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Thailand Province Guide

Phang Nga

พังงา · South Thailand

kayakingdivingscenic landscapes
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About Phang Nga Province

Phang Nga province contains some of the most dramatic landscapes in Southeast Asia. Phang Nga Bay — a UNESCO-tentative site — is filled with over 40 limestone karst islands rising sheer from emerald water, home to cave systems, sea kayaking routes, and the famous James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan). The province also contains Khao Lak, one of the Andaman coast's best-value resort areas with superb access to the Similan Islands for world-class diving. Inland, Khao Sok National Park spans into Phang Nga and Surat Thani. Despite being wedged between Phuket and Krabi, much of Phang Nga remains genuinely undiscovered.

Key facts

Population
268,229 (2020)
Area
4,171 km²
Density
64 / km²
Districts
8
Capital
Phang Nga
ISO code
TH-82

National parks (6)

Ao Phang Nga National Park, Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park, Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park, Laem Son National Park, Mu Ko Surin National Park, Si Phang Nga National Park

All 8 districts

Kapong · Khura Buri · Ko Yao · Mueang Phang Nga · Takua Pa · Takua Thung · Thai Mueang · Thap Put

Top Highlights

  • Phang Nga Bay

    limestone karst islands, sea caves, and the iconic James Bond Island

  • Khao Lak

    quieter alternative to Phuket with excellent Similan Islands dive access

  • Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai

    island life without mass tourism, between Phuket and Krabi

  • Sea kayaking through mangrove caves and hongs (hidden lagoons) in the bay

Getting There

Most visitors base themselves in Phuket (1–2 hours from Phang Nga Bay by road or boat) or fly into Krabi (1 hour by road). Khao Lak is about 1.5 hours north of Phuket Airport by road. Phang Nga town is served by buses from Phuket and Krabi. Sea taxis and longtail boats operate within the bay from Tha Dan pier.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources

Facts on this page last checked 1 August 2026.

  1. 1.Q273306 — population, area, districts, coordinates — Wikidata (Wikidata), retrieved 1 August 2026
  2. 2.Background reading — Wikipedia (Wikipedia), retrieved 1 August 2026Linked for context; no text is reproduced from it.
  3. 3.Official provincial website — Provincial administration (Official source), retrieved 1 August 2026

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Factual claims on this page are sourced and dated. Where something could not be verified, we say so rather than guessing.

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Phang Nga

พังงา

Region

South Thailand

Capital

Mueang Phang Nga

Best For

kayakingdivingscenic landscapes

Highlights

  • Phang Nga Bay
  • Khao Lak
  • Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai
  • Sea kayaking through mangrove caves and hongs (hidden lagoons) in the bay
View all 76 province guides →
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