Phang Nga Bay is an absolute must-visit destination when visiting Phuket or Phang Nga. As I mentioned in my previous post, we wasted no time after checking in to our hotel. We immediately booked a half-day tour directly through the hotel reception. Since it was already the afternoon, and we weren’t keen on spending an entire day under the hot sun. Therefore, a shorter tour was the perfect choice for us.
The pickup shuttle arrived right on schedule at the front of our hotel. We paid 2,000 baht each to the tour agency representative, who then drove us to the harbor. Waiting for us was a private long-tail boat, offering a much more private and personalized feel compared to packed group tours.
Our journey began as the boatman steered us through winding canals lined with dense mangrove forests. It was a beautiful and peaceful start that set the mood for the adventure ahead. According to the leaflet provided, our route would take us through several highlights, starting from the harbor.
Admittedly, the names blurred together a bit in my mind during the trip, but three main stops stood out vividly. They were Koh Panyee, Khao Tapu (James Bond Island), and Tham Lod. One or two others might have been missed as I do not recall the boatman informing us to take note.
1. Kho Panyee
Koh Panyee is a fascinating floating village built entirely on stilts. It is home to a Muslim fishing community that has lived there for generations. We had time to explore the small alleys lined with souvenir shops and seafood restaurants. However, by evening, most of the shops had already closed, and the locals were simply relaxing. There was a mosque located at the center of the village, which also included a cemetery. The highlight of this floating village is its floating soccer field — a true testament to the resilience and creativity of the locals.
2. Khao Tapu (James Bond Island)
Khao Tapu, also known as James Bond Island, is the most iconic stop of the tour! Made famous by the 1974 James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun, Khao Tapu features a dramatic limestone karst jutting out of emerald-green waters. It’s a must-see photo opportunity, though be prepared for some crowds during the day — unless, like us, you visit in the late afternoon when the beaches are almost completely cleared of tourists. However, it can be challenging to take a good photo at that time, as the backlighting is quite harsh.
3. Tham Lod
Tham Lod is an incredible sea cave that we navigated passed by boat. The natural beauty of the cave, along with the echoes of the lapping water, created a serene and magical atmosphere. For those who opted for the full day trip, you could rent a kayak from the floating rental shop nearby.
In conclusion, our half-day adventure at sea was both enjoyable and tiring. There was a mix of sun, sea breeze, and excitement which wore us out by nightfall. It felt so relaxing during the night, with the cool air and gentle sea breeze as we made our way back to shore. If you are looking for a short yet unforgettable experience when in Phuket or Phang Nga, a half-day tour of Phang Nga Bay would be a perfect option. That said, if you have more time, definitely consider the full-day trip instead!
Do check out my other travel reviews!