Khao Chang

Khao Chang is a prominent limestone karst hill in Mueang Phang Nga District, Phang Nga town, southern Thailand. Known as Elephant Mountain for its profile resembling a kneeling elephant when viewed from the town, it is a natural landmark and symbol of Phang Nga. The hill houses the Phung Chang Cave system and is surrounded by town streets, parks and mangroves, offering distinctive photo opportunities and easy access for visitors exploring central Phang Nga.

Visitors can expect to see a large limestone karst hill rising abruptly above Phang Nga town, best viewed from the town centre and surrounding roads where the elephant-like silhouette is most distinct. The base of the hill contains the entrance to Phung Chang Cave (Tham Phung Chang), an extensive cave system explored by guided bamboo raft along an underground stream with stalactites and stalagmites. The surrounding area is urban parkland with roads, viewpoints and photo spots, not a developed hiking summit.

Khao Chang is a classic Permian limestone karst tower formed over 250 million years ago, characteristic of the Phang Nga karst landscape. It has long served as a natural navigation landmark for Phang Nga town and houses Phung Chang Cave, historically used as a local shelter and later developed as a show cave.

The hill is the provincial symbol of Phang Nga and appears in the provincial seal and local emblems. Its elephant-like shape is culturally significant as the elephant is a revered animal in Thai culture, and the mountain is a focal point for town identity and photography.