Phangnga Attractions
Phangnga
The town of Phangnga lies about 800 km (497 mi.) south of Bangkok on the Malay Peninsula on the river of the same name, which comes down from mountains ranging in height up to 1000 m (3282 ft). The landscape around the Bay of Bengal is full of surprises: white mountain peaks stand out from the intensive greenery of the jungle, pretty villages cling to the mountain slopes, and a boat trip through the bays of Phangnga and Ao Luk, the northern parts of the large bay of Phuket, conveys one of the most marvelous natural experiences imaginable.
By car: from Krabi and from Bangkok on Highway 4 (each about 85 km (53 mi.)); from Surat Thani highways 401/4040/4 (195 km (121 mi.)).
By rail: nearest station Surat Thani.
By bus: from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal (880 km (547 mi.), 18 hours) and from Phuket Bus Terminal (2 hours).
By air: nearest airports Phuket and Surat Thani, several flights daily from Bangkok.
The town of Phangnga lies about 800 km (497 mi.) south of Bangkok on the Malay Peninsula on the river of the same name, which comes down from mountains ranging in height up to 1000 m (3282 ft). The landscape around the Bay of Bengal is full of surprises: white mountain peaks stand out from the intensive greenery of the jungle, pretty villages cling to the mountain slopes, and a boat trip through the bays of Phangnga and Ao Luk, the northern parts of the large bay of Phuket, conveys one of the most marvelous natural experiences imaginable.
By car: from Krabi and from Bangkok on Highway 4 (each about 85 km (53 mi.)); from Surat Thani highways 401/4040/4 (195 km (121 mi.)).
By rail: nearest station Surat Thani.
By bus: from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal (880 km (547 mi.), 18 hours) and from Phuket Bus Terminal (2 hours).
By air: nearest airports Phuket and Surat Thani, several flights daily from Bangkok.
Chinese Quarter
From the more low-lying Chinese quarter, where a number of old houses still stand, the rocky reefs which surround the town appear particularly steep; they stand out as sharp silhouettes against the sky.
Phangnga Surroundings
Koh Panyi, Thailand
The Moslem village of Panyi, a settlement of buildings on stilts with about 1200 inhabitants, lies in the estuary of the Phangnga river in front of the rocky island of Koh Panyi. The white and green mosque attracts the eye from a distance. Visitors are very welcome. Good fish restaurants and shopping.
Phangnga Bay, Thailand
Boat trips through Phangnga Bay depart the moorings at Klong Khao Thalu River (5 km (3 mi.) along Highway 4 in the direction of Phuket, turn left at the signpost).
Read More
Tham Reussi Grotto
The Chalk Mountains in Phangnga are home to several grottoes. The most famous of these is the Tham Reussi Grotto which features numerous dripstones and stalagmites.
Than Bok Koroni National Park
The entrance to Than Bok Koroni National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in Thailand, can be found at Ao Luk (42 km (26 mi.) east of Phangnga). Magnificent vegetation, high rocky reefs and a river, which rises between the rocks from its underground course, characterize the scene. The towering cliffs of Ao Luk bay form a fantastic backdrop.
Tham Suwan Kutta
A palm-lined path marks the entrance to the grotto temple Tham Suwan Kutta (approximately 13 km (8 mi.) from Phangnga, Highway 4 in the direction of Khok Kloi, follow signposts). A number of various figures of Buddha are in the temple, while the cave behind the grotto contains several beautiful dripstone shapes.
Ban Khok Kloi, Thailand
Pretty Ban Khok Kloi lies 17 km (11 mi.) past Tham Suwan Kutta at the foot of the mountains. From here a bridge carries vehicles over to the island of Phuket.
Khao Khien
Khao Khien rock caves are famous for their cave paintings. They depict, in brownish-red, ochre and black, crocodiles, fish, dolphins and other sea creatures surrounding humans, drawn very vividly as hunters. Another experience is to pass through the Tam Lod arch where stalactites hang down into the water.
Wat Kirivong
About 10 km (6 mi.) behind Phangnga is the rock temple Wat Kirivong containing a statue of Buddha.
