Ao Phang Nga National Park (Phang Nga Bay)
Emerald bay of towering limestone karsts, sea caves (hongs) and mangroves northeast of Phuket — home to James Bond Island and prime sea-kayaking.
- Category
- National Parks
- Entrance fee
- ~300 THB foreigners; usually via day tour ~1,000–1,800 THB, as of 2026
- Hours
- Daily approx 08:00–17:00 (tours daytime)
- Best time
- Nov–Apr; early start beats the tour rush
- Time needed
- Full day
About Ao Phang Nga National Park (Phang Nga Bay)
Phang Nga Bay is Phuket's top nature day trip, an emerald expanse of towering limestone karsts, hidden sea caves and mangroves northeast of the island. It's home to James Bond Island, but the scenery all around is the real reason to come.
The highlight is the sea-cave kayaking, gliding into the hongs tucked inside the karsts. It's spectacular, though the popular hongs get congested around midday, so an early start makes a big difference.
One bit of advice: choose smaller, low-impact operators. The bay is heavily touristed and the smaller outfits give you a better, less crowded experience.
Highlights
- Towering limestone karsts rising from emerald water
- Sea-cave (hong) kayaking as the top highlight
- Mangroves and hidden lagoons
- James Bond Island within the park
Tips
- Start early to beat the midday congestion at the hongs
- Choose smaller, low-impact operators for a better experience
- The sea-cave kayaking is the part to prioritise
- High season (Nov–Apr) is best
How to get there
~35 km / ~1 h drive north from Phuket Town to piers around Ao Po or Surakul; almost always visited on an organised full-day tour.