Phang Nga is a southern Thai province on the Andaman Sea to the west and Phang Nga Bay to the south. Phuket lies to its south, connected by the Sarasin Bridge. Most visitors meet Phang Nga on a James Bond Island tour from Phuket, but the same province also holds the islands of Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai, the long beaches of Takua Pa and Thai Mueang, and Khao Lak, the usual base for Similan Islands trips.
This guide sticks to facts we checked against the sources listed below on 16 October 2026, and it leaves out costs we could not confirm on an official page. For a detailed comparison of bases, read where to stay in Phang Nga, or the Thai version, ที่พักพังงา.
The parts of Phang Nga
| Area | What it is like | Good for | Read next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phang Nga Bay side (Mueang, Takua Thung) | Karst bay, mangroves, viewpoints | Bay trips, view stays | Where to stay |
| Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai | Islands in the bay near Phuket | Quiet island stays | Where to stay |
| Takua Pa and Thai Mueang | Andaman coast, long beaches, Koh Kho Khao | Quiet beaches, villas | Where to stay |
| Khao Lak | Tourist villages, mainly in Takua Pa | Beach hotels, Similan trips | Khao Lak guide |
Wikipedia describes Khao Lak as a series of tourist villages, mainly in Takua Pa district and partly in Thai Mueang district. We already cover it in the Khao Lak guide, where to stay in Khao Lak and the Similan Islands guide, so this hub focuses on the rest of the province.
Getting to Phang Nga
Wikipedia notes that Phang Nga province has no airport; the nearest is Phuket International Airport. Most trips start there, then continue north over the Sarasin Bridge by road or out to Koh Yao by boat.
| Destination | Main way in | Time quoted by hotels |
|---|---|---|
| Phang Nga Bay side | Car from Phuket airport | About 40-55 minutes |
| Koh Yao | Boat from Phuket or Krabi | About 30-45 minutes by boat |
| Koh Kho Khao, Takua Pa | Car from Phuket airport | About 2 hours, per one villa |
These are each hotel's own estimates, not official timetables. See Phuket airport transport and the official Phuket airport site for getting out of the airport, and getting around Thailand for the wider picture.
If you are staying on Koh Yao and land in the afternoon or evening, ask your hotel about the last boat before you book the flight. The fallback is one night in Phuket; see where to stay in Phuket.
Ao Phang Nga National Park
Thai National Parks says Ao Phang Nga was declared a marine national park in 1981 and covers about 400 km², including the largest native mangrove forests in Thailand along the mainland and many islands. Its best-known sights are James Bond Island and other limestone karst islands, sandy beaches and caves, and the calm water suits canoeing. The same source puts the bay about 35 km from Rassada Pier in Phuket, 50-65 km from various Krabi piers and about 70 km from Khao Lak.
Wikipedia says the park covers parts of Mueang Phang Nga and Takua Thung districts. Most bay tours start in Phuket: compare them in Phang Nga Bay tours from Phuket.
We do not quote a park entrance fee here because we could not read the official Department of National Parks page. Check dnp.go.th and ask your tour operator whether the fee is included.
Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai
Ko Yao district covers the Ko Yao islands in Phang Nga Bay near Phuket, and its two main islands are Ko Yao Yai and Ko Yao Noi. Wikipedia notes that the northern tips of the islands are part of Ao Phang Nga National Park. Stays range from simple bungalows to private-pool villas, all reached by boat. The islands suit a slow stay more than a busy sightseeing schedule.
Takua Pa, Thai Mueang and Khao Lak
Takua Pa district is on the Andaman Sea coast. Its quieter beaches include Bang Sak and the island of Koh Kho Khao to the north, while Natai Beach lies in Thai Mueang district further south, closer to Phuket airport. For the most hotels and restaurants, Khao Lak is still the first stop, and our guides use it as the base for Similan Islands trips.
Where to stay in Phang Nga
The stay guide compares these bases, with every hotel fact checked on the hotel's own website:
- Bay side: hillside stays in Khlong Khian, Takua Thung, near the Samet Nangshe viewpoint, a valley golf resort and pool villas in Thap Put.
- Koh Yao: beachfront resorts reached by boat, from a Tha Khao beach bungalow to pool villas.
- Takua Pa and Thai Mueang: villas on Koh Kho Khao, a small stay near Bang Sak Beach and a hot-spring resort on Natai Beach.
- Khao Lak: see where to stay in Khao Lak.
Open where to stay in Phang Nga for the area table and hotel cards.
Seasons and sea conditions
The Andaman coast has a monsoon season with rougher seas, and boat tours and island transfers can change with the weather. Check the Thai Meteorological Department forecast and read Thailand's best time by region and Phuket's best time to visit. Some hotels close seasonally: Paradis Villa on Koh Kho Khao says it closes from 1 May to 30 September.
Nearby destinations
- Phuket: the airport and the start of most bay tours
- Khao Lak: Phang Nga's main beach strip
- Krabi: across the bay to the east
- Koh Phi Phi: onward by boat from Phuket or Krabi
- Which Thai island suits you
- Thailand overview
FAQ
Does Phang Nga have an airport?
No. Wikipedia notes the province has no airport and the nearest is Phuket International Airport.
Is Khao Lak in Phang Nga?
Yes. Khao Lak is mainly in Takua Pa district and partly in Thai Mueang district of Phang Nga. We cover it in a separate guide.
How big is Ao Phang Nga National Park?
Thai National Parks gives about 400 km², declared a marine park in 1981, including Thailand's largest native mangrove forests.
Do I need a boat to reach Koh Yao?
Yes. Hotels on Koh Yao quote boat transfers of about 30-45 minutes from Phuket. Confirm the pier and the last boat with your hotel.
How much is the Phang Nga Bay park fee?
We do not quote a figure because we could not check it on an official page. See the Department of National Parks site and ask your tour operator whether the fee is included.
Where should I stay to visit Phang Nga Bay?
The bay side around Takua Thung is the closest mainland base, or stay in Phuket and join a tour. Our Phang Nga where-to-stay guide compares the options.
Official sources and further reading
Prices, schedules and entry rules change. Figures here are approximate as of 2026; always confirm on the official or operator page before you book. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
