Phang Nga Bay - The Pearl of the Andaman / By Andy Burrows

If you thought that the destinations in postcards depicting paradise could never be as magnificent in reality, then this is where you will realize your error, for Thailand's Andaman island region is as beautiful as anything you've ever seen in print. The hundreds of islands scattered across the region are largely free from human influence, permitting Mother Nature to perform her magic unhindered.

Inevitably, development has spoilt a few places, but has others have managed to retain their natural charm. Even at the overdeveloped sites, one of the overwhelming attractions for visitors is the ability to hop on a boat and in often less than an hour find themselves immersed in a spectacular untethered marine ecosystem.

Similan Islands - Thailand / Photo © Bruce Amos - Dreamstime.com

Located north of Phuket and west of Krabi is one destination that easily fits the bill. Home to some 67 islands and part of Phang Nga province, the 400km² that is Phang Nga Bay is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Spoiling is non-existent here and the bay enjoys a sense of the wilderness on account of its protected status as a part of the Ao Phang Nga National Park.

The beauty of Phang Nga is typified by scenes of turquoise sea waters punctuated with striking rock formations and lush green islands. The rock formations are karst structures borne out of the movements of fault lines over a period of several thousand years. These distinctive limestone menhirs have attracted rich vegetation, which in turn has encouraged various species of bird to make their homes here.

There are around 40 of these formations in the bay and some are large enough to feature networks of caves and grottos at their bases. It’s possible to enter such areas by kayak for the purpose of exploration, with sights of stalagmites and stalactites, birds and bats to be experienced.

Phang Nga Bay has little in the way of populated areas and the villages that do exist have evolved from settlements established long ago. Koh Phan Yee is home to a settlement of sea gypsies known as Chao Leh, who are the descendents of a small settlement that was established over two centuries ago. Chao Leh live in primitive houses built on bamboo stilts in the sea and are simple people for whom fishing is their main occupation (although tourism has now given them an added source of income).

The bay’s greatest claim to fame is not any aspect of its rich environment, but instead its connection to Hollywood, established back in 1974. The island known as Khao Phing Kan featured in the classic James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun, appearing in scenes depicting the evil Scaramanga’s island hideout.

The island displays zero in the way of genuine evidence of its part in the movie other than a tacky sign in English and Thai saying ‘James Bond Island’. Visitors still flock here to be photographed against the backdrop of the sea and the iconic karst menhir that is visible in the movie.

James Bond Island can be visited as part of one of the popular boat tours leaving from Phuket and Krabi which cover other notable destinations in the bay including Tham Lawt caves and the village at Koh Phan Yee, the latter being a popular lunch stop-off point with the locals providing the food and dining venue.

Other destinations in the Phang Nga province worth visiting include Khao Chang (Elephant Mountain), Phung Chang Cave, Reusi Sawan and Luk Seua Cave, Kao Ngum Cavern and Sa Nang Manora Park.

Phang Nga Bay does not offer the infrastructure to accommodate tourists for long periods. The village at Koh Phan Yee has some limited home-stay facilities, but most visitors are satisfied with a daytrip here. With development strictly off the cards, this stunning bay is not likely to change, which is certainly a good thing as far as preserving the area’s beauty and ecosystem goes.

Author Resource:-> Phang Nga Bay is paradise for Andy Burrows. The freelance photographer and writer often toured this wonderful area. Phang Nga Bay day tours, Thailand’s Andaman coast.

Article Source: Articles Beyond Better