Paradise is the only befitting word to describe the scenery at Phuket’s Phang Nga Bay. 400 square kilometers of clear, calm emerald-green seawaters, exotic and unique limestone karsts and caverns, unspoiled natural flora, fauna, and wildlife all waiting to be explored.
Every attraction site is a marvelous natural wonder that no man had a hand in creating. It is all by the power of Mother Nature. If you are looking for your next exotic getaway to discover worlds that seem not on this earth and become one with nature, then Phang Nga Bay should be at the top of your list.
To start you off on your research, here is a list of four must-see natural wonders of Phang Nga Bay:
James Bond Island
This island is arguably the most famous landmark in Phang Nga Bay. Though originally known as Koh Tapu, the island got its current name after its starring role in the James Bond 1974 Movie The Man With The Golden Gun.
What makes James Bond Island a natural wonder is its rocky pinnacle and bizarre shape. The island is larger towards the top, thinner towards the bottom and appears to vertically jut out of the emerald-green sea waters. It is a magnificent site that will keep you wondering how it doesn’t fall over.
Just next to the island is the spectacular Koh Ping Ghan Rock. The very high leaning rock has some small caves inside that are great for an exploration adventure. But most importantly, its beach offers a great view of James Bond island.
Related Article: 7 Phuket-Nearby Islands That Are Perfect for a Day Trip.
The Hongs of Phang Nga
A “hong” is the Thai word for room. The Hongs of Phang Nga refer to collapsed caves found in the interior of the islands in Phang Nga Bay. These spectacular caves open up to the sky and are filled with jungle-rich flora and fauna.
A kayaking trip through the Hongs of Phang Nga brings life to the statement, “There are worlds yet to be discovered.” Experience a unique ecosystem at the heart of the caves filled with unique vegetation, fish, birds, a variety of marine life, and monkeys. The quiet, serene sea waters, surrounded by towering limestone walls as you explore cave after cave, island after island, will transport you to an entirely different world.
The Limestone Cliffs of Phang Nga Bay
The limestone cliffs in the Phang Nga Bay area are phenomenal works of nature. The bay features at least 40 uniquely shaped limestone island cliffs that will leave you speechless. By day, the cliffs are a colorful scenery of varicolored streaks, thanks to the mineral oxides from various sources that are part of their composition.
The cliffs were once part of an ancient coral reef that covered most of Southeast Asia during the time when the earth’s oceans were hundreds of feet higher than they are today. Millions of years passed and cliffs remained standing, towering like magnificent rock giants.
A perfect way to experience the limestone cliffs is by cruise ship or private yacht. The sea waters of the Phang Nga are calm all year round because the bay is protected from both the northeast and southwest monsoon seasons. Therefore, you can take your time to marvel at the monumental beauty of the place anchored in different spots.
The Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
This is the one location where you can witness the entire breadth of Phang Nga Bay and all its natural wonders. Located on a hilltop about 30 minutes drive from Phuket, this viewpoint provides a 180-degree panorama facing the east view of the Bay. This hilltop is the perfect place to stand and be awed by the force, strength, and beauty of nature.
At The Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, you can take in the entire 1.6 km of mangroves, the spectacular limestone karsts, the beautiful sea waters, and the unique chain islands of the Phang Nga Bay. If you make it to the hilltop between 5:30 and 6:00 in the morning, you may be lucky to witness the most magnificent sunrise. At night, as the viewpoint is far away from light pollution, it is possible to spot the Milky Way.
Related Article: 9 Popular Viewpoints Around the Island of Phuket
Conclusion
These are just the tip of what to expect at Phang Nga Bay. Our descriptions are nowhere close to the fulfilling experience these scenic views provide when you visit in person. But we hope we have sparked the curiosity, desire, and anticipation to plan your next vacation, whether with friends or family to Phuket’s Phang Nga Bay.
The Luxury Signature represents and manages reservations of the finest villa rentals in Southeast Asia, specializing in some of the most stunning destinations including the islands of Phuket and Samui in Thailand, and Bali, Indonesia.
