Bang Niang

Overview

Bang Niang (บางเนียง) is a beach village on the Khao Lak strip in Phang Nga province, about 2 km north of Nang Thong. It has three parts: resorts, restaurants and shops along the side roads to the sea, a long beach at the end of them, and the memorial park around Police Boat 813 on Phet Kasem Road (Highway 4). Four evenings a week the Bang Niang Market sets up opposite the boat, which makes the village the liveliest part of the strip after dark.

Things to Do

Police Boat 813 was a Royal Thai Marine Police patrol boat anchored offshore on 26 December 2004. The tsunami carried it about 2 km inland, and it was left where it came to rest. The park around the hull also holds the Tsunami Memorial Sculpture. Entry is free, and the park is commonly listed as open about 08:30-18:00.

Bang Niang Market runs on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from about 14:00 to 22:00, according to the market’s own site. Clothes, souvenirs and fruit fill the front rows, with street kitchens grilling and frying at the back. It is hot and half set up in the early afternoon, so arrive after 17:00. The stalls take cash only.

Bang Niang Beach is a long, open stretch of sand, and you can walk south along it to Nang Thong Beach in under half an hour. Swimming is best from November to April. In the May-October monsoon the swell builds and some days are unsafe, so check the beach flags before going in.

For a longer coast day, scooter north to Cape Pakarang, or 30 km further to the Sunday walking street in Takua Pa old town. Similan Islands dive and snorkel trips pick up from hotels across this corridor while the national park is open; it closes through the monsoon, roughly mid-May to mid-October.

Where to Stay

Beachfront and near-beach resorts sit between the highway and the sand, while cheaper guesthouses and small hotels line the roads on the inland side. Bang Niang shares its booking pool with the rest of Khao Lak, so compare the two together. The top end is covered in our guide to luxury resorts in Khao Lak. Nights are quiet next to Phuket’s party strips, and most guests are families and returning European visitors.

Getting There

Phuket International Airport is the usual gateway, roughly 1.5 hours’ drive north on Highway 4, longer in traffic. A hotel transfer or airport taxi is the simplest option. Along the strip, songthaews (shared pickup taxis), taxis and rented scooters link Nang Thong, Bang Niang and Khuk Khak. The memorial park entrance is beside the highway: look for the “813” sign before the Bang Niang traffic lights.

Best Time to Visit

November to April gives the calmest sea and the Similan season. May to October brings lower rates and rougher water; the memorial park and the market work as all-weather stops between showers.

Practical Tips

ATMs and 7-Elevens sit on or near the highway, which matters on market days. Bring a hat and water for the 813 park, as much of it is unshaded. English is widely spoken in hotels, while market vendors prefer cash in small notes.

Insider Tip: On a market day, visit the 813 park around 16:00, when the sun is lower over the open ground, then cross the road as the food stalls get going after 17:00.