I discovered Phang Nga in the most serendipitous way—you might even describe it as magical. The last time I properly lived in Thailand, from 2017-2019, I made a sweet friend who goes by the nickname Allano; he invited me to Phang Nga (which is his home province) several times during my stint in Bangkok.
Over that period (and afterwards—I do go back to see my “Thai family” shortly after the covid-19 pandemic in early 2022), I fell deeply in love with Phang Nga. And not just because of my personal connection, although that definitely helped.
Rather, many of my favorite things to do in Phang Nga are among the best in Thailand. This is especially true when you consider how uncrowded (and, frankly, un-touristic) most of them are.
Where to Base Yourself in Phang Nga
As you can imagine, Phang Nga hotels run the gamut, from local inland properties that are almost invisible to foreign tourists, to coastal hotels that wouldn’t seem out of place further south in Phuket. As a general rule, I’d say you should plan on staying in or around Khao Lak National Park in order to have both a convenient location and a beautiful setting, though there are other options.
For example, if you’re comfortable being in a single location (in this case, a beachy one) and don’t need to explore too much, then one of the Koh Yao islands (Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yai Noi) could make for an attractive base. Likewise, if authenticity is more important to you than enjoyable, staying in a simple accommodation in an inland town like Khok Kloi or Kalai might be the best choice for you.
What to Do in Phang Nga
Watch the sunrise from Samet Nangshe viewpoint
The beauty of a sunrise over Phang Nga Bay is something you might need essay writers to help you describe—it’s that beautiful! If you find it challenging to capture the right words or structure, professionals can help bring your thoughts to life, making sure your description is as vivid and captivating as the view itself. Note that depending upon where in the area you’re staying, you might need to wake up as early as 4 AM in order to make it to the viewpoint of Samet Nangshe in time. But I promise: It’s very worth it.
Eat your way through Khok Kloi Market
Although there are some traditionally touristic spots on this Phang Nga itinerary, much of it is delightfully local. In this case, I’m referring to the fresh market of Khok Kloi town. Among other delights, it’s home to one of the best Khaaw Mok Gai (aka Thai-style chicken biryani) anywhere in Thailand.
Explore the beaches of Khao Lak National Park or the Koh Yao islands
It’s not a trip to Phang Nga without a good beach, and there are a couple of “easy” places where you can make this happen. If you don’t want to have to leave the convenience of the mainland, basically the entire (rugged but beautiful) coastline of Khao Lak National Park is the best part. Alternatively, base yourself on Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi.
Pay J’Nong a visit
Another more local option (and also a foodie-focused one) for things to do in Phang Nga? Set your GPS for the J’Nong Recipe restaurant in the town of Kalai. While I can’t lie that I’m biased in recommending this (J’Nong is my friend Allano’s mom), it’s some of the most delicious Thai food I’ve enjoyed anywhere in the world.
Take a day trip to the Similan Islands or James Bond Island
While the beaches I mentioned earlier are gorgeous, they’re not the most beautiful in Phang Nga province. That would go either to the Similan Islands (a protected natural park off the west coast of Khao Lak) or James Bond Island, a famous islet in Phang Nga Bay that’s accessible by a day tour that will take you to even more interesting spots.
How Many Days Do You Need in Phang Nga?
Phang Nga isn’t a massive province, but its destinations are spread-out. This is less of an issue if you’ll have your own car; if you have to depend on others to drive you (and, in particular, you’ll be using Grab or taxis arranged via your accommodation), its effect on your trip can be more acute. In either case, however, you’ll generally want to devote an entire day to each destination I’ve listed in this guide.
To break it down specifically, if you want to visit the Similan Islands and also enjoy sunrise from the Samet Nangshe viewpoint, you should plan on spending at least three days in Phang Nga. This is because you’ll be coming from elsewhere on the first day—it won’t really count. Although Phang Nga can be a difficult destination for travelers who are in a rush, this same fact makes it ideal for those who want to stay longer.
Other FAQ About Visiting Phang Nga
Is Phang Nga worth visiting?
Phang Nga is definitely worth visiting! For some travelers, this simply involves the province’s beautiful islands, be those the Similan Islands off the west coast of Khao Lak National Park, or the Koh Yao islands in Phang Nga Bay. Other travelers will explore local destinations like Khok Kloi and Kalai.
Which is better, Phi Phi or Phang Nga Bay?
The beauty of the Phi Phi islands is really not up for debate. On the other hand, they’ve become one of the most crowded places in Thailand, and not always with the most pleasant kinds of tourists. Many of the islands in Phang Nga Bay feel much more off-the-beaten-path, and are preferable to travelers because of that.
What to do in Phang Nga?
Phang Nga offers an eclectic range of things to do, from beaches in Khao Lak National Park and in island groups like the Similan and Koh Yao islands, to culinary experiences at Khok Kloi Market or at J’Nong Recipe restaurant, to natural beauty on offer in Phang Nga Bay. It requires a journey off the beaten path, and some patience, but is well worth the investment.
The Bottom Line
I hope you feel satisfied with my rundown of things to do in Phang Nga. This is one of Thailand’s most satisfying provinces—in spite of being just north of Phuket it feels far off the beaten path; it manages to combine postcard-perfect beauty (in the form of the Similan Islands) with something more rugged, be that foodie experience in Khok Kloi Market, or the more local beaches of Khao Lak National Park. You can even get a sense of my deep personal connection to Phang Nga by having a meal at J’Nong Recipe. Need personalized help working Phang Nga into your Thailand trip? Consider hiring me to plan the whole thing!
