Attraction Details :
The marine national
park covers a total area of approximately 25,000 acre in Amphoe Mueang
Phang Nga, Amphoe Takua Thung, and Amphoe Koh 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:
Koh 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.
Koh Phanak is a beautiful island with stalactite and stalagmite caves and a small-tiered waterfall inside.
Koh 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 Koh Phing Kan is very picturesque with “Koh Tapu”, otherwise known as “James Bond Island” is seen in the sea in the background, looking like a nail—Tapu—stuck into the water.
Koh Ma Chu is on the way to Koh Panyi and looks similar to a dog, with a head, body, and a hairy tail.
Koh Khian or Rock Paintings is on the way to Koh 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 Koh 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.
Koh 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. In case visitors bring their own tents, a fee of 20 baht each will be charged for showering. For more information contact Ao Phang-Nga National Park at 80 Mu 1, Tambon Koh Panyee, Amphoe Mueang, Phang-Nga 82000 or tel. 076-411-136, 076-412-188.
Opening hours: 8am-5pm
Admission: 300 baht for adult and 100 baht for children
Contact: Ao Phang Nga National Park, 80 Mu 1 Tambon Koh Panyi, Amphoe Mueang Phang Nga, Phang Nga 82000. 076-411-136, 076-412-188, or National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department Tel. 02-562-0760, www.dnp.go.th
Getting there:
By car, the Park is approximately 8 kilometers from the provincial town. Take Highway No. 4 and turn left for some 4 kilometers into Highway No. 4144 until reaching the Customs Checkpoint Pier. A boat for rent is available from the pier. Otherwise, take a daily Song Thaeo (minibus) from the provincial town to the Customs Checkpoint Pier.
Boat Cruises in Ao Phang Nga is available from various piers, as follows:
· Customs Checkpoint Pier, near the Phang Nga Bay Resort, boats of different sizes are available. Contact Khun Han Karaket at Tel. 081-894-1499—Boat for 1 - 8 persons 1,200 Baht / Boat for 8 - 20 persons 2,000 Baht / Boat for 20 - 40 persons 4,500 Baht. The cruise takes about 3 - 4 hours.
· Surakun or Kasom Pier, Amphoe Takua Thung, provides boats for rent of different sizes.—Boat for 1 - 10 persons 1,200 Baht / Boat for 1 - 20 persons 1,500 Baht / Boat for 1 - 30 persons 1,600 Baht
· Ao Phang-nga National Park’s pier, speedboats and long-tail boats available. For more information , contact 076-411-136, 076-412-188.—Boat for 2 - 6 persons 1,000 Baht / Boat for 7 - 12 persons 1,500 Baht / Boat for 35 - 45 persons 4,500 Baht The Cruise takes about 3 - 4 hours. Note: Boat rental rates are subjected to change without prior notice.
For more information call:
· Kiatjaroenchai 1, 076-496-475, 081-677-5971
· * Kiatjaroenchai 2, 076-496-342, 081-676-2906
· Ran Pol, 076-496-381, 086-691-4802. Or contact the following businesses: Sayan Tour, 076-430-348.
http://www.tourismthailand.org/See-and-Do/Sights-and-Attractions-Detail/Phang-Nga-Bay-or-Ao-Phang-Nga-National-Park--582
