Phang Nga Bay

อ่าวพังงา

Dozens of limestone pillars rise from emerald waters, a 'Guilin on the sea.' Sites include the James Bond Island from the 1974 film The Man with the Golden Gun and sea caves you can paddle through by kayak. It is one of Phuket's most classic day trips.

Phang Nga Bay lies northeast of Phuket, between Phang Nga and Krabi provinces. It is a national marine park covering about 400 square kilometers, with more than 40 steep limestone pillars and islands scattered across the water, earning it the nickname 'Guilin of the sea.' The most famous site is James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan), where The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed in 1974. Along the shore is a limestone pillar that resembles a nail, called Ko Tapu. Another highlight is Koh Panyee, a Muslim fishing village built entirely on stilts over the water, with a mosque, a school, and its famous floating football pitch, where tourists often stop for seafood lunch. The best experience is paddling by kayak through sea caves on Hong Island and Panak Island into hidden lagoons surrounded by cliffs. 'Hong' means 'room.' Inside, you'll find stalactites and monkeys. Access is only possible at low tide. Options include a full-day speedboat or longtail boat tour from Phuket (about 1,500 to 3,000 baht, including kayaking and lunch, 8 hours), or renting a longtail boat yourself from Surakul Pier in Phang Nga, which is cheaper and less crowded. Luxury sailboat sunset tours are also available. Getting there: hotels in Phuket offer pickup, and the drive to the pier takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Notes: James Bond Island has many vendors and is small, so it gets crowded in peak season. Choose an early-morning or sunset tour. Kayaks are paddled by a boatman, so you only need to sit comfortably. Sunscreen and waterproof bags are essential.

Phang Nga Bay

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