Koh Phra Thong Island - Phang Nga Province
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Nominated and on the list as one of Thailand’s next National Parks is Koh Phra Thong, a unique island in the Andaman sea and we recommend you get out there and see it with your own eyes….Enjoy.
Phra Thong Island is situated in the Province of Phang Nga close to the Island of Koh Cor Khao and Koh Ra. The Mu Ko Ra-Ko Phra Thong area (2 main islands) covers and area of 642 square kilometers. Of this 296.2 sq/km are water and 329.7 sq/km land.
The habitat and geography of Koh Phra Thong (meaning golden Buddha island) is actually one of the most unique in Thailand, coastal sands and dunes give rise to open savanna and scrub (impossible to find elsewhere in Thailand) and are home to many interesting species such as wild dear, macaques, wild boar and the Wreathed Hornbill. The island is also home for the now rare Lesser Adjutant Stork, found only here and one other place in the south of Thailand, toward the Malaysian boarder. Feeding on small fish, frogs, reptiles, rodents and even carrion it finds in the coastal and fresh waters of the area, this 110 cm tall bird has a wingspan of over 2 meters! Thai TV crews and photographers have even traveled to this area on the off chance they will be able to snap this huge beautiful bird. 
In the waters off the coast Dugong can be found and it is one of the last strong holds for this species as the area has a lot of wild sea grass and is relatively undisturbed. The Dugong is particularly susceptible to pollution (sea grass plains - the dugongs only food source - are depleted by pollution) and also high levels of boat traffic as they are slow swimmers and often collide with passing fishing vessels.
To the north of Koh Phra Thong is Koh Ra. This Island is covered in rainforest and is important as it was most probably the reason for the name of the nearby town Kuraburi (located on the mainland). Kuraburi can be separated into Kura and buri. Buri is the Thai word for town and Kura most probably derived from the island Koh Ra. Koh Ra was once famed for its leafy plant, locally known as Ra which was at one time traded in the Kuraburi town area. The Ra plant is similar to caffeine in that it has stimulant properties and was a favorite of merchants and traders traveling down the province of Phang Nga from the Burma boarder on their way to trade with the nearby town of Takuapa. This town was once a vast merchant town and port trading goods with India and the Far East and also well worth a stop. 
How to get there?
To reach Phra Thong Island, you have to travel past the towns of Takuapa and Kuraburi toward Ranong on route 4 north of Khao Lak (1-1.5 hours). After Kuraburi there will be signs for Nang Yon Pier on your left. This is also one of the main piers departing for the Similan Islands in the Andaman sea (a top 10 world class dive site and home to many nesting sea turtles). Responsible travel tour companies do operate in this area but from the pier it is also possible to arrange the services of one of the local longtail boat operators. They will be able to quote you for a 1 day or half day trip to the islands and surrounding area. Maps are posted at the pier and it is usually easy enough to negotiate exactly where you want to go and what you want to see. Walks and rides through the savannah grasslands of Phra Thong Island’s interior are a great way to see this unique habitat. You can arrange this with the long tail boat captain before departing from the pier. The locals are experts of the area and with the help of your pocket phrase book will be able to divulge a wealth of information. Remember, smile, be patient, and enjoy the interaction you will have with these amazing fishing folk!
