Phang Nga Bay

Everything you Need to Know about Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay

A distinctive feature of Phang Nga Bay is the sheer limestone cliffs that jut vertically out of the emerald green water.  James Bond Island and Koh Panyee are just two of the more famous spots in this bay. By far the best means of enjoying the spectacular scenery, with only brief encounters with the tourist crowds as James Bond and Koh Panyee, is to take one of the boat trips from the northern end of Phuket.

A leisurely day trip cruising through the dramatic limestone islands, occasionally stopping to enjoy quiet beaches, is far more rewarding than the standard bus-boat tour.

James Bond Island

James Bond Island

This famous landmark, called Koh Ta-pu, first found its way onto the international map through its starring role in the James Bond movie 'The Man With the Golden Gun'. And this is where most tours seem to take all of the tourists - all at the same time. The entire area surrounding this island with its signature rocky pinnacle is indeed spectacular, but most of the tours bus visitors up the main highway for an hour on the same well-worn itinerary. An integral part of that tour is lunch at Koh Panyee, a nearby Muslim fishing village. Read More...

Koh Panyee in Phang Nga Bay

Koh Panyee in Phang Nga Bay

This is a remarkable village, the whole of it built out over water on stilts and with a giant rock monolith guarding its rear. At lunch time, many tourists on the James Bond Island tours are brought in to eat and shop for handicrafts.

As soon as the tourists leave, the community closes up its restaurants and trinket shops and transforms itself from a tourist trap into a quiet community of fishermen.

See Koh Panyee Photo Gallery... Read More...

Phang Nga Hotels

Phang Nga Hotels

Sri Lanka hotels and resorts at the best rates, from Five Stars resorts such as Aleenta Resort & Spa, to budget accommodation like Paradis Villa, you are sure to find the accommodation you are looking for. Read More...

Cruising Phang Nga Bay

Cruising Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay is a great place for boating. The interesting limestone cliffs create a picturesque backdrop and there are many safe places to anchor.

The fact that it's protected from both the Northeast and the Southwest monsoon seasons means that its waters remain calm year-round, which adds to the appeal of its scenic wonders and abundant wildlife.

Read more about boat charters...

Limestone Cliffs of Phang Nga Bay

Limestone Cliffs of Phang Nga Bay

Limestone is calcium carbonate, which is generally white. Over millions of years, the skeletons from a constant rain of marine organisms, plus the chemical precipitation of yet more calcium carbonate build thick layers of sediment. Eventually, the heat and pressure of their own weight turn these strata, hundreds of metres thick, to stone.

A variety of geological forces have then fractured the limestone beds and pushed up the 40 steep-sided islands that provide the exotic scenery for which this shallow bay is noted. Mineral oxides from various sources paint the vari-coloured streaks that characterise the cliffs of Phang Nga Bay.

Hongs of Phang Nga

Hongs of Phang Nga

And there are lost worlds awaiting discovery. It wasn't many years ago that aerial surveys first revealed the Hong, or "rooms", that lie inside some of Phang Nga's islands.

These fabulous microcosms, hidden realms rich in unspoiled flora and fauna, are collapsed cave systems open to the sky and surrounded by towering limestone walls. Try sea-kayaking, where you paddle sturdy inflatable boats through caves into the mysterious hearts of islands such as Koh Panak and Koh Hong. (Read more about Sea canoeing in Phang Nga Bay)

Getting to Phang Nga Bay

Getting to Phang Nga Bay

It's possible to see many of the bay's attractions in a single day. A launch from any point along the east coast of Phuket will take you immediately into Phang Nga Bay.

There are also a number of launching sites on the Phang Nga province mainland, including the Ka Sohm Pier in Takua Thung district just south of Phang Nga Town. Most visit the area by booking a long-tail or speedboat day trip, joining a cruise or canoeing tour, or chartering a yacht. See all Phang Nga Bay Tours available...

Other Islands in Phang Nga Bay

Other Islands in Phang Nga Bay

Most of the islands are uninhabited. Many of them have spectacular caves (hongs in Thai) which you can only reach by an inflatable kayak.

Koh Hong is one of the most popular of these islands. Khao Khien near Koh Panyee is worth sailing past to see the ancient paintings of boats and animals on the rock walls.

One of the few inhabited islands, Koh Maak, sits near the top of the bay and is home to a small community of fisherfolk who maintain a traditional way of life - it's not part of any tour itinerary and it is recommended to bring your own food and supplies if visiting since there are no facilities for tourists. There are also no places to stay here. 

Our Editor's Phang Nga Bay Tours Reviews

Phang Nga Bay Cruise on June Bahtra

Phang Nga Bay Cruise on June Bahtra

It's early morning. All around us verdant 'karsts' – limestone islands with hollow interiors – rise vertically out of the emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay. A Pacific Reef Egret swoops out from under a craggy overhang and sails past us, masterfully gliding on the tropical breezes. Welcome to the ultimate in laid-back tours; the June Bahtra Day Tour. Read More...

Phang Nga Daytrip by Car

Phang Nga Daytrip by Car

Phang Nga's official slogan goes something like this: “A town of valuable minerals, amidst water-village, fantastic caves, peculiar mountains, Champoon flowering plants and fertile natural resources.” Well said – though if they were interested in increasing tourism they might consider adding, “and only an hour from Phuket.” Read More...

Koh Panyee

Koh Panyee

Koh Panyee is about 20 minutes by long-tail boat from Surakul pier in Phang Nga province. Many people flying into Phuket will have looked down on this village seemingly floating in the magical bay and wondered what it is like to live in the place. Read More...

Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay

Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay

It's the late afternoon, and from the small plot of white sand I've laid claim to, I can see Phuket Island, the mainland province of Phang Nga, and a couple small, uninhabited islands - both inspiring Gilliganesque fantasies. Another boat arrives, an armada of inflatable canoes storms the beach, and tour guides do battle in a game of beach football while their charge flop on mats in the shade and reflect on the day. Read More...

Hong by Starlight Hong by Starlight

Hong by Starlight - Review

When other sea cave-kayak tour operators are winding down for the day, the John Gray Sea Canoe crew is just getting started. John Gray is the godfather of sea kayaking in Thailand. He developed the ‘Hong by Starlight’ tour as a way to avoid crowds. A hong, in case you were wondering, is a sea cave. Read More...

John Gray’s Sea Canoe

John Gray’s Sea Canoe

There are not too many people in the world who would choose to call themselves “Ling Yai” - Thai for Big Monkey - or have their employees refer to them by that name. But John Gray is proud of the nickname. He’s also fascinating to talk with - a passionate, 24/7 environmental activist with a sense of humor to match his sense of mission. Read More...

Phang Nga Ideal Cruise

Phang Nga Ideal Cruise

The enjoyment starts even before you're on the boat. The pier from where you depart is in the peaceful north east of Phuket is surrounded by green hills and beautiful seascapes. I found myself transfixed by the sea eagles whilst waiting others to arrive at the pier. Read More...

June Bahtra Sunset Cruise

June Bahtra Sunset Cruise

There’s a pastel-like touch to the Yacht Haven at four o’clock on a sunny afternoon. The dipping sun slants through the white of the yachts’ masts, creating a pleasing optical effect – ‘splintered sunlight’ so the poet had it. Read More...

Hotel Quick Finder


for night(s)

Adults : Children :
Hotel Quick Finder





1 US$ = 30.99 Baht Add Your Hotel Bookmark Send to Friend Join our Free Newsletter
Hotel Quick Finder from
    to  
Download our Free {place} Guide

Asia Web Direct Travel Club members have access to our free travel guides, and lots of other travel specials and benefits from the Asia Travel Specialists.

Please enter your details and we'll send your free {place} Travel Guide to you straight away. We will also add you to our free Asia Web Direct Travel Club Newsletter.

All fields are required.

We will not pass your details on to any other company or individual. We take your privacy seriously!