Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Phang-Nga, Khlong Bang Toi and Khlong Bo Saen. These channels run through vast man-
groves in a north-south direction and today are used by fisherfolk and island inhabitants
as aquatic highways. These are the largest remaining primary mangrove forests in Thail-
and.
In the peak season, the bay can become a package-tourist superhighway. But if you ex-
plore in the early morning (best done from Ko Yao Noi or Ko Yao Yai) or stay out a bit
late, you'll find a slice of beach, sea and a limestone karst to call your own. The best way
to experience the park is by kayak.
Sights & Activities
Ko Nok & Ko Klui
Set halfway between Phuket and Krabi, these two islands are far enough from tour epi-
centres that you'll usually have them to yourself.
Ko Klui
, the big island north of Ko Yao
Noi, has tidal access to a huge
hôrng,
which some call the
Blue Room
, and a pristine white-
sand beach with plenty of hornbills and monkeys.
ISLANDS
Ko Phing Kan (James Bond Island)
The biggest tourist drawcard in the park is the so-called James Bond Island, known to
Thais as
Ko Phing Kan
(literally 'Leaning on Itself Island'). Once used as a location setting
for
The Man with the Golden Gun,
the island is now full of vendors hawking coral and
shells that should have stayed in the sea.
ISLAND
John Gray's Seacanoe
( 0 7622 6077;
www.johngray-seacanoe.com
)
John Gray was the first kayak outfitter in the bay
and remains the most ecologically minded. He's constantly clamouring for more protec-
tion for his beloved
hôrngs
among local national-park rangers and their supervisors in
Bangkok. His
Hong By Starlight trip
(per person 3950B)
dodges the crowds, involves plenty of
sunset paddling and will introduce you to Ao Phang-Nga's famed bio-luminescence once
night falls.
BOATING
