| Phang Nga พังงา |
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|---|---|---|---|
| — Province — | |||
| Islets in Phang Nga Bay | |||
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| Map of Thailand highlighting Phang Nga Province | |||
| Country | Thailand | ||
| Capital | Phang Nga | ||
| Government | |||
| • Governor | Yiamsuriya Phalusuk (since 2008) | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 4,170.0 km2 (1,610 sq mi) | ||
| Area rank | Ranked 53rd | ||
| Population (2000) | |||
| • Total | 234,188 | ||
| • Rank | Ranked 71st | ||
| • Density | 56.2/km2 (145.5/sq mi) | ||
| • Density rank | Ranked 69th | ||
| Time zone | Thailand Standard Time (UTC+7) | ||
| ISO 3166 code | TH-82 | ||
Phang Nga (Thai: พังงา) is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand, on the shore to the Andaman Sea. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Ranong, Surat Thani and Krabi. To the south is the Phuket province, but without land boundary to Phang Nga.
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The province is located on the west side of the Malay Peninsula, and includes many islands of the Phang Nga Bay. The most famous one is the so-called James Bond Island, a needle formed limestone rock in the sea, which featured in the 1974 movie The Man with the Golden Gun. The Ao Phang-Nga (Phang-Nga Bay) National Park was established in 1981 to protect the many fascinating islands. The Similan Islands, one of Thailand's main diving destinations, are also part of Phang Nga province. It is located 788 kilometres (490 mi) from Bangkok and covers an area of 4,170 square kilometres (1,610 sq mi).
During the reign of King Rama II, nearby areas (including Thalang, now known as Phuket) were occupied by the Burmese and so many people fled to Kraphu-nga. In 1824, Siamese troops defeated the Burmese and the invaders were expelled. King Rama III renamed the area Phang-nga and in 1933 the town was expanded to be a province.
On the fateful morning of December 26, 2004 Phang-nga Bay was devastated by a Tsunami disaster and thousands of people lost their lives.
The provincial seal shows the Phu Khao Chang mountains in the background, and the City Hall in front. It also shows a dredge to represent the tin mining in the province.
The provincial tree is Cinnamomum porrectum (Hardy Cinnamon), and the provincial flower is Anaxagorea javanica.
The provincial slogan is Massive mining industry, Ban Klang Nam “floating house” delightful caves, strangely-shaped hills, Jampun flower, rich in resources.
Phang Nga is subdivided into 8 districts (amphoe), which are further subdivided into 48 communes (tambon) and 314 villages (muban).
Roads
Rail systems There is no rail system in Phang-Nga Province. The nearest railway station is at Phunphin district, Surat Thani Province.
Bus There are both non air-conditioned and air-conditioned buses to Bangkok and other provinces. There are also non air-condition inter-provincial buses.
Songthaew (public passenger pick-up vehicle) The public passenger pick-up vehicle is the most popular mode of public transportation in Phang-nga.
Motorbike-taxi These are found mainly in the town areas and are used mainly for very short distances. The charges differ according to the distance travelled through the Motorbike-taxi.
Airport There is no airport in Phang-Nga Province because many high mountains around the town. The nearest airport is Phuket International Airport.
Situated on the Andaman Sea, Phang-nga province is famed for the natural beauty of its water, beaches, islands, mountains and forests.
Phang-nga was damaged in the 2004 Tsunami, although tourism has largely recovered.
Elephant cave trekking
Elephant cave tours are usually made to Tham Phung Chang which is a cave with numerous stalactites and stalagmites.
Rafting
Rafting is considered to be an eco-tourism trip in the Ton Pariwat Wildlife Conservation Area.
Rock climbing
This is a popular activity which passes through the routes including high quality limestone, steep, pocketed walls, overhangs and hanging stalactites.
Kayaking
Phang-ngas coastline, which consists of mangroves, limestone, small coves, caves and islands, and an interior with rivers lined with fascinating cave systems, has transformed the area into a haven for tourists wanting to try out kayaking. The most popular place of all is Khao Lak.
Bird watching
Many rare birds are to be seen in Phang-nga such as: Gurneys, Finfoots, Bigwinged Brown Kingfishers, egrets, and herons.
Sailing and cruising
Phang-nga has plenty of anchorages in Phan-nga for sailing and cruising.
Fishing
Fishers catch the likes of marlin, sailfish barracuda and tuna.
Jungle trekking
Phang-nga’s forests and flora and fauna are good for trekking. Elephant riding is also popular.
Sea canoeing: Inflatable canoes squeeze into and under island.
Bamboo Rafting: This is a popular activity at Along Lamroo Canal at Khao Lak National Park
Golf
Over the past decade or so, the popularity of golf in Thailand has escalated; played both by local Thais and visiting foreign tourists and expatriates. There are two 18-hole golf courses in Phang-nga. There are two major golf courses in Khao Lak, which includes Tablamu Navy Golf Course and Thai Muang Beach Golf & Marina.
Spa
Proper world-class spa services in Phang-Nga are located in hotels and resorts. Since a lot of these spas are accredited by the Thai Spa Operators Association, then the therapists have been properly trained.
Diving
The Similan Islands have one of Thailand's most famous diving sites which lay claim to having one of the best diving sites in Asia. The Similans consist of 9 islands (Similan means 9 in Malay language) Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang (two adjoining islands), Ko Payan, Ko Payang, and Ko Huyong. The islands are famed for their reefs, coral and variety of marine life. Tourists like to spot chevron barracuda, giant trevally, manta rays, leopard sharks and rainbow runners.
Created by the local Farmer’s Housewives Organization, artificial flowers made from rubber and fish scales are souvenirs symbolic of Phang-nga province.
Scattered around the beach and bay areas are several clusters of beer bars and live music venues. There are also hotel bars. Generally speaking however, the nightlife in Pha-nga is comparatively much more laid-back that of Krabi’s.
Phang Nga is a melting pot of Buddhists, Thai-Chinese, Muslims and even sea gypsies. The majority of the population in the rural areas is Muslim. Phang Nga however, does not suffer from any religious tension and the folk live in peace and harmony. Outside of the provincial town, the rural folk speak with a thick Southern dialect which is difficult for even other Thais to understand.
With this kind of mixture, Phang Nga is always celebrating something be it part of Thai Buddhist, Thai-Chinese or Thai-Islamic tradition.
Situated on the small island of Ko Surin is a community of Morgan Sea Gypsies who still live their traditional life as sea-faring people. These sea gypsies speak Yawi dialect and are more very friendly. However, just like the long-necked Karen in Mae Hong Son, some folk complain that their village resembles a bit like a human zoo with hoards of tourists walking around gawking at the villagers.
In general, Southern Thai food is renowned for its spiciness. Much of the cuisine has its origins in Malay, Indonesian and Indian food. Favourite dishes from the south include Indian-style Muslim curry (massaman), rice noodles in fish curry sauce (Khanom Jeen) and chicken birayani.
Phang-nga’s Panyi Island is famous for its Shrimp Paste and Takuapa for its Chinese-style baked cakes.
The main medical facility available at Phang-nga is General Hospital. Whereas, in case of severe conditions of patients or international standards, people normally go to nearby Phuket. For nothing too serious there are plenty of clinics and pharmacies.
There are a great number of retirees in Pha-nga and the amount is growing rapidly. One of their favourite spots is Khao Lak.
There are some other retirees though, who reside in extremely quiet locations away from the tourist scene as the cost of living off the beaten track is far cheaper.
Local television, satellite TV channels are available. English language newspapers and magazines are available in some bookstores. You can order your newspaper from home via the NewspaperDirect Network (Printstation in Bang Niang, Khao Lak) (http://www.newspaperdirect-asia.com). A local bi-weekly English language magazine for Khao Lak is available online as well as in print. (http://khaolakecho.com)
Landline telephone, satellite phone and all mobile phone systems are available at Phang-nga town and village areas. Internet can be had in hotels, resorts and internet cafés. There are Post Offices in every district.
| Ranong Province | Surat Thani Province | |||
| Andaman Sea | Krabi Province | |||
| Phang Nga Province | ||||
| Phuket Province | Andaman Sea |
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