Phang Nga, Thailand: travel guide
Bay of limestone towers, sea caves and kayaking south of Phuket
Dramatic bay of towering limestone karsts — famous for sea caves, James Bond Island tours, and canoe adventures.
About Phang Nga
Phang Nga is a province on Thailand's Andaman coast, north of Phuket, centred on a bay studded with limestone towers that rise steeply from the green sea. It is among the most dramatic seascapes in the country.
Boat and kayak trips go through sea caves and hidden lagoons, with Khao Phing Kan, better known as James Bond Island, as the most famous stop. The floating Muslim fishing village of Koh Panyi sits on stilts beside the cliffs, and the mangrove channels are best seen from a canoe. Inland, the Similan islands attract divers further offshore.
Phang Nga suits kayakers, photographers and day trippers from Phuket. The dry season from November to April is the best time to visit.
- Country
- Thailand
- Currency
- THB
- Time zone
- Asia/Bangkok
- Nearest airport
- HKT
- Typical trip
- 1 day
Last updated
Top places to visit in Phang Nga
Ao Phang Nga National Park Sea Kayaking
national_park · 4.6 rating · about 5 h · check the fee at the gate
Paddle through limestone hongs (hidden lagoons) only accessible by sea canoe at low tide.
Suwan Kuha Cave (Monkey Cave)
Cultural · 4.2 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Cave temple with a reclining Buddha and resident macaques. A local pilgrimage site near Phang Nga town.
Bang Sak Beach
Beach · 4.2 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Quiet 2004 tsunami memorial beach 30 km north of Khao Lak. The police boat swept inland is preserved nearby.
Phang Nga Town Walking Street
Market · 4.0 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Weekend walking street in Phang Nga old town under the limestone cliffs with local food and crafts.
Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park
national_park · 4.5 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Coastal park with jungle trails, waterfalls and a beach backed by forest. Wildlife-rich.
James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan)
island · 4.6 rating · about 6 h · check the fee at the gate
Iconic limestone karst bay with Ko Tapu (James Bond Island), caves and sea canoe through hongs.
Khao Lak Tsunami Memorial (Police Boat 813)
Heritage · 4.2 rating · about 0.5 h · free entry
A patrol boat swept 2km inland by the 2004 tsunami, preserved as a memorial park.
Khao Lak Beach
beach · 4.5 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Unspoiled 10-km beach with few high-rises, popular with families and divers heading to Similan Islands.
Sa Nang Manora Forest Park
Nature · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Jungle park with a series of cascading streams and moss-covered rock pools threaded by wooden bridges.
Ko Yao Noi
Nature · 4.4 rating · about 5 h · check the fee at the gate
Laid-back island in Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi, known for limestone-cliff views and quiet villages.
Tha Dan Pier
Heritage · 4.0 rating · about 1 h · free entry
Historic Sino-Portuguese shophouse street and departure pier for Phang Nga Bay tours.
Ko Panyi Floating Muslim Village
tourist_attraction · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · free entry
Sea-gypsy village built on stilts over the bay. Seafood restaurants and a floating football pitch.
Things to do
- Khao Lak & Similan Islands Snorkelling Day Trip Water Sports · 9 h · from THB 2,100 per person
- Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Kayaking Expedition Adventure · 8 h · from THB 1,700 per person
- James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay by Longtail Boat Sightseeing · 8 h · from THB 1,000 per person
- Phang Nga Town Walking Tour & Local Market Cultural · 3 h · from THB 520 per person
- Sa Nang Manora Forest Park Trek Activity · 2.5 h
- Ko Yao Noi Cycling Tour Activity · 3 h · from THB 3,900 per person
- Khao Lak Elephant Care Experience Activity · 3 h · from THB 3,200 per person
Day trips and tours
- James Bond Island Speedboat Premium Tour 8 h · from THB 1,200
- Phang Nga Bay Longtail & Sea Kayak Adventure 8 h · from THB 1,000
- Khao Lak & Similan Islands Snorkel Day Trip 10 h · from THB 1,700
Where to stay in Phang Nga
- Town Area about THB 2,000 per night
Gateway to Phang Nga Bay with tour base
Hotels
- Aleenta Resort Phang Nga 5-star
- Phang Nga Inn 2-star
- Phang Nga Bay Resort Hotel 3-star
Where to eat
- Khun Thip's Satay Thai, Satay · about THB 200 per person
- Mon Phochana Southern Thai, Seafood · about THB 500 per person
- Gop Phochana Southern Thai, Peranakan · about THB 400 per person
- Nai Mueang Southern Thai, Seafood · about THB 600 per person
- Takola Southern Thai, Thai · about THB 1,500 per person
- Juumpo Peranakan, Southern Thai · about THB 600 per person
- Krachang Khao Lak Seafood, Thai · about THB 700 per person
- Beach Grill and Bar Mediterranean, Seafood, Grill · about THB 1,800 per person
Getting to Phang Nga
Nearest airport: Phuket (HKT), about 41 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
How visitors arrive in Phang Nga
- Bus or minivan from Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani or Khao Lak By road from Phuket · common
Services between Phuket and Krabi, Phuket and Surat Thani, and Khao Lak and Krabi all stop at the main bus station in central Phang Nga. Source: thainationalparks.com
- Fly into Phuket (HKT), then road By air from Phuket · possible · unconfirmed
Phuket airport is the nearest large airport; onward is by bus or minivan to Phang Nga town. Source: thainationalparks.com
From the bus terminal to the centre
- Songthaew from the bus station to Tha Dan
From the main bus station it is easy to take a songthaew to Tha Dan, the village at the Ao Phang Nga park headquarters, about 6 km from town. Source: thainationalparks.com
Getting around
- Car Rental Self
- Motorbike Rental
Motorbikes can be rented in Phang Nga town, including from a tour shop at the Muang Thong Hotel near the bus station.
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Generic tourist overcharge
Major tourist zones
Tourists are quoted significantly above local price.
How to avoid it: Verify prices upfront. Use registered taxis/apps.
Best time to visit Phang Nga
- Jan 28°C
- Feb 30°C
- Mar 32°C
- Apr 34°C
- May 33°C · moderate
- Jun 32°C · rough
- Jul 32°C · rough
- Aug 31°C · rough
- Sep 31°C · rough
- Oct 31°C · moderate
- Nov 32°C
- Dec 28°C
More in Thailand
Frequently asked questions about Phang Nga
- How many days do you need in Phang Nga?
- A typical trip to Phang Nga is 1 day.
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Phang Nga?
- The highest-rated places in our Phang Nga guide are Ao Phang Nga National Park Sea Kayaking, James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan), Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park, Khao Lak Beach, Sa Nang Manora Forest Park.
- Where should I stay in Phang Nga?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Phang Nga: Town Area.
- How do I get around Phang Nga?
- Ways to get around Phang Nga covered in our guide: Self-drive car, Motorbike rental, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Phang Nga?
- Scams reported to us for Phang Nga include Generic tourist overcharge. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Phang Nga?
- Average daytime highs in Phang Nga run from 28°C in Dec to 34°C in Apr.
- Which airport is nearest to Phang Nga?
- The nearest airport to Phang Nga has the code HKT.