Counties (Districts)

Khura Buri | Ko Yao | Phang-nga Town | Takua Pa | Takua Thung | Thai Muang

Similan Island

• Similan Island Similan Island
• Similan Island Similan Island
• Similan Island Similan Island
• Similan Island Similan Island
• Similan Island Similan Island
• Surin Island Surin Island
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Similan Islands National Park

This world-renowned marine national park, occupying an area of 128,000 sq.km., is 50 kilometres off the west coast of Phang-nga in the Andaman Sea. Due to the plentiful natural beauty found on the islands and the abundant coral gardens and marine lives under the sea, the Similan Islands are rated by the Skin Diving Magazine of USA as one of the top ten island groups on earth.

Lined from north to south, the nine islands are: Ko Bon, Ko Ba Ngu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang, Ko Payan, Ko Payang and Ko Hu Yong.

Some attractive islands are as follows:

Ko Ba Ngu

Looking like a skull, it is also called Ko Hua Kalok or Skull Island. The island is renowned for its wonderful underwater scenery with corals, aquatic plants and many schools of fish.

Ko Similan

This is the largest island with a long curving bay and fine sandy beach. At the northern part, there are large stones of different shapes, including one looking like a boat and another like a sailboat. It is suitable for diving to look at coral reefs and colourful fish.

Ko Miang

This is the second largest island where the office and the guesthouses of the national park are located. The island also has beautiful beaches and coral reefs.

Ko Hu Yong

Ko Hu Yong has the longest stretch of white sandy beach where sea turtles lay eggs from November to February.

The Similan Islands are open for tourists from 16 November to 15 May every year. But the best period to visit the Similans is from December through April. March is regarded as the best month with the lowest winds and clearest water.

For booking of accommodation, contact the Similan Islands National Park Office at Thai Muang county, tel. 0 7645 3272.

Similan Island

Getting to the Similan Islands

• From Phang-nga : Chartered boats sail from Thap Lamu pier in Thai Muang county, where the National Park's office is located. The trip takes about 3 hours.   
• From Phuket : There are boat services from Patong Beach to Similan, taking 3-4 hours. Contact your travel agent for details.

Diving companies in Phuket offer choices of diving excursions which usually include food, accommodation, diving equipment and underwater guides.

Surin Islands Marine National Park

The Surin Islands are located about 70 km. northwest of Khura Buri county and close to Thailand's marine border with Myanmar. Consisting of five islands, the Surin is famous for the beautiful coral reefs in shallow water and so they are excellent for snorkeling.

Two main islands are Ko Surin Nua (North Surin Island) and Ko Surin Tai (South Surin Island). The park office is located at Mae Yai Bay of Ko Surin Nua, but Ao Luek or Deep Bay is famous for its dark green water and most beautiful coral reefs and aquatic plants.

Another interesting feature of the islands is the village of sea gypsies of the Sing tribe which is on Sai En beach of Ko Surin Nua. The sea gypsies here are the last group which still maintain their traditional way of living. About 1.30 hours away from the islands are Richelieu Rocks, a spot for viewing whale sharks.

Like Similan Islands, Surin Islands are open from 16 November to 15 May and the best time to visit the islands is from December to March.

The dive operators in Phuket also have diving excursions to the Surin archipelago, but the prices are rather high due to longer distances compared to the Similans.

Getting to Surin Islands

• From Khura Buri pier, there is a passenger boat leaving for Ko Surin daily at 09.00 hrs. The trip takes over 3 hours. The same boat heads back from the island at 10.00 hrs. of the next day.   
• From Ranong province, boats can be hired at the pier of Kapoe county, taking about 7 hours.

Si Phang-nga National Park

Si Phang-nga National Park is about 100 kilometres to the north of Phang-nga whose natural resources are still well preserved. It has two attractive waterfalls called Tamnang and Toantontoei.

For your personal safety and protection by law, please use the services of travel agencies holding a TAT license only.

Counties (Districts)

Khura Buri | Ko Yao | Phang-nga Town | Takua Pa | Takua Thung | Thai Muang

Phang Nga Naval Base

• Phang Nga Naval Base Phang Nga Naval Base
• Phang Nga Naval Base Phang Nga Naval Base
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Khao Lampi - Hat Thai Muang National Park

Covering an area of about 72,000 sq.km., the national park has interesting places as follows:

Lampi Waterfall is in Thai Muang Subcounty off Phetkasem Highway (Route 4) near Km. 32.

This medium sized waterfall has three levels, each about 100 metres high, and flows all year round.

Ton Phrai Waterfall

To go to the fall, drive along Phetkasem Highway until reaching Km. 28-29, turn left to the gravel side road and go ahead about 7 kilometres. This is a large waterfall with water flowing all year round.

Thai Muang Beach

Located in Thai Muang Subcounty, it is a 13 kilometre clean sandy beach parallel to the highway.

From November to February, sea turtles come up to lay eggs on the beach. During this period, local people usually go to observe the turtles on moonlit nights.

Bo Dan Hot Springs

Located on a sideroad about 6 km. from Khok Kloi Intersection amidst the green garden, the water here contains many kinds of minerals which are good for relief of arthritis, beriberi, mental and physical stress.

Open for bathing daily from 06.00 - 21.00 hours.

Phang-nga Naval Base

This is an important place for sea turtles breeding on the Andaman coast.

Chulabhorn Marine Park Conservatory Center

The center is located in Phang-nga Naval Base. The exhibition room displays a varied collection of fish and marine lives - much like the real underwater world.

For your personal safety and protection by law, please use the services of travel agencies holding a TAT license only.

Counties (Districts)

Khura Buri | Ko Yao | Phang-nga Town | Takua Pa | Takua Thung | Thai Muang

Tracing back to about 2,000 years ago, Takua Pa was an important port on the trade route of Malayan Peninsula, also called the silk pathway. The Indian and Persian merchants would anchor their shiploads of goods here and travel further on land from Takua Pa on the west to Ban Don of Surat Thani on the east. Luckily, many archaeological remains of the Indian culture still exist today such as the statue of Vishnu God, discovered in Kapong county, which is now kept at Thalang National Museum in Phuket.

Bang Sak Beach

Bang Sak Beach is situated in Bang Muang Subcounty off Phetkasem Highway at Km.75.

Khao Lak - Lamru National Park

This national park is emerging as a new star appealing to those who love tranquility amidst the pristine nature. With an area of about 150 sq.km. covering four counties of Thai Muang, Kapong, Takua Pa and Muang, it boasts virgin forests with abundant flora and fauna and waterfalls. The cream of the park lies on Khao Lak Hill, 25 km. from Amphoe Takua Pa. The mountain is not only a border landmark of Takua Pa and Thai Muang counties, but also forms a scenic background for a serene long golden beach, which is an ideal place for relaxation and a nice viewpoint for watching the sunset.

Khao Lak Beach

Photo : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khao_Lak

Khao Lak Beach

There is a pretty curve in the 10-km beach running parallel with Khao Lak Mountain. The beach is naturally decorated with granite boulders with an offshore coral reef suitable for snorkeling, about 40 minutes away by boat. Here is a nice viewpoint for an impressive panorama of the Andaman Sea. The sunset here forms a very spectacular scene and creates a romantic atmosphere.

Lamru Waterfall
Take Highway 4090 to enter Lamru Village, cross the Kapong canal, turn left and go ahead for 1 km. to reach a forest protection unit. Not far from here, you will find a 5-leap waterfall. The most impressive beauty lies in the fifth leap with a height of 30 meters. The trees are so thick that little sunlight is allowed through.

Ton Chong Fa Waterfall

Ton Chong Fa is only 5 km. to the north of the park office. The 5-leap waterfall is set amid a quiet pristine forest with water flowing all year round.