Things To Do
in Phangnga
Phang Nga is a coastal province in southern Thailand renowned for its dramatic limestone karsts towering over emerald bays. Its coastline spans mangrove-lined shores, tranquil beaches, and sea-gypsy villages tucked along the Andaman Sea. The region blends traditional southern Thai culture with welcoming communities, fresh seafood, and access to iconic sights in Phang Nga Bay.
Visitors come for dramatic scenery, sea caves, and easy access to Phuket and Krabi for extended adventures.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Land at Phuket International and transfer to Phangnga, taking in lush scenery along the coastal road. Check into a boutique guesthouse surrounded by tropical gardens. Feel the warm tropical breeze as you unwind after your journey.
Head to Phangnga Town’s morning market to sample fresh tropical fruits, savory stir-fries, and traditional snacks. Chat with friendly vendors and learn about local ingredients used in southern Thai cooking. Wander through colorful stalls and pick up handcrafted souvenirs.
Enjoy riverside dining at a family-run restaurant overlooking the Phangnga River. Feast on freshly caught seafood grilled to perfection with local herbs and spices. Watch lanterns float by as you toast to the start of your adventure.
Board a longtail boat for a scenic cruise through Phangnga Bay’s emerald waters. Marvel at towering limestone karsts rising dramatically from the sea. Feel the sun warm your skin as you head towards your first island stop.
Explore the limestone caves and hidden lagoons of Panak Island by sea canoe. Paddle through narrow tunnels carved by tides and witness swallows nesting overhead. Pause for a picnic lunch on a secluded beach surrounded by limestone cliffs.
Return to your accommodation for a brief rest before dinner. Savor a sunset dinner on a beachfront terrace, sampling traditional southern Thai curries and fresh shrimp dishes. As darkness falls, relax beneath a canopy of stars by the ocean.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or soft drink | $1-3 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (1 night) | $15-40 |
| 🚗Local transport within town | $2-6 |
| 🎟️Half-day tour or activity | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning limestone karsts and pristine bays
- Flexible day trips from Phuket or Krabi
- Fresh seafood and welcoming locals
- Versatile mixes of culture, nature, and beaches
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger tourist hubs
- Some areas are remote and transport options can be sparse
- Weather and sea conditions affect boat tours
- Language barriers in rural villages
- "Sawasdee kha" - Hello (female speaker)
- "Sawasdee krub" - Hello (male/polite)
- "Khob khun kha" - Thank you
- "Thaorai-nii (tao-rai) ?" - How much is this?
- "Pood pasa Angkrit dai mai?" - Do you speak English?
- "Chai dai mai?" - Can you help me / Is this okay?
Places to Visit in Phangnga
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic limestone pinnacle rising from emerald water; best light at early morning or late afternoon.
Dolomite-colored karsts framing turquoise lagoons; striking reflections and sea cave formations for dramatic shots.
Stilt houses built along the shoreline with boats and a lively, sea-facing village backdrop.
Winding waterways between and around limestone cliffs, ideal for moody sunrise or sunset photography.
Food in Phangnga
Phangnga Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Hot and sour shrimp soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and lime juice.
Must-Try!
A pungent southern fish curry made with fermented fish (tai pla) and coconut milk; spicy and umami-rich.
Steamed fish curry in banana leaves with coconut milk, herbs, and curry paste.
Herb-packed southern rice salad with toasted coconut, dried shrimp, and fresh vegetables.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Evening market in Khao Lak area offering seafood, grilled skewers, snacks, and souvenirs.
Morning-to-afternoon market stalls with fresh produce, noodles, and local bites.
Casual stalls along Ao Phang Nga serving grilled fish, soups, and coconut drinks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, remove shoes before entering temples, and speak softly. Perform the Wai greeting with a slight bow and hands pressed together.
Avoid touching others' heads and public displays of anger or loud behavior in public and sacred spaces.
Ask permission before photographing people in villages or private spaces; be respectful in fishing and market contexts.
Safety
Tipping in Phangnga
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. For guides and boat crews, consider 20-50 THB per person per outing; porters and hotel staff may expect small tips if service charge is not included.
Cash (Thai Baht) is widely accepted in markets and small eateries. Credit/debit cards are common in hotels, larger restaurants, and tourist spots; some remote vendors may be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers. Bring sun protection, light clothing, and plenty of water. Early mornings are best for outdoor activities and photography.
June to October brings heavy rain and possible sea roughness. Boat tours may be canceled on rough days; plan flexible itineraries and carry rain gear.
November to February offers pleasant temperatures and clearer skies, ideal for sustained outdoor exploration and photography.
Phangnga at Night
Hiking in Phangnga
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Shaded forest trails with a waterfall and opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
World-renowned rainforest hikes, Cheow Lan Lake scenery, and wildlife in a remarkable tropical landscape.
Airports
How to reach Phangnga by plane.
Major gateway for the region; about a 1.5–2.5 hour drive to Phang Nga depending on traffic and route.
Another convenient gateway with a roughly 2–3 hour drive to central Phang Nga; frequent domestic and some international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant demographic in towns and rural villages, with strong ties to fishing and agriculture.
Coastal communities known for stilt houses and traditional ways of life along the bays.
Coastal areas along the Phang Nga coast have a significant Muslim population contributing to regional culture and cuisine.
Present in towns and markets, influencing cuisine, commerce, and local traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular combat sport across the region with local gyms and demonstrations in towns and tourist areas.
A favored water activity in Phang Nga Bay’s mangrove channels and sea caves.
Accessible from beaches and boat tours around the bay’s reefs and clear shallow waters.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Phangnga.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose stir-fried vegetables with tofu, curries without fish sauce, and fresh fruit. Ask for no fish sauce (nam pla) or no shrimp paste, and mention 'jay' for vegan-friendly prep when possible.