Culture & Local Life
With its rich cultural heritage and traditional villages, Natai Beach and the larger Phang Nga region offers unforgettable experiences for curious travellers. Be introduced to the diversity and beauty of Thai culture — visit the vibrant local markets and villages, historic temples and shrines, and join the locals in the traditional festivals.
Explore Tranquil Temples
Go on a temple run, with this stunning structure a must-see as part of your cultural itinerary. Dating to the 18th century, the serene Trimak Kasathit Temple is renowned for its exquisite architecture and tranquil atmosphere, and attracts seekers of both spiritual solace and cultural enrichment.
Trimak Kasathit Temple
9AM - 5PM
Surrounded by fir trees and in close proximity to Bo Dan Beach, Testhammanawa Temple (also known as Wat Tha Sai) is recognised for its tranquil location as its unique architecture. Its impeccably built teak wood structure pairs traditional Thai elements with intricate wood carvings and a Buddha statue carved from white jade that is influenced by Indian art.
Testhammanawa Temple
9AM - 5PM
This important and highly revered site in Phang Nga is an important temple complex comprising a series of connecting caves. The highlight of the Suwan Kuha Temple is the 15m-long golden reclining Buddha statue, along with a colourful collection of Thai Benjarong porcelain pieces, as well as various antiquities, religious artefacts and sculptures.
Wat Suwan Kuha
8M - 6PM
Visit Serene Shrines
Constructed at the turn of the 19th century, Leng San Keng Shrine is known as the house of myriad gods, with the deified priest Chow Sue Kong presiding as the chief deity. The ornate Chinese-influenced architecture makes this shrine a must-see, especially during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival (also known as the Vegetarian Festival) in October, where devotees practise a meat-free diet.
Leng San Keng Shrine
9AM - 5PM
Experience the Islander Lifestyle
The Takua Pa Old Town offers a throwback to the past with its historic buildings and slower pace of life. Admire buildings with Sino-Portuguese influences, vibrant street art, and the unhurried lifestyle of the locals. On Sundays from November to May, the walking street in Takua Pa Old Town comes alive with a colourful array of stalls hawking local dishes and handmade pieces.
Takuapa Old Town
7AM - 1PM
9AM - 8PM
To visit: 6AM - 8PM | Walking Street Market 3PM - 8PM
This popular Sunday market perennially draws local traders as well as shoppers from nearby villages here to shop for fresh produce, traditional snacks and thirst-quenching drinks. Surrounded by the verdant foliage of the nearby palm plantation, visitors will love the popular and lively atmosphere here, while getting to mingle with the locals at the market.
Lard Long Lae
Take a walk around the fishing villages, which are home to local communities with an uncomplicated way of life. The southern Ban Sam Chong Tai village is located on the cliffside, while the northern Ban Sam Chong Nuea village is on an island, surrounded by the sea. Try local dishes prepared with the fresh catch of the day, shop for local handmade
Baan Sam Chong
This beautiful pier offers access to nearby islands, while being a spot to be at one with nature and admire the way of life of the local fishermen. Not to be missed is the locally-run seafood restaurant here, which offers Thai-style dishes prepared with fresh catch and homegrown ingredients.
Baan Hin Rom Pier
9AM - 8PM
This village provides another opportunity to meet the local fishing families, and take in the sights, smells and sounds of the local market. Here, the Nai Rai Fish Market hawk's daily catch by local fishermen, and learn more about their traditional fish-catching techniques and traps.
Baan Nai Rai
6AM - 11AM
11 mins drive