Phang Nga

Map of Phang Nga Province

 
The time was when visitors to Phang Nga province were confined to day trippers from Phuket who came by bus or boat to see the fantastic scenery of Phang Nga Bay. Although that's still mostly true, there is at least one type of visitor who chooses to stay in Phang Nga province: divers.

About an hour's drive from Phuket airport is the Khao Lak-Lamru National Park. Although relatively unknown, even among Thais, the beach here was home to several bungalows, hotels and resorts. The main reason these are all here is the Similan Islands, about 60 kilometers off the coast.

The Similans are a group of eight islands that Skin Diving magazine rated among the ten best places on earth. Even for non divers, the islands, as well as the mainland, are home to some beautiful scenery.

Further to the north are the Surin islands, also very highly rated dive spots.

Many of the resorts and other businesses along Khao Lak beach were wiped out by the December 2004 tsunami. This was probably the hardest hit area of the Thai coast by the disaster. Many businesses have since been rebuilt and re-opened, although it is probably fair to say that things are not yet at the level they once were.

Getting there can be the biggest challenge to enjoying a stay in Khao Lak. Unless you rent your own car or arrange transport through your resort, the only other option is to hop a bus bound for Ranong.