PHANG NGA

Phang Nga

Phang Nga

Phang Nga

Phang Nga

Phang Nga

Phang Nga

Phang Nga

Phang Nga

Phang Nga

Phang Nga

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Phang Nga, a land of tin mines and beautiful scenery, nestles among soaring mountains which rise up around the town. Phangnga is located 788 kms. from Bangkok and covers an area of 4,170 square kilometres, most of which is mangrove and evergreen forest. The area is bordered to the west by the Andaman Sea and consists of plenty of spectacular islands.

Geography:

The province is located on the west side of the Malay Peninsula, and includes many islands in the Andaman Sea. The most famous one is the so-called James Bond Island, a needle formed limestone rock in the sea, which featured in the movie The Man with the Golden Gun. The Ao Phang-Nga (Phang-Nga Bay) National Park was established in 1981 to protect the many fascinating islands. The Similan Islands, one of Thailands main diving destinations, are also part of Phang Nga province.

History:

In the 18th century there were three cities of comparable status in the area - Takuapa, Takuatung and Phang Nga. The city Phang Nga was probably created in 1809 during the reign of King Rama II, during one of the wars with neighboring Burma. The city Thalang on Phuket island was razed, and the citizens were ordered to relocate to Phang Nga. In order to strengthen the defense in the strategic important area in 1840 Phang Nga became a province, and Takuatung was reduced in status as a district. In 1931 Takuapa was also incorporated into the province.

On December 26, 2004 Phang Nga was one of the places hit hard by a tsunami following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. The province was probably the hardest hit in Thailand. Thousands died, including Bhumi Jensen, the grandson of the King of Thailand.

Attractions:

Tham Phung Chang This cave, which houses numerous stalactite and stalagmite formations, and replicas of famous Buddha images, is located at the Khao Chang Hill near the town.

Tham Rusi Sawan and Tham Luk Sua These two adjoining caves with shady surroundings developed into a lovely public park is situated opposite the provincial Court near the town.

Tham Nam Phut This is located at Khao Thoi 2 Kms from the town. In front of the cave there are natural springs and the shrine of Chao Pun Kong.

Sa Nang Manora Forest Park The park contains shady cascades and a basin with cool and clear water. To get there travel along the Phangnga -Krabi route for 5 kms. and continue along the 3 kms. access road.

Tha Nun Beach The sandy beaches on both sides of the Pak Phra Channel near Highway 402 before arriving at Phuket is where sea turtles lay their eggs from November to February.

Khao Pilai Beach This hillside sandy beach which extends towards the Tha Nun Beach is located in the area of Tambon Khok Kloi, Amphoe Takua Thung.

Ao Phangnga National Park The park is 12 kms. from town and covers an area of 400 square kilometres. It mainly consists of a mass of limestone islands, rock formations and evergreen mangroves. Boats are available at some landings near the park office to explore a number of interesting islands. These include:

Khao Khien This mountain cave, which contains primitive rock paintings of various animals such as fish, water lizards and dolphin, is believed to be some 3,000 years old.

Ko Panyi Around this island, there is an entire Muslim fishing village of about 500 households built on stilts on stilts in the sea and connected by wooden bridges.

Ko Thalu This island with a big cave eroded by sea water offers a spectacular scene of enormous stalactites when boat trips are made through the water-filled cave.

Khao Phing Kan This gigantic cliff appears to be cloven in two ; the halves supported by leaning against each other offers a sight of rare and exquisite beauty.

Khao Tapu This spectacular tall island stands in front of Khao Phing Kan. Its broad peak and narrow base gives the strange appearance of a spike driven into the sea.

Tham Lot Similar in appearance but larger than the cave at Ko Thalu, this cave is about 100 metres long and a small boat may pass through it.

Khao Machu Here on a hilltop, there is a rock formation resembling a dog.

Ko Yao It takes 2 hours by boat from Phangnga or 1 1/2 hours from Ao Po, Phuket. Ko Yao covers an area of 137 square kilometres consisting of two main islands: Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai. There are several beaches on the islands including Hat Pa Sai, Hat Tha Khao, Hat Ao Tikut, Hat Khlong Son and Hat Loparaet. Bungalows are available.

Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Muang National Park This park, covering an area of 72 square kilometres, comprises both sandy beaches and shady forested mountains. Attraction in the area include:

Hat Thai Muang This sandy beach near Amphoe Thai Muang can be reached along a beach road from the district. From November to February, sea turtles come up to lay their eggs on the beach.

Namtok Lampi This three-level waterfall with a good flow of water all year round is located near Km. 32-33 of Highway No. 4.

Namtok Ton Phrai It is a huge waterfall containing water all year round that is 7 kms. off Km. 28-29 of Highway No. 4 The access to the waterfall is convenient only in the dry season.

Khao Lak - Lam Ru National Park This park covers a total area of 125 square kilometres and comprises the following If you are based in Khaolak, the easiest way to get around is by car or motorbike. Local taxi trucks are also an option. Trips out to small islands off the main land are easily made by longtail boat - arranged through agents at any of the hotels and guesthouses in the area.For ventures futher afield, local bus services will take you to any district you want to go. The most convenient method of travel around however is by Songtaew or taxi truck, easily hired from any town by the trip or for the entire day. Jeep and motorbike rentals are also widely available.This is the question most people ask about Khao Lak. One of the worst affected areas during the tsunami of 2004, Khao Lak has made an incredible recovery. Major hotels including Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach and Spa Resort, the deluxe Sarojin and the sophisticated La Flora have re-opened more stylish than ever, with new features and better facilities.Around the area, shops, banks (and ATM