Phang Nga

This region is defined by coarse cliffs, near-perfect white-sand beaches and extraordinary limestone karsts that appear to float on its clear coastal waters. 

Phang Na is home to spectacular caves and waterfalls, while offshore, you’ll find unusually shaped islands and outstanding dive sites. It’s no mystery why Phang Nga’s otherworldly landscape was chosen as a lair for James Bond villain Scaramanga in The Man with the Golden Gun.

While parts of Phang Nga are understandably touristy, its capital, also known as Phang Nga, is slow-paced and authentic. Explore the inner caves of Khao Chang, an elephant-shaped mountain that towers over the town. Take a tour of Phung Chang Cave, where you can climb and canoe through intriguing caverns, amid imposing stalagmites and stalactites.

South of Phang Nga Town is Phang Nga Bay, the attraction that draws most tourists to this part of Thailand. Here, you can see dozens of tiny islands and limestone cliffs jut out of the emerald waters off the coast.

Kayak out to Ko Kan, otherwise known as James Bond Island. Although the island is now protected and off limits to tourists, you can see Ko Tapu, a striking narrow rock formation. Visit nearby Ko Panyi, a charming Muslim fishing village where traditional homes are built over the water on stilts.

Relax on the golden beaches of Khao Lak or trek to Khao Lak/Lam Ru National Park to see monkeys and tapirs in a lush mountain setting. From there, take a scuba diving or snorkeling excursion to Similan Islands Marine National Park or Surin Islands Marine National Park, both of which are known for their rich coral reefs and pristine white-sand beaches. The waters off the Surin Islands, in particular, are extremely clear, creating an incredible opportunity to observe underwater life.

Phang Nga is located on Thailand’s Adaman Coast, with the closest international airports found in Krabi and Phuket. Phang Nga can be reached by bus from most major cities in Thailand. The region is best visited in the dry season from November to April, with many hotels and restaurants closed during the rainy season.