How to spend a week in Phang Nga, Thailand

In August I traveled along the west coast of Thailand, from the island of Phuket to the tranquil province of Phang Nga. The region is famous for the impressive limestone karst formations that rise above Phang Nga Bay, but traveling off-season and off the beaten path allowed me to see it from a new angle. On Sarojin Thailand, beach hotel near the town of Khao Lak, monsoon rain released a cascade of tropical flower scents in the garden. As I watched the sun rise over the Andaman Sea the next morning, I found it hard to believe that this pristine coastline had become the site of a devastating tsunami in 2004.

The first stop on my itinerary, planned by the InsideAsia Tours team of experts, was the port city of Takua Pa. Chinese and Portuguese merchants who settled here in the 19th century. I visited a tailor working in traditional Thai and Malaysian prints, a new coffee shop in a renovated townhouse, and a vendor selling fried pastries from a wheeled cart.

Next I drove up to Khao Sok National Parkin the neighboring province of Surat Thani, where I spent two days hiking, exploring caves and looking for wildlife. At Cheow Larn Lake, riding a wooden longtail boat was an almost surreal experience: huge shards of limestone shrouded in mist and endless virgin jungle on all sides. At times I heard the noise of elephants roaming in the bushes and waited for a glimpse. Alas, none ever arrived. I slept over the water – resort villas 500Rai stretched along the pier above the lake.

My final destination was Six Senses Yao Noi, which takes its name from the small, quiet island in Phang Nga Bay on which it is located. When I wasn’t exploring the surrounding villages, I took part in some of the activities the resort offers, including a lesson with a former Muay Thai champion. In the evening I relaxed with cocktails at Hilltop, the restaurant at the highest point of the hotel, and took in the breathtaking views of the bay.

Grant Ekelund ([email protected]), an InsideAsia Tours specialist and A-List T+L member, can create a Thailand itinerary that includes Phang Nga and Surat Thani. From $900 per person per day.