The province of Phang Nga in southern Thailand is often overlooked because of its neighboring destination, Phuket. But it actually has so much to offer in terms of natural beauty, relaxation, and of course, white-sand beaches.
So if you’re looking to see other places aside from Phuket, Phang Nga is the destination that will surprise you with its different charming attractions. If you’re ready to discover what Phang Nga has in store, continue reading as we feature the top attractions you can find in Thailand’s southern province.
Wat Suwan Kuha
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Wat Suwan Kuha, known locally as Wat Tam (Cave temple), serves as a functioning place of worship for locals and a famous tourist destination for visitors.
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Inside you’ll see a massive 15-meter-long reclining Buddha decked in gold. When you look around, you can appreciate the place even more, especially since it retains the natural characteristics of a cave. There are bats inside too although they don’t bother the people going in and out of the area. The cave leads out into the forest that brings cool wind, especially after the rain.
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Outside the cave, some monkeys walk freely around the site so be careful as they can get too close and playful, and you can’t predict what they’ll do next. There are food vendors outside the cave where you can grab some snacks after going around the temple or before heading out to your next destination.
Location: 36/1 Petchkasem Rd, Krasom, Takua Thung District, Phang-nga 82130, Thailand
James Bond Island
Since it appeared in the movie ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ Koh Tapu has become the James Bond Island that is part of the Ao Phang Nga National Park in Phang Nga Bay.
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On the way to the island from Phuket, you will be delighted with incredible limestone cliffs. Once you get there, you’ll understand what the craze is all about. The James Bond Island is just absolutely stunning. It’s like they ripped off a page from a magazine because everywhere you look is just beautiful beyond words.
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As with every other tourist destination in the world, there are lots of vendors on the island, mostly fueled by the number of tourists who visit here too. It’s a great place to buy snacks or souvenirs you can take home.
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The downside is that it attracts so many tourists that it can get crowded, especially during the high season. So if you don’t prefer crowded areas, you might want to consider something else other than the James Bond Island. But if you’re game to see what makes James Bond Island a famous destination in Phang Nga, you can’t miss out on visiting this location on your vacation!
Location: Phang-nga, Thailand
Hat Khao Lak
For people who want to avoid the crowded Phuket beaches, Hat Khao Lak is a great alternative. With 8km of vast white sand beaches and its central location, Hat Khao Lak is an excellent kick-off point to explore the rest of northern Andaman.
But before doing so, you will want to spend a few days here, just enjoying the sun and the beach, as well as some of the shops and restaurants around.
Being a beach bum is accepted here. You can spend hours just going back and forth, swimming in the sea, sunbathing, grabbing a snack, and heading back to the waters. If you’re looking for an island getaway, this is your top pick.
Since you’re already in Hat Khao Lak, you might want to check out Khao Lak proper for more restaurant and accommodation options and other tourist markets if you’re looking for more options on how you can spend your time on the island.
Nestled just 2.5km north of Hat Khao Lak is Hat Bang Niang, an even quieter beach destination with fewer tourists.
Location: Bang Muang, Takua Pa, Phang Nga 82110 Thailand
Similan Islands
Located in the Andaman Sea, the Similan Islands is one of the island groups that sees several tourists every year. Although there is no scenic limestone like in Krabi or Phang Nga Bay, the Similan Islands boast equally beautiful low-lying formations that are covered with thick forest.
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Along with different kinds of trees and plants, the islands are inhabited by various animals such as squirrels, lizards, bats, dusky langurs, and crab-eating monkeys.
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When you see the Similan Islands from afar, the first thing you’ll notice is the huge boulders scattered on the shores of the islands. But you know what the real highlight is? It’s what you can find underwater.
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Beneath the turquoise waters is a spectacular coral formation that made the islands a diving destination. The marine life in this area is so diverse that you might not find such variety elsewhere in the world. There are shallow waters too for snorkeling so that tourists who have no diving license can still appreciate what Similan Islands is known for.
Location: Lam Kaen, Thai Mueang, Phang-nga 82210, Thailand
We hope that this article inspires you to visit Phang Nga in the future. If you’ve already booked your trip, which among these attractions are you excited to see? If you find this article useful, you may share it with your social media accounts. Looking for more travel guides? Visit https://tourismthailand.sg today!