Phang Nga Town

Phang Nga Town: An authentic and charming Thai city

Phang Nga Town belongs to the province of Phang Nga and is located north of the Ao Phang Nga National Park. The park is known for the James Bond Island, Koh Panyee (the floating Muslim town) and the gigantic limestone rock formations in the Andaman sea.

In this article about Phang Nga Town in Thailand we will give you tips about some great restaurants, local markets, fun (unknown) things to do and the best places to spend the night if you want to visit Phang Nga Town. Phang Nga Town is a relaxed city where there is surprisingly much to see and do!

Phang Nga Town itself

If you want something different and are looking for authenticity, then Phang Nga Town is worth considering! Besides the famous attractions, there are also fun things to discover in the area that haven’t yet been discovered by the masses. Another great advantage is that a lot of fun things to do are cheap or even free.

Despite the fact that Phang Nga Town is close to a number of popular attractions, not many tourists visit this town (yet). Most people choose to stay in Phuket, Ao Nang or Khao Lak. If you are looking for a seaside resort with all the tourist amenities at hand, those places are indeed a good choice. You don’t have to sleep in Phang Nga Town to go to the famous Ao Phang Nga National Park. It’s often the cheapest departure point because you are close by and you have more bargaining opportunities for a good tour in this beautiful area.

Tours from Phang Nga Town

From Phang Nga Town you can easily book the James Bond Island Tour or arrange a longtail boat to Koh Panyee. For a group tour with a longtail boat you pay between 1,100 and 1,300 baht. Often you are on the road all day. As soon as you arrive in Phang Nga Town you will be directly approached by several tour guides for tours and accommodations. Don’t be overwhelmed and think carefully about what you want before booking.

Organize your own Phan Nga Bay tour

You can also drive to the Thadan Pier yourself and book a James Bond Island Tour there. The Thadan Pier is about ten kilometers from Phang Nga Town. Other tours in the area are also possible, such as an overnight stay at Koh Panyee or a kayak tour in Phang Nga Bay.

At the pier you can only book private tours or you must be lucky that other people want to share a boat with you. As soon as you get close to the pier you will be approached by people offering tours, use your negotiating skills and ask around first! A three hour private tour of Phang Nga Bay should cost around 1,500 baht. This is for a maximum of four to six people in the longtail boat.

To avoid disappointment, make sure you are clear before you leave which places you are going to visit, how long the tour will take and what is in- or exclusive. The boat drivers often speak poor English or no English at all, so consultation or a change during the tour is usually not possible.

Explore the many parks, caves and temples in Phang Nga Town and its suroundings

Stroll over the markets Phang Nga Town has to offer

The markets in Phang Nga Town are not aimed at tourists. It’s mainly the locals who come here to do their shopping, snack and socialize. Therefore, don’t be surprised if you are the only tourist. A great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local Thai life!

Good eats in and around Phang Nga Town!

If you haven’t eaten your belly full yet on the market or can’t get enough of that tasty Thai food, Phang Nga Town and surroundings won’t disappoint you. We have listed some good restaurants and eateries for you below. Not always the menu will be in English, but by pointing things out and especially by laughing you will go a long way.

Where to spend the night when visiting Phang Nga?

Sleeping in Phang Nga Town is mostly done in nice small guesthouses and homestay-like accommodations. The prices are budget-friendly and the rooms have everything you need without too much luxury. Usually you have to deal directly with the owner, which gives your stay a more personal character than in for example large-scale resorts or hotels.

Outside town you will find outstanding resorts at the most wonderfull locations you can imagin!

Travel further from Phang Nga Town

In the southern part of Phang Nga Town is the bus station, here you can buy your own bus ticket to your next destination by (mini) bus. Often your hotel can also arrange this for you (for a small commission). The famous Ao Phang Nga National Park is half an hour away by car.