Phang Nga Province

Infobox Thai Province
name = Phang Nga
thai = พังงา
capital = Phang Nga
area = 4,170.0
arearank = 53rd
population = 234,188
population_as_of = 2000
populationrank = 71st
density = 56
densityrank = 69th
isocode = TH-82
governor = Wichai Phraisa-ngop
governor_since = October 2007
map

Phang Nga ( _th. พังงา) is one of the southern provinces ("changwat") of Thailand, 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.

Geography

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 1974 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 located 788 kilometres from Bangkok and covers an area of 4,170 square kilometres.

History

Phang-nga was originally inhabited by small communities and named Kraphu-nga. During the reign of King Rama II, nearby areas (including Thalung, now known as Phuket) were occupied by the Burmese and so many people fled to Kraphu-nga. In 1824, Siamese troops defeated the Burmese and the invaders were expelled. King Rama III renamed the area Phang-nga and in 1933 the town was expanded to be a province.

On the fateful morning of December 26, 2004 Phang-nga Bay was devastated by a Tsunami disaster and thousands of people lost their lives.

ymbols

The provincial slogan is "Massive mining industry, Ban Klang Nam “floating house” delightful caves, strangely-shaped hills, Jampun flower, rich in resources".

Administrative divisions

Phang Nga is subdivided into 8 districts ("Amphoe"), which are further subdivided into 48 communes ("tambon") and 314 villages ("muban").

Transportation

Roads
*Highway No. 4 is the main route that connects all districts in Phang-Nga (except Kapong and Koh Yao).
*Highway No. 401 connects Phang-Nga to Surat Thani.
*Highway No. 402 connects Phang-Nga to Phuket Province.
*Highway No. 4090 connects Muang to Kapong district.

Rail systemsThere is no rail system in Phang-Nga Province. The nearest railway station is at Phunphin district, Nakhorn Sithammarat.

Bus There are both non air-conditioned and air-conditioned buses to Bangkok and other provinces. There are also non air-condition inter-provincial buses.

Songthaew (public passenger pick-up vehicle)The public passenger pick-up vehicle is the most popular mode of public transportation in Phang-nga.

Motorbike-taxiThese are found mainly in the town areas and are used mainly for very short distances. The charges differ according to the distance travelled through the Motorbike-taxi.

AirportThere is no airport in Phang-Nga Province. The nearest airport is Phuket International Airport.

Tourism

Situated on the Andaman Sea, Phang-nga province is famed for its natural beauty in terms of sea, beaches, islands, mountains and forests.

In other words, it is a seaside province by the Andaman Sea with scenic views of forests and islands. The province offers a nice natural beauty both onshore and underwater.

Phang-nga’s popularity has not been jolted by the Tsunami disaster of 2004 and the tourists are coming back in droves, just like before.

Sights / Attractions

*Phang-nga Bay or Ao Phang-nga National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติอ่าวพังงา) was declared a national park in1981. It has scenic views because of a mass of limestone formations scattered around in the sea near the shore. Also, as a result of natural changes; caves and rock formations have been formed. The park is also fertile with mangroves. There area a multitude of beautiful islands in the vicinity.

*Mu Ko Similan National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติหมู่เกาะสิมิลัน) was declared a national park in1982. Similan is a small group of islands comprising nine islands stretching from north to south and is highly praised for its beautiful scenery, both onshore and underwater.

*Mu Ko Surin National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติหมู่เกาะสุรินทร์) is an archipelago of 5 islands: Ko Surin Nuea, Ko Surin Tai, Ko Ri, Ko Khai, and Ko Klang. It was declared a national park on July 9, 1981. The archipelago is located in the Andaman Sea, near the Thai-Burmese sea border, to the west coast of Thailand. There are coral reefs and the area is suitable for snorkelling.

*Ko Phra Thong (เกาะพระทอง), located in Tambon Phra Thong. It is a large island northwest of Phang-nga. The island has many beaches. There is a large fresh water reservoir on the island.

*Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาหลัก-ลำรู่) was declared a national park in August 1991. The park occupies a vast area of 150 square kilometers and covers Amphoe Thai Mueang, Amphoe Kapong, Amphoe Takua Pa, and Amphoe Mueang.

The interesting attractions are: Khao Lak (เขาหลัก), which has the Chao Pho Khao Lak Shrine, Laem Pakarang (แหลมปะการัง) which has groves of pine, making it good for camping and relaxation and Namtok Ton Chong Fa (น้ำตกโตนช่องฟ้า) or Ton Chong Fa Waterfall.

*Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาลำปี-หาดท้ายเหมือง) The park occupies an area of 45,000 rais (18,000 acres). It was declared a national park on April 14, 1988. Interesting attractions in the park include:

*Namtok Lampi (น้ำตกลำปี) is a 6-tiered waterfall that runs all year round, Namtok Ton Phrai (น้ำตกโตนไพร) is a huge waterfall that runs all year round and Hat Thai Mueang (หาดท้ายเหมือง) being a long beach where “Sea Turtle Festival” is held annually.

*Wat Suwannakhuha (วัดสุวรรณคูหา), located in Tambon Krasom, is the most interesting temple in Phang-nga since it is of historical and archaeological importance. Within the boundary of the temple is a mountain with numerous caves out of which one is also used as a temple and houses various manners of Buddha images. There are also Royal Monograms inscriptions on the walls of the cave.

*Ko Yao (เกาะยาว) covers an area of 137 square kilometres. The majority of the population are Muslim. The island is made up of 2 large islands: Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai.

*Hat Khao Lak (ชายทะเลเขาหลัก), 32 kilometres from Takua Pa, it has an advantage of a scenic, long beach of Andaman Sea and the green mountain of Khao Lak-Lamru National Park parallel to the coast. The accommodation of Takua Pa along Khao Lak and Bang Sak Beach is built in the original southern architecture style.

*Wat Rat Uppatham or Wat Bang Riang (วัดราษฎร์อุปถัมภ์ หรือ วัดบางเหรียง), located in Tambon Bang Riang, the temple, situated on Khao Lan hill, contains several structures including an elaborate bell-shaped pagoda called Chedi Phutthathambanlue. The hilltop pagoda overlooks surrounding undulating mountains and hills as well as a huge Buddha image and a Guan-yin Chinese Goddess statue.

Activities

Elephant Cave Trekking

Elephant cave tours are usually made to Tham Phung Chang which is a cave with numerous stalactites and stalagmites.

Rafting

Rafting is considered to be an eco-tourism trip in the Ton Pariwat Wildlife Conservation Area.

Rock Climbing

This is a popular activity which passes through the routes including high quality limestone, steep, pocketed walls, overhangs and hanging stalactites.

Kayaking

Phang-ngas coastline which composes of mangroves, limestone, small coves, caves and islands, and an interior with rivers lined with fascinating cave systems, has transformed the area into a haven for tourists wanting to try out kayaking. The most popular place of all is Khao Lak.

Bird Watching

Many rare birds are to be seen in Phang-nga such as: Gurneys, Finfoots, Bigwinged Brown Kingfishers, Egrets, and Herons.

Sailing & Cruising

Phang-nga has plenty of anchorages in Phan-nga for sailing and cruising.

Fishing

Fishers catch the likes of marlin, sailfish barracuda and tuna.

Jungle Trekking

Phang-nga’s forests and flora and fauna are good for trekking. Elephant riding is also popular.

Sea canoeing:Inflatable canoes squeeze into and under island.

Bamboo Rafting:This is a popular activity at Along Lamroo Canal at Khao Lak National Park

Golf

Over the past decade or so, the popularity of golf in Thailand has escalated; played both by local Thais and visiting foreign tourists and expatriates. There are two 18-hole golf courses in Phang-nga. There are two major golf courses in Khao Lak, which includes Tablamu Navy Golf Course and Thai Muang Beach Golf & Marina.

Spa

Proper world-class spa services in Phang-Nga are located in hotels and resorts. Since a lot of these spas are accredited by the Thai Spa Operators Association, then the therapists have been properly trained.

Diving The Similan Islands have one of Thailand’s most famous diving sites which lay claim to having one of the best diving sites in Asia. The Similans consist of 9 islands (Similan means 9 in Malay language) Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang (two adjoining islands), Ko Payan, Ko Payang, and Ko Huyong. The islands are famed for their reefs, coral and variety of marine life. Tourists like to spot chevron barracuda, giant trevally, manta rays, leopard sharks and rainbow runners.

*Surin Islands The Surin Islands are virtually untouched with reefs that slope to the seabed. The islands are situated 80km west off Ranong province along the west cost of Thailand.Located near the Surin islands is the horseshoe shaped Richelieu Rock which is considered by hoards of divers to be the best dive site in the whole of Thailand.

*Khao Lak Khao Lak Marine National Park a palm fringed coastline with newly discovered reefs. The area is home to a plentitude of marine life and even a couple of wrecks.

Local Products

Created by the local Farmer’s Housewives Organization, artificial flowers made from rubber and fish scales are souvenirs symbolic of Phang-nga province.

Nightlife

Scattered around the beach and bay areas are several clusters of beer bars and live music venues. There are also hotel bars. Generally speaking however, the nightlife in Pha-nga is comparatively much more laid-back that of Krabi’s.

Local Culture

Lifestyle

Phang-nga is a melting pot of Buddhists, Thai-Chinese, Muslims and even sea gypsies. The majority of the population in the rural areas is Muslim. Phang-nga however, does not suffer from any religious tension and the folk live in peace and harmony. Outside of the provincial town, the rural folk speak with a thick Southern dialect which is difficult for even other Thais to understand.

With this kind of mixture, Phang-nga is always celebrating something be it part of Thai Buddhist, Thai-Chinese or Thai-Islamic tradition. Situated on the small island of Ko Surin is a community of Morgan Sea Gypsies who still live their traditional life as sea-faring people. These sea gypsies speak Yawi dialect and are more very friendly. However, just like the long-necked Karen in Mae Hong Son, some folk complain that their village resembles a bit like a human zoo with hoards of tourists walking around gawking at the villagers.

Cultural Activities

*Manora or Nora (มโนราห์หรือโนรา) is an art form native to southern Thailand. The performance has graceful and beautiful dance postures. The singer will sing the lyrics ad-lib. Therefore, he or she would have to be a quick thinker to find words that rhyme and that are meaningful in lyrics, dance and costume. Accompanying musical instruments include drums, cymbals, gongs, Java pipes, and castanets. Nowadays Nora has developed into incorporating modern instruments.

*Shadow Play (หนังตะลุง) is a popular art of southern Thailand. Dried animal hide is carved into drama figures like a hermit, a lord, a lead actor, a lead actress, a giant, and a clown. The figures are held up behind a lighted screen to create shadows on it. Nai Nang or the puppeteer will sing verses or narrate the performance. He must have exceptional reflexes and be able to narrate the whole story by himself. Musical instruments used are the same as for Nora, with perhaps So U and So Duang (stringed instruments) added in.

*Li-ke Pa (ลิเกป่า) is also called Li-ke Bok or Li-ke Rammana. This type of performance is different from the usual Li-ke as the performers wear other kinds of costumes. Li-ke Pa is popular among Thai Muslims. Only 3 performers play in a single set the whole show. However, the set will have a location name change to correspond to the story being played. Musical instruments used include 2-3 tambourines, cymbals, gongs, and pipes.

Festivals / Events

*Water Melon Day (งานวันแตงโม) is organized every year. There is plenty of watermelon on offer and a food and beauty contest.

*Free The Turtles Fair (ประเพณีปล่อยเต่า) is annually atThai Muang Beach. The celebration takes place for 7 days. During the festival baby turtles raised by the Fisheries Department are released into the sea at Thai Mueang Beach.

*Songkran Festival (งานประเพณีสงกรานต์) There are a merit making ceremonies, a water-pouring ceremony to pay respect to monks and elderly people, and many shows performed by local students.

*The Ma Jor Poh Statue Procession (งานแห่เทพเจ้าศาลเจ้าแม่ม่าจ้อโป๋) It's a yearly ceremony. The statue of Ma Jor Poh is carried on an ancient Chinese carriage around the town along with the weapons of various sacred spirits from the Chinese temple with traditional music played on Chinese musical instruments.

*The Chao Ley (sea gypsy) Boat Floating Festival(งานประเพณีลอยเรือ) It's a ceremony to celebrate the ancestor's spirits (Nia An Lo Pong). Morgan sea gypsies of all kinds join in this ceremony. The ceremony includes spirit dwelling, ancestor worshipping, fortune telling, music performances, dances, and "Kabang" floating which is believed to take away all sickness and bad luck from their families and community.

*The worshipping ceremony of Narayana and his followers (งานบวงสรวงเทวรูปพระนารายณ์และบริวาร) There are also various shops, several forms of entertainment, and activities performed by students.

*Vegetarian Festival (ประเพณีถือศีลกินผัก) The Phang-Nga Vegetarian Festival: Similar to the well-known Vegetarian Festival in Phuket and Trang, this festival is held from the first through the ninth nights of the ninth Chinese lunar month.

*Amazing Phang-Nga Festival: High Season Opening in Phang Nga (งานเปิดโลกมหัศจรรย์แดนสวรรค์เมืองพังงา) There is an opening and special events ceremony Khao Lak Center. The ceremony features entertainment, cultural shows, an exhibition of tourist attractions, water sports and local sport competitions, local products shops, and enjoy vast variety of sea food from many resort in Khao Lak.

*Free The Turtles Fair (ประเพณีปล่อยเต่า) During the festival baby turtles raised by the Fisheries Department are released into the sea at Thai Mueang Beach.

Local Food

In general, Southern Thai food is renowned for its spiciness. Much of the cuisine has its origins in Malay, Indonesian and Indian food. Favourite dishes from the south include Indian-style Muslim curry (massaman), rice noodles in fish curry sauce (Khanom Jeen) and chicken birayani.

Phang-nga’s Panyi Island is famous for its Shrimp Paste and Takuapa for its Chinese-style baked cakes.

Medical Health Care

The main medical facility available at Phang-nga is General Hospital. Whereas, in case of severe conditions of patients or international standards, people normally go to nearby Phuket. For nothing too serious there are plenty of clinics and pharmacies.

Retirement

There are a great number of retirees in Pha-nga and the amount is growing rapidly. One of their favourite spots is Khao Lak.

There are some other retirees though, who reside in extremely quiet locations away from the tourist scene as the cost of living off the beaten track is far cheaper.

Media / Contact

Local television, satellite TV channels are available. English language newspapers and magazines are available in some bookstores.

Landline telephone, satellite phone and all mobile phone systems are available at Phang-nga town and village areas. Internet can be had in hotels, resorts and internet cafés. There are Post Offices in every district.

External links

* [http://www.phangnga.go.th Website of province administration]
* [http://www.tourismthailand.org/destinationguide/list.aspx?provinceid=65 Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand]
* [http://www.thailex.info/THAILEX/THAILEXENG/LEXICON/Copy%20of%20Phang%20Nga.htm Phang Nga provincial map, coat of arms and postal stamp]