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Phang-nga National Park
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Ko Ta Chai, Phang-ngaLocated northeast of Phuket, Phang-nga is renowned for its islandstudded
bay of haunting natural beauty. Typically, the approach to this
wondrous seascape is via a river estuary where mangrove swamps evoke
a primeval mood. The eeriness takes a dramatic turn as the estuary
widens and the bay is suddenly revealed sprouting countless weirdly
shaped limestone outcrops swathed in tangles of creepers and shrubs.
Some rise sheer from the water, others are humped or jagged and
all present an unearthly aspect.
Phang-nga Bay National Park Several of the islands have notable features, such as Khao Khian,
where prehistoric rock paintings can be seen on the cliffs; Ko Panyi,
where there is a Muslim fi shing village built on stilts; Ko Phanak
with beautiful caves, and “James Bond Island”, which is
famed as the location for the movie “The Man with the Golden
Gun”. While Phang-nga is most famous for its island-studded
bay, the province’s mainland offers a number of excellent beaches
that are mostly overlooked by international travellers. Khao Lak
is a delightful stretch of sand studded with granite boulders. Further
interest lies in an offshore coral reef, 45 minutes away by boat,
where the conditions are ideal for snorkelling.
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