Phang Nga National Park (Ao Phang Nga) – one of the most picturesque marine reserves in Thailand, located in Phang Nga Province between the resorts of Phuket and Krabi. The park was established on April 29, 1981, and covers an area of approximately 400 km², including 42 islands covered in tropical forests, mangrove thickets, and surrounded by turquoise waters.
In 1981, the park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a unique example of a submerged karst landscape. Phang Nga is a flooded karst plain formed millions of years ago from limestone deposits. Once dry land, rising sea levels submerged the valleys, leaving only the peaks of the rocks as towering islands.
The limestone that makes up the cliffs is highly soluble in water, creating bizarre formations. Over thousands of years, rain, wind, and waves have carved out caves, grottoes, and arches. Some islands have hidden lagoons (hongs), accessible only through narrow caves at low tide.
Tours in Phang Nga National Park
Tourists are gathered from all nearby resorts—from Phuket to Krabi—and taken to a pier, where the journey begins on longtail boats or speedboats. The route includes several incredible sights:
1. Phang Nga River Delta – Karst Giants and Mangrove Forests
The first thing visitors see are the massive limestone cliffs rising straight from the water. The boat glides through mangrove forests, home to crabs, hornbills, and even monitor lizards. Guides explain how mangroves filter water and create a unique ecosystem.
2. Canoeing at Hong Island – Rock Mazes and Hidden Lagoons
Next, tourists transfer to canoes (or kayaks) to explore Hong Island (Koh Hong). Paddlers skillfully navigate through narrow passages, revealing secret lagoons surrounded by sheer cliffs. Sometimes, the route passes through sea caves (hongs), where you must lie flat on your back to slip under low ceilings.
3. James Bond Island (Koh Tapu)
The park’s most famous landmark is a nail-shaped rock jutting out of the water. It gained fame after appearing in the 1974 movie "The Man with the Golden Gun", where it served as the villain Scaramanga’s hideout. Now called "James Bond Island", tourists disembark on a tiny beach, take photos against the iconic rock, and buy souvenirs from local vendors.
4. Panyee Village – Life on Water
After James Bond Island, the group sails to Koh Panyee, a floating village founded 200 years ago by Malay fishermen. The village has a school, mosque, restaurants, and even a floating football field! Visitors enjoy a seafood lunch, then stroll along wooden walkways and shop for dried squid or handmade crafts.
5. Monkey Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suwan Khuha)
On the way back, the bus stops at a cave temple inhabited by macaques. The temple combines the natural beauty of the cave, ancient religious artifacts, and playful monkeys that have become its symbols. The central chamber houses a majestic 15-meter-long reclining Buddha statue, covered in gold and depicting Buddha entering Nirvana.
Climate & Best Time to Visit
• Dry season (November–April) – Ideal time: little rain, calm seas, good visibility.
• Rainy season (May–October) – Possible storms, murky water, some caves may be flooded.
Phang Nga is a unique place where nature has created fantastical landscapes straight out of a movie set. If you`re vacationing in Phuket or Krabi, a trip to Phang Nga National Park will be one of the most memorable experiences of your trip.
