Your stay — Baan Tugar
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The Property — Baan Tugar
Baan Tugar is a modest three-star hotel just outside Phang Nga town, with a quiet, functional vibe. The lobby is small, tiled and air-conditioned, with a reception desk and a couple of plastic chairs; it feels more like a clean, no-frills base than a destination. The USP is its location near the limestone karst scenery of Ao Phang Nga National Park, making it a practical pick for budget travellers who plan to be out exploring all day. It suits independent backpackers or couples who need a decent bed and parking, not atmosphere.
Chronicles of Phang Nga
Phang Nga town was founded in the 19th century during the Rattanakosin period as a trading post on the Phang Nga River. Its architecture is a mix of Sino-Portuguese shophouses from the tin-mining boom and plain concrete blocks from the 1970s. The town escaped the mass tourism of Phuket, retaining a sleepy provincial character with a strong Muslim and Southern Thai cultural identity. Today it serves as the gateway to the national park and the iconic James Bond Island, with a market that sells local produce rather than souvenir trinkets.
Best Time to Visit
Full Phang Nga guide →Best months
December to February are the best months because the southwest monsoon has passed, humidity drops, and skies are mostly clear. This coincides with the cool season, making boat trips in the national park comfortable.
Peak / festival surge
December and January are peak months, driven by European winter holidays and New Year. Hotel prices at Baan Tugar roughly double from low-season rates of 600-800 THB to 1,400-1,800 THB. The Phang Nga Regatta (yacht race) and local New Year events in Phuket spill over into the area.
Budget shoulder season
March and April are the best shoulder months: weather is still decent, crowds thin after December, and room rates drop by 30-40%. Avoid the April Songkran water festival if you dislike crowds, but it’s not as intense here as in big cities.
Weather & packing
July is mid-monsoon: expect daily tropical downpours lasting an hour or two, often in the afternoon. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket and quick-dry sandals, as streets can flood briefly after heavy rain.
Live City Briefing — Phang Nga
- The new Phang Nga bypass road (Route 4090) opened in late 2025, cutting traffic through the town centre and shaving 15 minutes off the drive from Phuket airport.
- Ao Phang Nga National Park has capped daily boat trips to 500 for 2026, so book your longtail tour at least a day in advance to avoid disappointment.
- The town’s main night market on Soi 4 has moved to a permanent covered space near the old bus station, open Fridays to Sundays from 16:00.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Baan Tugar, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
request a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor facing the rear garden or pool area, away from the main road. these floors have less street noise and better ventilation.
Rooms to avoid
avoid the ground floor rooms, especially any facing the street. the entrance and service area can be noisy, and privacy is limited.
Best views
the best views are from rear-facing rooms on the 2nd or 3rd floor, overlooking the garden or pool. the front rooms face a busy road and offer little more than parked cars and passing traffic.
Quietest floors
floors 2 and 3 are quietest, as they sit above the ground-level bustle and below any rooftop equipment.
🔊 Noise notes
the hotel is on a main road in Phang Nga town, so street noise is persistent, especially during the day. mopeds, trucks, and local traffic start early. the restaurant and service areas generate clatter and voices at ground level until late evening.
Insider tips
1. if you drive, ask for a parking spot at the rear — it's quieter and closer to the garden entrance. 2. request a room on the 2nd floor opposite the lift to avoid foot traffic and lift motor noise.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Baan Tugar
Free for all guests; speed is around 20 Mbps down, no login needed – just connect and accept terms.
No lift – it's a two-storey building with no historic wing changes, only stairs.
No complimentary print or digital newspapers; there is a small shelf of second-hand paperbacks near the lobby.
Standard check-in is 14:00–22:00. Early bag drop is free if your room is not ready. Late check-out until 12:00 costs 300 THB; after 12:00, a full night is charged.
Free for guests; they have a lockable room behind reception.
The entrance has two steps, and there is no ramp. Only ground-floor rooms are accessible by wheelchair, but those rooms have no ensuite grab bars.
Free on-site parking for about 12 cars, first-come-first-served. No EV charging. Nearest public car park is at the Phang Nga clock tower (500 m, free).
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: A 50% deposit is required to secure the booking; at check-in, a credit card hold of 500 THB is taken for incidentals.
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Thai Baht, THB
Change money at banks or private exchange booths in town for decent rates; avoid the airport and tourist bureaux, which give poor rates.
Visa/Mastercard accepted in mid-range hotels, larger shops, and some restaurants; contactless works but is not universal; cash essential for street food, markets, and small vendors.
Not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving 20-50 baht is appreciated in restaurants; no tipping for taxis or hotel staff unless service is exceptional.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Local iced coffee or 'oliang' from street stalls or small cafes, typically 30-50 baht.
Plate of pad thai or fried rice at a simple restaurant, about 60-80 baht.
Main course of a local curry or stir-fry at a casual eatery, around 80-120 baht.
Night market in Phang Nga town is the main spot for cheap eats; look for roti, satay, and noodle bowls.
Tesco Lotus Express and 7-Eleven are common for basics; Big C is available in larger towns.
Local markets sell basic clothing and souvenirs; for cheap chain-store basics, head to Tesco Lotus.
Songthaew (shared pickup truck) around town costs about 10-20 baht per ride; from Phuket airport, take a bus to Phang Nga town for around 150-200 baht.
Eat at local markets and small restaurants instead of tourist-oriented spots; negotiate prices for long-tail boat tours or multiple trips; use local buses and songthaews instead of private taxis.
Good to know — Phang Nga
Type A/B/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ฿33.41 · THB
Emergency Contacts
Phang NgaTourist Police (English): 1155. Local ambulance/private hospital: Bangkok Hospital Phang Nga +66 76 410 222. General emergency line: 112 (24-hour, English assistance available). Phang Nga is small; for serious emergencies, head to Takua Pa (20 min) or Phuket (1.5 hr).
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Phang Nga, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Baan Tugar
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Phang Nga Town Centre → Similana Resort
💡 Flag down a red songthaew heading north on Phet Kasem Road. Drivers expect a shared fare, but you can pay for the whole truck (200 THB) if you're in a hurry. No fixed stops—just tell the driver the resort name.
Phang Nga Town Rental Shops (e.g., near the clock tower) → Similana Resort and surrounds
💡 Get an International Driving Permit before you go—police checkpoints are common. The road to the resort is easy, but avoid riding after dark as there are no streetlights. Fuel up at a pump near the bridge for 40 THB.
Phuket Bus Terminal 2 (Rassada) → Phang Nga Town Bus Station
💡 Buy your ticket at the counter for the air-con bus. From Phang Nga station, take a songthaew (20 THB) or a motorbike taxi (50 THB) to Similana Resort—it's 3 km out of town.
Phuket International Airport (HKT) → Similana Resort, Phang Nga
💡 Book a fixed-rate taxi at the airport's official stand outside arrivals to avoid haggling. The 800 baht price is for a standard car; bigger groups pay more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Baan Tugar?
request a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor facing the rear garden or pool area, away from the main road. these floors have less street noise and better ventilation.
Which rooms should I avoid at Baan Tugar?
avoid the ground floor rooms, especially any facing the street. the entrance and service area can be noisy, and privacy is limited.
Is Baan Tugar noisy?
the hotel is on a main road in Phang Nga town, so street noise is persistent, especially during the day. mopeds, trucks, and local traffic start early. the restaurant and service areas generate clatter and voices at ground level until late evening.
Which rooms have the best views at Baan Tugar?
the best views are from rear-facing rooms on the 2nd or 3rd floor, overlooking the garden or pool. the front rooms face a busy road and offer little more than parked cars and passing traffic.
What are insider tips for staying at Baan Tugar?
1. if you drive, ask for a parking spot at the rear — it's quieter and closer to the garden entrance. 2. request a room on the 2nd floor opposite the lift to avoid foot traffic and lift motor noise.
What time is check-in at Baan Tugar?
Check-in at Baan Tugar is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Baan Tugar have Wi-Fi?
Free for all guests; speed is around 20 Mbps down, no login needed – just connect and accept terms.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Baan Tugar?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Baan Tugar?
Plate of pad thai or fried rice at a simple restaurant, about 60-80 baht.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Baan Tugar?
Songthaew (shared pickup truck) around town costs about 10-20 baht per ride; from Phuket airport, take a bus to Phang Nga town for around 150-200 baht.
When is the best time to visit Phang Nga?
December to February are the best months because the southwest monsoon has passed, humidity drops, and skies are mostly clear. This coincides with the cool season, making boat trips in the national park comfortable.
Top Attractions in Phang Nga
💡 Go early (around 17:00) to grab a table at the Muslim curry stalls near the clock tower—try the roti with yellow curry for 30 baht.
💡 Wear covered shoes and bring a torch—the cave floor is uneven and dark beyond the main chamber. Temple donations are optional but appreciated.
💡 Hire a kayak from a local operator near Bang Rong Pier for around 300 baht per person—cheaper than the official tours and you dodge the crowds.
💡 The museum (free entry) is open 09:00-16:00, but call ahead—hours change seasonally. Grab iced coffee from a street vendor for 15 baht while you walk.
💡 Bring your own food and water—there's only one basic shop near the entrance. The park entry is free, but parking costs 20 baht for motorbikes.