Ao Phang Nga National Park

Ao Phang Nga Overview

Ao Phang Nga National Park, or อ่าวพังงา in Thai, is a stunning marine national park located in southern Thailand’s Phang Nga Province. Spanning approximately 154 square miles (400 square kilometers), the park is an iconic destination famed for its dramatic limestone karsts and emerald-green waters. Established in 1981, the park encompasses coastal mangroves, lush islands, and unique geological formations, offering a rich and diverse environment for exploration and conservation.

The terrain of Ao Phang Nga National Park is its most remarkable feature. It is characterized by towering limestone cliffs and islands rising steeply from the water, creating a surreal and captivating seascape. Among its many islands, Ko Tapu, famously known as “James Bond Island,” is a prominent attraction, recognized for its role in the 1974 movie The Man with the Golden Gun. The park also includes vast stretches of mangrove forests, an essential ecosystem that stabilizes coastlines and supports marine life. Caves, grottoes, and lagoons, such as the enchanting Tham Lot, add to the park’s allure, offering breathtaking experiences for visitors exploring by kayak or boat.

Wildlife thrives in Ao Phang Nga National Park, both above and below the water. The mangroves and coastal forests shelter a variety of bird species, including kingfishers, herons, and Brahminy kites. Mammals such as long-tailed macaques and fishing cats inhabit the region, while reptiles, including monitor lizards, are also frequently seen. Beneath the waters, vibrant marine life flourishes, including coral reefs, sea turtles, and schools of tropical fish, contributing to the park’s importance as a marine biodiversity hotspot.

Ao Phang Nga National Park is celebrated for its natural beauty and iconic features that attract visitors worldwide. Popular activities include boat tours that wind through its maze of islands and sea caves, allowing visitors to marvel at the towering limestone cliffs and tranquil lagoons. Kayaking is another favorite activity, offering a more intimate experience of the park’s hidden caves and secluded beaches. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts are drawn to the park’s underwater wonders, while nature lovers can enjoy birdwatching and exploring the mangroves.

The park faces conservation challenges, including the impact of tourism and coastal development. Efforts to protect the fragile ecosystems include limiting visitor access to sensitive areas, educating tourists about sustainable practices, and conducting mangrove restoration projects. These measures have contributed to preserving the park’s unique landscapes and biodiversity. Ao Phang Nga is a testament to Thailand’s commitment to conserving its natural heritage while allowing people to appreciate its extraordinary beauty.

Park Map

Ao Phang Nga National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Ao Phang Nga National Park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of species that thrive in its mangroves, forests, and coastal areas.

Oriental Pied Hornbill
With its striking black-and-white plumage and large casque, the Oriental pied hornbill is a common sight in the park’s forests. They are known for their loud calls and frugivorous diet.

Great Egret
This elegant white bird is frequently seen wading in the park’s wetlands and shallow waters. Great egrets feed on fish and other small aquatic creatures.

Black-naped Tern
A sleek seabird with a distinct black line extending from its eyes, the black-naped tern is often spotted near the park’s coastal areas and islands.

Collared Kingfisher
The brightly colored collared kingfisher, with its turquoise blue and white feathers, can be found near mangroves and waterways as it hunts for fish and insects.

Brahminy Kite
This bird of prey, with its striking chestnut body and white head, is often seen soaring gracefully over the park. They are skilled hunters and scavengers.

Pacific Reef Heron
The Pacific reef heron comes in both light and dark morphs and is often seen near rocky shorelines and tidal zones, where it feeds on small fish and crustaceans.

Mangrove Pitta
A vibrantly colored bird, the mangrove pitta is known for its melodious calls and preference for mangrove forests. Its diet consists mainly of insects and small invertebrates.

Lesser Adjutant Stork
This large, long-legged stork is a rare but remarkable sight in the park’s wetlands. It feeds on fish, amphibians, and carrion.

White-bellied Sea Eagle
The majestic white-bellied sea eagle, with its distinctive white chest and gray wings, is often seen soaring above the coastline in search of fish.

Ashy Drongo
A slender bird with a glossy blackish-gray appearance, the ashy drongo is known for its acrobatic flight and sharp calls. It can be found in both forests and open areas of the park.