About Phang Nga
Phang Nga is the capital of the province of the same name on the northern Andaman coast, between Phuket and Krabi. The town is small and local, and mainly serves as a base for Phang Nga Bay, with limestone islands rising from the water, mangroves and the floating village of Ko Panyi. Near town stands Wat Suwan Kuha, a cave temple with a reclining Buddha and macaques. There are also the Phung Chang cave and Sa Nang Manora park. In the province you can book community-based tourism: villages offering day tours and homestays. Phang Nga suits those who want to see the bay quietly and without big groups. The best period is November to April, when the sea is calm, and in the rainy season a lot of rain falls.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to April: dry, sunny and calm seas. September and October are the wettest months; from May to October the sea is often rough and some boat trips do not run. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Phuket by bus or car (about 1.5 hours, roughly 85 km); from Phuket Airport about 1 hour. The pier for the bay lies outside town. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Phang Nga
- Phang Nga Bay Limestone islands and mangroves, visited by boat or kayak.
- Wat Suwan Kuha A cave temple with a reclining Buddha and macaques.
- Ko Panyi A stilt village in the bay.
- Community tourism Villages in the region offer day tours and homestays.
