View source for Phang Nga province

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{{promotional|date=October 2012}}
{{Travel guide|date=January 2015}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Phang Nga
| native_name = พังงา
| native_name_lang = th
| settlement_type = [[Provinces of Thailand|Province]]
| translit_lang1_info1 = พังงา ({{IPA|th|pʰâŋ.ŋâːʔ|pron}})
| translit_lang1_type1 = [[Southern Thai language|Southern Thai]]
| translit_lang1 = Other
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
| border                  = infobox
| total_width             = 280
| image_style             = border:1;
| Perrow                  = 2/1/2
| image1 = Phang Nga Bay, Karst islands, Thailand.jpg
| image2 = Surin Island National Park, Thailand.jpg
| image3 = Similan Island 01 (MK).jpg
| image4 = Isla Panyee, Phuket, Tailandia, 2013-08-20, DD 10.JPG
| image5 = Khuekkhak, Takua Pa District, Phang-nga, Thailand - panoramio (13).jpg
}}
| image_alt = 
| image_caption = From left to right, top to bottom : [[Phang Nga Bay]], [[Surin Islands]], [[Similan Islands]], [[Ko Panyi]], [[Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park]]
| nickname = 
| mottoes = {{lang|th|แร่หมื่นล้าน บ้านกลางน้ำ ถ้ำงามตา ภูผาแปลก แมกไม้จำปูน บริบูรณ์ด้วยทรัพยากร}} <br> ("Millions of minerals. Home in the water. Beautiful caves and weird cliffs. Branches of the Anaxagorea. Rich in resources.")
| image_flag = Flag of Phang Nga province.svg
| image_seal = PhangngaLogo.png
| image_map = Thailand Phang Nga locator map.svg
| mapsize = frameless
| map_alt = 
| map_caption = Map of Thailand highlighting Phang Nga province
| coordinates = 
| coordinates_footnotes = 
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name = Thailand
| seat_type = Capital
| seat = [[Phang Nga]]
| leader_party = 
| leader_title = Governor
| leader_name = Pairat Petyuan
| leader_party1 = 
| leader_title1 = PAO President
| leader_name1 = 
| area_footnotes = <ref name="AREA">{{cite web |url=https://www.forest.go.th |title=Table 2 Forest area Separate province year 2019 |publisher=Royal Forest Department |access-date=6 April 2021}}</ref>
| area_total_km2 = 5,495
| area_rank = [[Provinces of Thailand|40th]]
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m = 
| population_footnotes = <ref name="DOPA2024">{{cite web |url=https://stat.bora.dopa.go.th/stat/statnew/statMenu/newStat/home.php |publisher=Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) |title=Official statistics registration systems |access-date=10 February 2025 |quote=, year 2024, provincial level, Excel File, no.82}}</ref>
| population_total = {{increase}}266,296
| population_as_of = 2024
| population_rank = [[Provinces of Thailand|72nd]]
| population_density_km2 = 48
| population_density_rank = [[Provinces of Thailand|72nd]]
| population_demonym = 
| population_note = 
| demographics_type2 = GDP
| demographics2_footnotes = <ref name="NESDB-2017">{{cite journal|title=''Gross Regional and Provincial Product, 2019 Edition''|journal=Gross Regional and Provincial Product|date=July 2019|url=https://www.nesdc.go.th/ewt_dl_link.php?nid=5628&filename=gross_regional|access-date=22 January 2020|publisher=Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC)|language=en|issn=1686-0799|archive-date=25 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125111311/https://www.nesdc.go.th/ewt_dl_link.php?nid=5628&filename=gross_regional|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| demographics2_title1 = Total
| demographics2_info1 = [[baht]] 72 billion<br />([[US$]]2.5 billion) (2019)
| demographics_type1 = Human Achievement Index
| demographics1_footnotes = <ref name="HAI 2565">{{cite web |url=https://www.nesdc.go.th/main.php?filename=Social_HAI |department=Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) |title=ข้อมูลสถิติดัชนีความก้าวหน้าของคน ปี 2565 (PDF) |language=thai |trans-title=Human Achievement Index Databook year 2022 (PDF) |access-date=12 March 2024 |quote=, page 48 |archive-date=15 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250715002518/https://www.nesdc.go.th/main.php?filename=Social_HAI |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| demographics1_title1 = HAI (2022)
| demographics1_info1 = 0.6432&nbsp;"average"<br/>[[#Human achievement index 2022|Ranked 36th]]
| timezone1 = [[Time in Thailand|ICT]]
| utc_offset1 = +7
| postal_code_type = [[List of postal codes in Thailand|Postal code]]
| postal_code = 82xxx
| area_code_type = [[Telephone numbers in Thailand|Calling code]]
| area_code = 076
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:TH|TH-82]]
| website = {{URL|phangnga.go.th}}
| footnotes = 
}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                    = Phang Nga Provincial Administrative Organization
| native_name             = องค์การบริหารส่วนจังหวัดพังงา
| native_name_lang        = th
| settlement_type         = [[Provincial Administrative Organization]]
| government_type         = [[Administrative divisions of Thailand#Local administrative divisions|Local administrative divisions]]
| governing_body          = Phang Nga Provincial Administrative Organization
| leader_title            = President
| leader_name             = Bamrung Piyanamwanit
| website                 = {{URL|phangngapao.go.th}}
}}

'''Phang Nga''' ({{langx|th|พังงา}}, {{IPA|th|pʰāŋ.ŋāː|pron}}) is one of the southern [[Provinces of Thailand|provinces]] (''Changwat'') of [[Thailand]], on the shore of the [[Andaman Sea]] to the west and Phang Nga Bay to the south. Neighbouring provinces, from north and moving clockwise, are [[Ranong province|Ranong]], [[Surat Thani province|Surat Thani]], and [[Krabi province|Krabi]]. Towards the south of Phang Nga is the [[Phuket province]], connected by the [[Sarasin Bridge]].

==Geography==
The province, located on the western side of the [[Malay Peninsula]], encompasses the islands within [[Phang Nga Bay]]. Among these, [[Khao Phing Kan]] and Ko Ta Pu, often referred to as "James Bond Island", gained prominence following their appearance in the 1974 film ''[[The Man with the Golden Gun (film)|The Man with the Golden Gun]]''. In this film, Khao Phing Kan serves as the base for the antagonist, with the distinct, needle-shaped [[limestone]] formation of Ko Ta Pu, situated approximately {{convert|20|m|yds}} off the main beach, featuring significantly. To safeguard these and other islands, the [[Ao Phang Nga National Park|Ao Phang Nga]] (Phang Nga Bay) National Park was established in 1981.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ao Phang-nga National Park|url=http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=197&lg=2|website=Department of National Parks (DNP) Thailand|access-date=26 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020032818/http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=197&lg=2|archive-date=20 October 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The province also includes the [[Similan Islands]] and [[Surin Islands]], notable diving destinations in Thailand.<ref name="TAT">{{cite web |title=About Phang Nga |url=https://na.tourismthailand.org/About-Thailand/Destination/Phang-Nga |website=Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) |access-date=2018-12-16 |archive-date=22 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422141127/https://na.tourismthailand.org/About-Thailand/Destination/Phang-Nga |url-status=dead }}</ref> The total forested area of the province is approximately {{convert|1,778|km²|abbr=on}}, accounting for 32.4 percent of its total area.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forest.go.th/ |title=ตารางที่ 2 พี้นที่ป่าไม้ แยกรายจังหวัด พ.ศ.2562 |year=2019 |department=Royal Forest Department |language=Thai |trans-title=Table 2 Forest area Separate province year 2019 |access-date=6 April 2021 |postscript=, information, Forest statistics Year 2019 |archive-date=10 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410135708/https://www.forest.go.th/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Toponymy==
Phang Nga derives its name from the ancient Malay term "Pangan", which translates to '[[jungle]]' in contemporary Thai. This term historically referred to a broad category of indigenous peoples, colloquially known as 'orang Pangan' in Malay. This phrase was used to describe communities perceived as 'heathen, pagan, or primitive', typically residing in the dense jungle regions of the Malay Peninsula<ref>Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Thomas Newbold (1807–1850), an army officer in the East India Company and oriental scholar. Malay: Pangan, a tract of forest (Oxford Dictionaries).</ref> and its adjacent islands.

{{clear|left}}

==History==
During the reign of [[King Rama II]], the region surrounding Thalang (currently known as [[Phuket Province|Phuket]]) fell under [[Burmese–Siamese War (1809–1812)|Burmese occupation]], leading to a significant influx of refugees into Kraphu Nga. Following the successful expulsion of Burmese forces by [[Thai people|Siamese]] troops in 1824, King Rama III renamed the area adjacent to the bay as ''Phang Nga''. This adaptation from the Malay word "pangan" suggests the historical presence of Orang Asli or other indigenous groups in the region. In 1933, the town was elevated to the status of a province.

On the morning of 26 December 2004, the Andaman Sea coastline of Phang Nga Province experienced severe devastation due to a [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami|tsunami]], resulting in extensive loss of life.

[[Khura Buri District]], and particularly Ko Phra Thong, referred to as ''smuggler's paradise'', has been identified as a critical point of entry for illegal activities in Thailand, including human trafficking. This area is reportedly a transit route for various groups, including [[Rohingya]], [[Uyghurs|Uighur]], and Syrian refugees seeking entry into Thailand.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Yongcharoenchai|first1=Chaiyot|last2=Na Thalang|first2=Jeerawat|title=Tied up in a trafficking jam|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/special-reports/699460/tied-up-in-a-trafficking-jam|access-date=20 September 2015|work=Bangkok Post|date=2015-09-20|archive-date=1 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501010539/https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/699460/tied-up-in-a-trafficking-jam|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Symbols==
[[File:Seal Phang Nga.png|thumb|left|220px|[[Seals of the provinces of Thailand|Provincial seal]] of Phang Nga]]
The [[Seals of the provinces of Thailand|official seal]] of the province features an illustration of the [[Phu Khao Chang]] mountains, set as a backdrop to the depiction of the city hall. Additionally, the seal includes an image of a dredge, symbolizing the province's history of [[tin]] mining.<ref name=OSMA>{{cite web|title=Symbol of Phang Nga|url=http://www.osmsouth-w.moi.go.th/osm-introduce.php?url=phang-nga-logo&l=en|website=OSM Andamnan: The Office of Strategy Management for Southern Province Cluster|access-date=26 May 2015|archive-date=26 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526130727/http://www.osmsouth-w.moi.go.th/osm-introduce.php?url=phang-nga-logo&l=en|url-status=live}}</ref>

The provincial slogan encapsulates various aspects of the region's identity and heritage: "Massive mining industry, Ban Klang Nam 'floating house', delightful caves, strangely shaped hills, Jampun flower, rich in resources". This slogan reflects the diverse elements that define the province, from its industrial past to its unique natural and cultural features.<ref name=OSMA />

In terms of regional flora, the province has designated [[Cinnamomum porrectum]], commonly known as hardy cinnamon, as its [[list of Thai provincial trees|official tree]]. The provincial flower is [[Anaxagorea|Anaxagorea javanica]], further emphasizing the area's rich botanical diversity. Many beaches in Phang Nga are [[marine turtle]] nesting grounds, and on the ground, the provincial aquatic life is the [[green sea turtle]] (''Chelonia mydas'').

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==Administrative divisions==
===Provincial government===

Phang Nga is divided into eight districts (''[[Districts of Thailand|amphoe]]s''), which are further divided into 48 subdistricts (''[[tambon]]s'') and 314 villages (''[[muban]]s'').

{| class="wikitable"
| rowspan="10" |[[File:Districts_Phang_Nga.svg|thumb|280px|Map of eight districts]]
|-
! No.
! Name
! Thai
! Malay
|-
|1.||[[Mueang Phang Nga district|Mueang Phang Nga]] ||เมืองพังงา||Pangan
|-
|2.||[[Ko Yao district|Koh Yao]]||เกาะยาว||Pulau Panjang
|-
|3.||[[Kapong district|Kapong]]||กะปง||Kampong
|-
|4.||[[Takua Thung district|Takua Thung]]||ตะกั่วทุ่ง|| -
|-
|5.||[[Takua Pa district|Takua Pa]]||ตะกั่วป่า|| -
|-
|6.||[[Khura Buri district|Khura Buri]]||คุระบุรี|| -
|-
|7.||[[Thap Put district|Thap Put]]||ทับปุด|| -
|-
|8.||[[Thai Mueang district|Thai Mueang]]||ท้ายเหมือง|| -
|}

===Local government===
As of 26 November 2019, there are:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dla.go.th/work/abt/province.jsp |title=Number of local government organizations by province |date=26 November 2019 |website=dla.go.th |publisher=Department of Local Administration (DLA) |quote=, 33 Phang Nga, 1 PAO, 2 Town mun., 13 Subdistrict mun., 36 SAO. |archive-date=26 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191126025045/http://www.dla.go.th/work/abt/province.jsp |url-status=live }}</ref> one Phang Nga Provincial Administration Organisation (''{{lang|th-Latn|ongkan borihan suan changwat}}'') and 15 municipal (''thesaban'') areas in the province. Phang Nga and Takua Pa have town (''[[thesaban mueang]]'') status. Further 13 subdistrict municipalities (''[[thesaban tambon]]''). The non-municipal areas are administered by 36 Subdistrict Administrative Organisations - SAO (''{{lang|th-Latn|ongkan borihan suan tambon}}'').

==Transportation==
Transportation in Phang Nga Province is primarily facilitated through a network of highways.
* '''Roads:''' Highway 4 is the main artery connecting most districts within the province, excluding Kapong and Ko Yao. Highway 401 provides a route to Surat Thani, while Highway 402 links Phang Nga with Phuket Province. Additionally, Highway 4090 connects Muang to Kapong District.
* '''Railways:''' Rail transport is absent in Phang Nga Province. The closest railway station is located in the [[Phunphin District]] of [[Surat Thani Province]]. 
* '''Bus:''' These services in the province offer frequent connections to Bangkok and other regions. Intra-provincial travel is supported by non-air-conditioned buses.
* '''Public transit:''' [[Songthaew]]s are the predominant form of public transit within Phang Nga, offering accessible transportation options to the local population.
* '''Motorbike-taxi:''' They are primarily found in Phang Nga town, cater to short-distance travel, with fares varying based on distance.
* '''Airport:''' As of now, Phang Nga Province does not have an airport. The nearest facility is [[Phuket International Airport]]. Plans for a new airport in [[Phang Nga airport|Phang Nga]] have been proposed, with the intention of serving not only Phang Nga but also neighboring Krabi Province and as an alternative to Phuket's existing airport.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phang Nga - Andaman International Airport New Airport Profile {{!}} CAPA |url=https://centreforaviation.com/data/profiles/newairports/phang-nga---andaman-international-airport |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=centreforaviation.com |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208061344/https://centreforaviation.com/data/profiles/newairports/phang-nga---andaman-international-airport |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=» New airport planned for Phangnga to serve southern tourism |url=https://thaiembdc.org/2019/08/14/new-airport-planned-for-phangnga-to-serve-southern-tourism/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=thaiembdc.org |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208061345/https://thaiembdc.org/2019/08/14/new-airport-planned-for-phangnga-to-serve-southern-tourism/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Human achievement index 2022==
{| class="wikitable floatright" style="width:400px;"
|- 
| style="text-align:center; width:100px; background:black; color:white;"| Health
| style="text-align:center; width:100px; background:black; color:white;"| Education
| style="text-align:center; width:100px; background:black; color:white;"| Employment
| style="text-align:center; width:100px; background:black; color:white;"| Income
|-
| [[File:Health icon Thai.png|95px]]
| [[File:Round Landmark School Icon - Transparent.svg|100px]]
| [[File:Employment icon.png|100px]]
| [[File:Numismatics and Notaphily icon.png|100px]]
|-
| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| 21
| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| 41
| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| 77
| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| 24 
|-
| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| Housing
| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| Family
| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| Transport
| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| Participation 
|-
| style="height:100px;"| [[File:586-house-with-garden.svg|100px]] 
| [[File:Parents, enfants, famille.png|center|85px]]
| [[File:Groundtransport inv.svg|100px]]
| [[File:Icon Sociopolítica y relaciones internacionales (wikiproyect, es.wp).png|90px]]
|-
| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| 41
| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| 60
| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| 12
| style="text-align:center; background:black; color:white;"| 10  
|-
| colspan="4"; style=" background: black; color: white;"| Province Phang Nga, with an HAI 2022 value of 0.6432 is "average", and occupies place 36 in the ranking.
|}
Since 2003, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand has tracked progress on human development at the sub-national level using the [[Human achievement index]] (HAI), a composite index covering all the eight key areas of human development. The National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) has taken over this task since 2017.<ref name="HAI 2565" />
{| class="wikitable" ---valign=top
||Rank||Classification
|-
||&nbsp;&nbsp;1–13||"high"
|-
||14–29||"somewhat high"
|-
||30–45||"average"
|-
||46–61||"somewhat low"
|-
||62–77||"low"
|}
{|role= "presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|<strong>Map with provinces and HAI 2022 rankings</strong>
|-
|[[File:HAI 2022 rankings.svg|950px]]
|}
{{clear}}

==National parks==
[[List of Protected Areas Regional Offices of Thailand#Protected Areas Regional Office 5 (Nakhon Si Thammarat)|Region 5 (Nakhon Si Thammarat)]] of Thailand's protected areas encompasses a total of twenty national parks, six of which are located in Phang Nga province and are particularly notable. These parks are characterized by their diverse ecological landscapes and natural features. The region, renowned for its environmental variety, includes parks that range from coastal and marine environments to mountainous and forested areas. Each park serves as a habitat for a variety of flora and fauna.
* [[Ao Phang Nga National Park|Ao Phang Nga (Phang Nga Bay) National Park]] ({{Lang|th|อุทยานแห่งชาติอ่าวพังงา}}), officially designated on 29 April 1981, spans an area of approximately {{convert|400|km2|sqmi|sp=us}}, equivalent to 250,000 rai.<ref name="AREA NP">.
{{cite web |url=https://catalog.dnp.go.th/dataset/areaofnp/resource/3b372140-f2bf-4811-8819-bb8a8b1a100a |title=ข้อมูลพื้นที่อุทยานแห่งชาติ ที่ประกาศในราชกิจจานุบกษา 133 แห่ง |date=December 2020 |department=Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation |language=Thai |trans-title=National Park Area Information published in the 133 Government Gazettes |archive-date=3 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103123527/https://catalog.dnp.go.th/dataset/areaofnp/resource/3b372140-f2bf-4811-8819-bb8a8b1a100a |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|25}} This park is distinguished by its picturesque landscapes, notably featuring a multitude of limestone formations rising majestically from the sea near the coast. These geological structures also account for the high concentration of caves within the park's boundaries. The area is rich in mangrove forests, contributing to its ecological diversity. Additionally, the park encompasses several islands, each contributing to the overall scenic and biological richness of Ao Phang Nga National Park.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://portal.dnp.go.th/Content/nationalpark?contentId=35098 |title=Ao Phang Nga National Park |department=Department National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref> Visitors in fiscal year 2024: '''530,204'''.<ref name="VISITORS">{{cite web |url=https://portal.dnp.go.th/Content/nationalpark?contentId=20014 |title=สถิตินักท่องเที่ยวที่เข้าไปอุทยนห่งชาติ ปีงบประมาณ พ.ศ. 2567 |language=th |trans-title=Statistics of tourists visiting national parks in fiscal year 2024 |department=Department National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation |access-date=6 September 2025}}</ref>

{{Wide image|Image:Mushroom Rock at James Bond Island.jpg|700px|3=<div align=center>Mushroom Rock Island and [[Ko Tapu]] (James Bond Island), [[Phang Nga Bay]]</div>|dir=rtl}}

{{Gallery|title=Ao Phang Nga National Park|width=170|height=120|align=center
| File:Rueangrit 003.jpg|Phang-nga National Park
| File:1025 Ao Phang Nga 2.jpg|Limestone islets in Phang-nga National Park
| File:Dreamy ethereal sunrise over Phang Nga bay, Koh Yao tropical island, Thailand.jpg|Sunset in Phang Nga Bay
| File:Dramatic karst formations in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand.jpg|Karst formations
}}

* [[Mu Ko Similan National Park]] ({{Lang|th|อุทยานแห่งชาติหมู่เกาะสิมิลัน}}) was declared a national park on 1 September 1982. The park, spanning around {{convert|140|km2|sqmi|sp=us}}<ref name="AREA NP"/>{{rp|43}} or 87,500 rai, consists of the Similan Islands, a group of nine islands. The park is closed annually from 16 May to 31 October for ecological recovery and maintenance.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mu Koh Similan National Park|url=https://www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/mu-ko-similan-national-park|website=Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)|access-date=27 February 2026|archive-date=26 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526134322/http://www.tourismthailand.org/See-and-Do/Sights-and-Attractions-Detail/Mu-Koh-Similan-National-Park--590|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://portal.dnp.go.th/Content/nationalpark?contentId=35102 |title=Mu Ko Similan National Park |department=Department National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref> Visitors in fiscal year 2024: '''578,535'''.<ref name="VISITORS"/>

{{Wide image|File:Similan-islands panorama20060318 restitched.jpg|1024px|3=<div align=center> Panorama from [[Similan Islands]] in the Andaman Sea</div>|dir=rtl}}

{{Gallery|title=Ocean Animal at [[Mu Ko Similan National Park]]|width=170|height=120|align=center
| File:Turtle1 03.jpg|Turtle at Similan
| File:Similan Dive Center - great whale shark.jpg|Whale shark at Similan
| File:Phantom Bannerfish - Heniochus pleurotaenia 2.jpg|Phantom Bannerfish at Similan
}}

* [[Mu Ko Surin National Park]] ({{Lang|th|อุทยานแห่งชาติหมู่เกาะสุรินทร์}}), formally established on 9 July 1981, encompasses an archipelago consisting of five islands: Ko Surin Nuea, Ko Surin Tai, Ko Ri, Ko Khai, and Ko Klang.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mu Ko Surin National Park|url=http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=202&lg=2|website=Department of National Parks (DNP) Thailand|access-date=26 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526131231/http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=202&lg=2|archive-date=26 May 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The park covers an area of approximately {{convert|141|km2|sqmi|sp=us}}, equivalent to 88,282 rai.<ref name="AREA NP"/>{{rp|30}} Located in the Andaman Sea, close to the maritime border between Thailand and Myanmar, the archipelago is known for its rich marine life and coral reefs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://portal.dnp.go.th/Content/nationalpark?contentId=35099 |title=Mu Ko Surin National Park |department=Department National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref> Visitors in fiscal year 2024: 77,609.<ref name="VISITORS"/>

[[File:Deep forest wilderness of Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park, Thailand.jpg|thumb|200px|Khao Lak-Lam Ru jungle.]]
* [[Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park]] ({{Lang|th|อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาหลัก-ลำรู่}}) was established on 30 August 1991, encompassing an area of approximately {{convert|125|km2|sqmi|sp=us}}<ref name=" AREA NP"/>{{rp|66}} or 78,125 rai. The park extends across Thai Mueang, Kapong, Takua Pa, and Mueang Districts. Notable sites within the park include Khao Lak, home to the Chao Pho Khao Lak Shrine, Laem Pakarang, known for its pine groves and suitability for camping and relaxation, and the Ton Chong Fa Waterfall (Namtok Ton Chong Fa).<ref>{{cite web|title=Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park|url=http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=47&lg=2|website=Department of National Parks (DNP) Thailand|access-date=26 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420191514/http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=47&lg=2|archive-date=20 April 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://portal.dnp.go.th/Content/nationalpark?contentId=35122 |title=Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park |department=Department National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref> Visitors in fiscal year 2024: 78,355.<ref name="VISITORS"/>

* [[Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park]] ({{Lang|th|อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาลำปี-หาดท้ายเหมือง}}), designated on 14 April 1988, covers about {{convert|72|km2|sqmi|sp=us}},<ref name="AREA NP"/>{{rp|52}} or 44,950 rai. Key attractions in the park are the year-round Namtok Lampi, a 6-tiered waterfall; Namtok Ton Phrai, another perennial waterfall; and Hat Thai Mueang beach, the annual site of the Sea Turtle Festival.<ref>{{cite web|title=Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park|url=http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=43&lg=2|website=Department of National Parks (DNP) Thailand|access-date=26 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526132657/http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=43&lg=2|archive-date=26 May 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://portal.dnp.go.th/Content/nationalpark?contentId=35124 |title=Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park |department=Department National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref> Visitors in fiscal year 2024: 72,765.<ref name="VISITORS"/>

* [[Si Phang Nga National Park]] ({{Lang|th|อุทยานแห่งชาติศรีพังงา}}), designated as a national park on 16 April 1988, spans an area of about {{convert|246|km2|sqmi|sp=us}} or 153,800 rai. The park's landscape is characterized by its rugged mountainous terrain, predominantly covered with dipterocarp forests. These natural features contribute to the park's biodiversity and its status as a significant ecological area.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://portal.dnp.go.th/Content/nationalpark?contentId=35110 |title=Si Phang Nga National Park |department=Department National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref> Visitors in fiscal year 2024: 21,509.<ref name="VISITORS"/>

==Wildlife sanctuary==
There is one wildlife sanctuary, along with three other wildlife sanctuaries, makeup [[List of Protected Areas Regional Offices of Thailand#Protected Areas Regional Office 5 (Nakhon Si Thammarat)|region 5 (Nakhon Si Thammarat)]] of Thailand's protected areas. 
* [[Namtok Song Phraek Wildlife Sanctuary]] occupies an area of 138,712 rai ~ {{convert|222|km2|sqmi|sp=us}}.<ref name="AREA WS">{{cite web |url=http://it2.dnp.go.th/wp-content/uploads/%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%87-5-%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%B7%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%88%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A9%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%98%E0%B8%B8%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%A7%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%9B%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2-%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%B5-2562.pdf |title=ตาราง 5 พื้นที่เขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่า พ.ศ. 2562 |year=2019 |department=Department of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Plant Conservation |language=Thai |trans-title=Table 5 Wildlife Sanctuary Areas in 2019 |archive-date=16 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116125441/http://it2.dnp.go.th/wp-content/uploads/%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%87-5-%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%B7%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%88%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A9%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%98%E0%B8%B8%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%A7%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%9B%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2-%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%B5-2562.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|8}} The wildlife sanctuary was previously known as Ton Pariwat wildlife sanctuary and covers Kapong district, Mueang Phang Nga district, and Thap Put district.

{|role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|<strong>Location protected areas of Phang Nga</strong>
|&nbsp;
|-
|[[File:Map Phang Nga Protected Areas.png|thumb|900px|{{resize|150%|'''&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Phang Nga protected areas'''}}]]
{| class= "wikitable" style= "width:30%; display:inline-table;"
|-
| style="width:3%; background:#00FF00;"|&nbsp;
| style="width:27%;"|'''National park'''
|-
|&nbsp;&nbsp;1 ||[[Ao Phang Nga National Park|Ao Phang Nga]]
|-
|&nbsp;&nbsp;2 ||[[Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park|Khao Lak-Lam Ru]]
|-
|&nbsp;&nbsp;3 ||[[Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park|Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang]]
|-
|&nbsp;&nbsp;4 ||[[Mu Ko Similan National Park|Mu Ko Similan]]
|-
|&nbsp;&nbsp;5 ||[[Mu Ko Surin National Park|Mu Ko Surin]]
|-
|&nbsp;&nbsp;6 ||[[Si Phang Nga National Park|Si Phang Nga]]
|-
|}
{| class= "wikitable" style= "width:30%; display:inline-table;"
|-
| style="width=3%; background:#FFA400;"|&nbsp;
| style="width=27%;"|'''Wildlife sanctuary'''
|-
|&nbsp;&nbsp;7 ||[[Namtok Song Phraek Wildlife Sanctuary|Namtok Song Phraek]]
|-
|}
|}
{{clear}}

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Phang Nga, Dusty road, Thailand.jpg|Dusty road around Phang Nga town
File:Phang Nga Bay, River, Thailand.jpg|Northern entrance to Phang Nga Bay
File:Mu Ko Similan National Park Phang Nga Thailand.jpg|Mu Ko Similan National Park
File:เสม็ดนางชี 2.jpg|Limestone islets in Phangnga Bay
File:1025 Ao Phang Nga 1.jpg|Limestone islets in Phangnga Bay, Ao Phangnga National Park
File:Emerald tropical lagoon in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand.jpg|Emerald lagoon in Phang Nga Bay
File:1043 อุทยานเเห่งชาติหมู่เกาะสิมิลัน.jpg|''[[Cardisoma carnifex]]'' at Similan Islands
File:Dolphins! it's time to show off!.jpg|[[Dolphin]]s at [[Surin Island]]
File: Rueangrit 0011.jpg|Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park
File:ทิวทัศน์จากสิมิลัน เกาะ8.jpg|View from Similan Island to Andaman Sea
File:อ่าวไม้งาม 2.jpg|Mai-Ngam beach, [[Surin Islands]] National Park
File:เขาหลัก อุทยานแห่งชาติลำดับที่24 อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาหลัก-ลำรู่.jpg|Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Phang Nga Province}}
*{{Wikivoyage inline|Phang Nga}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20161102072445/http://www.phangnga.go.th/2014/index.php/en/ Provincial website]

{{Geographic location
|Centre    = Phang Nga province
|North     = [[Ranong province]]
|Northeast = [[Surat Thani province]]
|East      = [[Krabi province]]
|Southeast = ''[[Andaman Sea]]''
|South     = [[Phuket province]]
|Southwest = 
|West      = ''[[Andaman Sea]]''
|Northwest = 
}}

{{Provinces of Thailand}}

{{coord|8|26|23|N|98|31|5|E|region:TH_type:adm1st|display=title}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Phang Nga province| ]]
[[Category:Provinces of Thailand]]
[[Category:Andaman Sea]]
[[Category:Southern Thailand]]