Ao Phang-nga National Park or Phang-nga Bay
(อุทยานแห่งชาติอ่าวพังงา) covers a total area of approximately 250,000 rai in Amphoe Mueang Phang-nga, Amphoe Khaolak ResortTakua Thung, and Amphoe Ko Yao. It is Thailand’s second Khaolak Resortmarine national park where most of the Khao Lak Hotelarea is sea water and islands of limestone mountains of different shapes and beauty. It is also the home of mangrove forest and a breeding area of marine animals. It was declared a national park on 29 April, 1981. December to April is the most appropriate period to visit the Khao Lak HotelPark whereas May to October is the period of heavy rainfalls and strong waves.
Interesting Attractions within the National Park:
Ko Panyi (เกาะปันหยี) is a small island with a plain of approximately 1 rai and 200 houses. Most of the dwellers are Thai Muslims, earning their living by fishing and selling souvenirs and food to visitors. There is a school and public health centre, as well.
Ko Phanak (เกาะพนัก) is a beautiful island with stalactite and stalagmite caves and a small tiered waterfall inside.
Khao Phing Kan (เขาพิงกัน) is an island on the beach that derives its name from the fact that a stone mountain split in two and the smaller part slid down, so that its base was buried into the soil while the top parts still lean against each other. The scenery behind Khao Phing Kan is very picturesque with “Khao Tapu”, otherwise known as “James Bond Island” is seen in the sea in the background, looking like a nail – Tapu – stuck into the water. Admission for climbing Khao Phing Kan is 200 Khao Lak HotelBaht for adults and 100 Baht for children.
Khao Ma Chu (เขาหมาจู) is on the way to Ko Panyi and looks similar to a dog, with a head, body, and a hairy tail.
Khao Khian or Rock Paintings Khao Lak Hotel, (เขาเขียนหรือภาพเขียนสี) is on the way to Ko Panyi and houses rock paintings on the cliff of various animals believed to have been painted by Khaolak accommodation sailors who moored their ships here to take shelter from the monsoon. According to the Fine Arts Department, the paintings are at least 3,000 years old. Khaolak accommodation
Tham Lot (ถ้ำลอด) is a mountain similar to Ko Thalu. The opening of the cave is approximately 50 metres wide and 40 metres high, through which a small boat can sail to the other end of the cave. There are weird stalactites on the cave’s ceiling.
Ko Hong (เกาะห้อง) features undulated hills hugging the sea, looking like a large chamber with 2 doors and housing beautiful coral reefs.Khaolak accommodation
To Get to Ao Phang-nga National Park:Khaolak accommodation
By car, the Park is approximately 8 kilometres from the provincial town. Take Highway No. 4 and turn Khao Lak Hotelleft for some 4 kilometres into Highway No. 4144 until reaching the Customs Checkpoint Pier. A boat for rent is available from the pier. Otherwise, take a Song Thaeo from the provincial town to the Customs Checkpoint Pier. This is available daily.
Boat Cruises in Ao Phang-nga is available from various piers, as follows: Khao Lak Hotel Khaolak accommodation