I often say Phang Nga is what Phuket used to be. It has all the beautiful nature, breathtaking islands, a quiet, beautiful old town, and vast beaches everywhere, but without the mass tourism that I believe has ruined the magic of Phuket and made it less and less attractive these days.
Phang Nga is definitely the best place to travel to if you are looking to have an entire white sandy beach all to yourself. If you are planning to visit Phang Nga, this is the perfect travel guide for you.
Within this guide, you will find all the coolest things to do in Phang Nga, as well as all the information you need to witness Thailand in a way regular tourists rarely get to see. Without further ado, here are the 10 best things to do in Phang Nga for solo travelers:
- Phang Nga Things to Do Map
- Where to Stay in Phang Nga?
- Quick Summary: Things to do in Phang Nga
-
10 Best Things to Do in Phang Nga
- Witness Sunrise Over Samet Nangshe
- Take Photos of the Iconic James Bond Island
- Explore the Floating Village of Panyee Island
- Canoe Through Lod Cave
- Relax at the Best Beach in Thailand No One Knows About
- Sunset at Natai Beach
- Explore the Old Town of Takua Pa
- Explore Khao Lak
- Take a Snorkeling Trip Around Similan Islands
- Freshen up at Tam Nang Waterfall
- More Phang Nga Activities
- Where to Eat and Drink in Phang Nga?
- Thailand Travel Video
- Further Reading for Southern Thailand
Phang Nga Things to Do Map
Quick Summary: Things to do in Phang Nga
- Theppahrak Hostel Khaolak (Budget)
- The Retreat Khaolak Resort - SHA Extra Plus (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Apsara Beachfront Resort & Villa - SHA Extra Plus (High-End)
- Best Seller - Surin Islands Snorkeling Trip from Khao Lak (9 to 10 hours) 🏅 Top Pick
- Khao Lak: Bamboo Rafting & Sea Turtle Conservation Center (3 hours)
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary (2 hours)
10 Best Things to Do in Phang Nga
1. Witness Sunrise Over Samet Nangshe
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is probably one of the best viewpoints in the country, and I've seen quite a lot of them. What makes this viewpoint special is the vantage point it gives over the scenic Phang Nga Bay.
The viewpoint is located on top of a bald hill, a few kilometers away from the eastern coastline of Phang Nga province. The viewpoint is perfectly positioned, facing the entire Phang Nga Bay and all the beautiful islands that make up the area, such as Hong Islands and James Bond Island.
An ocean, dotted with limestone peaks and mountains, surrounded by mangrove rivers and forests as far as the eye can see. Combine that with the golden hour during sunrise, and you have yourself one of the prettiest places on Earth. That is not the sight you get to see every day.
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Low clouds and fog usually form in the morning when the temperature rises, and you would only be able to see the place engulfed in the sea of clouds in the early mornings. So, be sure to get there before then.
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is quite remote, and getting there before sunrise can be quite a challenge. The best way to get here on time is to rent your own vehicle, whether it be a motorbike or a car, and drive along the winding road to the viewpoint's parking spot.
From there, you are going to have to catch a local songtaew up the rugged, steep dirt road that will take you to the viewpoint and back for 90 THB per person. Since it is in a private area and not a national park, they have equal pricing here, so foreigners and Thais pay the same.
You can also walk up, but you still need to pay 30 THB per person for road maintenance, and there's not much to see along the way. So, I would recommend you take the songtaew up. By doing so, you are also supporting the local community.
Once you arrive, you will find a spacious viewpoint area where you will be able to get an unobstructed 180° view of Phang Nga Bay, with some art installations for photo ops that the Thais love so much, scattered around the viewpoint.
The area is pretty big, and they have clearly built the viewpoint to accommodate a lot of tourists, so don't worry. You won't have to queue up to get the stunning photos you see here. In fact, there won't be as many people at sunrise anyway, which is why I recommend you get up here as early as you can.
At the viewpoint, you will also have access to toilets, cafes, and restaurants, although it is unlikely that they will be open at sunrise. So be sure to pack some snacks for breakfast the day before.
Once you are done at the viewpoint, you can wait for the songtaew in front of the restaurant where they dropped you off and get the next songtaew down. They usually run every 10 minutes, so you won't have to wait very long.
I spent more than 2 hours there, taking photos and flying my drone around, and I gotta say, this place really deserves to be the best viewpoint in Thailand. I've never seen anything quite like it, and I bet you will also be swept off your feet the moment you see the view, as I did.
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint opens from 4 AM to 12 AM every day, and the songtaew service costs 90 THB per person. Alternatively, if you choose to walk, it is 30 THB per person for road maintenance.
Where to Stay in Phang Nga?
2. Take Photos of the Iconic James Bond Island
James Bond Island is one of the most iconic islands in Phang Nga Bay, and it is one that people like to visit from all over, even from places as far as Phuket and Krabi.
James Bond Island, or Tapu Island as it is known locally, is a tall and narrow limestone island shaped like a nail ("tapu" means nail in Thai). This shape was formed by millions of years of erosion by the ocean at its base, resulting in the nail-shaped island we see today.
The island was also featured in the 1974 James Bond movie, hence, why it is also known as James Bond Island. It is a beautiful and unique place to see, and it is predicted that the island might soon collapse due to the ongoing erosion at its base, so check it out while you can.
At James Bond Island, you will also find the leaning mountains or Khao Pingkun, two pieces of massive rocks leaning and supporting each other, creating a small cave you can walk in between.
Now, this place gets a ton of tourists every day, but most people who visit this place often come from faraway places like Phuket and Krabi. So, since we are in Phang Nga, we have the advantage of being here earlier and beating the crowds.
If you have your own car, I highly recommend driving to a small village-run local pier located not too far from Samet Nangshe Viewpoint at 8 AM and hiring one of the local guys to take you around Phang Nga Bay, as I did.
For a trip to James Bond Island, Lod Cave, and Panyee Island, you can hire an entire long-tail boat that can accommodate 10 people for 1,800 THB. If you are a big group, this is going to be cheaper than going on an organized tour.
At 8 AM, I was able to reach James Bond Island by 8:30 AM, before anyone else. I arrived before the ranger was at the ticket kiosk, and I had the entire place to myself for an hour before tourists started arriving. It was awesome!
Now, if you do not want to drive yourself, you can catch an organized tour from Khao Lak, which is the main tourist spot in Phang Nga. You can get tours to anywhere in Phang Nga from there. The entrance fee to the Phang Nga Bay national park is 300 THB per person, and you can pay it once you arrive on James Bond Island.
3. Explore the Floating Village of Panyee Island
Panyee Island is another island that you should visit in Phang Nga Bay, and it is unlike anything you've seen before in Thailand. Panyee Island is an old Muslim community of around 1,685 people descended from 2 seafaring families that came all the way from Java back in the 18th Century.
Within the same period that they migrated here, the law that limited land ownership solely to people of Thai national origin went into effect, and in order to evade that, the community started building houses on stilts and continued to expand into the bay.
With over 365 families, an entire community complete with a mosque and a school, all built on stilts, Panyee Island has become a popular tourist attraction in Phang Nga Bay and a must-visit when you are here.
With the James Bond Island organized tour, they will also include a stop at Panyee Island, usually for lunch. You should have enough time to stroll around the maze that is the crisscrossing streets of Panyee Island.
There are restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and all kinds of snacks you can buy to your heart's content. You will also be able to witness the way of life of the locals here, check out the mosque, the school, and the floating soccer field.
The place is extremely unique, and you won't find anything quite like this place anywhere else in Thailand. So, if you are in Phang Nga, be sure to make it to Panyee Island.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
4. Canoe Through Lod Cave
Lod Cave is another popular attraction in Phang Nga Bay and is usually included in most James Bond Island organized tours as well.
Lod Cave is a collection of small caves that barely surface above the water under a large limestone mountain in Phang Nga Bay, and it is a popular place to go canoeing around and slide under these caves, full of pretty stalactites.
If you are there during low tides, you will be able to access most of the shallow caves here, some of which are extremely low and require you and your canoe guy to lie flat in order to pass through.
Some of the caves here will take you through an extremely small opening in pitch darkness before you emerge into a small, quiet cavern illuminated by sunlight through the ceiling.
I find the activity both very relaxing and exciting, especially when my canoe guy asked me to duck, and we floated slowly under a cave so low that my nose almost hit the ceiling.
Most of the time, the price of the canoe and hiring a guy to help navigate the cave system is not included in the tour price, so you will likely have to pay around 300 THB extra for 2 persons.
With 200 THB, you will get free refreshments and an hour-long canoe session, which I think is well worth the price. If you are looking for something exciting to do in Phang Nga Bay, be sure to go canoeing under Lod Cave while you are here.
5. Relax at the Best Beach in Thailand No One Knows About
Thai Muang Beach is probably one of the best beaches I have ever seen in Thailand. This unknown, long strip of white sandy beach that stretches across Phang Nga's western coast for many kilometers, is completely empty with not a single tourist or even local in sight.
I was there around sunset, and I had the whole place to myself. The sand is fine to the touch, and the beach is long, spacious, and very clean. The water is clear and warm, with not a lot of waves, which is perfect for swimming and chilling at the beach.
Thai Muang Beach is clearly a hidden gem, so you won't find any facilities or anything here: no restaurants, cafes, bars, or anything that might ruin the tranquility of the place. Just a simple beach with nothing but you and the ocean. This is probably what beaches in Phuket must have been like before mass tourism ruined them.
This white sandy beach stretches from Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park all the way to Natai, and you will be able to find plenty of empty beach spots along the way.
My favorite spot along this beach is, hands down, the beach in front of Lam Kamhaeng University, just before you enter Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park. It is extremely quiet, free of people, and has a space for you to park your car.
For a place with a few more facilities, you can visit Thai Muang Beach itself, where you will find more restaurants and street food stalls, as well as a recreational park full of trees for you to relax in.
There is also a nice temple located right by the beach called Wat Tha Sai, which is constructed entirely with wood. It is a stone's throw away from the beach, which is not something you get to see every day.
All in all, if you are looking for a truly remote beach that nobody knows about, be sure to check out the beach strip in front of Lam Kamhaeng University and spend some time driving along the beachside road of Thai Muang and Natai. You are going to love it.
6. Sunset at Natai Beach
Natai Beach is at the end of the beach strip I recommended above, and it is a natural spot to stop by, check out, or even spend a night here.
Natai Beach is a little more popular, but only among locals, so you will still get that same local vibe that you can't get in Phuket anymore. There are a few more facilities here, with a proper area for people to rest along the long Natai pier.
You will also find some small street food stalls selling small snacks and drinks, and that is it. No loud bars, no big expensive restaurants. Just a place where the locals come and enjoy the sunset. If you ever wonder what an authentic Thai beach vibe is really like, this is it. Not those beaches full of bars and restaurants you see in tourist places like Phuket and Ko Phangan.
Be sure to visit Natai Beach at sunset and stroll around Natai pier to enjoy the moment. The sunset from here is incredible, and it is a great place to spend the night as there are some really cool accommodations (with an incredible view and an even more incredibly expensive price) that you can find here.
For a more budget-friendly option, I highly recommend staying at Natai House. It's affordable, the rooms are spacious, come with air conditioning, and they are not too far from the beach.
7. Explore the Old Town of Takua Pa
Takua Pa is a charming little old town with a similar upbringing as Phuket's Old Town, but smaller and much quieter. It is located inland, close to Khaosok and Surat Thani province, so it makes for a great stop if you are coming from there.
The place used to be a thriving mining town and an important tin-dredging area during the first half of the 20th Century. As the resources dwindled, the place turned itself into a small tourist town full of well-preserved, colorful Sino-Portuguese architectures and the culture of Kopitiam, which I wholeheartedly adore.
The Takua Pa main walking street, Khun Intra building, the old ordination hall at Wat Sena Nucharangsan, and Kopi Kuapa cafe are some of my favorite places to visit in Takua Pa.
You can also drive up a little north and get on a kayak at the Little Amazon to explore a network of rivers crisscrossing around a rich mangrove forest where you might be able to see some monkeys, snakes, and birds like kingfishers along the way.
The ride is about 500 THB per kayak for 2 hours, which is a little too pricey for a solo traveler like me. However, if you are with a group of at least 2, going on a kayak around the mangrove forests in Takua Pa is definitely something you shouldn't miss.
8. Explore Khao Lak
Khao Lak is probably the most touristy town in Phang Nga, and for good reason. The place is a great launching pad to explore the rich marine life of the Similan and Surin archipelagos, which are considered to be some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the country.
There are also some really nice places to visit, like the golden-colored sandy beach of Nang Thong, which offers a nice, quiet, and spacious place for you to relax.
There is also a nice restaurant called KhaoLak Phu View located on top of a mountain overlooking the entire town and its coastline. It is especially beautiful at sunset and a perfect place for dinner, so be sure to get up there at the right time when you are in Khao Lak.
There is also a nice national park called Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park located not too far from the town, and it offers several nice walking paths along the coastline that will allow you to see some of the best features of the beaches in Khao Lak without the tourist crowds.
There are two hikes you can do in Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park. One is a simple hike along a wooden walking path that will take you north to a campsite right by the beach.
It may have a few rocks and boulders here, but it is quiet and has some decent sandy areas that are great for swimming as well. The fact that you can camp here right by the beach makes it an awesome place to spend a night in.
Another hike, which can also be accessed from the other side (a much easier trail than from the entrance of the national park), will take you to a really nice small sandy beach that is perfect for those who are looking for a quiet place to swim and relax in.
The water at Small Sandy Beach is clear and refreshing to swim in. The sand is fine to the touch, and the beach has plenty of wide-open space to sunbathe in. There is also a national park-run shop that sells drinks inside, so you can stay hydrated.
And since these two beaches are located in a national park that requires an entrance fee, they won't be as crowded as other public beaches. So, if you are looking for a nice, quiet beach with not a lot of people in Khao Lak, this is the place to be.
Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 200 THB per person. The parking fees for motorbikes and cars are 20 THB and 30 THB respectively.
9. Take a Snorkeling Trip Around Similan Islands
Snorkeling at Similan Islands is one of the best things to do in Khao Lak, as the archipelago is known for its rich marine life with a complex ecosystem across the 11 islands inside the national park.
To visit the Similan Islands, you are going to have to go with an organized tour that will take you from Khao Lak to the national park and sail across the archipelago, snorkeling at every stop along the way with a few stops to relax on the beach.
It is truly the ultimate snorkeling location in Thailand, and you will have plenty of opportunities to do so with a boat trip around the Similan Islands.
If you have never done snorkeling before, Similan is probably one of the best places to do so. Just be careful, you might get hooked, and sooner or later, you will be going diving and liveaboard and won't want to do anything else. 😉
10. Freshen up at Tam Nang Waterfall
Tam Nang Waterfall is an epic waterfall located inside Si Phang Nga National Park in the northern part of Phang Nga. It offers a ton of hiking opportunities and waterfall-hopping, perfect for those who are looking to get away from the crowdedness of places like Khao Lak.
There are several waterfalls you can hike to inside Si Phang Nga National Park, most of which will require you to cross a river several times, except Tam Nang Waterfall, which is the largest of them all and the most accessible too.
I tried visiting the other 3 waterfalls, but failed miserably as I lost track of the trail after the third river crossing. However, the sight of Tam Nang Waterfall made up for my failure, and I ended up having a great time taking photos and soaking up the waterfall splash there.
The hike from the national park's parking lot to Tam Nang Waterfall is pretty short and sweet, taking around 10 minutes with very few climbs, so anyone should be able to get there.
Once you arrive at the waterfall, you will be blown away (literally) by the amount of water flowing down the waterfall and the scale of it all. There is a large pool of shallow water in front of the waterfall that you can swim in, as well as little pockets of water further down the stream where you can relax your feet.
It is a nice spot to relax with lots of trees and bodies of water to help cool you down on a hot day. Si Phang Nga National Park opens from 9 AM to 4:30 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 150 THB per person, with an additional 30 THB for parking.
Where to Eat and Drink in Phang Nga?
Have Breakfast at Jin Keng Restaurant
Jin Keng Restaurant is a local breakfast place that I often visit when I am in Takua Pa. It is an old traditional restaurant that has been serving excellent dim sum and other Thai-Chinese-style breakfast for several decades, and it is popular among locals in the morning.
Their dim sum dishes are great and affordable. Hot coffees start at 10 THB, which is almost unheard of nowadays in Thailand. They also serve congee, fried noodles, and more if you are looking for a more filling dish for breakfast.
I just love the vibe of this place. It gives off that old traditional Kopitiam cafe culture where old people would come to hang out together and talk every morning.
If you like this kind of local vibe and enjoy cheap and delicious breakfast, you have to check out Jin Keng Restaurant in Takua Pa. The place opens from 5 AM to 11 AM every day.
Have Coffee at Kopi Kuapa
Kopi Kuapa is a nice cozy cafe that serves Kopitiam-style coffee and snacks. It is located in a beautifully decorated courtyard-style seating area between two buildings, creating a perfect shaded area to relax with a coffee in hand.
The interior is filled with rustic and vintage decor to the brim, in an open-air space with great circulation, allowing you to sit and enjoy a nice snack during the day without having to be in an air-conditioned room.
The prices of the coffee and snacks are also reasonable, with many options to choose from. Most snacks are traditional Thai snacks that are great for breakfast or for people who have a sweet tooth. I ordered a traditional Thai iced coffee, and it was tasty and strong, just the way I like it.
If you are looking for a nice, cozy cafe to sit and relax in Takua Pa, be sure to check out Kopi Kuapa. The cafe opens from 8 AM to 8 PM every day.
Try Traditional Thai Food at Fashi Cafe
Fashi Cafe is a very popular local restaurant located near Natai, complete with authentic Thai menu items, plenty of seating areas both inside and outside, and live music in the evening. The vibe and the food, this place has it all.
They serve Thai traditional food that you won't find anywhere in touristy areas like Khao Lak, with dishes like Klua Kling (one hell of a spicy dish) that are considered to be the staple of Southern Thai food. They also offer other less spicy dishes like steamed seafood in soy sauce, etc.
The price is a little less than the tourist price you pay for food in tourist areas, but more expensive than the local food places around. However, you really get what you pay for here: high-quality, authentic Thai food with no compromise.
If you are looking to try some authentic Thai food that the locals love, be sure to check out Fashi Cafe in Natai. The place opens from 11 AM to 11 PM every day.
That is it for the 10 Amazing Things to Do in Phang Nga for Solo Travelers. Have we missed anything? Have you found the guide useful? Let us know in the comments below!
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to plan your trip to Phang Nga, Thailand! Here are some resources to help you get your trip going:
Are you planning to travel to Phang Nga, Thailand independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Southern Thailand
Looking for more information for your trip to Southern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Southern Thailand that you might find useful:
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out 10 Days Itinerary for Thailand.
- One of the best places to go snorkeling in Thailand is Koh Lipe, an island in the far south of Thailand. Here is The Ultimate Snorkeling Guide to Koh Lipe.
- Looking to change things up a little? How about we head down to the south of Thailand and explore one of my favorite places in Thailand? Here is How to Travel to Khao Sok National Park, Backpacking-style.
- The pearl of the Andaman Sea, Phuket, is an island full of history, cultures, and stunning beaches waiting for you to explore. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Phuket.
- There are over 30+ beaches in Phuket, and it can get quite overwhelming to find the perfect beach to stay at. Don't worry, I've got you covered. Here are the 8 Most Beautiful Beaches in Phuket.
- Visiting Phuket Old Town is the highlight of your Phuket Trip. You can easily spend a day exploring the Old Town. Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Phuket Old Town.
- If you are in Phang Nga, you should also drop by Takua Pa and its charming little old town. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Takua Pa.
- Khao Lak is the main tourist hub in Phang Nga and it is a great place to be if you like adventure, island-hopping, and snorkeling. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Khao Lak.
- For a complete Krabi backpacking itinerary, check out: 3 to 5 Days Backpacking Krabi Itinerary.
- Whether you are an adventurer or a beach-goer, Krabi has it all. From island-hopping to rock climbing, here are the 13 Best Things to do in Krabi.
- Krabi is not just about beaches and islands. Krabi town offers a great alternative place to stay away from the tourist crowds. Here are the 8 Best Things to do in Krabi Town.
- Ko Lanta is a quiet, remote, and less trodden part of Krabi, making it a great place to visit for those who want to go off the beaten path. If you are planning to go there, here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Ko Lanta.
- Nakhon Si Thammarat is the land of countless waterfalls that no one knows about. It is an off-the-beaten path place to visit in Southern Thailand that may surprise you. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
- You've heard about Hua Hin, but have you heard about Lemon Bay? There's so much more to the Prachuap Khiri Khan province than Hua Hin. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
- There is more to Chumphon than just Koh Tao. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Chumphon.
- Surat Thani is not just Ko Samui and Ko Phangan. There is so much more to do in this province than you might think. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Surat Thani.
- Have to spend a night in Surat Thani's Old Town and not sure what to do there? Check out: 8 Best Things to Do in Surat Thani's Old Town
- For the best things to do in Koh Samui, check out: 13 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui.
- If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
- Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
- Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
- Photos are worth a thousand words, but what is worth more than photos? A video. Here are travel videos I made for Thailand: Timeless Thailand, a journey into the North of Thailand, Long Tail Thailand, exploring the beautiful south of Thailand, and taking it slow with Slowed Down Bangkok travel video.
- Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
- Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand or Central Thailand?
- For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
2 Comments
Thanks for your post! Very concise and practical.
One question: Where did you get the canoe service through Lod Cave? Is it the same place you get the longtail boat to James Bond Island?
There's a floating raft right in front of the cave where you can hire a guy and a canoe. It should be included in the organized boat tour I recommended. They will take you to the raft after James Bond Island and then you can hire the guy. :) I hope this helps!