Overview
Introduction
Beautiful limestone cliffs and huge rock outcroppings rise out of the water at Phang Nga Bay (pronounced PANG-nah). This scenic part of the Isthmus of Kra, 25 mi/40 km north of Phuket, is reached by either boat or bus.
Also in the area are Koh Panyi (a Muslim fishing village on stilts), caves (Ruesnee Suwan and Suwanakhuka) and Koh Phing Kan (an island in the bay—you might recognize it from the movie The Man With the Golden Gun). Be sure to take a boat ride through the area (the boat pier is about 3 mi/5 km from town)—it's reminiscent of China's Li River.
Every tour company and resort tour desk offers trips to Khao Tapoo. Most involve a short trek by air-conditioned bus to Laem Sai Pier, followed by a 90-minute boat trip to Phang Nga Bay. The cost per person, including lunch, is around 2,200 baht. Setting out at 8:30 am, you can expect to be back at your hotel by 4:30 pm. Also, several businesses in the area operate kayak and rafting tours, many of which explore flooded caves in the region.