Phang Nga

Phang Nga (พังงา) is a town on the Northern Andaman Coast in Thailand. It is the provincial capital of Phang Nga Province.

Phang Nga Halal Explorer

Phang Nga is a coastal province on the Andaman Sea with scenic forests and islands. The province offers superb natural beauty both onshore and underwater. Phang Nga is also the name of the city that serves as the provincial capital.

History of Phang Nga

Phang Nga was originally inhabited by small communities and named Kraphu-nga. During the reign of King Rama II, nearby areas (including Thalung, now known as Phuket) were occupied by the Burmese and so many people fled to Kraphu-nga. In 1824, Siamese troops defeated the Burmese and the invaders were expelled. King Rama III renamed the area Phang Nga and in 1933 the town was expanded to be a province.

The People of Phang Nga

Phang Nga is a mix of Buddhists, Thai-Chinese, Muslims and even sea gypsies. The majority of the rural population is Muslim. Phang Nga, however, is free of religious tension and the population live in peace and harmony. Outside of the provincial town and the rural folk speak with a thick Southern dialect which is difficult for even other Thais to understand.

Given its ethnic mix, Phang Nga is always celebrating something, be it part of (Thai) Buddhist, Thai-Chinese or Thai-Islamic tradition.

On the small island of Ko Surin is a community of Moken sea gypsies who still live their traditional lives as seafaring people. These sea gypsies speak Yawi dialect and are welcoming to tourists. However, just as is the case of the long-necked Karen in Mae Hong Son, some Moken complain that their village has come to resemble a human zoo with hoards of tourists walking around gawking at the villagers. Nevertheless and there are organised tours from Phang Nga which go there.

Get in

Rent a Car or Limousine in Phang Nga

• First route: From Bangkok, take Highway 4, passing the provinces of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, and Ranong and then drive straight to Phang Nga town. It is 788 kilometers from Bangkok. The trip takes around 12 hours.
• Second route: From Bangkok, take Highway 4 to Chumphon, from there, take Highway 41 to Amphoe Tha Chang and then go straight to an intersection where a right turn is made to Highway 401, keep driving to Amphoe Ban Ta Khun for about 50 kilometers, and then take Highway 415 for 30 kilometers, take a right turn to Phang Nga town.
• Visitors travelling from Phuket should use Highway 402, passing the Sarasin Bridge to Ban Khok Kloi, take a right turn to Amphoe Takua Thung. It is 87 kilometers from Phuket. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

By plane

There is no airport here. The closest are in Phuket, Krabi, or Surat Thani.

From Krabi airport you do not have to go to the Krabi bus station to get a bus to Phang Nga, as the buses coming from the South pass by the airport on the highway. To catch a bus walk out to the highway (100m), cross over and go about 50m to the right where you will see a yellow shelter on the left side of the road. In May 2024 a bus (big and air-conditioned) to the Phang Nga bus station cost 200 Baht and passed by at 9:30am after waiting for less than half an hour. Make sure you hail down the bus. Frequency and times unfortunately unknown, so if this sounds too uncertain for you, make your way to the Krabi bus station and get a bus from there (price to Krabi bus station displayed inside the airport was 80 Baht).

Travel by train to Phang Nga

There is no train station here. You must catch a bus for Phun Phin, near Surat Thani.

The State Railways of Thailand operates daily train services between Bangkok and Surat Thani. A trip to Phang Nga can be made by getting off at the Surat Thani Railway Station and then taking a bus for another two hours. For more information, call Bangkok’s Hualamphong Railway Station tel. 1690, +66 2 2237010, +66 2 2237020.

By bus

Buses from Phuket, Takua Pa and Krabi pass through Phang Nga. During the day there are many buses from the bus station to Phuket, Krabi, Takua Pa, and Surat Thani. In the evening, however and there are few buses, but if you're lucky you might catch a bus on the Phuket-Krabi road. (4 kilometers from the city) The phone number of the bus station is +66 76 412014.

There are daily bus services from Bangkok to Phang Nga.Air-conditioned buses, 3 types, depart from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal at the following times:

• VIP Bus: 18:30
• Standard 1 Bus: 19:30
• Standard 2 Bus: 06:30 and 16:00

Travelling time is ~12 hours. For more information, call the Southern Bus Terminal at +66 2 4351199200 or the Phang Nga Bus Terminal at ☎ +66 76 412300 or +66 76 412 014.

At the bus station itself and there is a friendly travel agent who will quite gladly give you a map of the city and area.

By boat

The pier, Tha Dan, is 9 kilometers south of the town.

By taxi

From Phuket there are a variety of taxi and private car-hire services. However and there is a stranglehold on many of these agencies through local "associations" that demand high prices and disallow competition. It is a common complaint that passengers are made to stop at local gem and/or travel agencies allowing the drivers to collect a commission. To avoid this, demand the meter to be turned on or agree to price ahead of time, with no stops.

By plane

• Thai-Airways International operates Bangkok - Phuket flights daily. From Phuket, take a bus or rent a vehicle to Phang Nga, about 58 km. For more information, call Thai-Airways ☎ 1566 or +66 2 2800060, +66 2 6282000 or Phuket office at tel. +66 76 360444.
• Bangkok Airways has daily flights connecting Phuket Airport with Pattaya and Ko Samui. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at Tel. +66 2 2655678. Reservations can be made at Tel. +66 2 2655555 or Phuket office Tel. +66 76 225033, +66 76 225034.
• Air Asia also offers several daily flights connecting Bangkok and Phuket airport. Call +66 2 5159999 or Phuket office at Tel. +66 76 351428, +66 76 369182 for reservations.

How to get around in Phang Nga

The most popular form of transport in Phang Nga is by songthaew (public passenger pick-up vehicles). To get to and from other neighborhoods and there is a public, non-air-conditioned bus service or even cars for rent. And for a day out on the islands and there are long-tailed boats for hire.

You can use the songthaews for travel in the city. If you want to explore the area, it is better to rent a motorbike. You can rent a motorbike at M.T. Tour (Muang Thong Hotel from the bus station, go to the exit, turn right at the primary street, walk 100 m and it's on your left). If you have your own vehicle or motorbike already, you still can go to MT Tour (+66 89 289 2566) to get a free detailed map of the area. In general, everything (tours, accommodation, food) in Phang Nga is cheaper than Phuket. It's not feasible to rent a vehicle in Phang Nga, but in Phang Nga, Krabi or Phuket you can rent a car.

What to see in Phang Nga

• Heaven and Hell Cave - ถ้ำ้้ตาปาน | It is patterned after the Hindu tradition which is, to a point, prominent in (Thai) Buddhism. You will see statues of various gods including Ganesha, as well as virtues like the Three Wise Monkeys. The most prominent feature is the statues of souls suffering in hell. These are very graphic and quite similar in some ways to the medieval Christian images of the same. They cover an area of about an acre. On the way to the cave itself, you will pass to the right of the path, images of a judge and his two scribes who are judging. To the left of the path are two really scared souls with what looks like a potential executioner on either side of them. Some people may consider this rather over the top, but, it is their tradition and religion, so please respect. The cave itself is nothing much. You can climb up the structure on the right (steep steps) and get a really good view of Phang Nga Bay, and the surrounding mountains. Well worth a look. It is suggested that you leave 100 Baht at the temple on the way out as an offering in respect of what you have seen.

• Wat Suwannakhuha (วัดสุวรรณคูหา) It is of historical and archaeological importance. Within the boundary of the temple is a mountain with numerous caves out of which one is also used as a temple and houses various manners of Buddha images. There are also royal monogram inscriptions on the walls of the cave.

• Ko Yao (เกาะยาว) covers an area of 137 km2. The majority of the population are Muslim. The island is made up of two large islands, Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai.

• Hat Phang Nga (ชายทะเลเขาหลัก), 32 kilometers from Takua Pa, is a long beach along the Andaman Sea set beneath Phang Nga-Lam Ru National Park, parallel to the coast.

• Wat Rat Uppatham or Wat Bang Riang (วัดราษฎร์อุปถัมภ์ หรือ วัดบางเหรียง) A temple on Khao Lan hill containing several structures including an elaborate bell-shaped pagoda called Chedi Phutthathambanlue. The hilltop pagoda overlooks surrounding mountains and hills as well as a huge Buddha image and a Guan-yin Chinese Goddess statue.

• Kainui Mountain (เขาไข่นุ้ย) A mountain that has cool weather and is surrounded by the sea of mist all year round. In good weather and the Andaman Sea is visible from the summit.

• Ko Phra Thong (เกาะพระทอง), A large island northwest of Phang Nga. The island has many beaches. There is a large fresh water reservoir on the island.

• Ko Panyi a Muslim fishing village on stilts.

Festivals

• Watermelon Day (งานวันแตงโม) is organized every year. There is plenty of watermelon on offer and a food and beauty contest.

• Free The Turtles Fair (ประเพณีปล่อยเต่า) annually at (Thai) Muang Beach. The celebration takes place for seven days. During the festival baby turtles raised by the Fisheries Department are released into the sea at (Thai) Mueang Beach.

• Songkran Festival (งานประเพณีสงกรานต์) April merit making ceremonies, a water-pouring ceremony to pay respect to monks and elderly people, and many shows performed by local students.

• The Ma Jor Poh Statue Procession (งานแห่เทพเจ้าศาลเจ้าแม่ม่าจ้อโป๋) It's a yearly ceremony. The statue of Ma Jor Poh is carried on an ancient Chinese carriage around the town along with the weapons of various sacred spirits from the Chinese temple with traditional music played on Chinese musical instruments.

• The Chao Ley (sea gypsy) Boat Floating Festival(งานประเพณีลอยเรือ) It's a ceremony to celebrate the ancestor's spirits (Nia An Lo Pong). Morgan sea gypsies of all kinds join in this ceremony. The ceremony includes spirit dwelling, ancestor worshipping, fortune telling, music performances, dances, and "Kabang" floating which is believed to take away all sickness and bad luck from their families and community.

• The worshiping ceremony of Narayana and his followers (งานบวงสรวงเทวรูปพระนารายณ์และบริวาร) There are also various shops, several forms of entertainment, and activities performed by students.

• Vegetarian Festival (ประเพณีถือศีลกินผัก) The Phang Nga Vegetarian Festival: Similar to the well-known Vegetarian festival in Phuket and Trang, this festival is held from the first through the ninth nights of the ninth Chinese lunar month.

• Amazing Phang Nga Festival: High Season Opening in Phang Nga (งานเปิดโลกมหัศจรรย์แดนสวรรค์เมืองพังงา) There is an opening and special events ceremony in Phang Nga. The ceremony features entertainment, cultural shows, an exhibition of tourist attractions, water sports and local sport competitions, local products shops, and seafood from many resorts in Phang Nga.

Best things to do in Phang Nga

Phang Nga has a beautiful landscape with many waterfalls, mountains, islands, rivers and thermal spas (Muslim Friendly). You can get a good map at M.T. Tour. Phang Nga has also special temples, each one with different characteristics. Attractions near the city are: The elephant mountain (temple), Sanong Manora waterfall, Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park. Further away are: Namtok Lamru a 5-tiered waterfall, Phang Nga (beaches), Ko Similan National Park (diving & snorkelling), Ko Surin National Park (diving & snorkelling). There are also jungle tours with rafting and temple tours.

Another great thing to do is community-based tourism. Communities around Phang Pga Province are opening up their villages to one day tours and overnight home stays. They usually come at a base price and list everything that will be included in the tour from batik painting to tin mining.

• Phang Nga Trip Dive Centre - 4-day/4-night trip (up to 14 dives) to the Similan Islands, Ko Bon, Ko Tachai, and Richelieu Rock from 18,900 Baht/

• Similan Dive Center - Phang Nga's largest dive center offers diving in a friendly atmosphere with an experienced crew. Day trips and daily departing liveaboards to the Similan Islands, Ko Bon, Ko Tachai and Richelieu Rock.

• Wicked Diving, Phang Nga - Dive centre run to ethical and environmentally friendly standards. Operating liveaboards on 3- and 5-day expeditions to the Similan and Surin Islands/

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Phang Nga

Phang Nga city is not a tourist destination. There are many banks and ATMs in the city, but there are no currency exchange booths. If you have cash, change it before 15:30 on weekdays.

Lotus carries all brand names and convenience Halal food. Boots and the pharmacist, and other chemists and pharmacies are available.

Halal Restaurants in Phang Nga

During the day you can get affordable and delicious meals at the market or at the restaurant in the Muang Thong Hotel. In this hotel it's also feasible to have breakfast of eggs, toast, butter & jam. There is a Vegetarian restaurant on the primary street if you walk south from the bus station. At night it is worth trying the restaurants on the riverside. Tuesdays and Thursdays there is a night market 500 m south of the bus station on the primary street. Many guidebooks recommend Duang as a good place to eat. However as a tourist you will probably pay more than Thais, and Malaysians may have to pay even more than other tourists.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Phang Nga

Phang Nga - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Phang Nga, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Phang Nga. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Phang Nga and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Phang Nga. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Phang Nga. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inPhang Nga: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Phang Nga.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Phang Nga: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Phang Nga, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Phang Nga.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Phang Nga, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Phang Nga, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Phang Nga and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Phang Nga, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Phang Nga, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Phang Nga without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Phang Nga is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Phang Nga.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Phang Nga is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Phang Nga, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Phang Nga Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Phang Nga

eHalal Group Phang Nga is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Phang Nga. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Phang Nga.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Phang Nga ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Phang Nga. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Phang Nga, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Phang Nga are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Phang Nga

There are several hotels throughout the city, although they are all of relatively low standard and rather old. If you plan to see Phang Nga Bay and you want to stay overnight only for that reason you might want to reconsider your choice. In that case it might be better to stay in Phuket, Phang Nga or Krabi and take one of the frequent and affordable buses to Phang Nga early in the morning. You will likely get better quality of accommodation at comparable prices that way.

Please check for a full list of all hotels and resorts.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Phang Nga

Phang Nga Bay is famous for its gravity-defying limestone formations. You can make the tour with Sayan (in the bus station) or MT Tour (in the Muang Thong hotel, 100 m from the bus station). Half-day tours with transfer cost 1500 Baht as of May 2024 at either operator, bargaining seemed pretty much imfeasible, you may have better luck trying to get an additional cave added or adjust the itinerary to fit your needs. Full-day tours 3000 Baht.

There are frequent buses to Phuket from the bus station, minivans take you to the Phuket Town bus station (old bus station) for 100 Baht, while the big buses only go to the new bus station (bus station 2) outside of Phuket Town for 150 Baht (May 2024)

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.