Phang-nga is located at the north side of Phuket, covering an area of 4,170 sq kilometers. The province’s main attractions stem primarily from its geological formations and have an extraordinary number of islands, caves, and rocky outcrops. Its most notable landmarks are the national marine parks of Ao Phang-nga, Mu Ko Similan and Mu Ko Surin.
Phang-nga’s mainland is absolutely a fascinating destination to discover with major sights of magnificent caves, waterfalls, temples and archaeological site of Ban Thung Tuek.
Getting There
Phang-nga is located in the mainland of Thailand and is far from Phuket city. To make yourself hassle-free from driving, the best way to explore the amazing town is by a join-in guided group tour.
It is super easy to find a tour by approaching one of my travel agencies in Phuket island. You can also ask your hotel front desk to arrange a tour with a travel agent.
Best Things to do on Phang-nga Day-Trip
James Bond Island
James Bond Island, locally known as Ko Tapu is part of Ao Phang Nga National Park. Since 1974, it has become popular and was called James Bond Island after it was featured in one of the James Bond movies called The Man with the Golden Gun.
Ko Panyi
Ko Panyi (Koh Panyee) is a fishing village built on stilts by Indonesian fishermen. The population here consists of around 1,600 people, descended from 2 Muslim families from Java. Fishermen lived through their daily routines by going out to catch fish in the sea and crabs from the nearby mangrove island.
The village has a Muslim school, a mosque, a market and a floating football pitch. Nowadays, this is one of the main attractions, often serving as a lunch stop with fresh seafood at the restaurant. There are various stalls selling homemade souvenir.
Hong Island
Koh Phanak
Koh Phanak is one of the favorite islands for kayaking and canoeing. You can admire the beautiful sights of limestone, cliffs, numerous caves and gorgeous lagoons.
Pineapple Plantation
Stop by the pineapple plantation about 10-minutes drive from Sarasin Bridge to taste the homegrown pineapple. They were picked and sold to locals and tourists right next to its plantation.
Monkey Cave Temple
Monkey Cave Temple, locally known as Wat Suwan Kuha Temple, is located not far from Raman Waterfall National Forest. There is a dominant figure of a large reclining Buddha, a few small Buddha images and a big Chedi which contains the bones of the Na Takuathung family who governed this area about 160 years ago.
The family arranged for the construction of a shrine in this cave. There is an entrance fee to enter the temple. After climbing up the stairway of the temple, it will lead to a cave with limestones.
Visitors can feed the monkeys and of course, there are also people selling fruits outside the entrance of the cave.
International Tsunami Museum
Khao Lak was hit the hardest by the tsunami after the effect of 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, The tsunami caused the death of 4,000 people including many foreign tourists.
After the tsunami occurred, Thai navy boat 813 was washed almost 2 kilometers inland from Bang Niang Beach. It was on patrol, serving as a guard to a grandson of the king, Bhumi Jensen when he was jet skiing in front of La Flora Resort. He could not be saved from the powerful waves and only his mother, Princess Ubolratana and sister had survived the incident by fleeing to the upper level of the resort.
The boat was carried and put to rest opposite Bang Niang’s marketplace. The area has been renovated and includes a museum dedicated to the events of Boxing Day 2004.
Other Activities
If you have extra free time, take a swim in the Ton Pling Waterfall or enjoy the scenery along the river on bamboo rafting. Those attractions are not far apart and will take only up to 5-10 minutes drive.
Going Elsewhere in Thailand?
If you are planning for a long adventure in Thailand, you can check out some of my other posts:
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