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Phang Nga

Phang Nga town is a quiet little provincial capital 15 km inland from the head of Phang Nga Bay. Located in a small valley surrounded by tall limestone karsts, this charming little town has none of the craziness of resort towns and is a great place to explore the bay and surrounding countryside from. The town has a good market, lots of restaurants and tons of locally made products.

Sala Klang: This Panya styly old Provincial Hall is 3 km west of town sitting serenely in front of Khao Chang, a hill resembling a kneeling elephant that the townspeople consider as a defining monument to their town. Wat Praphat and Tham Phung Chang (Elephant Belly Cave) is located behind the Provincial Hall. That Kao Ngum, another cave is just across from Tham Phung Chang. This whole area is an interesting place to explore.

Rafting: Although white-water rafting in Phang Nga province is a year round activity, it is definitely better to go during the rainy season from June to November. Most rafting trips take place on Song Phraek River in the Ton Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary, not far from Phang Nga Town. This small narrow river has class 2 rapids and is fun for a mellow day out on the water. Most trips provide lunch and some combine activities.

Sa Nang Manora Forest Park: This National Park is under 10 km from Phang Nga Town. There is a 2 km nature trail, a small river and a waterfall with pools where you can swim. This is a nice little park to kill an afternoon with a picnic. No Accommodations but you can camp here if you have the gear.

Trekking: There are lots of trekking opportunities within easy distance of Phang Nga Town. Everything from elephant trekking and serious hiking to caving or simply strolling along a forest path is possible here.

Ao Phang Nga National Park: This National Park consists of over 40 Islands including James Bond Island in the western half of the large Phang Nga Bay. The water is shallow and usually calm making it a great place for kayak trips. The scenery is stunning with these Guilin like Islands jutting out of the sea. Take highway 4 south from Phang Nga Town for 10 km and then take highway 4144 south for 2 km to the park headquarters and boat pier where you can charter a boat or get on a tour. There are some other piers where you can rent boats in the nearby towns. The park has lots to see and do. Koh Panyee is a small muslim fishing village built on stilts which has some seafood restaurants catering to tourists. Khao Khien, the islet of writings, is a hill with 3000 year old writing and pictures on it's side just above the high tide line. There are many caves, and hollowed out Islands to explore. Accommodations on site. Phone +66 2562 0760 to reserve.

Sea Turtle Releasing Festival: The Department of Fisheries raises sea turtles in an attempt to increase their numbers. In March, at Hat Tai Muang there is a 7 day festival where they release the turtles. The beach is 45 km west of Phang Nga Town on the Andaman coast. So head on over and help the turtles.

Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park: Along the Andaman Coast, 50 km west of Phang Nga Town off coastal highway 4 is this wonderful little park with a number of waterfalls, hiking and nature trails, mangrove forests and beaches. One of the waterfalls can be reached by taking highway 4 north for 11 km and then 4099 north for 22 km and look for the signs. This is a great day trip from Phang Nga Town. Accommodations on site. Phone +66 2562 0760 to reserve.

Hot Springs: There are a few hot springs nearby if you are ailing and need some mineralization. The mineral rich Ban Bor Dan Hot Springs are only 40 km southwest of Phang Nga Town. Take highway 4 southwest and after you pass Khok Kloy go 5 km and look for signs. Kapong Hot Springs are 40 km north of Phang Nga Town. Take highway 4 north for 11 km and switch to 4099 north until Kapong and look for signs. This trip takes you close to the eastern side of Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park in case you wanted to check out a waterfall.