Phang Nga Attractions

Attractions

The Chulabhorn Underwater Park Conservation Centre

This centre is 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.

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.

Namtok Tao Thong 

Situated 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.

Hat Khao Lak

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

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 Suwannakhuha 

This temple is 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 an 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 is located at the lowest level and, inside, the total length of the cave walls is decorated ceramic tiles, bowls as well as terra cotta ware and Benjarong ware. It is also used as a temple and houses various manners of Buddha images, one of which is a splendid reclining Buddha image. You can also see many Royal Monograms inscriptions on the walls of the cave.

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 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, 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.

Hat Bang Sak 

Situated in Tambon Bang Muang on Phetkasem Road, on the Thai Mueang - Takua Pa section, between Km.76-77 and going down 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.

Ton Pariwat Wildlife Conservation Area 

This 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.

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.

Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park 

This public 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 

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.

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.

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.