The province of Phang Nga is a land rich with idyllic islands and a hinterland comprising beautiful scenery. The majority of the area is mountainous with very little basin area. Phang Nga covers an area of over 4,000 square kilometers, over half of which is made up of mangrove and evergreen forest. Phang Nga is roughly 800 km from Bangkok, bordering on Ranong to the north, Phuket to the south, Krabi and Surat Thani to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the west. The province is administratively divided into eight Amphoes: Muang, Kapong, Khura Buri, Takua Pa, Takua Thung, Thai Muang, Thap Put and Ko Yao.

The provincial capital of Phang Nga is a small town, set amidst spectacular limestone crags. The limestone geology of the area has forged many natural attractions; sheer cliffs, fascinating rock formations and plenty of caves for the visitor to explore. Around the mangrove-fringed bay is a scattering of striking limestone karsts protruding from the sea, surrounded with an abundance of coral reefs below the clear waters. A classic example of the limestone karsts can be found at the famous Koh Phing Kan or 'James Bond Island', with its famous over-hanging rock, from the movie "The Man With the Golden Gun".

Places of Attraction

Sinakharin Gardens
The gardens are situated just on the outskirts of town, along Route 4, heading towards Phuket. Within the gardens is Tham Luu Sii, a splendid watery cave. At the opening of the cave sits its guardian, Luu Sii.

Wat Praphat Prachim Khet
The wat is interestingly set against a limestone cliff, within a large compound. Within the temple compound there is a cave Tham Phung Chang, which houses a large collection of Buddha images of varying size and style.

Tham Suwan Kuha
This cave is located on Route 4 towards Phuket, about 12 km from town. It is set in the foot of Khao Tham. This cave temple is very popular with Thais and houses many seated Buddha images, plus a large reclining image. Visitors should follow the stairs that lead to many tunnels that are lined with beautiful rock formations. There is a rock with the initials of Rama V, who visited the cave in 1890. The compound is also home to large numbers of monkeys, seemingly tamed by the monks that regularly feed them- though they can sometimes get a little mischievous.

Tham Phung Chang
This cave is located on Chang Mountain behind the provincial prison. Replicas of famous Buddha images are housed in this beautiful cave, in addition to strange stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Tham Nam Phud
This cave is located near the foot hill of Khao Toy in Amphoe Muang, 2 km from Phang Nga market place, and highly-revered by Phang Nga inhabitants. A natural spring bubbles up near the cave mouth where a shrine was constructed as the residence of a spirit called "Chao Phun Thao Kong".

Nam Tok Toan Phang Nga
Also Called Nam Tok Toan, located in the area of Tambon Pa Kaw, Amphoe Muang. The falls cascade from multi-levelled stone platforms on the mountain.

Nam Tok Lampee
This waterfall, located in Amphoe Thai Muang cascades from a very high cliff into a wide reservoir below, before flowing into a lower level stream.

Thai Muang Seashore
The beach in this area stretches openly for a long distance, unobstructed by cliffs.

Khao Pilai Seashore
It is located in the area of Tambon Khoke Kloi, Amphoe Takua Pa extending out towards the Thai Muang seashore. The beach has fine sand and the street is clean.

Stone carvings from Episode of Ramayana Epic
Wat Khong, at Tambon Leh in Amphoe Kapong is believed to have been the site of the ancient town of Takua Pa. It has fine stone carvings of the God Narayana, King Laksha and Queen Sita of the Ramayana Epic. These are the oldest works of art found in Phang Nga and it is believed that Kaling Kharat tribal people who once lived along the Indian Ocean coast made the carvings.

Ancient Town of Ban Thung Tuk
These ancient ruins are located in the area of Tambon Ko Kho Khao, about 15 km from Amphoe Khura Buri' Administrative Office. These ruins are believed to be the remnants of a town built by ancient Indian settlers to the region.

Mu Ko Surin National Park
This Marine National Park is made up of five islands, laying about 50 km from the mainland. The two main islands are Koh Surin Tai and Koh Surin Neua. They are separated by a narrow channel, which also provides an excellent location for divers.

The park office and visitors centre is located on the south west side of Koh Surin Neua at Ao Mae Yai - where the boats drop their anchors.

The southern island is home to a community of sea gypsies and also where the official camping site is located. During the full moon in March, the Chao Lae hold a large ceremony on the island, which sometimes leads to restrictions on visiting the island. The park office will help with any required information. Tel. 579-0529, 579-4842. The most suitable time to visit is from December-March of each year.

Mu Ko Similan National Park
The Similans are a group of nine islands that make up the Marine National Park. Collectively they are known as Koh Kao (nine islands) and the word Similan actually comes from the Malay word 'sembilan' also meaning nine. They lie about 80 km north west of Phuket and are accessible by boat from Phuket and from the mainland in Phang Nga province.
The islands have become well known among diving enthusiasts the world over, who have come in increasing numbers over the past 10 years. Thousands have come to explore the interesting underwater world teeming with marine life, which many believe is one of the best diving spots in the world. The islands also attract many keen anglers, pitting their strengths against the might of the marlin and other game fish. The sailing fraternity have also succumbed to the beauty of the islands, the sight of yachts cruising the waters around the islands is becoming increasingly familiar, especially during the northeast monsoon season.

A beautiful feature of the islands are the huge granite boulders, scattered on the sea-bed of the western and southern shores, that make interesting dive sites. To the west of the islands is a coral reef, known to divers as 'Burmese Banks', which is frequently home to schools of harmless leopard sharks. The waters around the islands are also home to the massive whale sharks, which fortunately feed on plankton and algae.

The stopping point for boats to the islands is at Koh Miang, where the site of the National Park's headquarters is situated. Most accommodation is centred on this island which also boasts the best swimming spots - white coral-sand beaches touching the emerald green waters of the Andaman.