An introduction to Khao Lak & Phang-Nga - Five other national Parks
Accessibility:By road, 788 km from Bangkok by Highway 4, taking about 12 hrs. By rail 651 km from Bangkok to Surat Thani, then by road 196 km to Phang-nga. By air, 1.15 hrs. from Bangkok to Phuket, then by road 58 km to Phang-nga.Accommodation in Phang-Nga reservations here
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Phang-nga is located just to the north of Phuket on the western
coast of the peninsular part of southern Thailand with an area of
4,171 sq km. Its long sandy coast (220 km) and large numbers of limestone islands (161) and mountains make it one of the most scenic provinces of Thailand, and gives a lot of opportunities for tourists to enjoy various activities both on land and in the sea like trekking, canoeing and diving. Though a small province, it has as many as six national parks. Of all the national parks in Phang-nga, three are on land, offering scenic mountains and fine beaches. |
 Canoeing at Khao Sok  An Elephant-ride at Khao Lak  Canoeing in Phang-Nga Bay |
ATTRACTIONS: Khao Lak-Lamru National Park |
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Khao Lak-Lamru,commonly called "Khao Lak" is emerging as a wonderful tourist attraction appealing to those who love tranquillity amidst the pristine nature. With an area of about 150 sq km covering four districts of Thai Muang, Pakong, Takua Pa and Muang, the national park boasts virgin forests with abundant flora and fauna and waterfalls. The cream of the park lies on Khao Lak Hill, 25 km from Amphur Takua Pa, forming a scenic background for a serene long golden beach, which is an ideal place for relaxation and a nice viewpoint for watching the sunset. Visitors can get close to the nature there where the locals live in a simple lifestyle. Several types of accommodations are available. |
 Similan Island |
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Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Muang National Parkis located in Thai Muang county. Its main attractions are Lampi Waterfall, Ton Phrai Waterfall, and Thai Muang Beach which is good for swimming and which is a place to watch sea-turtles laying eggs on moonlight nights from November to February.
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Si Phang-nga National Parkis 100 km to the north of Phang-nga town whose natural resources are still well preserved. It has two attractive waterfalls called Tamnang and Tontontoey Noi.Not far from Khao Lak is Thap Lamu landing which enables tourists to reach the 40-km-away Similan Marine National Park, which is famous among tourists, both domestic and foreign, for its uncontaminated water and abundant marine lives and as a place for angling and scuba diving. It can be reached in about 10 hrs by boat from Phuket or 4 hrs from Thap Lamu landing in Phang-nga. |
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As beautiful and unspoiled as Similan is another
marine national park,
Surin Islands Marine National Park, which is farther away off the north-western coast of the province. The group of islands can be reached more easily from Phang-nga than from Phuket. It offers excellent sites for skin-diving. About 1.30 hrs away from the islands are Richelieu Rocks, a spot for viewing whale sharks. |
The most popular national park of the
province is no doubt
Phang-nga Bay National Park.The bay is attractive for its numerous weird limestone outcrops and cliffed islets rising from the sea. This place became more famous after the James Bond adventure, The Man with the Golden Gun, was partly filmed here. Its famous islets include Khao Phingkan, an islet cut in two from top to bottom by natural forces with the breakaway part leaning against the main one; and Ko Tapu which is perhaps the most photographed object in the bay.For those who want more of the atmosphere of pure nature, Khao Sok National Parkin nearby Surat Thani is not too far. Here is one of the most luxuriant rain forests remaining in the country. Canoeing and trekking are operated by many travel agencies in Phuket and Phang-nga |
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