Ao Phang Nga or Phang Nga Bay is located between the Malay Peninsula and the Phuket Islands in the Andaman Sea. Measuring about four hundred square kilometers, a large part of the bay is protected under the Ramsar Convention (The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat) as a Ramsar Site. The site includes the areas of the Phang Nga Bay that fall within ‘Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park’. It is within the administrative jurisdiction of the Phang Nga Province of Thailand. The main natural attractions of Phang Nga Bay includes the stunning clear blue waters, caves, archeological sites and limestone cliffs. The bay contains some forty two small to large islands.

Phang Nga remains as a very busy day-trip site out from Phuket. Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park houses a wide range of marine species while its islands are home to different kind of birds and animals. At least twenty eight different species of seagrass, mangrove and coral reefs make Phang Nga an attraction for nature-lovers.

The two most visited spots in Phang Nga are the signature rocky pinnacle (which is now known as the ‘James Bond Island’) and Koh Panyi Sea Gypsy Island. Koh Panyi is basically a Muslim village where you can have a good lunch and shop for souvenirs. Phang Nga Bay was a shooting spot for both the James Bond films titled, “The Man with the golden gun” and “Tomorrow never dies”. Some places, especially caves, are very remote within the bay that needs a kayak to reach.

If you want to enjoy your holiday in Phuket, you must include Ao Phang Nga or Phang Nga bay for at least a full day trip. You will never regret the visit rather keep it in your memory as a shining gem of experience..