Phang Nga Bay Place guide

Between the island of Phuket and the mainland Malay Peninsula lies Phang Nga Bay – one of the most gorgeous places you can find on the face of the Earth. Locally known as, Ao Phang-nga, this place is one of Thailand’s most precious treasures.

Embraced by the emerald colored sea, Phang Nga enchants its visitors with its dreamlike landscapes. Escape the hustle and bustle of the busy city here and soak in the wonders of Mother Nature...

This popular tourist spot is known for its sheer limestone cliffs that jut vertically out of the emerald green water, as well as its beautiful beaches and mangroves. The bay itself contains a fascinating collection of 3,500 islands – most of them uninhabited – many of which have unique central hollows that are actually collapsed cave systems, with hidden realms of unspoilt flora and fauna.

The largest and most popular of the Phang Nga Bay islands are Ko Tapu, more commonly known as James Bond Island after it starred in the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun; the other is Koh Pannyi, also known as Sea Gypsy Island. Here, a village was built on stilts in the water, rising out of a large monolithic rock.

Other islands worth mentioning are Koh Hong, Khao Khien, Koh Samet, and Koh Maak. While many of these islands are uninhabited, they have spectacular natural caves worth exploring via canoe or kayak. If you are planning on going on your own, do bring food and supplies as facilities are uncommon in these areas. Take note to clean up after yourselves as well!

There are many activities to do around the Phang Nga Bay area – kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling are just a few.:

• If you’re looking for small group tours in which you can experience everything with a local perspective, check out thisFull Day Phang Nga Bay Island Hopping & Canoeing Tour. 
  
  
• If you’re more on the adventurous side, you can go on the Phang Nga ATV, White Water Rafting & Waterfall Trek Full Day Tour. 
  
  
• If the James Bond Island is on your bucket list, get it covered with either this Full Day James Bond Island Tour by Speed Boat from Phuket or regular James Bond Island Tour.

How to get there

Most tourists get to Phang Nga Bay via tour (see above) or agency that arranges the necessary transportation to get to the main pier. Afterwards, boats such as ferries, longtails, or speedboats transport travelers on the water toward the islands and other natural attractions. Phang Nga is at its busiest during Thailand’s summer months.