Have you ever desired to take a raft and wade in endless crystal-blue waters, canopied by high reaching hills and low- ceilinged caves on your way to a beach on a rocky remote island? If you answered yes, then Phang Nga Bay is just the place for you. Phang Nga Bay lies in the Strait of Malacca between the island of Phuket and the mainland of the Malay Peninsula of southern Thailand. Thus, a visit to Thailand must include a tour of the bay.
This paradise possesses an abundant amount of with vivid scenic beauty. Tourists are free to discover native wildlife, crystal-clear untouched rivers and caves shrouded in mystical elegance. Quite a large chunk of the bay is now protected under AO Phang Nga National Park. Hence, it can be hoped that most of this natural beauty will live on for decades to come.
Phang Nga is the modern transliteration of the Malay word pangan. It literally means ‘heathen’ or ‘pagan’ or ‘primitive people’. This is in reference to the indigenous people inhabiting the forested areas of the Malay Peninsula. According to the pages of history, in the year 1824, when Siamese troops defeated Burmese and the challengers were expelled, King Rama III renamed a major area adjacent to the bay Phang-nga.
Phang Nga Bay is a great place to visit all year round. The islands are easily accessible by boat from Krabi or Phuket. There are several boat tours to the bay. The usual tour will take one to James Bond Island and to the gipsy village of Ko Panyee. James Bond island gets its peculiar name from the fact that it was the island featured in the James Bond movie, ‘The Man with the Golden Gun.’
Other places of interest are also included in the tours. Ko Panyee, the floating village, is a fishing village in the province. It is built on slits and is inhabited by Indonesian fishermen. Kayak rides are a massive attraction. The kayaks silently glide through narrow passages. The sound of rippling waters along with the paddles along with the sweet harmony of birds and cicadas playing their tunes is just mesmerizing. Snorkelling and scuba diving in the warm waters is a real treat for travellers. The June Bathra Chinese junk is one of the exotic highlights at Phang Nga Bay. The clear sky above with a galaxy teeming with stars to behold will give you an existential sense like none other.
The cave of the reclining Buddha is another notable landmark. A huge golden reclining Buddha can be found inside. Looking at it will relax you as much as Buddha himself.
Cycling to Krabi would be in one’s best interest. Activities like swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving are on the menu. The tropical beach paradise is a site to see. The local night market has some of the best local delicacies in the entire province.
Many other beaches with parallel beauty and many water sports activities are available for the enjoyment of the tourist. These include Koh Nang Yuan Beach, Secret Islands, Snorkeling Lagoons, as the name suggests, famous for its snorkelling adventures, Similan Islands, known for its climbing viewpoints and Haad Rin Beach, known for its famous Full Moon Party.
