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{{Short description|National park in southern Thailand}}
{{Infobox protected area
| name = Ao Phang Nga National Park
| iucn_category = II
| image = Isla Tapu, Phuket, Tailandia, 2013-08-20, DD 36.JPG
| image_caption = Ao Phang Nga National Park
| location = [[Phang Nga Province]], [[Thailand]]
| nearest_city = [[Phang Nga]]
| mapframe = yes
| mapframe-zoom = 6
| map_width =
| coordinates = {{coords|8|21|0|N|98|29|0|E|region:TH|display=inline, title}}
| area_km2 = 400
| established = 29 April 1981
| visitation_num = 999,035
| visitation_year = 2019
| governing_body = [[Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation]] (DNP)
| module = {{Designation list
| embed = yes
| designation1 = Ramsar
| designation1_offname = Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park
| designation1_date = 14 August 2002
| designation1_number = 1185<ref>{{Cite web|title=Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park|website=[[Ramsar Convention|Ramsar]] Sites Information Service|url=https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/1185|access-date=25 April 2018}}</ref>}}
}}
'''Ao Phang Nga''' National Park ({{langx|th| อุทยานแห่งชาติอ่าวพังงา}}), located in the [[Phang Nga Province]] of the [[Southern Thailand]], encompasses parts of [[Mueang Phang Nga District]] and [[Takua Thung District]].<ref name="park">{{cite web | url = http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=197&lg=2 | title = Ao Phang-nga National Park | work = National Park website | access-date = 24 November 2014 | 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}}</ref> The park is predominantly maritime, featuring a section of the [[Strait of Malacca]] dotted with numerous limestone [[tower karst]] islands.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.picturesfromhistory.com/gallery/CPA0011001-0011500/image/53/Thailand_Ko_Khao_Phing_Kan_James_Bond_Island_Ao_Phang_Nga_Phangnga_Bay_National_Park_Phang_Nga_Province|title=Thailand: Ko Khao Phing Kan (James Bond Island), Ao Phang Nga (Phangnga Bay) National Park, Phang Nga Province|work=Pictures from History|access-date=24 November 2014}}</ref> Among these islands, [[Khao Phing Kan]] stands out as particularly well-known, having gained the nickname "James Bond Island" due to its use as a filming location for the [[James Bond]] film [[The Man with the Golden Gun (film)|''The Man with the Golden Gun'']].

The park's landscape is characterized by its islands, which have steep, sheer sides. This topography has contributed to the area becoming a sought-after tourist destination.<ref name="tourism">{{Cite web |url=http://www.dnp.go.th/NPRD/develop/Stat_Tourist.php |title=Tourism Statistic |access-date=2012-08-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116131534/http://www.dnp.go.th/nprd/develop/stat_tourist.php |archive-date=2013-01-16 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:Ao Phang Nga National Park.jpg | thumb|right | View of the bay from Sametnangshe.]]

In addition to its geological features, Ao Phang Nga National Park is significant for its environmental conservation efforts. It is recognized for protecting the largest expanse of native mangrove forest remaining in Thailand.<ref name="park" />

[[File:Sunset from above Phang-nga.jpg|thumb|left|Rivers and mangrove forest at sunset]]

==History==
Ao Phang Nga National Park was established by a royal decree, as documented in the ''Royal Gazette'' under proclamation number 98, section 64, dated 29 April 1981. The park spans an area of approximately 250,000 rai, equivalent to around {{convert|400|km2}}.<ref name="AREA NP">{{cite web |url=https://catalog.dnp.go.th/dataset/areaofnp/resource/3b372140-f2bf-4811-8819-bb8a8b1a100a |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307093813/https://catalog.dnp.go.th/dataset/areaofnp/resource/3b372140-f2bf-4811-8819-bb8a8b1a100a |archive-date=7 March 2023 |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 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Environment==
In response to the environmental impacts of mass tourism, [[Fodor's]] Travel included Ao Phang Nga National Park in their "No List" for 2018. This inclusion was part of a recommendation for tourists to temporarily avoid visiting the park. The intent behind this recommendation was to facilitate environmental recovery and mitigate the effects of over-tourism, which was described as "loving the park to death".<ref>{{cite web|title=Fodor's No List 2018|url=https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/fodors-no-list-2018|website=Fodor's Travel|access-date=31 December 2017|date=2017-11-15}}</ref>

==Geology==
The mountain range within the region, according to geological studies, is believed to have originated in the period spanning from the [[Cretaceous]] to the early [[Tertiary period|Tertiary]], approximately 136 to 36 million years ago. This formation is attributed to structural geological features, notably faults, including the "Khlong Marui fault" and "Phang Nga fault". The region also exhibits a combination of sedimentary and metamorphic rock formations, particularly evident in the limestone mountains. Over time, these geological changes have led to the formation of numerous caves and holes in the natural landscape.

In 1987, archaeological research at Khao Tao within the Phang Nga Bay National Park uncovered prehistoric human burial sites, providing evidence of early human habitation in the area. Further studies, including the examination of shell fossils in caves and on islands within Phang Nga Bay, indicate significant fluctuations in sea levels. During the [[Pleistocene]] and early [[Holocene]] epochs, around 11,000 years ago, sea levels were considerably lower due to the [[Last Glacial Period|Ice Age]]. The current islands, mostly upland rocky mountains at that time, witnessed a gradual rise in sea level around 7,500 to 8,500 years ago, reaching approximately 4.5 meters above the present level. Subsequent fluctuations occurred, with sea levels rising and falling interchangeably around 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. Approximately 2,700 to 3,700 years ago, the sea level stabilized but remained 1.5 to 2.5 meters higher than today. Around 1,500 years ago, the sea level was about 1.5 meters higher than current levels.

==Flora and fauna==
Ao Phang-nga National Park is home to one of Thailand's largest and most well-preserved mangrove forests.<ref name="ParksBook">{{Cite book|isbn=9742860874|date=2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523024617/http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/e-book/book/np_th_en.pdf|url-status=dead|url=http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/e-book/book/np_th_en.pdf|archive-date=2013-05-23|access-date=2021-02-17|website=dnp.go.th|title=National Parks in Thailand}}</ref> This ecosystem plays a crucial role in the coastal environment, serving as a natural barrier against storms and as a vital breeding ground for various marine species.

The mangrove forest in Ao Phang-nga is characterized by a diverse range of plant species. Notable among these are ''[[Rhizophora apiculata]]'', ''[[Rhizophora mucronata]]'', ''[[Avicennia alba]]'', ''[[Avicennia officinalis]]'', ''[[Bruguiera cylindrica]]'', ''[[Bruguiera parviflora]]'', and the cannonball trees ''[[Xylocarpus granatum]]'' and ''[[Xylocarpus moluccensis]]''. Beyond the mangroves, the park's islands support tropical rainforests with species such as ''[[Hopea ferrea]]'', the pea plant ''[[Parkia timoriana]]'', and ''[[Senegalia catechu|Acacia catechu]]'', the mulberry tree ''[[Artocarpus lacucha]]'', the Clusia tree ''[[Garcinia cowa]]'' and ''[[Morinda coreia]]'', and on more calcareous soil ''[[Leucocasia gigantea]]'', ''[[Pandanus monotheca]]'', and ''[[Cycas ingas]]''.

A 1991 inventory of the park's wildlife identified 206 species, including 17 mammal species, 88 bird species, 18 reptile species, 3 amphibian species, 24 fish species, and 45 other marine animals. Notably, the [[lar gibbon]] and [[serow]] once found in the area, are now extinct in the region.

Among the endangered mammal species in Ao Phang-nga are the [[smooth-coated otter]], [[Colobinae|leaf monkeys]], smoky leaf monkeys, and the [[crab-eating macaque]].<ref name="ParksBook" /> Birdlife in the park includes the [[brahminy kite]], [[Pacific reef heron]], [[white-bellied sea eagle]], various species of kingfishers, the [[Asian dowitcher]], and the [[edible-nest swiftlet]].

Reptiles and amphibians, such as [[Boiga dendrophila|mangroves snakes]], [[rhacophoridae]] frogs, and saltwater frogs, are also present in this diverse habitat.<ref name="ParksBook" />

==Location==
{|role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|'''Ao Phang Nga National Park in overview PARO 5 (Nakhon Si Thammarat)'''
| 
|-
|[[File:MAP of PARO 5 Northwest (Nakhon Si Thammarat) EN.svg|thumb|900px|{{resize|150%|'''    1) Ao Phang Nga National Park in overview PARO 5'''}}]]
{| class= "wikitable" style= "width:30%; display:inline-table;"
|-
| style="width:3%; background:#00FF00;"| 
| style="width:27%;"|'''National park'''
|-
|  1 ||Ao Phang Nga
|-
|  2 ||[[Hat Chao Mai National Park|Hat Chao Mai]]
|-
|  3 ||[[Hat Khanom–Mu Ko Thale Tai National Park|Hat Khanom-Mu Ko Thale Tai]]
|-
|  4 ||[[Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park|Hat Noppharat Thara–<br>Mu Ko Phi Phi]]
|-
|  5 ||[[Khao Lak–Lam Ru National Park|Khao Lak–Lam Ru]]
|-
|  6 ||[[Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park|Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang]]
|-
|  7 ||[[Khao Luang National Park|Khao Luang]]
|-
|  8 ||[[Khao Nan National Park|Khao Nan]]
|-
|  9 ||[[Khao Phanom Bencha National Park|Khao Phanom Bencha]]
|-
|10 ||[[Mu Ko Lanta National Park|Mu Ko Lanta]]
|-
|11 ||[[Mu Ko Phetra National Park|Mu Ko Phetra]]
|-
|12 ||[[Mu Ko Similan National Park|Mu Ko Similan]]
|-
|13 ||[[Mu Ko Surin National Park|Mu Ko Surin]]
|-
|14 ||[[Namtok Si Khit National Park|Namtok Si Khit]]
|-
|15 ||[[Namtok Yong National Park|Namtok Yong]]
|-
|16 ||[[Si Phang Nga National Park|Si Phang Nga]]
|-
|17 ||[[Sirinat National Park|Sirinat]]
|-
|18 ||[[Tarutao National Park|Tarutao]]
|-
|19 ||[[Thale Ban National Park|Thale Ban]]
|-
|20 ||[[Than Bok Khorani National Park|Than Bok Khorani]]
|-
|}
{| class= "wikitable" style= "width:30%; display:inline-table;"
|-
| style="width=3%; background:#FFA400;"| 
| style="width=27%;"|'''Wildlife sanctuary'''
|-
|21 ||[[Kathun Wildlife Sanctuary|Kathun]]
|-
|22 ||[[Khao Pra–Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary|Khao Pra–Bang Khram]]
|-
|23 ||[[Khlong Phraya Wildlife Sanctuary|Khlong Phraya]]
|-
|24 ||[[Namtok Song Phraek Wildlife Sanctuary|Namtok Song Phraek]]
|-
|}
{| class= "wikitable" style= "width:30%; display:inline-table;"
|-
| style="width:3%; background:#FDE910;"| 
| style="width:27%;"|'''Non-hunting area'''
|-
|25 ||Bo Lo
|-
|26 ||Khao Nam Phrai
|-
|27 ||Khao Phra Thaeo
|-
|28 ||Khao Pra–Bang Khram
|-
|29 ||Khlong Lam Chan
|-
|30 ||Laem Talumpuk
|-
|31 ||[[Ko Libong]]
|-
|32 ||Nong Plak Phraya–<br>Khao Raya Bangsa
|-
|33 ||Thung Thale
|-
| || 
|-
| style="width:3%; background:#C65900;"| 
| style="width:27%;"|'''Forest park'''
|-
|34 ||Bo Namrong Kantang
|-
|35 ||Namtok Phan
|-
|36 ||Namtok Raman
|-
|37 ||Namtok Thara Sawan
|-
|38 ||Sa Nang Manora
|}
|}
{{clear}}

==See also==
*[[List of national parks of Thailand]]
*[[List of Protected Areas Regional Offices of Thailand]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Ao Phang Nga National Park}}
*{{Wikivoyage inline|Ao Phang Nga National Park}}
{{National and forest parks in Thailand}}
{{ASEAN Heritage Parks}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:National parks of Thailand]]
[[Category:Protected areas established in 1981]]
[[Category:Geography of Phang Nga province]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Phang Nga province]]
[[Category:1981 establishments in Thailand]]
[[Category:ASEAN heritage parks]]
[[Category:Marine protected areas of Thailand]]
[[Category:Ramsar sites in Thailand]]

Ao Phang Nga National Park - Revision history

imported>Mitch Ames: /* See also */ rm entry with no link