Many have visited the beautiful and hospitable country of Thailand but only a few have been fortunate to get a glimpse of its hidden gem, Phang-nga Province.
It is only a short 2 hour drive from vibrant Phuket, but it is a world away from the bustling popular tourist stop. Its verdant jungles, sparkling blue lagoons, and exquisitely stunning islands with relatively fewer tourists to ruin the view, make it a perfect holiday retreat.
What sets Phang-nga apart from other tourist destinations in Thailand is its small town laid back atmosphere amidst the lush mountains and towering limestone karst formations. No obtrusive big resort developments are yet in place, the villagers are still warm and endearing, nature is at its best and you don’t often see noisy throngs of tourists along its thoroughfares. It’s serene and beautiful, yet the luxury of a wonderful vacation is practically within your reach.
Phang-nga Bay is the crowning glory of the province. Its picturesque and pristine shores offer a cornucopia of exciting things to do. You can easily spend an entire day lazing around its white sand beaches while enjoying the surrounding scenery.
If you are up for an adventure, you can hop on a kayak and paddle along the bay into the magical world of the hongs or sea caves and their hidden lagoons. If you wish to take a more romantic course, you can join a night tour of the hongs on a kayak with several other adventure seekers.
If you are not up to the challenge of paddling a kayak, you can just easily glide along the bay on board a speed boat or on a genuine Chinese junk if you want a more exotic ride. The cruise will take you through exquisite views of mangrove forests, lone standing karsts in the middle of the sea, isolated islands and the remarkable floating village of sea gypsies.
The lush jungles and mountains of Phang-nga Province is also a fertile area for adventures. Go for an elephant ride and trek to the very heart of the jungle. If you are a camper, treat yourself to a luxury tent and stay for a night or two. While you’re out in the rainforest, don’t miss the vision of Ratchaprapha Dam with its cliffside walls and cerulean waters. It is a spectacular view you surely won’t soon forget.
Phang-nga is also the perfect base for day trips to the nearby Similan Islands whose natural beauty are simply awe-inspiring and jaw-dropping. There’s no exaggerating the splendor of the Similan.
The Similan Island is unlike the more popular and crowded Phi-phi Islands of Krabi Province. Since the entire group of islands and islets are a protected national park, entry is regulated by the government. It is also quite far from the mainland so very few tourists, compared to those flocking to Phi-phi, ever come to Similan.
The island is a haven for divers and nature trippers; if you consider yourself one, then don't pass up on paradise. It is perhaps one of the most stunning islands you’ll ever see. So, for pure enjoyment make it a point to see Similan Island when you are visiting Thailand.
Sunee is author of this article on Hotels in Thailand. Find more information about Phuket Hotels here.
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