Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PHANG-NGA PROVINCE
POP 9700
Phang-Nga's lush jungle-draped mountains rise like a beautiful jigsaw. It's carved by thick
muddy rivers, studded with limestone karst scenery that will make you weak in the knees
and blessed with a cerulean bay dotted with dozens of spectacular horng islands drilled
with caves that lead to pristine ecosystems, which you can glimpse on popular kayak tours.
Phang-Nga's worst days, the Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004, are now a decade in the past,
and though tales are still being told about that day, there's a palpable sense of progress as
Khao Lak's economy and growth - for better and worse - has surpassed its pre-tragedy po-
tential.
Most of the province remains seasonal. From November to April the water is very clear,
the sun shines and soda-white beaches and offshore islands and reefs beckon. In the rainy
season, however, many places shut down and the area can feel a bit haunted.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Ko Phra Thong & Ko Ra
Legend has it that many centuries ago, pirates docked and buried a golden Buddha beneath
the sands at Ko Phra Thong, translated as 'Golden Buddha Island'. The legendary statue
has never been found, but Ko Phra Thong has modern-day treasures aplenty: endless sandy
beaches, mangroves, vast birdlife and rare orchids.
Nearby and even quieter is Ko Ra, encircled by golden beaches and mangroves. This
small isle is a mountainous jungle with an impressive array of wildlife (including leopard
cats, flying lemurs, scaly anteaters and slow loris) and has a welcoming local population of
fisherfolk.
Locals of Tung Dap village on the southern tip of Ko Phra Thong have requested that
tourists not visit their area, so please be respectful and avoid this corner.
Sleeping
Ko Ra Eco-Resort
BUNGALOWS
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