Phang Nga Bay
- SAILING THROUGH THAILAND’S MAJESTIC WONDERS
YACHT DESTINATION
NAUTICAL WONDERS
- SAILING THROUGH THAILAND’S MAJESTIC WONDERS
Phang Nga Bay is a tropical paradise. Nestled in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and the southern Thailand mainland, Phang Nga Bay captivates visitors with its stunning limestone karsts and rich marine life. While the waters in Phang Nga Bay may not always be crystal clear due to natural silt and runoff, the bay remains a picturesque destination. Phang Nga Bay can be reached by boat from the mainland. Visitors can take a boat tour from Phuket or Krabi to explore the bay and its surrounding islands.
Main Attractions in Phang Nga Bay
James Bond Island
James Bond Island, or Tapu Island as it is known locally, is a tall and narrow limestone island shaped like a nail. This shape was formed by millions of years of erosion by the ocean at its base, resulting in the nail-shaped island we see today. The island was also featured in the 1974 James Bond movie, hence why it is also known as James Bond Island. It is a beautiful and unique place to see, and it is predicted that the island might soon collapse due to the ongoing erosion at its base, so check it out while you can. At James Bond Island, you will also find the leaning mountains or Khao Pingkun, two pieces of massive rocks leaning and supporting each other, creating a small cave you can walk in between. Now, this place gets a ton of tourists every day, but most people who visit this place often come from faraway places like Phuket and Krabi. The entrance fee for adults is approximately 300 THB (approximately 9 USD), while minors pay 150 THB (approximately 4.50 USD). A wide range of activities are available to visitors, including cave and lagoon exploration, photography, boat trips, and sightseeing.
Panyee Island
Panyee Island is another island that you should visit in Phang Nga Bay, and it is unlike anything you’ve seen before in Thailand. Panyee Island is an old Muslim community of around 1,685 people descended from 2 seafaring families that came all the way from Java back in the 18th Century. Within the same period that they migrated here, the law that limited land ownership solely to people of Thai national origin went into effect, and in order to evade that, the community started building houses on stilts and continued to expand into the bay. It gives us a look into the usual manner of life of the native marine nomads. The village’s busy market and floating football field are also well-known places to buy fresh seafood and handmade goods from the area. With over 365 families, an entire community complete with a mosque and a school, all built on stilts, Panyee Island has become a popular tourist attraction in Phang Nga Bay and a must-visit when you are here. There are restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and all kinds of snacks you can buy to your heart’s content. You will also be able to witness the way of life of the locals here, check out the mosque, the school, and the floating soccer field. The place is extremely unique, and you won’t find anything quite like this place anywhere else in Thailand. So, if you are in Phang Nga, be sure to make it to Panyee Island.
Koh Hong
Koh Hong, or Hong Island, is located in the province of Krabi, in the south of Thailand. This little jewel, whose name means “room island”, enchants visitors with its breathtaking natural beauty and its fairy-like charm. Koh Hong has truly stunning lagoons and caves. The main island has several white sandy beaches, lots of plants and clear waters, great for swimming and snorkeling. Koh Hong is part of a national park; therefore, a fee is required to step on the beach. It costs around 300 Thai Baht for adults and 150 Thai Baht for kids to get into the island. The island is something really special and worth a visit. In addition, like in most national parks, no alcohol is allowed, and you won’t be allowed to fly a drone. Once on Koh Hong, people can go kayaking, snorkeling, swimming and relaxing on the beach.
Lod Cave
Lod Cave is another popular attraction in Phang Nga Bay. It is a collection of small caves that barely surface above the water under a large limestone mountain in Phang Nga Bay, and it is a popular place to go canoeing around and slide under these caves, full of pretty stalactites. If you are there during low tides, you will be able to access most of the shallow caves here, some of which are extremely low and require you and your canoe guy to lie flat in order to pass through. Some of the caves here will take you through an extremely small opening in pitch darkness before you emerge into a small, quiet cavern illuminated by sunlight through the ceiling.
Best Islands Around Phang Nga Bay
Koh Yao Yai
Koh Yao Yai, meaning “Big Long Island,” is the larger of the two main islands in the Koh Yao group. It is less developed and more tranquil compared to its sister island, Koh Yao Noi. The island’s natural beauty, with its sandy shores, clear waters, and rubber plantations, makes it a perfect getaway for those seeking peace and quiet. Koh Yao Yai doesn’t have a specific entrance fee, as it is accessible via boat from Phuket or Krabi. Accommodation ranges from budget homestays to luxury resorts, catering to various types of travelers.
Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi, or “Small Long Island,” balances traditional Thai island life with modest tourist development. The island is popular among those looking to experience a relaxed lifestyle amidst stunning scenery. Koh Yao Noi offers opportunities for kayaking, cycling, and exploring small, peaceful beaches. Like Koh Yao Yai, there is no entrance fee to the island itself. Visitors can reach the island by public ferries from Phuket or Krabi, and it provides a mix of accommodation options, from simple guesthouses to upscale resorts.
Koh Khai Nai
Koh Khai Nai is a small island located near Phuket, famous for its vibrant coral reefs and excellent snorkeling opportunities. This tiny island is more commercialized, often included in day-trip itineraries from Phuket. The island itself is quite small, and its main draw is the opportunity to swim and relax on the beach, making it ideal for a short visit.
Koh Naka Yai
Koh Naka Yai, or simply Naka Island, is situated close to the northeastern coast of Phuket. This island is known for its serene environment and beautiful beaches, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Similar to the other islands, there is no entrance fee to visit Koh Naka Yai itself. The island features a luxury resort, offering upscale accommodations and activities such as sailing and windsurfing, making it a popular choice for day-trippers and those looking to escape the busier tourist spots.
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