Places of interest in Phang Nga close to Natai Beach and Khok Kloi :

1.   NaTai beach and NaTai pier
 
Natai Beach is a 2 km stretch of unspoilt, quiet and pristine beach which overlooks the Andaman Sea.
It has a backdrop of rich rainforest scenery and much of the beachfront land has been designated a forest or conservation zone.
There is also actually a tiny quaint public pier where many locals like to cast a fishing line, especially at sunset. On the nearby sands are the huts and boats of the local fishermen. At midday it is quiet with only a few small long-tail boats scattered along the sands.

2(a).   The scenic coastal road H3006

There is a lovely scenic route H3006 heading north along the coast towards Thai Muang district. Driving along Route 3006, the road that runs alongside the beach, is a scenic journey taking you through a tropical landscape of coconut groves and water-lily strewn lagoons. Several public paths leading to the beach from the road are found along the way.

2(b).   Wat Tha Sai and Tha Sai beach
( and picnic area )

Wat Tha Sai is a beautiful beachside temple at Tha Sai beach, Thai Muang district. It is situated about eleven kms north of Natai beach along the coastal road H3006.

About two kms after the Waterjade resort make a sharp left turn down a concrete road of length approx 1 lm to the temple and beach.

3.   Wat Khao temple and Wat Khao waterfall

The beautiful Watkao Waterfall (or Watkhao Waterfall) is situated in the north of Khok Kloi. Access is through the temple gate of Watkao. Wat Kao is a forest temple. You can drive about 2 km further north into lush green hills. The road ends below the large swimming pool formed by a dam under the cascades.

On weekends, local families come to enjoy a day out. Above the road is a restaurant with salas serving inexpensive food. Signboards explain that high above the waterfall there are Rafflesia flowers that can be reached with the help of a local guide from the village tourism community at:
Moo 10 KroK Kloi, Takua Thung, Phang Nga 82130

4.   Wat Don ( Pho Ngam )

located at Moo 4 KloK Kloi.

5.   Other temples at Khok Kloi.

These include:-   Wat Na Klong, Wat Rat Yothi and Wat Trai Mak Sathit

6.   Ruan Mai Kaen Restaurant

This Restaurant in Khok Kloi is also known as the Wooden House Restaurant or simply the Jungle Restaurant. It is an attraction in itself due to the very attractive wooden construction and the garden setting.
They serve local spicy delicious dishes, and also breakfast.
The Ruan Kaen Restaurant is located in a shady garden on the left hand side of route 4 about 1 km to the north of Khok Kloi junction traffic lights.
The restaurant is very popular among Thais.
Address:   43/2 Moo 4, Phetkasem Rd., Khok Kloi
Tel.: 076-581554 or 076-581464

7.   Unique wood carving souvenirs

Phutal Wood Carving at
40/1 Moo 5, Khok Kloi, Takua Thung, Phang Nga 82140
    Tel.: 080-3282005 or 090-5588557

8.   Andaman 360 degree viewpoint

The Andaman View Point is situated at the road from Khok Kloi to Phuket. There is an access road on the left about 1 km south of the new Khok Kloi Bus Terminal. The view point boasts a 360 degree view of the surrounding landscape and the channel between Phuket and the mainland. A kiosk on the top serves some snacks and drinks.

9.   Sarasin Bridge

Phuket province is connected to Phang Nga province via the Sarasin Bridge, across the 500 meter stretch of water.There are actually three bridges not one. The first bridge was only built in 1967 and two more have been built in the last 15 years to allow a bridge for traffic each way. The oldest (original) bridge is now used for pedestrians and is a popular evening walk for locals.

10.   Takua Pa old town

The old town of Takuapa was built before 43 B.C. It was called Tok Kloa, meaning cardamom (a spice). Takua Pa was very prosperous in the reign of King Rama VII because it was rich with tin ore. A large number of Chinese people came and worked in the mine. The old town of Takua Pa is considered a living museum which collects the stories of Phang Nga people in the past. The buildings in Chinese and Portuguese architectural styles are preserved. Visitors can walk and see the way of life of people of the old town of Takuapa. There is also a walking street every Sunday.
Among many other activities, there is a fashion show with clothing made from the traditional southern fabric Pateh.
Old Takua Pa holds a large vegetarian food festival called "Jia Kew Ong Chai". It is held annually in September or October depending on the lunar calendar.
The old town is about 7 km south east of the new town.

Also worth a visit is the Khrua Nong restaurant in the new town on route 4 (at district Bang Nai Si) (tel: 076 424 497)
Also, just a couple of kilometers from the town you can start the Little Amazon tour along a small mangrove river looking out for wildlife such as snakes and monkeys.

11.   Misty mountains

Phu Ta Jor Moutain is an attraction for local people and eco tourists. It is located in Tambon Lae, Kapong district, Phang Nga. Tourists usually go there for camping because you can see an amazing layer of clouds in the early morning.

Another misty mountain where the air is crisp and cool is Khao Khai Nui in Baan Thung Maprao, Thai Mueang District.

Both trips are quite strenuous.

12.   Tsunami Memorial Park

The small park is a tranquil place and is located at Baan Nam Khem 7 km south of Takua Pa town. In terms of attempts to create lasting memorials to the tsunami victims, this memorial is regarded by many as most appropriate and meaningful. The gardens include a memorial wall that curves like a wave.

13.   Khao Lam Pi - Thai Muang National Park

The annual turtle releasing festival takes place here on 1st March each year at Thai Muang beach. The festival lasts for about 7 days usually.
Note that the turtle releasing only takes place on the 1st day.

14.   The giant Rafflesia flower

The giant Rafflesia is also known as the wild lotus (bua phut). Not only is it the largest flower in the world, it is also the heaviest weighing up to 7 kg.
It is parasitic, living as microscopic filaments in the roots of the liana jungle vine; it has no roots or green leaves; occasionally buds the size of footballs erupt, from October to December, and then bloom in January.
The Rafflesia is in full bloom for only 7 days; then the flower becomes black and soon disintegrates, producing a tremendous stench, comparable to rotting flesh, which at least the carrion flies seem to enjoy and so effect pollination.
To see the giant Rafflesia in the mountains of Khok Kloi, you have to get information from the Kamnan of Moo 7 first.

If a Rafflesia is in bloom, you can undertake an adventurous trip off road by motorcycle. The trip goes up for half an hour, then a not too strenuous walk for another twenty minutes. There are usually several blossoms in various stages of bloom.
Recently it was discovered that this rare plant grows in Phang Nga province in at least five locations:
- Ton Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary (at Song Phraek district north of Phang Nga City)
- In the forests southeast of Thai Mueang
- High above Watkao Waterfall near Khok Kloi
- In the forests of Le on the way to Khao Sok
- Near Khuraburi in the forests around Sri Phang Nga National Park
In all locations a guide is necessary to find this giant flower. According to the local guides there is a Rafflesia in bloom somewhere any time of the year.

15.   Benyaran Museum.

This is an amazing private museum showing things that have been collected by a private family including a worldwar 2 plane, amulets and sacred objects, banknotes, stamps, furnitures, shellfish, herbs, benjarong and porcelain and much more.
There are six main buildings. Builidng 1 is simply a meeting room with 250 seats. Building 2 showcases traditional household appliances and also some mining equipment. Building 3 showcases historic doors and windows of the rich. Building 4 replicates historical shops ( with rooms displaying antique coins and notes, antique shops, cinemas and barber shops). Building 5 has military equipment including items from WW 1 and 2 and the Vietnam war. Building 6 displays fossils and ancient pottery.
In addition there is an ancient charcoal kiln and rubber tree museum. And there is also a folk games museum (including Mancala, Kwan Rao, Saba, jackstones, rubber band blowing, fish biting and cockfighting).
Nearby: Banyaran homestay, Thai cooking school, Banyaran waterfall, trekking, and Samet Nangshe (to admire the morning sunrise).
The museum is located on road 1004 at the village of Baan Ti Tae, which is 5 kms before Khlong Khian, Takua Thung District, Phang-nga.
It is 45 kms from Phuket airport
Open daily 9 am - 5.30 pm.
Tel: +66 84 838 9933
and Khun Marn on +66 64 9698609

16.   Dinosea World Park (Dinosea Water Park)

This Amusement Park opened on 28th January 2017, and is a great family Park. It is situated on a coastal strip in an easterly direction from Tha Noon, at
    90 Moo 11 Khok Kloi.
  Proceeding north make a U turn, and head east, immediately after Tha Noon school and follow the signs. See these two websites for further details:

17.   Samet Nangshe Viewpoint.

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint has very quickly become quite popular in Phang Nga. Located on a hilltop it provides stunning views over the limestone islets of Phang Nga Bay.
The view is a breathtaking 180 degree panorama facing due east, making it particularly striking at sunrise. The view is a chain of islands stretching to both the left and right in the waters of Phang Nga Bay, across some mangroves. The sun rises between the limestone karsts.
Take the road south from Tha Yu. There is a small entrance fee, a car park and a fairly steep climb on foot.

18.   Lak Mueang.
Phang Nga town

Lak Mueang are city pillars found in most cities of Thailand. They are usually housed in a shrine which is also believed to house Chao Pho Lak Mueang, the city spirit deity.

The Lak Mueang are located on the northern side of the city. ( Tumnampud, Phang nga, 82000 ) The concept of city pillars probably dates back to King Rama I in the year 1782.

19.   Phang Nga town

The town of Phang Nga is a mini cultural melting pot where mosques, Buddhist temples and Taoist Chinese shrines are within walking distance of one another. It has a relaxed atmosphere.
The real stars here are the sheer limestone karsts that climb vertically out of the emerald-green water in Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park. Exploring by boat or sea kayaks is highly recommended. Just south of the town, Khao Chang is another karst mountain that looms over the town to the south west and is the site of the massive Phung Chang Cave.

20.   Mangosteen Day.
Phang Nga town

At Phang Nga town City Hall
15th - 20th June each year.

21.   Phang Nga Museum.
Phang Nga town

The Phangnga museum is set in Thai Chang Sub District of Phangnga city. This museum is housed in the old provincial hall which is a distinctive building designed in the colonial style.
The one story building is large and at its front it is adorned with a garuda emblem.

The museum features a permanent exhibition showcasing the history of Phang Nga city with different rooms focused on different topics including climate, natural resources, tourist attractions, historical development, politics, religion, beliefs, traditions, and cultures. It is a learning and heritage centre for Phang Nga.

Originally, this building was built in 1930 (during the reign of King Rama VII) to serve as the town hall of Phang Nga. It became a National monument in 1987 and was renovated to be Phang Nga Museum in 2013.
The Phang Nga Museum is located on Petchkasem Road, Muang District, Phang Nga. (Phang Nga city)
It is open Monday to Friday 08:30 - 16:30 hrs.
Tel: 076 - 481596

22.   Phang Nga Culture Center.
Phang Nga town

The Ministry of Culture set up Phang Nga Culture Center to preserve the local knowledge. The exhibitions not only depict life, culture and tradition of people in Phang Nga, but also their wisdom, arts and craft, nature and creatures. Pottery, basketwork, woodcraft, mint, metal, agricultural tools are also featured here.
Thai Chang Sub - District, Muang District, Phangnga, 82000 Telephone : 076 412 065     Website : http://www.deebuk.ac.th

23.   Phang Nga Town creative street art

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently joined together with Mr. Patcharapol Tangruen, a well-known and influential graffiti artist in Thailand, to paint the old Phang Nga mining town with a creative street art titled "Check in Phang-Nga: The Charms of Kra Phu Nga"
There are 3 murals based on his signature creation - a child known as Mardi.
Mardi "History of Mining" - in this painting Mardi reflects on the history of Phang Nga during its mining heyday.
Mardi "Lion Dance" - here Mardi is a lion dancer on a wall opposite a Chinese shrine as an ode to the Chinese community's long history in Phang Nga.
Mardi "Memory in the Bottle" - Mardi wears his signature fluffy outfit looking at a Chinese junk in a bottle reflecting the long history of trading between Phang Nga and those from faraway lands.

24.   Bang Pat

Bang Pat (Bang Toei subdistrict) in Phang Nga, is a Muslim village built entirely on the water next to a mangrove forest - connected to the mainland by a few hundred meters long bridge. About 80 families are living here which some of them offer homestays where you can sleep in one of the stilt houses, share meals with the owner, experience mangrove planting, fishing and cooking.

Directions: On entering Phang Nga town turn right at the traffic lights onto Highway 4311 towards Krabi and continue for 8 km. Turn right onto Highway 3008 and follow the road for another 10 km, until you find a bridge that leads to the village.

25.   Raman Waterfall (Raman Forest Park)
near Phamg Nga town

Raman Waterfall Forest Park is one of two forest parks found in Phang Nga. It is overseen by the forestry department.

To get there from Khok Kloi, drive northeast on route 4 towards Phang Nga town. Ten kilometers before the town on the left, there is a polytechnic college. The entrance is located shortly after the college and marked by a large temple archway. Signs are posted along the way as well. The waterfall is about three or four kilometers from the main road, highway 4. The road is narrow but the way is clearly marked in English.

26.   Phung Chang Cave (Elephant belly cave)
Phang Nga town Located at Khao Chang (Phang Nga town's landmark hill) within the grounds of the Buddhist temple Wat Praphat Prachimkhet, behind the Provincial Hall.

Inside are stalagnites, stalactites and a stream that runs all year round. Usually only 100 tourists per day are allowed to visit so as to preserve the cave's ecology. Each round trip takes two hours by foot, canoe and rafting.

27.   Khao Chang
Phang Nga town Phang Nga's Landmark: a Mountain in the Shape of an Elephant
Khao Chang (elephant mountain), a limestone mountain about 500 meters in height, is considered a symbol of Phang Nga. Its shape resembles a large crouching elephant with its head turned to the southwest. Inside the mountain is the dark, long cave, named Tham Peung Chang. Khao Chang is located behind the old City Hall in the south of Phang Nga Town.
(address: Pethkasem Rd., Tai Chang, Phang Nga 82000 )

28.   Tapan Cave Monastery
Phang Nga town This monastry is also in Phang Nga town, and about 600 meters past the Provincial Hall. This small temple at the Ta Pan cave has been built on the theme of heaven and hell. Inside is a bridge called "Dragon Bridge that spans hell".

At one end of the bridge is a cave that has many beutiful attractions, such as a waterfall, a stream, the Diamond Dharma Meditation area, stalactites and stalagmites resembling a castle, a thousand-year old stone turtle, etc.

29.   Chedi Wat Tham Ta Pan.
Phang Nga town
The Chedi above Wat Thamtapan affords a panoramic view of Phang Nga Town and the limestone rocks in the environs. This extraordinary panorama indeed shows that Phang Nga Town is located in one of the most beautiful locations of all provincial capitals of Thailand.
The 144 steps up to the chedi were for years the favourite spot for the local monkeys. Now the monkeys have disperesed and this exceptional viewpoint is becoming more popular, and the climb up to the chedi is really rewarding.
The chedi with its slender spire towers above Wat Thampapan in the west of Phang Nga Town.
(address: Soi Thamtapan Thai Chang, Phang Nga 82000)

30.   Suwan Khuha Temple
Phang Nga town This is known locally as "Wat Tham meaning "Cave Temple". It is within a limestone mountain, full of caves large and small.

Each cave in the temple has a name:  
Tham Yai or Big Cave; Tham Jaeng or Bright Cave; Tham Mued or Dark Cave, and Tham Kaew or Crystal Cave.

31.   Chedi Khao Lang Bart
Phang Nga town The Chedi Khao Lang Bart is a National Monument above Phang Nga Town. The observation point is small, merely a narrow walkway around the chedi itself. Ascending requires climbing 122 steep steps. From here you can see most of the city; the view is partially obscured by tree branches. The signboard by the Fine Arts Department reads:
"The stupa was built of brick and mortar. It is small in size on a square base with redented corners, decorated with a lotus petal design at the base. The stupa itself is on top of a large limestone rock. The bell-shaped portion rises over a vertically diminishing base, with a spire on top. This national monument was originally built from late Ayutthaya to Bangkok period, 18th - 19th centuries."
The Chedi Khao Lang Bart is located on the western edge of the city, on a high point in Phang Nga Town. (address: Thai Chang, Phang Nga 82000 )

32.   Khao Nang Hong viewpoint (north east of Phang Nga town) Khao Nang Hong viewpoint is to be found in the Muang district of Phang nga. The meandering drive through limestone mountains and lush tropical forests is breathtaking, with views of verdant jungle canopies interspersed with the drama of limestone peaks. There is a shrine, parking, and a viewing tower.
Take route 4 travelling north east out of town.The turning to the viewpoint is to the north after the route 4090 turnoff.

33.   Phang Nga Bay
(Ao Phang Nga National Park)

Ao Phang-nga or Phang-nga Bay has an area of 40,000 sq km and comprises more than 40 islands, large and small. The sea is rather shallow with an average depth of a few metres only, and the waves never reach one metre high even in the monsoon months from May to October.

The Bay has striking scenic views by the mass of limestone formations scattered around the sea near the shore. Also, as a result of natural changes, caves and rock formations have been formed. The Park is also fertile with mangrove.

Tours of the Bay is inevitably by boat to various islands, and canoeing into the sea caves. Boats can be hired to tour around Ao Phang-nga at the Customs Checkpoint Pier or Surakul Pier close to Takua Thung town. Essentially both piers are about 35 kms or so east of Khok Kloi.

Visitors may travel by either a motor boat seating several dozen people, or a boat with a long shafted outboard motor (long-tail boats) which seats some 10 people, or a canoe which can be ridden by no more than three passengers and which provides a great opportunity to explore the islets closely, and even go through small openings of the islets.

34.   Attractions in Phang Nga Bay
Tham Lot is a limestone grotto sculptured by weather and the sea water. There are a few stalactites hanging down from the roof. The cave is large enough to allow two or three canoes going through side by side.

Khao Phingkan and Ko Tapu which are near each other, some 10 km from Tham Lot. Khao Phingkan means (two) hills leaning against each other; they are connected by a tiny beach.
Standing alone in the sea some 200 metres from Khao Phingkan is the tiny Ko Tapu, or Nail Islet. Ko Tapu is also known as James Bond Island as it featured in the film - The Man with the Golden Gun.

Ko Panyi is a popular place for a seafood lunch. It is a very special sight with all restaurants and some 500 houses built on stilts over the sea. and is a centuries-old Muslim fishing village, complete with a mosque and a school.

Khao Khian or Writing Hill is where a shallow cave contains coloured drawings of people, crocodiles, dolphins and sharks estimated to be about 3,000 years old.

Ko Honghas beautiful sea views and several caves accessible only by canoe. The west of the island features high cliffs and lagoon while the east comprises a bay and a curved white sand beach.

Ko Phanak
By canoeing through a small opening at low tide, visitors will enter a wonderful hidden world of its emerald lagoon.

Ko Khai consists of two virgin islands, located in the south of the bay. The sand is white and powdery and the sea is pure and crystal, ideal for people who love tranquility, swimming and sunbathing.

35.   Phang Nga Bay cruise by traditional Chinese junk

Experience the luxury and the wonder of travel by traditional junk boat during a full-day cruise in Phang Nga Bay. Travel by boat from Phuket ( Yaht Haven Marina pier) to Phang Nga Bay and witness the natural beauty of some of Thailand's most-stunning aquatic landscapes.

36.   Piers in Phang Nga Bay

- Tha Dan Sullakakorn Pier (Customs Pier): near Phang-Nga Bay Resort. Boats from small to large including ones suitable for group tours can be rented.
- Surakoon Pier (Ka Sohm Pier): Lies near Takua Thung town. Here you will find long-tail boats seating about 6 persons each.
- The Pier in the area of the National Park HQ: This location is about 8 km west of Phang Nga town via routes 4 and 4144. It has long-tails holding up to eight persons each. It takes about three hours to view Phang-Nga Bay. Various modes of travel are possible from long-tail boats, to sea canoes, to Chinese junks. Those wishing to explore on their own can charter a boat. Check the rental fee listed on the signboard at the pier.