Ao Phang Nga National Park | |
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IUCN category II (national park)
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Ao Phang Nga National Park
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Map of Thailand
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Location | Phang Nga Province, Thailand |
Nearest city | Amphoe Mueang Phang Nga |
Coordinates | 8°21′0″N 98°29′0″E / 8.35000°N 98.48333°ECoordinates: 8°21′0″N 98°29′0″E / 8.35000°N 98.48333°E |
Area | 400 km2 (150 sq mi) |
Established | 29 Apr 1981 |
Visitors | 175,562 (in 2011) |
Governing body | National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department |
Ao Phang Nga National Park (Thai: อุทยานแห่งชาติอ่าวพังงา) is in Phang Nga Province in southern Thailand. It was created by royal decree and announced in the Royal Gazette under proclamation number 98, section 64 of 29 April 1981.
It includes coastal sections of Mueang Phang Nga District and Takua Thung District. Most of the park consists of an area of the Andaman Sea studded with numerous limestone tower karst islands. The best known of these islands is Khao Phing Kan, popularly called "James Bond Island" because it was used as a location for the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun.
The dramatic appearance of the islands with their sheer sides has made the area a popular tourist attraction. The park also protects the largest area of native mangrove forest remaining in Thailand.