Ao Phang Nga National Park was established as a marine national park in 1981, located along the coast of Phang-Nga Province in the Andaman Sea, south of Thailand. James Bond Island, other lovely limestone karst islands, a number of white sandy beaches, and a few caves are the main highlights of this fascinating national park. The blue, tranquil seas that surround the islands make them perfect for kayaking. Sea caves that lead to interior lagoons on the island make for interesting canoeing locations.
The Amphoe Mueang, Amphoe Takua Thung, and Amphoe Ko Yao regions make up the bulk of the 4.5 square meters of Phang Nga national park, which also extends offshore. On April 29, B.E. 2524, a national park designation was given to this landmark (1981).
The park covers an area of 400 km2, containing many islands and the largest native mangrove forests in Thailand. The closest populated areas and tourist hotspots are Krabi, Phuket, Khao Lak, and Ko Lanta.
A popular tourist destination in Thailand is Phuket which is home to a number of stunning and captivating natural wonders. Many travelers put Phuket in their annual vacation itineraries to explore its magnificent attractions.
One of Phuket’s most spectacular natural attractions, Phang Nga Bay is well known for its stunning limestone cliffs that rise from the emerald waters. On this island, there are two paradisiacal attractions called James Bond Island and Koh Panyi. We’ll explain more about this amazing attraction hidden among the charming waters of Thailand in this article.
Attractions of Ao Phang Nga National Park
James bond island: one of Ao Phang Nga’s highlights and probably the most famous part of the island is James Bond Island, aka Khao Phing Kan. This region became known worldwide in 1974 when the movie “The Man with the Golden Gun” was recorded in this place. Thanks to that movie capturing all the beautiful nature and viewpoints of this landscape, a lot of tourists have become interested in visiting James Bond Island ever since then.
Koh Panyi island: another island in Ao Phang Nga National Park is Koh Panyi. This one is a small limestone island that is famous for its weird structure and urban design. The whole area is built on stilts, and it is a fishing island. Most tourists visit this island to dine or to purchase souvenirs. Koh Panyi used to be a fishing village, but in the last decades, it has become more of a popular spot full of small restaurants and shops.
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint: Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is a fascinating hilltop with a panoramic view overlooking James Bond Island. There’s a café at the top of this hill where you can sip a hot beverage and enjoy the beautiful view in front of you. This spot is open from 4 am to 12 am. you can watch the sunrise and sunset at this hilltop and set it as the starting or finishing point of your trip to Ao Phang Nga.
What to do in Ao Phang Nga National Park
Ao Phang Nga Bay is perfect for kayaking, and there is no time limit to when you can enjoy this sport in the surrounding waters of this beautiful bay. Ao Phang Nga is almost always safe to kayak due to its calm waters. It is one of Ao Phang Nga’s wonders that the waters of the bay are calm most of the year. There are numerous caves on the islands in Ao Phang Nga Bay that are filled with water, and the only way to explore them is by using a kayak.
Cruising is another exciting recreational activity you can experience in Ao Phang Nga. Boating is quite popular in Phang Nga Bay. There are plenty of secure locations to anchor and intriguing limestone cliffs that provide a beautiful backdrop. Its waters are tranquil all year round since it is shielded from both the northeast and southwest monsoon seasons. This heightens the allure of its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse animals.
How to get to Ao Phang Nga National Park
Many of Phang Nga Bay’s features can be seen in one day. You can start your journey into the bay from any location along Phuket’s east coast.
There are a number of boat launches on the Phang Nga province’s mainland, including the Ka Sohm Pier in the Takua Thung neighborhood, which is located immediately south of Phang Nga Town. Most people get to the region on a long-tail or speedboat day excursion, on a cruise or canoe tour, or by renting a yacht.
James Bond Island and Phang Nga Beach are connected by a road that is 45 minutes from Phuket. You can get to Phang Nga Bay thanks to the numerous buses that travel there. One-day tours with speedboats or boat rides are another option for seeing the most popular attractions in the vicinity of Phang Nga Bay.
Final words about Ao Phang Nga National Park
Ao Phang Nga is one of the top attractions in Thailand that is far enough from its crowded cities to create a relaxing time for you. We’ve made a travel guide to this amazing attraction in Thailand to help you get an overall look at this wonderland.
