Ao Phang Nga National Park covers a 400-square kilometre stretch that takes in a large area of the very north of the Malacca Strait, as well as around 40 islands and a section of the mainland just to the north of Phuket Island. This staggering towering limestone landscape is the result of a combination of fault movements, rain and wind over millions of years.
The most recognisable is “James Bond Island”, named after its starring role in the film The Man with the Golden Gun, and the nearby, much-photographed Ko Tapu, meaning “nail”. This tall, narrow limestone formation looks as though it could almost topple over.
Beyond the towering islands, the National Park is dotted with limestone caves waiting to be explored and small sandy beaches. Home to Thailand’s largest remaining mangrove forest, the peaceful islands and calm waters host an abundance of wildlife, especially reptiles. Local fishermen navigate along four main waterways that run through the park in a north-south direction.
To see the islands up close, hop aboard one of the many tour boats that head out daily to explore the waters. There are plenty of different tours on offer, so you can choose whether you want to spend time exploring the waterways, swimming off deserted beaches, visiting limestone caves or all three.
Many tours stop off at Ko Panyi, a small Muslim fishing village built on stilts off one of the islands, where you can enjoy freshly-caught seafood and pick up handcrafted souvenirs from the helpful locals.
If you are feeling energetic, why not tour the islands by canoe? This is a great way to explore less-visited areas and get away from the crowds. True romantics can arrange a private tour for two including a champagne lunch on a deserted beach.
Ao Phang Nga National Park is a true wonder of nature, and a chance to be a castaway on a desert island, if only for a day. Most tour companies provide transfers to the boats from hotels in the popular spots around Phuket.
