Phang Nga Bay, อ่าวพังงา, ao phangnga, ʔàːw pʰāŋ.ŋāː] is a 400 km2 bay in the Strait of Malacca between the island of Phuket and the mainland of the Kra Isthmus of southern Thailand. Since 1981, an extensive section of the bay has been protected as the Ao Phang Nga National Park. The park is in Phang Nga Province, at 08°17'N 098°36'E.
Limestone cliffs with caves, collapsed cave systems, and archaeological sites are found about Phang Nga Bay. Around 10,000 years ago, when sea levels were lower, it was possible to walk from Phuket and Krabi.
Phang Nga is the modern Thai transliteration of the Malay word pangan, literally 'heathen, pagan, primitive people,' or as proper noun, Pangan in reference to a generalised tribe or people typically inhabiting jungle areas of the Malay Peninsula and its offshore islands. Historically, in 1824 when Siamese troops defeated the Burmese and the challengers were expelled, King Rama III renamed a major area adjacent to the bay phang-nga.
This bastardisation of Malay pangan offers vivid indication that the entire region was likely populated by Orang Asli or other aboriginal people.
Phang Nga Bay eye-catching is a serious understatement. This part of southern Thailand is home to a delicate ecosystem that needs to be protected from degradation.
Studded with limestone karst rock formations and islands, the turquoise waters of the bay are home to fragile coral reefs and vulnerable species such as the dugong and black finless porpoise. Those towering karst rocks, and what is said to be the last large area of native mangrove forest left in Thailand, both host endangered birds. Much of the bay is part of Ao Phang Nga National Park, a nature reserve established in 1981.
Phang Nga Bay day trip from Phuket takes you through the emerald waters of this epic bay, past hundreds of limestone islands, aboard a speedboat.
There are stops at James Bond Island and the secluded lagoons of Talu Island on a scenic canoe ride and trek through quiet caves for an up close look at these limestone wonders. The tour is a memorable full-day tour includes local lunch and plenty of time to soak up the sunshine on the shores of Naka Island.
Koh Hong A limestone island with the bay almost surrounded by the cliff looking like the hall where boats can sail into the cave channel through the other side of the sea. But due to the low cave roof, only kayaks can get through the channel. The area is also good for swimming.
Travel safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during this experience
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Contactless payment for gratuities and add-ons
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- Temperature checks for tour participants upon arrival
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Face masks provided for travelers
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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