|
AMPHOE KAPONG
Namtok Hin Lat
This waterfall is located 8 kilometres to the east of Kapong District
office. Three canals merge to form the origin of the crystal clear
waterfall. The water from the falls gather into a stream and flows
through a field of naturally beautiful arrangement of rocks and
boulders.
Namtok Lamru
This 5-tiered waterfall is located within the area of the National
Park. It is 9 kilometres from the branching road from Highway No.
4090, passing Kapong District office on the way to Lamru village,
and another kilometre to Lamru waterfall.
Namtok Saeng Thong
Namtok Saeng Thong On the opposite side of Kapong Hospital, is the
access road to the waterfall, 6 kilometres further on. It is a medium-sized
waterfall, having 11 levels altogether. The falls run all year round.
Wat Narai Nikayaram
Situated at Mu 3, Tambon Le, 14 kilometres from the Kapong district
office,this temple houses stone carvings of the God Narai, Phra
Lak, and Sida, from the Ramayana Epic. These sculptures are related
with Takola town and the proliferation of Indian culture into this
region.
AMPHOE KHURA BURI
Ko Phra Thong
This is a large island northwest of Phang-nga. Located in Tambon
Phra Thong, the island is an ideal holiday paradise containing unspoilt
natural beauty as well as wonderful beaches. There is a large fresh
water reservoir on the island. You can charter a boat ride from
Khura Buri pier to the island. The trip takes just over an hour.
Private accommodation is available.
Mu Ko Similan National Park
Similan is a Yawi or Malay word, which means nine or a group of
nine islands. This is located in Tambon Ko Phra Thong, Amphoe Khura
Buri, occupying an area of 32,000 acres. It was declared a national
park on 1st September 1982. Similan is a small group of islands
comprising nine islands stretching from north to south, respectively,
namely: Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang (two adjoining
islands), Ko Payan, Ko Payang, and Ko Huyong. The National Parks
office is located on Ko Miang. Similan is highly praised for its
beautiful scenery, both onshore and underwater. It is situated 70
kilometres from Phang-nga town. Best time to visit is between November
and April.
Interesting attractions in the National Park include:
Ko Similan or Ko Paet is the largest island in this group of islands.
It has a distinctive horseshoe-shaped bay. The average depth of
the water is 60 feet. Underwater is full of rock formations and
coral reefs in several shapes and forms such as deer, leaf, brain,
and mushroom. The latter one is the most unspoiled coral found in
the country. Its soft sandy beach is very beautiful and diving around
here will let you see a lot of fishes and coral. To the north, lies
a striking large rock formation with astonishing shapes such as
boot and Donald Ducks head. The upper part of the beach is an ideal
lookout point with a rock of a sailing boat shape.
Ko Ba-ngu is the ninth island of the Similan group of islands.
It has a strange feature. Looking from one point, the shape of a
skull can be seen. Underwater is as beautiful as a valley full of
coral reefs, deep gorge, and various sizes of fish.
Ko Huyong, the island offers the whitest and longest beach of all
the nine islands. During turtles' egg laying season, from November
to February, there would be tracks on the beach from turtles that
come onshore to lay eggs, resembling centipede tracks.
Ko Miang is the second largest island among 9 islands after Similan
Island. It is where the office of the National Park is located.
The island offers a scenic beach which is suitable for camping.
Diving Spots
There are several diving spots that suit both snorkelling and
scuba diving. The famous scuba diving spots including rock formations
that lie to the west of Ko Tachai where whale sharks can be seen,
Ko Bon, Christmas Point rock formation, Fantasy rock formation,
and Ao Kwang En (to the east of Ko Paet), etc.
Snorkelling spots are scattered around these nine islands. The
interesting points are by the sailing boat rock, Ao Kwang En, and
behind Miang Island.
How to Get There
Thap Lamu Pier, located 70 kilometres north of Phang-nga at
Amphoe Thai Mueang, is the nearest point to Similan. A boat trip
takes around 3 hours. There is no regular boat service for travellers
to the island. Boats leaving from Thap Lamu are suitable for group
tours and the boat rentals range from 8,000-10,000 baht, depending
on various factors. It is sometimes possible for individuals to
hitch a ride or pay a reasonable fraction of the rental cost on
a boat chartered by a group. This method is by no means certain
and should be an obtion only for the adventurous who have time to
spare. Visitors may contact the park office at Thap Lamu (Tel: 0
7659 5045) for further information.
A boat trip from Patong Beach, Phuket takes around four hours.
Visitors can contact Seatran Travel Tel: 0 76219391-2. Diving companies
in Phuket also organise a three-day trip. Prices range from 9,000
to 25,000 baht, depending on the level of luxury, and include food,
and accommodations.
Accommodation
There are bungalows and tents as well as restaurants available
on the island. For more information contact Mu Ko Similan National
Park, Mu 1, Thap Lamu, Tambon Lam Kaen, Amphoe Thai Mueang, Phang-nga
82120, tel. 0 7642 1365 or 0 7659 5045.
Mu Ko Surin National Park
Situated in Tambon Ko Phra Thong and covering an area of 84,375
rais (33,750 acres), Mu Ko Surin is an archipelago of 5 islands:
Ko Surin Nuea, Ko Surin Tai, Ko Ri, Ko Khai, and Ko Klang. It was
declared a national park on July 9, 1981. The archipelago is located
in the Andaman Sea, near the Thai-Burmese sea border, to the west
coast of Thailand. There are beautiful and unspoilt coral reefs;
the area is suitable for snorkelling. The best time to visit is
from November to April.
Ko Surin Nuea has several bays. The most well-known bay is Ao Mae
Yai, the largest bay that offers calm waters. To the southeast of
Ko Surin Nuea lies Ao Luek, which is so deep that the sea appears
dark green, offering splendid shallow corals as well as sea weeds,
sea flowers, coral lines, and various species of fish. Sea Gypsy
Village, a Singha, or Morgan, Sea Gypsy tribe resides on the shore
of Hat Sai En, Ko Surin Nuea. There are 130-150 sea gypsies who
still hold on to their traditional ways of life and still live in
their boats. On shore, there is a wooden sculpture resembling the
Indian Totem Pole and is considered a sacred area. Every year, on
the 15th day of the waxing moon in April, the sea gypsies in this
village would worship their respected spirits. The event lasts for
3 days. Ao Mai Ngam, situated to the west of Ko Surin Nuea with
the National Parks office nearby. There is a 2-kilometre walking
path that you can take to enjoy the natural features of Hat Mai
Ngam or you can take a longboat ride. The lovely bay provides fresh
water and a long beach that is best for snorkelling and swimming.
Ao Chak, situated to the north of Ko Surin Nuea. The bay possesses
unspoilt coral reefs.
Interesting attractions on Ko Surin Tai include Ao Tao, situated
to the east of the island. The bay is home to numerous sea turtles
and magnificent coral reefs. Ao Phakkat, situated to the south of
Ko Surin Tai. It is where unspoilt coral reefs can be seen.
Ko Klang or Ko Pachumba has a scenic bay called Ao Mangkon. The
bay is teeming with splendid coral reefs and many schools of various
kinds of fish.
Ko Khai or Ko Torilla, situated to the south of Ko Surin Tai. On
the eastern side of the island there is a long stretch of unspoilt
and picturesque coral reef. Snorkelling is the most recommended
activity here.
How to Get There
Travelling to Mu Ko Surin can be initiated from several different
points:
- Khura Buri Pier is the nearest point to Mu Ko Surin. Khura Buri
is some 125 kilometres north of Phang-nga. A boat trip takes around
4 hours. There is no regular boat service for travellers to Ko Surin.
Boats leaving from Khura Buri are suitable for group tours.
- Amphoe Kapoe Pier is in Ranong Province. The trip takes 7 hours.
Visitors may contact Chansom Tara Hotel (tel: 0 7783 5317-9) which
has boats leaving Chan Damri Beach for trips to Mu Ko Surin.
Note: The best way for individual travellers is to join a trip
out of Phuket that includes Mu Ko Surin on the itinerary. This typically
lasts at least 3 days and includes visits to Mu Ko Similan.
Accommodation
There are lodges, bungalows, tents, and restaurants available.
Admission fee is 200 baht. Scuba diving equipments are available
for rent. For more information, contact Mu Ko Surin National Park,
Amphoe Khura Buri, Phang-nga, 82150, tel: 0 7649 1378, 0 7641 9028.
Si Phang-nga National Park
Covering the areas of Amphoe Khura Buri and Amphoe Takua Pa and
situated 100 kilometres from Phang-nga town, this park was established
in honour of His Majesty the King on his 60th birthday anniversary.
This forested piece of land is home to a large variety of flora
and fauna. Getting to the park, visitors can take Highway No.4 (Takua
Pa Ranong) and then take a right turn at Km. 756 for another 5 kilometres.
Interesting attractions in the park include:
Namtok Tam Nang, located 4.5 kilometres from the National Parks
office, and another walk of 500 metres will take you to the 60 metres-high
waterfall. The surrounding area is full of lush vegetation and big
shady trees making it nice and cool.
Namtok Ton Toei is a 45 metre-high waterfall. A journey on foot,
and back, that begins from the National Park takes about 3 hours.
On the way, there is a small 10 metre-high waterfall, Namtok Noi,
to be seen. The path passes through groves of big dense evergreen
trees and vine forests.
Namtok Ton Sai - Before you reach the check point into the Park,
you will come upon a small path on your right and a 15-minute walk
down this path will lead you to a lovely waterfall. The 20 metre-high
falls is in a dense grove of banyan tree and is worth a visit.
Admission is 200 baht. Visitors wishing to stay overnight in the
park should bring their own tents. Contact the Si Phang-nga Nation
Park at tel: 0 7641 2611.
AMPHOE KOH YAO
Koh Yao
Ko Yao covers an area of 137 square kilometres. The majority of
the population are Muslim. The island is made up of 2 large islands:
Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai.
Attractions on Ko Yao Noi include:
Hat Pa Sai, situated 7 kilometres from the District Office on Ko
Yao Noi. This white sandy beach is covered with shady trees. From
Hat Pa Sai, a scenic view of the islands of Krabi province can be
seen in the distance.
Hat Tha Kao,situated 5 kilometres from the District Office on Ko
Yao Noi. The beach features boulders, rocks, and pebbles of various
shapes, size, and coloration. During the low tide, you can walk
to another small island nearby.
Attractions on Ko Yao Yai include:
Ao Ti Kut, located at Ko Yao Yai. This bay has a white sandy beach.
To the north of the bay, there is a beautiful rocky cape with a
beach lined with pine trees.
Ao Klong Son offers a beach of fine, white sand and shady pine
trees. On the left end of the beach is a colourful rock formation
with equally beautiful multi-coloured pebbles. Swimming and snorkelling
to see beautiful coral is recommended.
Ao Hin Kong, situated on Ko Yao Yai. It is a shady beach lined
with Cotyletobium trees. This bay is home to young rays, which makes
it unsuitable for swimming. Ao Hin Kong is also a habitat of Muslims
who earn their living from fishing.
Ao Lan, the bay offers a beautiful beach, ideal for swimming. To
the north, there is a cape which has a steep cliff and at the base
of the cliff, the water is quite deep. Boat riding is the most convenient
mode of transport to get there.
Ao Sai is blessed with powdery white sand. The bay also has beautiful
rock formations. Swimming can be enjoyed.
Hat Lo Pa Raet features a long stretch of a white sandy beach teeming
with groves of coconut trees. To the north of the bay is a cape
with a beautiful rock formation and the water around the cape is
suitable for swimming.
Laem Nok Ok, located on Ko Yao Yai. The beach here has rock formations
and pebbles of many colours. Swimming is recommended.
How to Get There
Travelling to Ko Yao can be made from Phuket, Phang-nga, and Krabi,
but the most convenient route of all is from Phuket.
To get to Ko Yao Noi, visitors can take a ferry departing from
Phukets Bang Rong Pier at 11 a.m., 12 noon, 1 p.m. 2.30 p.m. and
5 p.m. On return, the ferry departs from Ko Yao Noi at 7 a.m. and
7.30 a.m. One-way fare is 40 baht. The trip takes 45 minutes. A
chartered long-tail boat costs 1,000 baht per trip.
Travelling to Ko Yao Yai,visitors need to ride a ferry from Phukets
Thian Sin Pier. The ferry leaves the pier at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
On return, the ferry departs from Ko Yao Yais Lo Chak pier at 12
noon. The trip takes an hour. One-way fare is 50 baht.
There are also long-tail boat shuttle services between Ko Yao Noi
and Ko Yao Yai. The trip takes 10 minutes.
AMPHOE MUEANG
Khao Chang
Khao Chang is a huge mountain resembling a crouched elephant situated
behind Phang-ngas former city hall. It is considered a symbol of
Phang-nga. Inside the mountain, there is a dark and long cave called
Tham Phung Chang which is full of stalactites and stalagmites. Exploring
through the dark cave have to be done both on foot and by boat since
some parts of the cave are always flooded.
Phang-nga Bay or Ao Phang-nga National Park
The Phang-nga National Park covers a vast area both onshore and
offshore of about 250,000 rais (100,000 acres), covering the areas
of Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Takua Thung, and Amphoe Ko Yao. It was declared
a national park on 29th April B.E. 2524 (1981). Ao Phang-nga National
Park is the second seacoast national park after Tarutao National
Park. It has striking scenic views because of a mass of limestone
formations scattered around in the sea near the shore. Also, as
a result of natural changes; caves and rock formations have been
formed. The park is also fertile with mangroves. Best time to visit
is between December and April. The most popular way to visit is
a boat ride to various islands, which include:
Ko Panyi is a small island made from limestone hills and plains.
This is an interesting Muslim community. There are about 200 households
of fishermen. On the island, there are many restaurants and souvenir
shops.
Ko Phanak is a beautiful island with caves that house stalactite
and stalagmite formations as well as small cascade, which flows
onto several tiers.
Khao Phing Kan Named so because of its nature of being split into
two halves. The smaller rock slid down, with its foundation stuck
under the ground and the upper parts still leaning against each
other. Behind the mountain is a superb scenery. Looking into the
sea one finds Khao Tapu, a nail-shaped island, a solitary pillar
in the sea. It is the most remarkable attraction of Ao Phang-nga
National Park.
Khao Machu, a striking appearance rock formation is located on
the way to Ko Panyi. It resembles a dog; its head, body, with a
bushy tail.
Khao Khian, is on the way to Panyi Island. On the cliff which stands
above the sea, there are pre-historic paintings featuring various
kinds of animals. A study by the Department of Fine Arts has indicated
that these paintings are over 3,000 years old. They are assumed
to have been painted by seamen who use this place to escape from
the monsoon.
Tham Lot is a lofty limestone cave with a giant hollow whereby
boats can pass through. In a hollow, there are numerous stalactite
formations on its ceiling, beyond the hollow is a beautiful sight
of the mangrove forest.
Ko Hong, with big and small mountains. Sailing to this island gives
you a feeling of being surrounded in a large hall with two doors.
It will give you an immense feeling of the power of nature's creation.
How to Get There
Ao Phang-nga National Park is situated 12 kilometres from Phang-nga
town. Travel 8 kilometres from the town via Highway No. 4, then
turn left into Highway No. 4114 and continue for 4 kilometres to
the Ao Phang-nga National Parks headquarters where visitors can
obtain tourist information. The trip can also be made by riding
a local bus from Phang-nga town. Several tour operators in Phang-nga
and Phuket organise a day trip to Phang-nga Bay.
Chartered boats around Phang-nga Bay are available at the following
piers:
- Customs Pier or Tha Dan, located at nearby Phang-nga Bay Resort.
There are various sizes of chartered boats. Prices range from 600-3,500
baht per boat.
- Ao Phang-nga National Parks pier, speedboats and long-tail boats
available.
- Surakun or Kasom Pier, located in Amphoe Takua Thung.
A trip to Ao Phang-nga National Park takes around three hours,
with a half-day tour arrangeable. The Phang-nga Bay Resort near
the Tha Dan pier offers comfortable accommodation. There are bungalows
and tents available at the National Park. For more information contact
Ao Phang-nga National Park at 80 Mu 1, Tambon Ko Panyi, Amphoe Mueang,
Phang-nga 82000 or tel. 0 7641 1136, 0 7641 2188.
Phang-nga Wildlife Nursery Station
This is situated alongside Phetkasem Road, Tambon Tak Daet. From
Phuket, the station is located on the route to Phang-nga Bay. It
nurses rare and nearly extinct wildlife, particularly birds, including
mynahs, parrots, hawks, pheasants, and peacocks. The station also
houses some interesting animals such as mountain goats, monkeys,
bears, and ducks. It is open daily from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information
call 0 7641 3261.
Sa Nang Manora Forest Park
This is located in Tambon Nop Pring, and approachable by driving
on Phang-nga - Krabi (Highway No. 4) route for 4 kilometres, then
take a right turn for another 4 kilometres. The park contains shady
cascades and small basins as well as a 2-kilometre nature trail.
Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park
This public park is opposite the former city hall. This is a beautiful
public park surround by limestone mountains. There are two adjoining
caves called Tham Ruesi Sawan and Tham Luk Suea, in which a stream
and formations of stalactites and stalagmites are found.
Ton Pariwat Wildlife Conservation Area
This is situated in Tambon Song Phraek, on a route between Phang-nga
town and Kapong district. To get there, visitors travel 5 kilometres
from Phang-nga town along Highway No.4, then take a right turn at
Ban Song Phraek for 10 kilometres. There, one finds shady plants,
streams and a waterfall.
Ton Pariwat rafting trip is organised by Phuket Sea Land (tel:
0 7622 2900), a tour operator in Phuket. The eco-tourism trip includes
sightseeing at the Phang-nga Wildlife Nursery Station, elephant
riding and rafting in the Ton Pariwat Wildlife Conservation Area.
AMPHOE TAKUA PA
Hat Bang Sak
Situated in Tambon Bang Muang on Phetkasem Road, on the Thai Mueang
- Takua Pa section, between Km.76-77 and going down a side road
for another hundred metres. The beach of Bang Sak has clean white
sand and stretches along a grove of shady pines. Accommodation and
restaurant are available on the beach.
Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park
This was declared a national park in August 1991. The park occupies
a vast area of 150 square kilometers and covers Amphoe Thai Muang,
Amphoe Kapong, Amphoe Takua Pa, and Amphoe Muang.
There are many interesting attractions:
Khao Lak,the mountain is located 25 kilometres from Amphoe Takua
Pa, on Route No. 4 (Thai Mueang - Takua Pa), taking a left turn
between Kilometre markers 56 and 57. Before reaching Amphoe Thai
Mueang, the mountain - Khao Lak - can be seen. On the mountain,
there is the Chao Pho Khao Lak Shrine. Opposite Khao Lak lies a
stony beach with rocks and boulders of all sizes strewn all over
the beach.
Laem Pakarang,located on the Takua Pa - Khao Lak route. Driving
from Takua Pa town on Phetkasem Road, the cape will be on the right,
another 5 kilometres down the side road. It is a sandy beach piled
with deer coral washed up on the beach by strong waves thus giving
the beach its name. The beach is blessed with groves of pine, making
it ideal for camping and relaxation.
Namtok Ton Chong Fais located on the Takua Pa - Khao Lak route
like Laem Pakarang. Driving from Takua Pa town, the waterfall will
be on the left, a right turn and going for another 5 kilometres.
The cascade runs all year round and the surroundings are blissfully
calm and cool under the trees shade.
AMPHOE TAKUA THUANG
Namtok Raman
This waterfall is located near Wat Suwannakhuha, take a right turn
at Kilometre 31 marker and keep going for another 7 kilometres.
The medium size cascade is set amidst a grove of big trees and the
falls run all year round.
Tha Nun Beach
From Highway No. 4, proceed towards Phuket using the Highway No.
402. Before you reach Phuket island, you will arrive at the Pak
Phra straits, on both sides, you will see the beach. Every year,
sea turtles would come to lay their eggs at this beach.
Wat Suwannakhuha
This temple is located in Mu 2, Tambon Krasom. Take Highway No.
4, (Phang-nga - Ban Khok Kloi route) for 7 kilometres and upon reaching
the kilometre 31 marker at Amphoe Takua Thung, there is an asphalt
road going to the right to the temple, one kilometre away. The locals
call this temple Wat Tham. This is an interesting temple of all
in Phang-nga since it is of historical and archaeological importance.
Within the boundary of the temple is a mountain with numerous caves.
Tham Yai is located at the lowest level and, inside, the total length
of the cave walls is decorated ceramic tiles, bowls as well as terra
cotta ware and Benjarong ware. It is also used as a temple and houses
various manners of Buddha images, one of which is a splendid reclining
Buddha image. You can also see many Royal Monograms inscriptions
on the walls of the cave.
AMPHOE THAI MUANG
Ban Bo Dan Hot Springs
Ban Bo Dan Hot Springs, located in Tambon Na Toei, on the Andaman
coast. If you are coming from Phuket, pass through Khok Kloi intersection,
and keep going straight on. At the kilometre 6 marker, you will
see the entrance, then go another 3 kilometres further. The water
of the natural hot springs are laden with minerals such as sodium
and calcium, which are believed to relieve rheumatism, numbness,
and help lessen the tension of both body and mind, as well as being
beneficial to your complexion and hair. Mineral baths are available
daily.
Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park
The park occupies an area of 45,000 rais (18,000 acres). It was
declared a national park on April 14, 1988. Interesting attractions
in the park include:
Namtok Lampi, located at Mu 6, Tambon Thai Mueang, on Phetkasem
Road (Highway No.4), between kilometre markers 32 and 33, and taking
an unpaved access road for another 1.5 kilometres. It is a 6-tiered
waterfall that runs all year round.
Namtok Ton Phrai can be reached by taking a 7-kilometre unpaved
access road between kilometre markers 28 and 29 and then continue
on foot for another kilometre. It is a huge waterfall that runs
all year round. Visitors are encouraged to visit the falls in the
dry season, as access will be easier.
Hat Thai Muang, located in the Thai Muang Sanitary area. Going
into the area, take the right-hand road for about 1.5 kilometres,
then drive another 5 kilometres on the beach road to the National
Park office. The 13-kilometre long beach has fine white sand and
runs along the Highway. The area is blessed with crystal clear water.
The recommended time to visit is between November and February.
Sea turtles come to lay their eggs on the shore, thus creating a
tradition of walking on the beach to watch turtles lay their eggs
on a moonlit night. When the eggs hatch, you can join in releasing
them into the sea during the Sea Turtle Festival in March each year.
The Chulabhorn Underwater Park Conservation Centre
This centre is near Thap Lamu pier, provides knowledge on undersea
natural resources to visitors and the public. The Centre is housed
in a 2-story building and exhibits the value and importance of undersea
natural resources and environment, the new aspects of marine eco-tourism,
and the wonders of the undersea world. Call 0 7644 3299-300 for
more information.
AMPHOE THAP PAT
Namtok Tao Thong
Situated in Tambon Bo Sen, 19 kilometres from Phang-nga town or
8 kilometres before Thap Put district, this shady waterfall originates
from a stream flowing from a dark cave.
Wat Rat Uppatham or Wat Bang Riang
Situated on Khao Lan hill in Tambon Bang Riang, 11 kilometres from
the Thap Put District office on Phetkasem Road, this temple contains
several structures including an elaborate bell-shaped pagoda called
Chedi Phutthathambanlue. The hilltop pagoda overlooks surrounding
undulating mountains and hills as well as a huge Buddha image and
a Guan-yin Chinese Goddess statue.
|
