The marine national park covers a total area of approximately 25,000 acre in Amphoe Mueang Phang Nga, Amphoe Takua Thung, and Amphoe Ko Yao. It was declared a national park on April 29, 1981 and became Thailand’s second marine national park where most of the area is seawater and islands of Limestone Mountains of different shapes and beauty. It is also the home of mangrove forest and a breeding area of marine animals. December to April is the most appropriate period to visit the Park whereas May to October is the period of heavy rainfalls and strong waves.
Interesting Attractions within the National Park:
Ko Panyi is a small island with a plain of approximately 0.5 acre and 200 houses of sea villagers. Most of the dwellers are Thai Muslims, earning their living by fishing and selling souvenirs and food to visitors. There is a school and public health center as well the giant floating football stadium that is listed as one of the most fascinating football stadium around the world.
Ko Phanak is a beautiful island with stalactite and stalagmite caves and a small-tiered waterfall inside.
Khao Phing Kan is an island on the beach that derives its name from the fact that a stone mountain split in two and the smaller part slid down, so that its base was buried into the soil while the top parts still lean against each other. The scenery behind Khao Phing Kan is very picturesque with “Khao Tapu”, otherwise known as “James Bond Island” is seen in the sea in the background, looking like a nail—Tapu—stuck into the water.
Khao Ma Chu is on the way to Ko Panyi and looks similar to a dog, with a head, body, and a hairy tail.
Khao Khian or Rock Paintings is on the way to Ko Panyi. It houses rock paintings on the cliff of various animals believed to have been painted by sailors who moored their ships here to take shelter from the monsoon. According to the Thailand’s Fine Arts Department, the paintings are at least 3,000 years old.
Tham Lot is a mountain similar to Ko Thalu. The opening of the cave is approximately 50 meters wide and 40 meters high, through which a small boat can sail to the other end of the cave. There are weird stalactites on the cave’s ceiling.
Ko Hong features undulated hills hugging the sea, looking like a large chamber with 2 doors and housing beautiful coral reefs.
Accommodation: The Phang-Nga Bay Resort near the Tha Dan pier offers comfortable rooms while national park itself also has bungalows and tents for rent. The national park bungalows has room for 4-15 persons and rates range from 700-1,500 baht.
