Phang Nga Province
The green Province North of Phuket
Phang Nga Province is located just north of Phuket Island, to which it is connected by two bridges: Sarasin Bridge and Thepkasattri Bridge. Covering an area of just over 4,000 square kilometers, Phang Nga is a peaceful province whose economy is traditionally based on agriculture and fishing. Over the years, the rapid development of Phuket has helped bring attention to Phang Nga’s most remarkable natural sites, allowing them to be discovered and gradually developed for tourism while still retaining a largely unspoiled character.
From Phang Nga Bay — famously featured in the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun — to the Similan Islands, a spectacular national park renowned for its world-class diving, Phang Nga is attracting an increasing number of visitors. The province’s main tourist destination is Khao Lak, a name that actually refers to a string of coastal villages linked by kilometers of quiet beaches.
Despite its growing popularity, Phang Nga remains an ideal destination for travelers seeking a calm, nature-oriented holiday away from mass tourism.
Phang Nga Bay is one of the most popular excursion destinations for visitors staying in Phuket. Often compared to Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, it covers an area of about 400 square kilometers and contains more than 40 limestone islands of various shapes and sizes rising dramatically from emerald-green waters. The scenery is both surreal and breathtaking, with sheer cliffs, hidden lagoons, and mangrove-lined channels.
Some islands, such as Koh Hong, feature a collapsed limestone center open to the sky. These hidden interiors can be accessed by kayak or small canoe through narrow, dark tunnels that open suddenly into enclosed lagoons — an unforgettable experience, though not recommended for those who are claustrophobic.
Numerous tours allow visitors to explore Phang Nga Bay in different ways: aboard traditional junks, speedboats, converted fishing boats, or even on sunset dinner cruises. Among the bay’s most visited highlights are Koh Hong, James Bond Island (Koh Tapu), and the stilted fishing village of Koh Panyi, built entirely over the water and home to a long-established Muslim community.
Khao Lak
Khao Lak is a coastal area made up of several beaches, villages, and local districts stretching for about 20 kilometers south of Takua Pa. The most well-known beaches include Nang Thong, Bang Niang, and Pak Weep. Along this coastline, visitors can choose between staying in secluded beachfront resorts — often four- or five-star properties — or basing themselves in one of the villages, which offer a more lively atmosphere.
Khao Lak’s villages are well equipped to welcome visitors, with a good selection of restaurants, shops, bars, and supermarkets, while still maintaining a relaxed, low-key feel. The area is particularly popular with families and couples looking for comfort, space, and tranquility.
From Khao Lak, many of Phang Nga’s top attractions are easily accessible. The Similan Islands and Surin Islands national parks lie to the northwest, Phang Nga Bay is to the southeast, and the forested mountains running parallel to the coast hide numerous waterfalls and hiking opportunities, ideal for nature lovers.
The Similan Islands National Park is made up of 11 islands located roughly 60 kilometers off the coast of Phang Nga Province. The speedboat journey from Tap Lamu Pier takes about 70 minutes; the pier itself is situated around 10 kilometers south of Khao Lak.
The park is internationally renowned for its exceptional scuba diving. Many of its dive sites are occasionally visited by whale sharks and manta rays, making the Similan Islands a dream destination for divers. A wide range of tours cater to all experience levels, including introductory Discover Scuba Diving trips. Beneath the surface, divers encounter vibrant coral reefs, massive granite boulders, and an impressive variety of marine life.
Day trips and longer stays are possible. Koh Miang, the island that hosts the park’s headquarters, offers accommodation in tents or simple bungalows, allowing visitors to spend the night surrounded by pristine nature. Turquoise waters, tropical vegetation, and striking granite formations combine to create what many consider the perfect image of an exotic island paradise.
To protect this fragile environment, the Similan Islands National Park is closed each year from mid-May to mid-October. During the open season, visitor numbers are strictly limited by the Thai government to a maximum of 3,850 people per day.
Summary
If you are spending your holidays in Phuket, there is a strong chance that you will visit Phang Nga Province at some point during your stay. However, the province’s attractions go far beyond the destinations mentioned above. Phang Nga also offers a rich cultural heritage and a wide range of inland excursions.
Highlights include Khao Sok National Park and its vast man-made lake, numerous Buddhist temples such as Wat Tham Ta Pan and Wat Suwan Khuha near Phang Nga Town, and scenic river trips by bamboo raft. Together, these experiences reveal a province of remarkable diversity, where dramatic landscapes, traditional culture, and a slower pace of life come together to form one of southern Thailand’s most rewarding regions to explore.
Last visit & photos: Phang Nga — 20 December 2025
Phang Nga Photo Gallery
Passionate about photography since the mid-2000s, I’ve spent years capturing the beauty of Phuket and southern Thailand — from beaches and islands to festivals and daily life. My work reflects a lasting love for the region and its ever-changing light.
