Easily recognizable by its distinctive limestone cliffs and islands jutting out from emerald green water, Phang Nga Bay is a wondrous site to see.
Just a short distance from Phuket, there are many ways to experience Phang Nga Bay. From the speedboat tours, to the more traditional Thai experience of a long-tail boat tour, any traveler will be comfortable at this must-see attraction. You can rent a long-tail boat from Surakul Pier in Phang Nga for less than 2,000 baht for a good three to four hours, and these boats can usually carry up to ten people. Now – for those seeking a little more adventure, kayaking through the bay and hongs is definitely the way to go!
Phang Nga Bay is home to almost 100 different islands, including the famous James Bond Island. Tourists are welcome to sit at the small beach at Koh Ping Ghan or swim out close to get a better look at James Bond Island. However, it is under national park protection, so no boats of any kind are allowed to go too close to the island. Which is understandable with it’s peculiarity of being top-heavy. James Bond Island really looks like it could tip over at any moment.
“Hongs” or sea-caves are collapsed cave systems where the centers often open up to the sky and are filled with jungle eco-systems, monkeys, birds, fish and breathtaking views of stalactites and limestone cliffs. To access the hongs, you’ll need to canoe or kayak through the sea-caves at low tide. Guided tours and kayaking excursion packages are offered everywhere, as this is the most popular way to see Phang Nga Bay.
After an adventurous morning of kayaking, you might want to stop for lunch at Koh Panyee, a nearby Muslim fishing village. This remarkable village sits right of top of the water, as it was built on stilts. It might be bustling during meal times, however, this quaint little village turns to a quiet community of fishermen after the tourists leave.
Phang Nga Bay is just one of many local attractions you can experience in Thailand. Stay tuned for more!
