How To Do Phang Nga Right
5 Things You Can’t Miss While Visiting Phang Nga, Thailand
The majority of travelers will have heard of Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi and maybe even Koh Lanta. That’s fair. Those tend to be the heavy weights of Thai tourism. Fortunately for you though, you’re about to discover one of Thailand’s better kept beach secrets: Phang Nga.
Phang Nga stands out as a melting pot of Buddhists, Muslims, Chinese, and even sea gypsies. Aside from the cultural variety, it’s also known for it’s beautiful beaches and coastal rainforest.
While Phang Nga might not have the same hordes of tourists that Phuket has, it does offer a lot, namely peace and quiet. And for the discerning traveler, here are 5 things you absolutely cannot miss while vacationing in Phang Nga.
1. Go Diving.
Phang Nga is as beautiful below water as it is above water. Check out the nearby Similan Islands, Ko Bon, Ko Tachai for excellent, world-renowned diving. Most dive centers offer classes and certification as well as discovery dives for those who are uncertified. No need to bring your own tank or gear. The top dive centers will be able to provide everything you need for the dive trip. We recommend Sea Dragon Dive Center for both noobs and veterans of diving. They offer liveaboards, day trips, and certification.
2. Stay At The Very Best.
Phang Nga offers some of the best luxury hotels in all of Southeast Asia at very affordable prices. For those on a tighter budget, check out Maikhao Dream Resort & Spa Natai. Starting from just US$82, this resort offers gorgeous views of the Andaman Sea, great dining options, and a tropical garden spa.
For those who can afford to spend a little more, we recommend The Sarojin, which offers a selection of private villas placed within 10 acres of lush tropical gardens and lotus ponds. Perfect for a romantic getaway.
And for the minimalist in you, the gorgeous Casa de la Flora offers a sublime mix of natural beauty and modernist architecture. From $221, you can have your very own private pool villa.
3. Tour The Limestone Rock Formations.
Phang Nga Bay is known for its strange rock formations that jut willy-nilly out of the water. There are a couple ways to see the limestone formations. You can either hire a tour guide or go sea canoeing. Often tours will sidetrack and take you to a small fishing village on Koh Panyi. It’s a bit of a tourist trap so if you’d rather not go, make sure you mention it to the tour guide.
4. Sail Through The Mangroves.
Nearby the limestone rock formations are gorgeous mangroves that are worth visiting either by boat, canoe, or kayak. If you’re planning on seeing the rock formations with a tour guide, ask to see the mangroves as well. Located in Ao Phang-Nga National Marine Park, these mangroves are the largest remaining mangrove forests in all of Thailand.
5. Take It Easy.
Phang Nga isn’t as busy and bustling as Phuket or Koh Samui. It’s a quieter destination that’s meant for relaxing, lots of spa treatments, and reading on the beach. Don’t expect to have your days packed with tons of activity. Instead take it slow and enjoy each moment. The food is great, the weather is warm, the sun is shining, and you’re on holiday. What more could you ask for?
Getting There: First you’ll have to fly into Phuket. From there, it’s about a 1.5 hour drive. There are several buses that go from Phuket to Phang Nga and back.
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