1. Home
  2. Attractions
  3. Ao Phang-nga National Park
  4. Ao Phang-nga National Park

Ao Phang-nga National Park

Posted on: 25th February 2016

Also known as Phang-nga Bay, Ao Phang-nga National Park is one of the most frequented marine national parks in Thailand. About 7.5 km from Phang-Nga Town to the north-east of Phuket, it takes just a 10-minute drive to reach the park via Route 4 and Route 4144. Covering a total area of around 40,000 sq. km, the park includes more than 40 small and large islands. It appears to be much like an inland lake with its north, east and west enclosed by land and its south partly sealed off as well.

The sea here is quite shallow having an average depth of just a few meters, making Ao Phang-nga National Park a safe place to visit anytime of the year. Though, it is still preferable to visit during November to April as the sea is calm, the sky is clear and your trip won’t be interrupted by rain. Still one should not take chances, a Phang-Na car hire is a best solution to almost all the problem that can pop up during a trip. One doesn’t have to rely on public transport and in addition to comfort; our car rental also keep one safe from unnecessary financial burdens through covered inclusions like Collision Damage Waiver and local taxes etc.

james-bond-island-phang-nga

Things to See at Ao Phang-nga National Park

There is plenty to see in and around Ao Phang-nga National Park. One of the popular attractions at the park is Tham Lot – a limestone mountain sculptured naturally by the weather and sea water. The cave’s opening is wide enough for your boat to sail through to the other end. On your way, you’ll see many weird stalactites hanging down from the cave’s ceiling. About 10 km from Tham Lot lies Khao Phing Kan, an island offering stunning scenery. Just 200 meters from here stands the tiny Ko Tapu, also known as the ‘James Bond Island’. This is arguably the most photographed site in the entire marine park and it has also become the park’s symbol. For a nice seafood lunch, you can head towards the island of Ko Panyi. It presents a very quaint sight with some 500 stilt-made houses and restaurants. On your way to Ko Panyi, you’ll also get to see Khao Kian – a limestone mountain housing 3,000 years old colored rock paintings of various animals on the cliff.

Related Blog Post