A breathtaking city in southern Thailand, Phang-nga is beautifully located next to the Andaman Sea. The province embraces a diversity of natural beauty and is certainly one of the country’s most fascinating tourist destinations. It especially features numerous relaxing beaches with spectacular scenery and white powdery sand, hence ideal for sea and sun worshippers. The recommended spots to discover Phang-nga’s unrivalled charm include Ko Yao Island and Ao Phang-nga National Park.

Largely populated by the Muslim community, Ko Yao is composed of two charming islands: Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai. A picturesque place to relish natural wonders, Ko Yao Noi provides many attractions including Hat Pa Sai, Hat Tha Kao and Hat Tha Kao, all blessed with white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Most of the beaches feature boulders, rocks and pebbles of various shapes, sizes and colorations. Some also afford visitors an opportunity to enjoy a scenic view of the islands of Krabi province. During the low tide, visitors can even take a stroll to another island nearby. Ko Yao Noi exudes a secluded environment and is a perfect escape to live in harmony with pure nature.

Similar to Ko Yao Noi, Ko Yao Yai houses many marvelous attractions. To name a few, Ao Ti Kut is blessed with a white sandy beach and stunning scenery. To the north of thisbay, there is a pretty rocky cape with a wonderful beach. Featuring a shady beach lined with Cotyletobium trees, Ao Hin Kong is a habitat of Muslims who earn their living from fishing. This is where visitors can enjoy a rustic countryside. Ao Lan, meanwhile, offers a lovely beach, ideal for water sports activities. To the north, there is a cape which has a steep cliff and at the base of the cliff, the water is rather deep.

Phang-nga Bay or Ao Phang-nga National Park is another popular spot where visitors can explore the endless natural beauty. Situated 12 kilometers from Phang-nga town, the park occupies an area both onshore and offshore of Amphur Muang, Amphur Takua Thung and Amphur Ko Yao. It was declared a national park in 1981 and boasts spectacular views because of a mass of limestone formations scattered around in the sea near the shore. Drawing lots of tourists every year, the park abounds in mangroves and features numerous striking islands, making them an excellent base for vacations.

A tiny island made from limestone hills and plains, Ko Panyi, for example, is an appealing Muslim community with more than 200 households of fishermen. Many restaurants and souvenir shops can also be found on the island. Ko Phanak, meanwhile, is a beautiful island with caves that house stalactite and stalagmite formations as well as a small cascade, which runs onto several tiers. Khao Phing Kan, another attractive spot in the park, is also well worth a visit. It is named so because of its nature of being split into two halves. The smaller rock slid down, with its foundation stuck under the ground and the upper parts still leaning against each other. Looking into the sea, one can see Khao Tapu, a nail-shaped island. This isolated pillar in the sea is the most renowned icon of Ao Phang-nga National Park.

Kata Beach – Phuket Thailand