Ao Phang-nga National Park
Located northeast of Phuket, Phang-nga is renowned for its island-studded bay of haunting natural beauty. Typically, the approach to this wondrous seascape is via a river estuary where mangrove swamps evoke a primeval mood. The eeriness takes a dramatic turn as the estuary widens and the bay is suddenly revealed sprouting countless weirdly shaped limestone outcrops swathed in tangles of creepers and shrubs. Some rise sheer from the water, others are humped or jagged and all present an unearthly aspect. Several of the islands have notable features, such as Khao Khian, where prehistoric rock paintings can be seen on the cliffs; Ko Panyi, where there is a Muslim fishing village built on stilts; Ko Phanak with beautiful caves, and "James Bond Island", which is famed as the location for the movie "The Man with the Golden Gun". While Phang-nga is most famous for its island-studded bay, the province's mainland offers a number of excellent beaches that are mostly overlooked by international travellers. Khao Lak is a delightful stretch of sand studded with granite boulders. Further interest lies in an offshore coral reef, 45 minutes away by boat, where the conditions are ideal for snorkelling.