When you select new accommodation, it's virtually impossible to tick all the boxes, and it depends on individual priorities. Yesterday, I was most relieved that all our priorities were met here at Good Nine Resort. This morning, I can add one more to the list: the bed was incredibly comfortable. A couple of boxes remain unticked simply because they are not priorities. There are no dining facilities nearby (as we discovered last night) and no breakfast is provided, but the resort has left some snacks and there is a kettle for coffee and tea. Otherwise, we can use our mobile kitchen to prepare the food we bought last night, including the sandwich maker for warm meals.
As for today's plans, we just need to keep an hour free for my injection; the rest of the day is ours to explore. Geographically, we're in Thai Mueang district, Phang Nga - one of the few coastal districts I've never explored. Its name just doesn't resonate the way 'Khao Lak' in Takua Pa does, so it's easy to assume there's nothing of interest here. However, even a quick map search reveals hidden gems. Its position on the Andaman coast is a real giveaway.
We have a couple of hours before my injection is due, so we head south for about half an hour. At Tha Taeng we reach the shoreline to visit a particularly beautiful temple.
Unusually for the region, Wat Thettharamnawa (commonly known as Wat Tha Sai) is constructed entirely of teakwood. Its striking door carvings set within wood-panelled walls, together with the huge joists supporting the wooden roof, highlight the extraordinary skill of local builders and reflect Thailand's rich Buddhist heritage. Surrounded by lush casuarina (horsetail) trees, the temple has a picturesque, secluded atmosphere - and that's exactly the point. The area is ghostly quiet, with not a soul around, and the stunning golden-sand beach beside it is hard to beat. It's a great find and spurs us on to see what else the area offers.
Another beach, 15 minutes further south, will push us to our time limit, but once again we strike gold. Bor Dan Beach is described as 'a tranquil, unspoiled stretch of coastline nestled along the Andaman Sea, offering a peaceful retreat with pristine white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tree-lined shores - perfect for those seeking solitude amid nature's beauty.' This hidden gem remains largely off the tourist radar, providing an authentic, low-key beach experience. For me, it is tropical paradise and a stunning location for those precious photos. Unlike the previous spot, there are a handful of visitors and a few food stalls here offering refreshments. The moment passes too soon; we have to head back.
On the return journey we pass through Thai Mueang town and detour to the coast again. Here the coastal road feels more familiar, with unrestricted parking stretching some distance along the shore. There are enough restaurants and shops to support a longer stay, but if you prefer the commercial bustle of Khao Lak, you certainly won't be missed here. We grab a quick roadside meal and have a look around.
Thai Mueang Beach, also known as Turtle Beach, is part of Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park. This 13.6 km paradise features pristine white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a serene, pine-lined shoreline. It's a haven for nature lovers and is celebrated for its sea-turtle conservation efforts. Time is running short, but there's one more place worth investigating. Thai Mueang Beach Road is a dead end with an entrance to the national park itself – a must-visit for its natural coves and breathtaking shoreline. Unfortunately we don't have time to do it justice today, but we still have another full day here.
Along Highway 4 today we kept seeing signboards advertising 'Nimo fish'. 'Nimo fish' refers to clownfish - specifically the ocellaris or percula clownfish made famous by Disney's Finding Nemo (2003). We had intended to ask where we could see them in real life, but there was no need: we stumbled upon the place anyway. On the landward side of Thai Mueang Beach Road is the Phang Nga Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Centre. Part of a wider provincial project, it has numerous holding tanks containing marine species, with clownfish of various sizes stealing the show - too many to count. Never more than a couple of inches long, these vibrant, striped fish are iconic symbols of coral-reef life, famous for their playful behaviour, bold colours, and unique symbiotic relationship with sea anemones.
There is no admission charge to the centre, though you must sign the visitors' book and are welcome to leave a donation. By now we've completely run out of time - it's back to the hospital. One thing we're aware of on the return to the naval hospital is that today's visit should be relatively quick. Sure enough, I'm out within the hour after receiving my fifth course of antibiotics. By 3:00 p.m. we're wondering what else we can do without travelling far, and the answer is obvious.
Inside the Royal Thai Navy grounds is the Sea Turtle Conservation Center - part of the same complex we visited earlier. This vital government-run facility is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of endangered sea turtles along Thailand's Andaman coast. Often nicknamed 'Turtle Heaven', it focuses on species such as green and hawksbill turtles. Foreigners pay 100 baht entrance fee, which includes access to the coffee shop, souvenir shop, picnic grounds, and, of course, the marine tanks currently holding green turtles from hatchlings up to one year old. Every year, usually on an auspicious date, turtles that are ready are released back into the sea. I understand the next release is scheduled for the 5th (this coming Friday), the birthday of the late King Rama IX.
This unscheduled visit kills any chance of an early return to the resort for a rest. We had originally planned to head down to Thap Lamu port again for dinner, but instead we take an early meal at Lam Kaen intersection, pick up something for tomorrow's breakfast, and retire to the resort.
Finally, my cellulitis hasn't noticeably improved yet and may still take some time to clear. In truth, the best medicine for me right now is rest - something there has been no chance of today. Tomorrow there are a few more attractions I'd like to see, but after that I really should follow the doctor's advice and take it easy.

Source: Visit