baht per trip.
Travelling to Ko Yao Yai, visitors need to ride a ferry from Phuket's Thian Sin Pier. The ferry leaves the pier at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. On return, the ferry departs from Ko Yao Yai's Lo Chak pier at 12 noon. The trip takes an hour. One-way fare is 50 baht.
There are also long-tail boat shuttle services between Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai. The trip takes 10 minutes.

Activities

Ton Pariwat Rafting Trip is organised by Phuket Sea Land (tel: 0 -7622-2900), a tour operator in Phuket. The eco-tourism trip includes sightseeing at the Phang-nga Wildlife Nursery Station, elephant riding and rafting in the Ton Pariwat Wildlife Conservation Area.

Elephant Cave Tour is organised by Tong Tae Sea Canoe (tel: 0 -7626-4320). Elephant Cave (or Tham Phung Chang) is a beautiful cave with numerous stalactites and stalagmites. Exploring through the dark cave has to be done both on foot and by boat, since some parts of the cave are always flooded.

Festival

Free The Turtles Fair is annually held in March at Thai Mueang 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.

Hotels and accommodation

  • Amarin : 7/5-6 Montri 2 Road Amphoe Takua Pa [0 7642 1083] : 150-400 baht
  • Amina Bungalow : Tambon Ko Yao Noi Amphoe Ko Yao Noi [0 7659 7278] : 250-300 baht
  • Ao Phang-nga National Park : 80 Mu 1 Tambon Ko Panyi Amphoe Muang [0 7641 1136, 0 7641 2188, Reservation in Bangkok Tel: 0 2510 2920-1] : 500-900 baht / 200-500 baht
  • Ban Khao Lak Resort : Tambon Khuek Khak Amphoe Takua Pa [0 7642 0199] : 2,200 baht
  • Ban Soraya : 55 Mu 5, Ban Bang Niang, Tambon Khuek Khak Amphoe Takua Pa [0 7642 0192] : 500 baht
  • Ban Tha Khao Bungalow : Hat Tha Khao Amphoe Ko Yao Noi [0 7621 2172, 0 7621 2252, 0 7624 8772, 0 1956 4689 Fax: 0 7621 2172] : 500-800 baht
  • Bang Niang Beach Resort : 55/40 Mu 5, Phetkasem Road, Tambon Khuek Khak Amphoe Takua Pa [0 7642 0171-5, 0 7642 0140] : 800-1,800 baht
  • Bang Niang Bungalow : Amphoe Takua Pa Amphoe Takua Pa [0 7642 0275] : 250-350 baht
  • Bang Sak Beach Resort : 28/29 Mu 1, Phetkasem Road, Tambon Bang Muang, Hat Bang Sak Amphoe Takua Pa [0 7642 1973-5, 0 7644 6520, 0 7644 6522] : 1,800-4,600 baht
  • Bangsak Beach Resort : 31 m.7 bangmuang,Petchkasam Road Takuapa [(66 76) 412-973-5]
  • Blue Village Pakarang Resort : 45 Mu 2 Khao Lak Amphoe Takua Pa [0 7641 3434-5, 0 7641 3439-40 Fax: 0 7641 3436] : 3,000-9,000 baht
  • Bungalow Saeng Phet : 72 Soi Sukhaphiban 8 Amphoe Khura Buri [0 7649 1262] : 200-350 baht
  • Chong Fa Beach Resort : 6 Mu 5 Tambon Khuek Khak Amphoe Takua Pa [0 7642 0056, 0 1229 1253] : 600-2,300 baht
  • Chulabhorn Underwater Conservation Centre :: Thap Lamu Pier, Tambon Lam Kaen Amphoe Thai Muang [0 7644 3299-300] : 600 baht
  • Extra : 46 Senarat Road Amphoe Takua Pa [0 7642 1026, 0 7642 1412, 0 7643 1469] : 220-550 baht
  • Extra : 498 Mu 8 Sukhaphiban 2 Amphoe Khura Buri [0 7649 1338, 0 7649 1473] : 160-250 baht
  • Fair House Bungalow : 26 Mu 5 Hat Bang Niang, Amphoe Takua Pa : 300-400 baht
  • Garden Beach Resort : 28/1 Mu 7 Tambon Khuek Khak Amphoe Takua Pa [0 7642 0121-8 Fax: 0 7642 0129-30] : 300-500 baht
  • Golden Budda Beach Resort : Ko Phra Thong, P.O.Box 4, Khura Buri, Phang-nga Amphoe Khura Buri [0 1230 4744 Bangkok Tel: 0 2863 3180] : 1,200-3,600 baht
  • Halawi Bungalow : 2/9 Mu 3 Tambon Phru Nai Amphoe Ko Yao Yai [0 1607 3648] : 400 baht
  • Home Stay : Contact Mr. Bunriang Chuchaisaengrat [0 7621 6850, 0 1978 2127] : 100 baht per person
  • House by the Bay : Ban Khlong Khian, Ao Phang-nga Amphoe Muang [0 7635 1333, 0 1407 9342] :400-750 baht
  • Kert & Noi Khao Lak Bungalow : 26/3 Mu 7 Tambon Khuek Khak Amphoe Takua Pa [0 1226 2197] : 300-1,200 baht
  • Khao Lak Andaman Beach Resort : Tambon Khuek Khak Amphoe Takua Pa [0 7642 0135-8] : 800-1,200 baht
  • Khao Lak Bay Front Resort : 26/12 Mu 7 Tambon Khuek Khak Amphoe Takua Pa [0 7642 0111-7] : 2,500-3,000 baht
  • Khao Lak Bayfront Resort : 57/7 Moo 4, Bangmung, Takua Pa, Khaolak [(66 76) 420-111-17]
  • Khao Lak Green Beach Resort : Mu 7, Soi Hat Na Thong, Tambon Khuek Khak Amphoe Takua Pa [0 7642 0043-7, 0 1893 6187 Fax: 0 7642 0047] : 350-1,100 baht
  • Khao Lak Laguna Resort : 27/3 Mu 1 Tambon Bang Nai Si Amphoe Takua Pa [0 7642 0200 Fax: 0 7642 0206 Bangkok Tel: 0 2982 4331] : 3,200-12,000 baht
  • Khao Lak Nature Resort : 26/10 Mu 1, Tambon Khuek Khak Amphoe Takua Pa [0 7642 0179-81] : 1,100-1,500 baht
  • Khao Lak Palm Beach Resort : 26/14 Moo7. Takuaoa [(66 76) 420-099-102]

Restaurants

  • Thawinwan : 4 Phetkasem Road
  • Sa-te Muaeng Phang-nga : 189 Phetkasem Road, Tambon Thai Chang
  • Sakun Duang : 385 Phetkasem Road Tel: 0-7641-1716
  • Ratchaphruk : 56 Mu 3 Phetkasem Road Tel: 0-7641-1336
  • Phutthachat : 99/8 Phetkasem Road Tel: 0-7644-2175
  • Lom Choi : 13 Mu 2 Tham Nam Phut Tel: 0-1895-5224
  • Khrua Sunimit : 373/2 Phetkasem Road, Tel: 0-7641-1422
  • Kafae Chai Khai : Phetkasem Road, Tel: 0-7641-3255 (coffee)
  • Hok Ki Lao : Phetkasem Road
  • Che Kruat : 2/13 Phetkasem Road Tel: 0-7659-9016
  • Cha-e 2 : 59/20 Phetkasem Road Tel: 0-7659-9024
  • Cha-e 1 : 56/1-3 Phetkasem Road Tel: 0-7644-2244, 0- 7659-9023
  • Cha Charan : 16 Mu 1 Tha Dan Pier, Ko Panyi Tel: 0-7641- 1490
  • Bismillah : Phetkasem Road (Muslim food) Amphoe Takua Thung
  • Isan Rim Thang : 81/1 Mu 3 Phetkasem Road, Tambon Khok Kloi Tel: 0-7643-4141
  • Duang Phon Seafood : 41/1 Surakun Pier Phetkasem Road Tambon Kasom Tel: 0-7659-1041
  • Ban Piyalai : 37/2 Mu 5 Phetkasem Road Tambon Khok Khloi Tel: 0-7643-4507
  • Ruam Rot : 16/1 Phetkasem Road, Tambon Kasom, Tel: 0- 7659-1107
  • Hua Phan Thak : 16/1 Mu 12 Phetkasem Road, Tambon Khok Kloi Tel: 0-7658-1361
  • Pu Dam : Phetkasem Road Tambon Khok Kloi Tel: 0- 7658-1366
  • Ko Nan : 57/16 Mu 1 Phetkasem Amphoe Takua Pa
  • Hok Ki Lao : 19 Senarat Road Tel: 0-7642-1938
  • Hok Ki Lao Seafood : 6/29 Tambon Bang Nai Si Tel: 0-7642-1914
  • Khao Lak Sea View : 26/4 Mu 7 Phetkasem Road Tel: 0-1891-0672
  • Khrua Bang Sak : Bang Sak Beach (seafood)
  • Ngo Meng Heng : 7/22-23 Mu 2 Near Bus Station Tel: 0-7642- 2240, 0-7644-1030
  • Phukan : 8/13-14 Wongphanit Road Tel: 0-7642-2191-2
  • Phutthachat : 25 Phetkasem Road Tel: 0-7642-1240

How to get there

* By car
a) First route: From Bangkok, take Highway No. 4, passing the provinces of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, and Ranong, then drive straight to Phang-nga town. It is 788 kilometres from Bangkok. The trip takes around 12 hours.
b) Second route: From Bangkok, take Highway No.4 to Chumphon, from there, take Higway No. 41 to Amphoe Tha Chang, then go straight to an intersection where a right turn is made to Highway No. 401, keep driving to Amphoe Ban Ta Khun for about 50 kilometres, and then take Highway No. 415 for 30 kilometres, take a right turn to Phang-nga town. Visitors travelling from Phuket should use Highway No. 402, passing Sarasin Bridge to Ban Khok Kloi, take a right turn to Amphoe Takua Thung. It is 87 kilometres from Phuket. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

* By bus
There are daily bus services from Bangkok to Phang-nga. Air-conditioned buses, varying in 3 types, depart from Bangkok 's Southern Bus Terminal at the following times:
VIP Bus : 6.30 p.m.
Standard 1 Bus : 7.30 p.m.
Standard 2 Bus : 6.30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Travelling time is 12 hours. For more information call the Southern Bus Terminal at tel. 0 2435 1199-200 or the Phang-nga Bus Terminal at tel: 0 7641 2300, 0 7641 2014.

* By train
There is no direct train to Phang-nga. The State Railways of Thailand operates daily train services between Bangkok and Surat Thani. A trip to Phang-nga can be made by getting off at the Surat Thani Railway Station and then ride a bus for another two hours. For more information call Bangkok 's Hualamphong Railway Station at tel. 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or visit www.srt.go.th.

* By plane
Thai Airways International operates Bangkok-Phuket flights daily. From Phuket, take a bus or rent a car to Phang-nga for about 58 kilometres. For more information, call Thai Airways at tel: 1566 or 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or visit www.thaiair.com.