Phra That Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่), also sometimes written as "Chiengmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand, and the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is located at 18°47′20″N, 98°59′00″ECoordinates: 18°47′20″N, 98°59′00″E, some 700 km north of Bangkok, among some of the highest mountains in the country. The city stands on the Ping river, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river.

Chiang Mai literally means new city and has retained the name despite having celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai founded the city as the capital of the Lanna (A Million Rice Fields) Kingdom on Thursday, 12th April 1296 during the same period of time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Meng Rai the Great conferred with his friends, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom was to be founded.

From then, Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also the centre of Buddhism in northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was very religious and founded many of the city's temples, which are still important today.Chiang Mai is a city built on the roots of a traditional heritage that dig deep into the soil of time. It's a city with a beautiful cultural personality of its own. In addition, it's been blessed with much majestic beauty in nature.

The people themselves are an unforgettable part of Chiang Mai. Handicrafts of silk, silver and wood are timeless souvenirs for visitors from all over the globe. Along with all this, a wide variety of accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment all help to make Chiang Mai one of Thailand's prime tourist attractions.

Attractions:

King Naresuan Stupa,Located at Mueang Ngai Village. The locals built the stupa to mark the stay of King Naresuan the Great before he led his troop to invade Angwa in Myanmar in 1604.

Doi Ang Khang National Park,Famous for its cool climate all year round, visitors can explore the Royal Angkhang Station Project and visit hill tribe villages to learn more about their daily life. To get there, take Highway No. 107 (Chiang Mai-Fang), turn left at an intersection around Km. 137 (Mae Kha Market) and proceed for another 25 kilometers to Doi Ang Khang. As the route is filled with steep s-curves, an experienced driver and vehicles in good condition is required. The local truck (song taew) from Mae Kha Market offers chartered service to the mountain.

Chiang Mai Night Safari was established as evening and night tourist attraction. It is the first night safari in Thailand. Chiang Mai Night Safari is committed to be a world class destination and is constantly upgrading to international tourism standard. Exhibition zone is divided in three main areas: Savanna Safari, Predator Prowl and Jaguar Trail. Chiang Mai Night Safari is located in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park area of Mae Hea and Nong-Kwaii district in Hang-Dong and Suthep district in Muang, Chiang Mai province. The total area in 131 hectares. It takes only 10 km. driving from the town central to Chiang Mai Night safari.

Doi Inthanon National Park,This national park which covers an area of 1,005 square kilometers is located on Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain which is 2,565 meters above sea level. Located between Mae Chaem and Chom Thong, the park is comprised of the largest tract of upper mountain forest which ranges across Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and ends in Northern Thailand. The mountain ranges gave birth to the main tributaries of the Ping river and formed the beautiful waterfalls, namely Siriphum, Wachirathan, Mae Pan, Mae Klang and Mae Ya. The moist and dense evergreen forest is abundant with lichens and wild orchids. The park is also a paradise for bird lovers. Visiting Doi Inthanon is possible throughout the year however, the best period for viewing the waterfalls is May through November while the best period for viewing wild flowers is December through February and for ornithologists is November through March.

Ban Hmong Mae Sa Mai,This Hmong village has preserved their simple but splendid traditions and lifestyles. The village can be reached by taking a left turn at Km.12 and proceeding for 7 kilometers. Only four-wheel vehicles in good condition can make the trip. Along the route, you can visit resorts which are open to visitors

Mok Fa Waterfall,This one-level waterfall is located on the Mae Malai-Pai road. To get there, take a left turn at Km. 20 onto a dirt road and proceed for 2 kilometers. The waterfall, which is surrounded with lush green trees, is full of water all year round.

Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park,Covering an area of 262 sq. km., this luxuriant park is home to more than 300 bird species and nearly 2,000 species of ferns and flowering plants. Some hiking trails in the park pass Hmong villages while others lead to a few small waterfalls where local people come to picnicking on weekends. Accommodations are available near the park headquarters. To get there, take Highway No. 1004, its only 16 kilometers drive northwest of Chiang Mai town.

Doi Pui Tribal Village,This village is a Hmong village situated on an asphalt road approximately 3 kilometers from Phu Phing Palace and approximately one hour from Chiang Mai. The village presents the typical lifestyle of the Hmong as well as a scenic view of Doi Inthanon.

Phu Phing Palace (Royal Winter Palace)The palace is located further up the mountain and approximately 6 kilometers from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The royal winter palace was built in 1962. Its landscaped gardens are decorated with plenty of colorful, exotic flowers. It is open every day from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. except when the Royal family is in residence which is usually from mid December to early February.

Night Bazaar,The Night Bazaar is a shopping haven where one can find handmade products and souvenirs from many Chiang Mai villages and hill tribes. Local cloths and fabrics are reasonably priced for purchasing. The shopping street opens around 6:00 p.m.

Wat Phra Sing,Built in 1345, the temple is located on Sam Lan Road. It houses the North's most revered Buddha statue, Phra Phuttha Sihing which is enshrined in Vihan Lai Kham, a chapel that features exquisite woodcarvings and northern style murals. Every year on April 13, Songkran Day, the image is paraded through the streets of Chiang Mai for local people to sprinkle scented water on. This area was formerly Wat Li Chiang Market until 1345, when King Pa Yu, the fifth king of the Meng Rai Dynasty commanded the construction of this temple and a 24-feet chedi to contain his father's ashes.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep,Locals would say, You havent really gone to Chiang Mai unless youve been to Wat Phratat Doi Suthep. Truly, the place is the most important and famous Chiang Mai landmark. Built in 1383, this mountaintop temple has a chedi (pagoda) that houses holy Buddha relics. The gold-plated chedi lies in the middle of a square marble-tiled courtyard. The four corners of the chedi are adorned with parasols which represent royal regalia. The temples courtyard is lined by a cloister, which contains images and murals depicting Buddhas life. There are also two viharns situated in the middle of the east and west sides of the cloister. This temple is 15 kilometers from town and is 3,520 feet above sea level. It is the perfect place to get a birds eye view of the city. The temple can be reached via a steep Naga staircase comprised of 290 steps or railcars. The temple is open daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

San Kamphaeng,The village is located 13 kilometers the east of Chiang Mai town in a district that is famous for silk and a cotton weaving. The silk and cotton souvenirs produced in this village are high quality. Factories and souvenir shops selling woodcarving, silverware, earth ware, lacquer ware and cotton fabrics are located along the way from Chiang Mai to San Kamphaeng.

Located in San Kamphaeng is Bo Sang a village that produces handmade umbrellas. In addition to umbrellas, visitors will also be able to find various woodcarving and Thai silk products here.

Phra Borom That Saen Hai,This temple is situated in Wiang Haeng, San Pa Tong District, which can be dated back to the early Buddhist times, was renovated in 1914. The pagoda is a unique blend of Myanmar and Lanna Thai architecture. According to the legend, King Naresuan the Great rested his troops here and built a pool at the foot of the hill for his use and that of his elephants.

Phromthep cape

The Songkran Festival

Songkran is a Thai traditional New Year which starts on April 13 every year and lasts for 3 days. Songkran festival on April 13 is Maha Songkran Day or the day to mark the end of the old year, April 14 is Wan Nao which is the day after and April 15 is Wan Thaloeng Sok which the New Year begins.It is also known as the "Water Festival" as people believe that water will wash away bad luck.

The Songkran tradition is recognized as a valuable custom for the Thai community, society and religions. The value for family is to provide the opportunity for family members to gather in order to express their respects to the elders by pouring scented water onto the hands of their parents and grandparents and to present them gifts including making merits to dedicate the result to their ancestors. The elders in return wish the youngsters good luck and prosperity.

Monk Food Offering

The Monk Food Offering involved getting up at the crack of dawn (ie 5:30am) to go to the main street to set up a little "stall" by 6am to offer food to the monks. As Monks are not allowed to buy or request for food (one of the 227 rules the monks live by), the locals will offer food to the procession of monks.

Becoming a Monk

Thai people believe that all Thai men have to become a monk when they reach the age of 20 or before you get married.The reason of being this is to do it for your parents so when they died they would hold on to your monk's robe and go to heaven....but if you were married before you became a monk,the one who get merit from this are your wife and your kids instead...so that,most thai men will become a monk before getting married to be grateful to their perents.

Som Tam--Papaya Salad

Som Tam

Ingredients:

1 medium dark green papaya

4 garlic cloves

6 green Thai chilies

2 tomatoes

25gm dried shrimp

1/2 cup chopped green beans, in 1-in pieces

2 tablespoons anchovy sauce

1/2 teaspoon sauce

1/4 cup(60 ml) lime juice or tamarind juice

How to cook:

1.Peel and shred the papaya,Put the shredded in the fridge.

2.Pound the garlic and green thai chilies together in a pestle and mortar.

3.Separately pound the peanuts together with the shrimp, but only until coarsely broken up, not reduced to dust or paste.

4.Mix the tamarind, juice, lime juice, fish sauce and the sugar.

5.Chop the tomatoes into quarters

6.Mix all the ingredients together

served with stream sticky rice and grilled chicken---Yammy!!

stranded Boat Tor 813 by Tsunami,Bang Nieng,Khao Lak

Khao Lak

View from the road on khao Lak

Ao Thong beach,Khao Lak

white sand--blue sea

Surin Island

Similan Island

Phung Chang cave

Reclining Buddha at Suwankhuha Temple

Khao Tapu

Khao Ping Kun

Koh Panyi

Khao Khien

Phuket Province

Phuket (ภูเก็ต; formerly known as Tha-Laang or Talang) is one of the southern provinces of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are (from north clockwise) Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island there are no land boundaries. The island is served by Phuket International Airport, located in the north of the island. The ph of "Phuket" is an aspirated "p", so the name is pronounced (roughly) "Poock-get". The name Phuket is apparently derived from the word bukit in Malay which means mountain or hill, as this is what the island appears like from a distance.

Before that its old name was Ta-lang (in Thai): The word is derived from the old Malay "Telong" which means "Cape", which is still in use for one of the main districts in the Phuket area.

70% of the island is covered by forest. The western coast has several sandy beaches, while on the east coast beaches are more often muddy. Near the southernmost point is Laem Promthep (Brahma's Cape), which is a popular sunset viewing point.

One of the most popular tourist areas on Phuket is Patong Beach on the central western coast, perhaps owing to the easy access to its wide and long beach. Most of Phuket's nightlife and its cheap shopping is located in Patong, and the area has become increasingly developed. Patong means "the forest filled with banana leaves" in Thai.

Other popular beaches are located south of Patong. In a counterclockwise direction these include Karon Beach, Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, and around the southern tip of the island, Nai Harn Beach and Bang Tao Beach. These areas are generally much less developed than Patong, and sought out by individuals, families and other groups with a preference for more relaxed and less crowded environs than Patong.

Attractions:

Thalang National Museum, in the east just off Highway 402 at the Heroine's Monument (tel. 07631-1426; daily 9am-4pm; 30B/75¢), exhibits Phuket's indigenous cultures, the history of the Thais on Phuket, and crafts from the southern Thai regions as well as a 9th century statue of the Hindu deity Vishnu -- evidence of early Indian merchants on the burgeoning kingdom.

Wat Pra Tong, located along Highway 402 in Thalang just south of the airport. Years ago, a boy fell ill and dropped dead after tying his buffalo to a post sticking out of the ground. It was later discovered that the post was actually the top of a huge Buddha image that was buried under the earth. Numerous attempts to dig out the post failed -- during one attempt in 1785, workers were chased off by hornets. Everyone took all this failure to mean that the Buddha image wanted to just stay put, so they covered the "post" with a plaster image of The Buddha's head and shoulders and built a temple around it.

Wat Pra Nahng Sahng houses three very interesting Buddha images made of tin, a local natural resource once considered semiprecious. Each image has a smaller Buddha in its belly.

Wat Chalong. Chalong was the first resort on Phuket, back when the Thais first started coming to the island for vacations. Nowadays, the discovery of better beaches on the west side of the island has driven most tourists away from this area, but the temple still remains the center of Buddhist worship. While the temple compound itself is pretty standard in terms of modern temples, the place comes to life during Buddhist holy days. The temple is on the Bypass Road, about 8km (5 miles) south of Phuket Town.

Haad Nai Yang National Park, 90 sq. km (35 sq. miles) of protected land in the northwest corner of the island, offers a peaceful retreat from the rest of the island's tourism madness. There are two fantastic reasons to make the journey out to the park. The first is for Phuket's largest coral reef in shallow water, only 1,400m (460ft.) from the shore. The second is for the giant leatherback turtles that come to nest every year between November and February. Park headquarters is a very short hop from Phuket Airport off Highway 402.

Butterfly Garden & Aquarium, Soi Phaniang, Samkong, Phuket Town,captures and breeds hundreds of gorgeous butterflies in a large enclosed garden. Photo ops are great, so bring film. The aquarium may not be as large as the Marine Biology Center's, but here the tanks are filled with great "show fish," fascinating for their beautiful or unusual appearances rather than for marine education. Open daily from 9am to 5pm, adult admission 150B ($3.40), children below 10 years of age 60B ($1.35)

Kamala beach,approximately 26 kilometers from Phuket City,Kamala beach is a relatively secluded 2-kilometer beach that is suitable for total relaxation. Accommodations are available.

Patong beach,This Beach is the most developed, most vibrant, most visited beach of Phuket that never fails to impress visitors. Located approximately 15 kilometers from the city, the beach has a wide range of accommodations and shopping arcades, and provides magnificent leisure activities and energetic night-time entertainment. It is a picture perfect postcard view of a 3-kilometer long white sandy beach that is perfect for swimming, lazing, and enjoying challenging water sports such as jet skiing, windsurfing snorkeling, sailing, and parasailing.

Phuket Fantasea,Located on Kamala beach, Phuket Fantasea is dubbed as the ultimate nighttime cultural theme park of Phuket.

This large-scale night time amusement center is spread out over an area of 140 acres near the village of Kamala Bay, or just 4 kilometers north of Patong. Attractions include the Culture-Illusion Stage Show, Fantasy of the Kingdom, a spectacular buffet restaurant Golden Kinnaree Restaurant, shopping village the enchanted Festive Village, Cultural Parade & Street Shows, Traditional Games and Carnivals, Handicraft Demonstrations & Live Performances (performed in Palace of the Elephants).

The park opens from 5.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. daily except Thursday. Show time is 9.00 p.m.

Karon Beach,Located south of Patong Beach, Karon beach is a curving beach that lies beautifully in the sun with small sand dunes, casuarinas and palm trees. The crescent bay is the beach's signature that drawing travelers attention. From May to October, the beach may be affected by serious undertows, as the bay open. Watch out for those warning flags before going swimming or surfing at the southern end of the beach. During the high season, the beach is ideal for relaxation, swimming or sunbathing. A wide range of accommodations, from top-end to budget and mid-range, are available. Other facilities such as nightclubs, restaurants and other evening entertainment are located along the beachfront road.

Kata beach, approximately 17 kilometers from Phuket City are Kata Noi (Small Kata) and Kata Yai (Big Kata) Beaches. Both are renowned for snorkeling to see the coral, tropical fishes and the seas eco-system. Also worth visiting is Ko Pu, a small uninhabited island located off Laem Sai. Most visitors find snorkeling along the islands rich coral reef enjoyable.

Nai Han beach,Located a few kilometers from Kata Beach, next to Phromthep Cape, approximately 18 kilometers from town is Hat Nai Han, an extra-ordinary beach that has white powdery sand and crystal clear water. The beach borders on two charming landscaped lagoons surrounded by rubber trees and other tropical plants. As the beach has not yet been fully developed to its full potential, it is less crowded, more peaceful, thus is ideal for people seeking solitude.

Rawai beach, approximately 17 kilometers from town is the less crowded, more peaceful and less commercial beach with a second-to-none pristine beach. The Beach is home to a well-established community of Phuket s Chao Le people (sea gypsies). In addition, from this beach visitors can charter boats to explore other offshore islands. Hat Laem Kha, located to the northeast of the beach, is the departure point for those wishing to visit Ko Lon, and Ko He. Laem Phromthep, Phukets landmark, is located at the southern end of the beach. This cape is an ideal spot for diving and snorkeling. Accommodations range from budget bungalows to middle range resorts.

Phromthep Cape is one of Phuket's most important landmarks. There is a saying that you havent been to Phuket unless you visit Laem Phromthep. It is here that visitors soak up the sun and savor the breathtaking panoramic view of the Andaman Sea from the islands southern-most tip. The Cape is crowded especially in the evening, as it is a popular observation point at sunset. Laem Phromthep is located approximately 2 kilometers from Rawai Beach.

Surin beach, approximately 24 kilometers from town and only in a short distance north of Laem Sing is an enchanting beach lined with casuarinas trees. Isolated and secluded, the beach is ideal for sunbathing and relaxing. The beach, however, is not suitable for swimming as it has a steep sloping beach.

Laem Sing, just one kilometer from Surin Beach, Laem Sing is a relatively small quite beach perfect for a break from the crowd. Laem Sing has a white sandy beach that glitters in the sun and is dotted with uniquely shaped rocks.

Thai Green Curry with Chicken

Thai Green Curry with Chicken

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp green curry paste (according to taste)
1 tbsp soft dark brown sugar
1-2 thick stalks lemongrass, fat ends bashed with a rolling pin (optional)
750g/1½lb skinless, boneless chicken, cut into chunks (use breast and/or leg meat)
6-8 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces (if unavailable, use the grated zest of 1 lime)
400ml/14fl oz coconut milk
good shake of Thai fish sauce or light soy sauce
small handful of coriander, roughly chopped
½-1 lime, juice only

Method

1. Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan. Add the green curry paste and sugar and cook over a fairly high heat for about a minute, stirring with the lemongrass, if using. Reduce the heat slightly and stir in the chicken pieces and lime leaves or zest until coated in the paste. Add the coconut milk, fish sauce or soy sauce and bring to a simmer, cooking for 25-30 minutes until thickened slightly. Stir in the coriander and lime juice. Check for seasoning, adding more fish sauce or soy sauce if needed.

2. The curry is now best left to sit for a few minutes so the sauce becomes creamier. You will also taste the true flavours of the curry paste ingredients when it's slightly cooler. Serve with lots of fragrant Thai jasmine rice.

Thai Green Curry Paste

Ingredients:

2 fresh green chillies
1 small onion
1 tsp ground coriander
1 lime, juice and rind
1 stalk lemon grass
1 clove garlic
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 cup fresh coriander, stalks & leaves
1 tbls grated fresh ginger
2 tbls oil (vegetable)

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a food processor. Blend for a few minutes until well processed.Use in green Thai curries.

Tom Yum Kung

Tom Yum Kung

Ingredients

200g (4 oz.) Tiger Prawns

3 cups Chicken Stock or Water

2 cloves of Garlic

2 Shallot Sliced

1 tbs Lime Juice

1 tbs Fish Sauce

1 tsp Commercial Tom Yam Paste (optional)

1 tbs Lemongrass, cut into 2.5 cm.(1 inch) long pieces and pounded slightly

3 Kaffir Lime leaves

2 slices Galangal

2 Fresh Thai Chili, pounded slightly

1/2 cup Sliced Straw Mushrooms (or as needed)

Fresh Cilantro/Coriender for garnishing

Directions

1. Boil the chicken stock in a pot, and add the prawns. boil until the prawns is throughly cooked. Remove the prawns and set aside.

2. Add Tom Yam Paste (optional), fish sauce, garlic, shallots, lemongrass stripes, chilies, mushrooms, and sliced galangal into boiling soup.

3. Add Lime Juice and adjust the seasonings to taste. There should be a pronounced sour tastefollowed by a salty and hot taste. Add cooked prawns.

4. When serving, garnish with fresh cilantro/coriender.

Pad Thai

Pad Thai

2-4 Servings

8 oz Thai rice noodles
1/4 cup tamarind paste
1/4 cup warm water
4 oz skinless, boneless chicken breast
4 oz fried tofu6 tbsp roasted unsalted peanuts
3 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp sugar2 tbsp lime juice
1/2 cup vegetable oil1 tsp chopped garlic
8 large shrimps, shelled and deveined (50 oz)
2 eggs
1 cup bean sprouts
2 stems green onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 tsp roasted chilies
Strips of red pepper
Fresh coriander leaves
Wedges of lime


1. Soak noodles in plenty of cold water for at least 1 hour.

2. Combine tamarind paste with a 1/4 cup warm water in a small bowl and let soak for at least 15 minutes.

3. Slice the chicken into 1/4-inch strips. If you find it difficult to cut thinly through fresh meat, leave it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to harden slightly and then slice. Reserve.

4. Slice the fried tofu into 3/4-inch cubes. Reserve.

5. Blend or process peanuts into coarse meal. Reserve.

6. Return to your reserved tamarind paste in its water. Mash it and transfer the mud-like mixture to a strainer set into a bowl. Mash and push with a spoon, forcing liquid to strain into the bowl. Scrape off the juice that clings to the underside of the strainer. You will have about 5 tbsp of tamarind juice. Add to it the fish sauce, sugar and lime juice. Beat to thoroughly mix and reserve. Discard the solids left in the strainer.

7. Heat oil in a wok (or large frying pan) until it is just about to smoke. Add garlic and stir, letting it cook for about 30 seconds. Add chicken and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add tofu and shrimps and stir-fry for 1 more minute. Break eggs into wok and let them fry without breaking them up for 1-2 minutes.

8. While eggs cook, quickly drain the noodles and then add to wok, giving them a quick fold, stir-frying for 1 minute from the bottom up. Add reserved tamarind juice, etc. (from step #6) and continue stir-frying, mixing everything together for 1-2 minutes. Your noodles will have subsided to half their original volume and softened up to al dente.

9. Add about 2/3 of the reserved ground peanuts and stir. Add about 2/3 of the bean sprouts and all the green onion pieces. Stir-fry for 30 seconds and take off heat.

l0. Transfer noodles to a serving dish and sprinkle with roasted chilies. Top with the rest of the ground peanuts, the rest of the sprouts, some strips of red pepper and fresh coriander leaves. Stick a couple of lime wedges on the side and serve immediately.

Phang Nga Province

Phang Nga (พังงา) is one of the southern provinces, on the shore to the Andaman Sea. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Ranong, Surat Thani and Krabi. To the south is the Phuket province, but without land boundary to Phang Nga.

The province is located on the west side of the Malay Peninsula, and includes many islands of the Phang Nga Bay. The most famous one is the so-called James Bond Island, a needle formed limestone rock in the sea, which featured in the movie The Man with the Golden Gun. The Ao Phang-Nga (Phang-Nga Bay) National Park was established in 1981 to protect the many fascinating islands. The Similan Islands, one of Thailand's main diving destinations, are also part of Phang Nga province.

It is administratively divided into 8 districts: Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Kapong, Amphoe Khura Buri, Amphoe Takuapa, Amphoe Takua Thung, Amphoe Thai Muang, Amphoe Thap Put and Amphoe Ko Yao.

Attractions:

Tham Phung Chang This cave, which houses numerous stalactite and stalagmite formations, and replicas of famous Buddha images, is located at the Khao Chang Hill near the town.

Tham Rusi Sawan and Tham Luk Sua These two adjoining caves with shady surroundings developed into a lovely public park is situated opposite the provincial Court near the town.
Tham Nam Phut This is located at Khao Thoi 2 Kms from the town. In front of the cave there are natural springs and the shrine of Chao Pun Kong.

Sa Nang Manora Forest Park The park contains shady cascades and a basin with cool and clear water. To get there travel along the Phangnga -Krabi route for 5 kms. and continue along the 3 kms. access road.

Tha Nun Beach The sandy beaches on both sides of the Pak Phra Channel near Highway 402 before arriving at Phuket is where sea turtles lay their eggs from November to February.
Khao Pilai Beach This hillside sandy beach which extends towards the Tha Nun Beach is located in the area of Tambon Khok Kloi, Amphoe Takua Thung.

Ao Phangnga National Park The park is 12 kms. from town and covers an area of 400 square kilometres. It mainly consists of a mass of limestone islands, rock formations and evergreen mangroves. Boats are available at some landings near the park office to explore a number of interesting islands. These include:

Khao Khien This mountain cave, which contains primitive rock paintings of various animals such as fish, water lizards and dolphin, is believed to be some 3,000 years old.

Koh Panyi Around this island, there is an entire Muslim fishing village of about 500 households built on stilts on stilts in the sea and connected by wooden bridges.

Koh Thalu This island with a big cave eroded by sea water offers a spectacular scene of enormous stalactites when boat trips are made through the water-filled cave.

Khao Ping Kan This gigantic cliff appears to be cloven in two ; the halves supported by leaning against each other offers a sight of rare and exquisite beauty.

Khao Tapu This spectacular tall island stands in front of Khao Phing Kan. Its broad peak and narrow base gives the strange appearance of a spike driven into the sea.

Tham Lod Similar in appearance but larger than the cave at Ko Thalu, this cave is about 100 metres long and a small boat may pass through it.

Khao Machu Here on a hilltop, there is a rock formation resembling a dog.

Koh Yao It takes 2 hours by boat from Phangnga or 1 1/2 hours from Ao Po, Phuket. Ko Yao covers an area of 137 square kilometres consisting of two main islands: Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai. There are several beaches on the islands including Hat Pa Sai, Hat Tha Khao, Hat Ao Tikut, Hat Khlong Son and Hat Loparaet. Bungalows are available.

Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Muang National Park This park, covering an area of 72 square kilometres, comprises both sandy beaches and shady forested mountains. Attraction in the area include:

Hat Thai Muang This sandy beach near Amphoe Thai Muang can be reached along a beach road from the district. From November to February, sea turtles come up to lay their eggs on the beach.

Namtok Lampi This three-level waterfall with a good flow of water all year round is located near Km. 32-33 of Highway No. 4.

Namtok Ton Phrai It is a huge waterfall containing water all year round that is 7 kms. off Km. 28-29 of Highway No. 4 The access to the waterfall is convenient only in the dry season.

Khao Lak - Lam Ru National Park This park covers a total area of 125 square kilometres and comprises the following attractions:

Khao Lak Beach This stony beach next to the Knao Lak Mountain is 5 kms. south of Amphoe Ta Kua Pa on Highway No. 4.

Namtok Lam Ru This a 5-tiered waterfall on the Kradai Range is accessible by an access road off Highway No. 4090 via Amphoe Kapong

Wat Narai Nikayaram The old monastery in Amphoe Kapong believed to be the ancient town of Takua Pa houses fine stone carvings of the God Narayana, Phra Lak and Nang Sida of the Ramayana Epic. These are the oldest works of art found in Phangnga, and it is presumed that the Kalingkharat tribal people who once lived along the Indian Ocean coast made the carvings

Ban Thung Tuk Ancient Town it is located in the area of Tambon Ko Kho Khao 15 kms. from Amphoe Khura Buri. The ruins found in the area are presumed to be the remnants of the first town constructed by ancient settlers to the region.

Mu Koh Surin National Park This is an archipelago of 5 islets covering an area of 135 square kilometres and is home to sea gypsies. Its major attractions are white sandy beaches and shallow water coral reefs which reveal their natural beauty during December to March. The nearest departure is from Ban Hin Lat, Amphoe Khura Buri where a chartered boat is available. It takes 4 - 5 hours for the trip to the islands. Tourists are recommended to contact travel agents in Phuket for cheaper boat trips to the islands.

Mu Koh Similan National Park This idyllic mariner park occupies an area of 130 square kilometres in the Andaman Sea. The Similan Archipelago consists of nine islands. It is highly blessed with both surface and underwater beautiful scenery. The best time for diving and angling is from December to April. Chartered boats are available at Thap Lamu , Amphoe Takua Pa, but it is more economical for a tourist to join from Phuket. Boat trips to the island take about three hours.

Si Phangnga National Park Situated in Amphoe Khura Buri, 100 kms. to the north of Phangnga, the park covers an area of 246 square kilometres and was established in honour of His Majesty the King on his 60th birthday anniversary. This forested piece of land is home to a large variety of flora and fauna, and boasts three beautiful waterfalls: Namtok Tam Nang, Namtok Ton Ton Toei and Namtok Ton Ton Sai.