The provincial capital of Phang Nga resides over the southern Thai province by the same name. Within easy striking distance of Phuket Island, Phang Nga province hosts the last leg of the overland journey from Bangkok to Phuket. With nearly two millennia of history, this region of Thailand has a long and storied past that takes multiple cultures into account.
Perched on the shores of Phang Nga bay, the capital city itself has a population of roughly 10,000 and covers only a few square miles. Largely an agricultural centre, the province is a major contributor to Thailand’s rubber production.
 Limestone is another abundant commodity here, and its visible everywhere you travel throughout the province. Bizarre outcroppings of limestone protrude from the bay, while numerous caves are strung with limestone stalagmites and stalactites. Some caves are set aside as holy shrines that pay homage to the Lord Buddha, and tourists and worshippers alike flock to their caverns to take in the historic relics and meditate.
Eco-tourism is a blossoming industry in Phang Nga. Numerous national parks are located throughout the province, many of which span mountainous forests and submerged coral reefs. Waterfalls are spread throughout the mountains, any number of which pose excellent daytrip opportunities. Due to all of the natural beauty and relatively abundant wildlife, travel agencies offer a multitude of mixed travel packages that take in the region’s natural landmarks. Great accommodation is offered throughout the area, from gleaming five-star luxury resorts to more modest family-friendly hotels.
 Virtually all of Phang Nga is sided by the Andaman Sea, and there are numerous islands that vary from well-developed to downright remote dotting these waters. Snorkelling and scuba diving are especially good along the western coral reefs that emanate fro the Similan and Surin island chains.
Within the city limits of Phang Nga, accommodation is varied and plentiful. Large, upscale resorts can be found farther out in the bay on Koh Yao Noi, while the options in Phang Nga city are often quainter. Many travellers use Phang Nga as a quiet and laid back base from which to launch a string of daytrips to Phuket or Krabi.
A growing destination for tourists, Phang Nga is a city and province that knows how to market its ecological appeal. The protected parklands are a constant reminder that Thailand is serious about preserving its natural heritage, both as a legacy for the future and as an alluring draw card for international tourists.
History
Archaeological excavations have revealed a great deal about Phang Nga’s history. Some of the most interesting digs are in or near caves, where pre-historic earthenware, paintings and Stone Age tools have been uncovered. Furthermore, these caves have long been associated with religious shrines, and in the centuries before Buddhism arrived in southern Thailand, many of these caverns were tied to local spirits.
 Takua Pa, a small town in Phang Nga province, has been on the map for thousands of years. It is mentioned as early as the 1st century in ancient Buddhist texts. Ptolemi, a Greek historian, mentioned the region of modern-day Phang Nga in 257 AD. His report indicated that Indian priests, merchants and craftsmen could be found in this region.
In fact, the number of ancient historic records that mention Phang Nga (and specifically Takua Pa) set this region apart as an exceptionally well-documented and historic area.
 Takua Pa grew into a formidable port city. Records leave little doubt that this was the single-most important port on the Andaman seaboard, and by the 8th century this community was warranting mention in reports from Arab and Indian nations alike. Hinduism and Buddhism both prospered, and a temple to the Indian god Vishnu was commissioned.
Tin became an important commodity in Phang Nga, and many archaeological excavations in recent history have revealed a great deal of buried metalwork. As the kingdoms of Siam began to consolidate under the authority of the Ayutthaya kingdom, Phang Nga was recognised as a town under the jurisdiction of Takua Pa. Skirmishes between Thailand and Burma were regularly staged here.
Burmese forces successfully conquered Phang Nga during the late 18th century. When the capital of Siam passed to Bangkok and the Rama dynasty came into power, Phang Nga was recovered and rezoned. The name ‘Phang Nga’ was derived from Malay, and it indicated the city’s position at the mouth of a river. Local tin mines continued to bolster the economy through the mid-1900s.
 In 1981, the tin industry officially fell through. Phang Nga followed the lead of neighbouring Phuket and shifted its investments from mining to tourism. Today, this peaceful community perched on the Phang Nga bay serves travellers as an excellent staging ground for daytrips to bustling Phuket Island, the coral reefs of the Andaman and the rustic mountains of the interior.
Weather
Phang Nga’s climate is characterised by three seasons: hot, rainy and cool. The changes in climate are ultimately driven by seasonal shifts in the trade winds. During the hottest summer months the land in southern Thailand is hotter than the water in the Indian Ocean, a fact which draws moist air from the ocean to the land, resulting in the monsoon season.
The rains begin as early as May and persist to various degrees throughout the summer, with further spikes in rainfall during September and October. While rain does fall from June to August, these months are usually relatively dry and remain suitable for tourists planning outdoor activities.
 The cool season begins in November, during which time daytime highs dip below 30°C and night-time lows fall to the mid to low 20s (°C). Temperatures climb again in late December, a trend which continues until the onset of the monsoon season. Generally, December to February is a good time to visit Phang Nga, as temperatures are comfortably warm and rainfall is scarce.
 As temperatures rise, the heat continues to build, and the months of May and April can become quite hot (average temperatures exceeding 30°C). Tourists are advised to take it slow if visiting during this season. It is a good idea to do as the locals do and avoid the heat of the day, reserving mornings and late afternoons for outdoor sightseeing.
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