How Do You Get to Phang Nga by Car from Phuket?
From Phuket you drive to Phang Nga over the Sarasin Bridge: 40–60 minutes to the bay piers from the north of the island and 1.5–2 hours from Patong, Rawai or Chalong. The MonkeyCar rental contract allows the trip with no approval needed. The bay itself, with its karsts and floating village, is seen from a boat while the car waits in the pier car park.
In short
- To the Phang Nga Bay piers via the Sarasin Bridge: 40–60 minutes from northern Phuket, 1.5–2 hours from Patong and the south.
- The MonkeyCar contract allows trips in Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi provinces, with no separate approval needed.
- The bay's karsts and the floating village of Koh Panyee are visible only from the water: the car gets you to the pier, then a 3–4 hour boat tour.
- Allow 10–12 hours for the whole trip with a tour.
Which road goes to Phang Nga?
There is one road: north across the island and over the Sarasin Bridge to the mainland, and Phang Nga province starts right after it. The main highways on the way are 4 and 402, with large PTT and Shell stations along them.
Leave early in the morning: the light is better for photos, and at weekends there can be traffic on the Sarasin Bridge. Check the tank before you go, as there are fewer stations on the mainland than on Phuket.
More: Car Catalogue. Next on this topic: Phuket to Krabi Distance by Car: 160–180 km.
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Car CatalogueHow long is the drive to Phang Nga from different parts of Phuket?
It depends on where you stay: the north of the island is close to the bridge, the south is furthest away. The times below assume no traffic; at the 8–9 and 17–19 rush hours, allow extra time. On the island itself, the hills make every drive slower than the distance suggests.
| From | To | Driving time |
|---|---|---|
| North: Mai Khao, Bang Tao | The bay piers | 40–60 minutes |
| Patong | The bay piers, about 95 km | 1.5–2 hours |
| South: Rawai, Chalong | The bay piers | 1.5–2 hours |
| Patong | Samet Nangshe viewpoint, about 70 km | About 1.5 hours |
- For sunrise at Samet Nangshe, people leave Patong at about 4 am
Do you need the rental company's approval for the trip?
No. The MonkeyCar rental contract allows driving in Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi provinces, and the insurance is valid there too. Going beyond these provinces is possible only by prior agreement, as set out in the rental terms.
The insurance applies if the driver is named on the contract and holds an IDP. The excess with the basic policy is ฿5,000, and full insurance on rentals from 7 days removes both the excess and the deposit. A manager can advise on the road or departure time on Telegram and WhatsApp; support is available around the clock.
Where do you park at the pier?
The main piers, Ao Phang Nga Pier and Surakul Pier, have organised parking, usually for a small fee. In high season and at weekends many tour buses arrive, and at the 8–9 am peak finding a space takes 10–15 minutes.
- The fee is small, so keep baht in small notes
- Busiest at 8–9 am in high season
- Allow 15 minutes to find a space
How do you see the bay and Koh Panyee village?
The bay's limestone karsts and the floating village of Koh Panyee are visible only from the water. The car gets you to the pier, and from there you need a boat tour, usually 3–4 hours. It is easier to book it in advance for the time you expect to reach the pier.
In the rainy season, May to October, tours are sometimes cancelled in a strong storm. Check the forecast and confirm with the tour operator before leaving the hotel, so you do not drive to the pier for nothing. Rain on the mainland is often short and local, and the bay is worth the trip on a cloudy day too.
What is there to see on the way?
On a clear day the Sarasin Bridge looks out over the strait between Phuket and the mainland. On the way you can stop at the Samet Nangshe viewpoint for a panorama of the whole bay, at its best at sunrise. The last stretch of road to it is unpaved, so a crossover with good ground clearance is more comfortable.
- Sarasin Bridge: views of the strait
- Samet Nangshe: a panorama of the bay, best at sunrise
- The last stretch to the viewpoint is unpaved
What should you take for the day?
Bring baht in small notes for parking and purchases on the way, plus water and sunscreen: on the pier and in the boat the sun is stronger because of the reflection off the water. Keep your original passport and driving documents with you, as police at mainland checkpoints check them at random.
- Baht in small notes
- Water and sunscreen
- Original passport, licence and IDP
Frequently asked questions
How long does a round trip to Phang Nga take?
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Are petrol stations on the way to Phang Nga open at night?
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Which car suits a trip to Phang Nga?
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Can I drive on from Phang Nga to Krabi?
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