Children’s Activities
There are some fantastic outdoor and animal-based activities for children in Phang Nga and its environs. With Phuket next-door, daytrips to the aquarium, zoos and numerous animal training camps are popular. Meanwhile, those who would like to gain a better perspective on the mountainous interior can sign up for an elephant trek at Khao Lak-Lamru National Park.
 Elephant Trekking Elephant treks are easily arranged in Phang Nga courtesy of local travel agencies. Trek routes and lengths vary, making it wise to choose a trek that suits your comfort level and availability. Heading inland from the Phang Nga bay and the Andaman coast, this region of Thailand is forested and mountainous, with terrain that is ideal for an excursion on elephant-back. Children enjoy watching the caretakers (mahouts) feed, bathe and care for the elephants. The most popular destination for elephant trekking is Khao Lak-Lamru National Park.
Monkey Show Children love the opportunity to watch the antics of a well-trained monkey. Nearby in Phuket, there is a monkey school that hosts daily shows that demonstrate training techniques for monkeys and the many practical uses these animals have for local industry. The most useful trick these monkeys show off is their coconut-picking ability, as they clamour up the tall palm trees and drop coconuts into a net for their trainer. The repertoire of tricks also includes plenty of showmanship such as tricycle-riding, swimming and playing catch. After the show, children have opportunity to feed the monkeys and pose with the monkey on their shoulder for a photo session.
 Phuket Aquarium The Phuket Aquarium is very popular with locals, and it’s easy to see why. In all, there are more than 30 tanks representing fresh-water and salt-water habitats. The most popular asset of this facility is the long, glass tunnel surrounded on every side by water and a myriad of fish. Bring your children at the weekend at lunchtime for an opportunity to watch the snapper, rays, sharks and groupers in this tank getting fed. There is also a large sea turtle rehabilitation facility adjacent to the facility. The aquarium is situated on the southeast coast of Phuket. Phone: +66 76 391126.
Cultural Activities
As it rests along the shores of the Andaman Sea, Phang Nga has long been a key player along international trade routes. Pockets of architecture in towns throughout the province can be traced to ancient groups of Indian immigrants and Chinese merchants. While Phang Nga’s cultural relics are not as impressive as those nearby on Phuket, there remains, nonetheless, an interesting collection of historic temples, grottos and heritage buildings across the province.
 Home Stays One of the best ways to gain authentic insight into the local culture is through a home-stay arrangement. Visitors are invited into families’ homes through official tourism channels, allowing tourists to observe seasonal activities like rice planting, traditional fishing and harvest. In many cases, visitors may also participate in certain household activities if they like. Home stay arrangements can also be paired with local travel guides that lead treks through the forests and mountains. The best opportunity for a home stay is through the Baan Nanai community in Amphoe Thai Muang.
 Moken People Often referred to as ‘Sea Gypsies,’ this nomadic, sea-based ethnic group numbers roughly 3,000 and is found exclusively on islands off the coast of Phang Nga and neighbouring provinces. The Moken live in transitory huts and regularly fashion boats and fishing supplies. Distinct from mainstream Thai people, Moken ancestors were proto-Malayan. The best place to visit an authentic Moken village today is on Koh Panyi.
Takua Pa The old town of Takua Pa is situated in the northern stretches of Phang Nga province. An ancient port city with roots that can be traced back to the first century, ships in Takua Pa harbour once carried goods to and from India, Arabia and ancient Roman outposts. Takua Pa grew into a tin mining village during the reign of the Ayutthaya kingdom. Today, visitors can view vestiges of these old empires, namely historic buildings depicting the influence of ancient Chinese merchants and would-be colonists from Portugal. City walls were built only with sand and cement (without stone or brick), and the local iron bridge is a century old.
 Wat Bang Rieng Also known as Wat Ratuppathum or Wat Laum, this temple is situated in Amphoe Thap Put near Baan Bang Rieng. The central religious icon here is the towering chedi that rises above the trees on the forested temple grounds. The temple also houses several Buddha images including large sculptures of the three brothers, Phra Buddha Atthimongkolchai, Phra Ruang and Phra Bodhi-sattva Kwan Im. This temple, recently built, is said to house an ancient relic known as ‘Buddha’s tooth.’
Wat Narai Nikayaram Located near Kapong, this ancient temple is representative of the early pre-Buddhist enclaves that arrived in Thailand from India. The temple is filled with stone carvings that depict scenes from the Indian Ramayana epic, including images of Sida, Phra Lak and Narai. This religious artwork is among the oldest of its kind in the province. For added interest, consider visiting the nearby town of Ban Thung Tuk where you’ll find architectural ruins of the ancient Indian settlement whose members once worshipped here.
Wat Senanutrungsun This royal temple was built in the mid-19th century according to plans inspired by Bangkok’s Wat Mahannaparam. The temple is notable for its insight into the architectural movements present during the reign of King Rama III. Originally built in three storeys, the top level was damaged and lost some time ago, after which the second storey was finished and became the top floor. Onsite relics include a Burmese-style marble Buddha image, an antique brass bowl used in religious rituals and ancient parchment with religious writings. Currently in a state of dilapidation, Wat Senanutrungsun has been set aside by the Fine Arts Department and is scheduled for sweeping renovations.
 Wat Suwan Kuha Locals refer to it as Wat Tam, or ‘Cave Temple’, a fitting nickname for this Buddhist grotto. Located in a network of limestone caves, Wat Suwan Kuha occupies the largest such cavern (measuring 65ft by 130ft). The centrepiece of the religious shrine is a 50ft reclining Buddha image, though the cave is lavishly decorated with countless smaller Buddha images and traditional ‘Benjarong’ and ‘Lai Kram’ painted porcelain tiles.
Dining & Shopping
 While Phang Nga may not receive top-billing as a shopper’s destination, there are a few local handicrafts on sale here that you are unlikely to find elsewhere in Thailand. Village artisans craft artificial flowers from the waxy leaves of the rubber tree, an important local cash crop. These flowers can be purchased directly from Department of Agriculture Office in Phang Nga town.
Artisans on Koh Yao Noi are known for another unique handicraft. They take colourful fish scales and craft them into delicate flowers which they sell to tourists. Handmade bird cages are also made in this area. Villagers sometimes use these to keep pet myna birds. When visiting public beaches, you will probably come across hawkers selling sarongs, hammocks and other beach accessories.
Beyond these items, most handicrafts for sale in Phang Nga originate elsewhere in the country. For this reason, shoppers are not likely to find any significant bargains on most mainstream, Thai handicrafts sold in Phang Nga.
For a more complete shopping experience, head west to Phuket, where items run the gamut of traditional Thai handicrafts. Antiques, gems (both genuine articles and impressive copies), pewter wares, handmade jewellery, teakwood furnishings and nielloware are just a few of the items found throughout Phuket. This is also a good place to visit a tailor and order a custom-made suit at a fraction of designer costs.
 There is a pleasing variety of eateries on hand in Phang Nga. Restaurants here cater for most budgets, with the finest restaurants concentrated in or near resort areas such as those found on the island Koh Yao Noi. Of course, fresh-caught Andaman seafood is a specialty here, and visitors will find it featured on menus across the province. Phang Nga is especially well-known for kapi, a type of local shrimp paste which is eaten in conjunction with many dishes.
Phang Nga town has a number of budget eateries offering spicy curries and typical rice dishes. Thai people take dining out very seriously, and even the most modest establishments typically use fresh ingredients and time-tested, family recipes. Breakfast (continental or local style) is available at hotels, and many travellers take a light lunch at the ubiquitous Thai noodle stand. Dinner, whether taken in an upscale resort restaurant or at an unpretentious, local establishment, presents the perfect opportunity to relax in an open-air venue on the waterfront.
Also not to be missed are the many Muslim restaurants that operate in this area. These restaurants specialise in curries that often feature chicken or goat (misidentified on menus as ‘mutton’). These shops are also loved for their breads and tea.
 International cuisine is also readily available, especially as you head toward Phuket or Krabi. There are thriving expatriate communities in this part of Thailand so many of these restaurants specialise in authentic international fare from many parts of the world. Vegetarian food is also widely available, especially as the Vegetarian Festival approaches. Throughout the year, Thai Buddhists mark many of their religious holidays by abstaining from eating meat for a few days.
Outdoor Activities
Phang Nga’s pristine natural surroundings are ideal for nature lovers and outdoor sporting enthusiasts. Travel companies in Phang Nga city organise regular climbing, diving and canoeing excursions that take tourists to some of the most notable natural landmarks in the region. There are also a number of golf courses on Phuket Island, with an additional 18-hole course in Phang Nga province built on land that overlooks the Andaman.
Golfing North of Phuket Island and near Thai Muang beach, the Thai Muang Beach Golf and Marina boasts an 18-hole course in one of the few links-style courses in Thailand. The course has been crafted along a stretch of coastland backed by forested mountains. The play is challenging, with several well-placed sand and water features that blend almost seamlessly into the natural environment.
 Rock Climbing This sport continues to gain popularity in Thailand. Phang Nga is a particularly good place to put your climbing skills to the test, as the region is rich with limestone cliff and karst topography that present a unique climbing experience. Beginners and novices can collaborate with local travel agencies that can arrange equipment and the services of an experienced teacher who knows the local landscape. There is also opportunity for well-seasoned climbers to hire equipment and head out on their own.
Scuba Diving The Andaman Sea provides some of the most sought-after diving arenas in the world. Off the northwest coast of Phang Nga province, the Similan islands host some particularly good coral reefs worth exploring. Further south, the Surin islands are also well-reputed. To organise a diving expedition and arrange for transport and equipment hire, visit any tour operator in the Phang Nga city centre or nearby Phuket. Most of these dive operators are certified PADI instructors.
 Sea Canoeing and Kayaking Striking out in a canoe or kayak is one of the most serene and rewarding ways of exploring the Phang Nga coastline. Kayakers can manoeuvre through stoic karst pedestals and into hidden caves that open to the sea. Stands of mangroves and other tropical vegetation also perch along the hidden coastline. Tours can be taken independently or as part of a larger group. There are also several touring companies that operate long-tail boat cruises to the same destinations.
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