Ao Phang Nga National Park

Ao Phang Nga National Park (Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park) is one of the most beautiful bays in Thailand, famous for its gravity-defying limestone karst formations rising vertically from emerald-green waters. The park encompasses more than 40 islands, dramatic sea caves, hidden lagoons, and the largest remaining mangrove forests in the country. It stretches between Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga provinces.

The most famous landmark is Ko Khao Phing Kan — known universally as James Bond Island after it featured in the 1974 film The Man with the Golden Gun. In front of it, Ko Tapu is a slender limestone spire that has become a symbol of Phang Nga. The park also includes Ko Panyi, a fishing village built entirely on stilts.

In 2018, Fodor's travel guides put the park on its "No" list, recommending tourists not visit in order to allow the environment to heal after damage from mass tourism. The best time to visit is the dry season from November to April; the park remains open in the wet season but tours may be cancelled in rough weather.

By Plane

The nearest airports are Phuket International Airport (HKT, ~45 km south) and Krabi International Airport (KBV, ~80 km east). Most visitors arrive via tour packages from Phuket, Krabi, or Phang Nga town.

By Car / Road

From Phang Nga town, drive south on Highway 4 for about 5 km, then turn left onto the road to Tha Dan pier, where the park headquarters is located. Songthaews (shared taxis) from Phang Nga town also go to Tha Dan. From Phuket, drive north over the Sarasin Bridge and continue to Tha Dan.

Park entry fee: 300 baht adult, 100 baht child (subject to change, settled at the floating platform at the kayak rental point). Park hours: 08:00–16:00.

The best way to explore the park is by kayak. Most tours include a kayak component (additional 1,200 baht for two kayaks). You can also hire a longtail boat at Tha Dan pier for a 3-hour tour (~1,500 baht, max 4 passengers).

• James Bond Island (Ko Khao Phing Kan) — The iconic leaning rock formation featured in The Man with the Golden Gun. The beach is busy with trinket vendors; the visit can feel commercialised.

• Ko Tapu — The slender islet in front of James Bond Island, one of Thailand's most photographed landmarks.

• Ko Panyi — A Muslim fishing village built on stilts over the water. Busy during the day with tour groups; staying overnight gives a more authentic experience.

• Ko Ma Paay — A quieter, more authentic fishing village if you want to see traditional stilt-house life.

• Sea caves and hidden lagoons — Many caves (including the famous "Hong" rooms — collapsed cave systems forming open-air chambers) are accessible only by kayak at certain tides.

• Mangrove forests — The largest remaining intact mangroves in Thailand, rich with birdlife, monitor lizards, and mudskippers.

• Sea-canoeing/kayaking — The signature activity, guiding you through mangrove channels, sea caves, and hidden lagoons. Two Sea Tour offers trips departing from northeast Phuket at 06:00.

• Rock climbing on limestone karsts (for experienced climbers with guides).

• Overnight at Ko Panyi — Stay in a homestay to experience village life after the day-trippers leave.

Most tours include lunch at a floating restaurant or at Ko Panyi, typically serving Thai dishes and fresh seafood. Standalone food is limited — bring snacks if you are touring independently.

Bring your own bottled water on a tour. Drinks are available at Ko Panyi and on James Bond Island.

Most visitors do the park as a day-trip. A few options:

• Phang Nga Bay Resort Hotel (20 Thadan Panyee) — Rooms around 1,500 baht.
• Ko Panyi homestays — Basic accommodation in the stilt village, bookable through tour operators.

James Bond Island has a dense cluster of souvenir stalls selling T-shirts, trinkets, and drinks. Ko Panyi also has craft shops. Bargaining is expected.

• Phang Nga town — 5 km; provincial capital, bus connections to Phuket and Krabi
• Khao Lak — 60 km north; beach resorts, diving gateway to the Similan Islands
• Phuket — 45 km south; international airport, vibrant nightlife, cultural sites
• Krabi — 60 km east; Railay Beach, Ao Nang, karst climbing
• Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai — ferry from Bang Rong Pier or Krabi; laid-back island escapes