When we talk about iconic landscapes of Thailand, Phang Nga Bay can easily be placed at the top of the list. Located in the Andaman Sea between Phuket et KrabiPhang Nga Bay is a must-see for anyone visiting these regions.
With its many islands and islets bordered by karst cliffs, its sea caves and its mangroves, Phang Nga is often compared to Halong Bay in Vietnam. It offers a surprising natural setting, where emblematic places such as the floating village of Ko Panyi or the famous "James Bond Island" and its nail-shaped rocky peak mingle.
In this article, I share my tips for exploring this unique bay and making the most of your visit. It's essentially a complete rewrite of the original article, because on my first visit, my exploration of the bay was limited to a very late afternoon, considerably restricting the sites I saw (for example, I skipped Khao Phing Kan and Ko Tapu, the famous James Bond Island).
This latest excursion in the bay took place over a full day, allowing me to explore Phang Nga in greater detail. It therefore seemed essential to share this more detailed exploration and enrich my account to help you better prepare for your own exploration of Phang Nga Bay.
Ao Phang Nga: a unique marine national park
This vast territory covers 400 km², straddling Phuket to the west and Krabi to the east. While the province of Phang Nga is best known and frequented for its long, unspoiled beaches at Khao Lak, the bay gained notoriety after serving as a backdrop for the film The man with the golden gun, the iconic James Bond released in 1974.
Despite this illumination, it was not until 1981 that a large part of the bay was integrated into the Ao Phang Nga National Park, in order to preserve this unique natural heritage.
Looking at the map, we notice that the marine park encompasses a good part of the bay, certainly, but also includes parts of Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai, the two main islands straddling Phuket and Krabi.
As an aside, Phang Nga Bay is also used in another James Bond film, "Tomorrow Never Dies" (1997) with Pierce Brosnan as 007 and Michelle Yeoh as his sidekick. Interestingly, the action is supposed to take place in Halong Bay (which I give my impressions here), and many forget that Michelle Yeoh is actually a Malaysian actress!
Thanks to its proximity to Phuket Island and the Khao Lak beaches, Phang Nga Bay is ideal for a day trip, offering a pleasant change of scenery away from the classic beaches.
In Thailand, discovering the country by water is one of the must-see experiences: Bangkok with its many canals and the floating markets dotting the region are a perfect example of this, and Phang Nga Bay is no exception. Here, it is aboard a longtail boat, faithful to the local tradition, and by kayak, ideal for immersing yourself more intimately in the details of this unique landscape.
The main attraction remains the spectacle that nature offers us. The work of erosion on these limestone rocks, from which these results emerge karst structuresIt began millions of years ago. It's hard to imagine that these rocks once formed the seabed and were covered in coral.
Sailing among these ghostly islets is a bit like diving into a living painting, where each turn reveals a new breathtaking scene. That's the magic of Phang Nga Bay.
1. The hidden lagoon of Ko Hong
So be careful, you should not confuse this island with the one of the same name, located only 25 km away, closer to Krabi. If the latter is better known, because it is part of the combo of the so-called 4 islands tour, which is done from Krabi, "this" Ko Hong that I am talking about here, does not have a beach. But the origin of the name is the same.
In fact, in Thai, the word "Hong" (大大) means "room" or "room". And in the context of Ko Hong (เกาะห้อง), it refers to a inland lagoon or an open cave, hidden in the heart of an island. A phenomenon due to erosion that creates spaces similar to rooms accessible only by water.
On this Ko Hong, like the one near Krabi, the main attraction is precisely an interior lagoon, accessible by kayak or boat at high tide, which gives the impression of being in an isolated "natural chamber", surrounded by limestone cliffs.
From our starting point, our first visit of the day was to be a cave called Kaeo Cave, or "crystal cave". It was towards this cavern that our boatman was taking us, giving us the opportunity to rediscover the islands of this bay, some of which form imposing walls of rock.
It was around 10 a.m., but the tide wasn't yet right for the boat to enter. We simply postponed our trip and continued on our journey.
We first stop in front of a rocky peak, which the boatman insists on taking a photo of us in front of. We know he means well, so we get into the spirit before continuing to the next stop, Ko Hong.
And as we arrived at the edge of the island, we saw a floating barge, with kayaks working around it. Our boatman approached and the team on the barge offered us an excursion into the lagoon. This activity, independent of our boat, was announced to us at 500 baht per person.
At the time, I admit that this price put me off a bit, because it wasn't particularly planned in the budget, but in a way, that's also what I was there for, to discover as many things as possible in the bay and so I ended up accepting.
My advice: prepare a little margin in your budget if you want to take full advantage of the activities offered on site.
I want to clarify that if the boatman follows a circuit that you have defined in advance, there is no obligation for you to do these extras. If you are not interested, just politely decline and continue your visit. Coming back to our visit, after transferring from our boat to the platform, we make the payment and we both settle into a kayak, where a smiling rower welcomes us.
This is one of the pleasant aspects of this excursion: although the place may resemble a "tourist factory", the rowers stand out for their good humor and attentiveness, far from the blasé attitude one might fear in this kind of setting.
Initially, we reach a partially isolated lagoon. It appears that access for long-tail boats is possible on the other side, but this is closed to preserve the area and avoid mixing kayaks and motorboats.
This area alone is already magnificent, giving us a feeling of privilege to admire this somewhat "secret" nature, which unfolds before our astonished eyes. Our rower, always smiling, picks up a leaf and begins to cut out a heart from the center.
A small gesture that earns us the souvenir photo of the day! Then, we head towards a first cave, which forces us to lie down to avoid bumping against the rock.
Once on the other side, we enter a first "room", relatively small, but probably because it is the first one we discover, it really gives off an atmosphere out of time. Although we are not alone, it could have been worse and the place remains quiet enough to be pleasant.
After a few minutes, we pass under another arch, revealing a second room, larger, but surprisingly deserted when we pass. Our rower takes advantage of this moment to make a flower from a palm leaf, a small souvenir as charming as it is ephemeral.
We then continue to sail quietly, passing through a new narrow passage where we have to lie down once again. The blue sky remains visible above us, but thanks to the configuration of the place, we enjoy the beneficial shade, far from the scorching sun. That said, remember to bring sunscreen: in Thailand, it's always a good idea!
Some passages are so narrow that I have a thought for those of you who are subject to claustrophobia… This is especially true of the next one, which takes us back to the main lagoon. However, rather than going back the way we came, we quickly move on to another cavity. There, a surprise awaits us: looking up, the vegetation forms a heart-shaped opening, a small poetic detail offered by nature.
Each cavity reveals stalagmites, and each lagoon retains that immersive tranquility that makes the experience so special. After a final narrow passage, almost like a canyon, we greet a small crab clinging to a rock wall, before returning to the starting platform, located to the south of the island.
This little walk, although quite short – just half an hour – turned out to be a most enjoyable moment. No regrets about this extra investment: it was worth it and I recommend it.
2. Ko Sawang Yai Cave
Let's stay on the theme of cavities for our next stop: a cave. But this time, it stands out for its position, slightly higher than the water level.
No need for a kayak this time, so we land on the island of Ko Sawang Yai, located approximately 1,7 km from Ko Hong, our previous stop. In front of us, an old wooden ladder waits to be climbed to access the entrance of the cave. Two other boats are already there, their passengers still inside, discovering the place.
In Thai, the cave is called Tham Nok Kra Rian (ถ้ำนกกระเรียน), the “crane cave”. Greedy means cave or cavern, and Nok Kra Rian refers to the crane (we are talking about the bird here). Although this animal is often associated with longevity and wisdom in Asia, we have not obtained any explanations on the attribution or origin of this name.
Once inside, we discover a large, unique room, decorated with various rock formations: stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and even a structure similar to a petrified waterfall. The pronounced shades of green contrast nicely with the white, gray and brown shades of the surrounding walls.
The cave is not completely plunged into darkness, natural light sneaks in through gaps, but some more remote areas are obviously darker and the help of a lamp is not too much in this case. Our phones do the trick, other visitors have provided torches when it is not simply their companion who lights them.
Some boatmen actually escort their clients and play the role of guide, while ours seems to take advantage of the opportunity to stretch his legs, and I say this without animosity, we do very well with our lights and there is not much else to explain about the cave itself.
Following the advice of the locals, we head towards an opening located at the back of the cave. This one "normally" offers a view of the sea. The fact is that a tree hides the panorama but the effect of this small natural window on the outside remains pleasant.
After ten minutes on site, it is time to return. In the end, the opening that serves as an entrance offers the most beautiful view of the bay rather than the discreet one at the back of the cave. Another two or three photos and we went back down the ladder to find our long-tail, ready to discover our next stop.
3. Khao Phing Kan and Ko Tapu (James Bond Island): the icon of Phang Nga Bay
If there is one island that embodies the appeal of Phang Nga Bay, it is Khao Phing Kan, better known as "James Bond Island". Made famous by the film " The man with the golden gun » (1974), the island serves as the setting for the confrontation between James Bond, played by Roger Moore, and his enemy Francisco Scaramanga, played by the late Christopher Lee. In the plot, Khao Phing Kan is Scaramanga's secret base, an isolated and mysterious place, ideal for his Machiavellian plans.
Khao Phing Kan, better known as "James Bond Island", consists of two small islands separated by a sandbar... originally. Today, to better manage the sometimes large crowds during the day, a platform covered with earth and gravel has been built. The island has two main beaches: a small beach on the side, which serves as an access point, and the main beach, from where you can admire Ko Tapu, this famous nail-shaped rock.
And justly, Ko Tapu literally translates to “nail island”. This islet, which proudly emerges from the water at 20 meters high, has become a true icon. Its popularity makes it a must-see tourist spot, where you can find souvenir shops, but also an entrance fee of 300 Baht to access Khao Phing Kan.
As a reminder, Phang Nga Bay is part of the Phang Nga National Park.Ao Phang Nga National Park. The Thai government considers that any visitor to the bay will necessarily pass through this island, which explains the installation of a checkpoint to pay this entrance fee. However, it is a double-edged bet: if, like me during my first visit, you are content to admire Ko Tapu from the sea, without setting foot on the island, you will not need to pay a ticket, because it is the only island in the bay with an access fee.
Have some cash ready though, in case you want to explore Khao Phing Kan!
Since 1998, boats no longer land on the main beach. They now dock on the small beach to the south of the island, which has become the main access. This measure was put in place to protect Ko Tapu, as boats are now prohibited from approaching too closely, in order to preserve this natural wonder.
A well-appointed visit
After landing on the small beach, you can directly pay the ticket to access the national park (they have set up a kiosk that blends into the scenery). On your left, you will see some concrete steps, discreetly integrated into the local setting, allowing you to reach the main area. On the way, you can already enjoy a nice viewpoint of Ko Tapu: the perfect opportunity for some must-see photos. With a bit of luck, you will come across a monitor lizard wandering quietly in the area!
A little further, you reach a sort of dock, located at the foot of the steps, offering a breathtaking view of Ko Tapu. Shortly after you have another kiosk to buy the entrance ticket. If you already have one, you can ignore it. Right next door, the main beach is available to you: and good news, it is possible to swim there. Doing a few lengths with this iconic view, admit that it is a unique experience!
At the back of the island, you will find souvenir shops. And if you feel like it, you can try their toilets, with this rather original feature: they are open-air!
Beyond taking pictures of Ko Tapu and a possible dip to cool off, exploring Khao Phing Kan, whose space remains very limited, is limited to a few natural curiosities that bear witness to the work of erosion over the millennia. Among them, a small cavity in which you can walk a few steps in the shade and above all, impossible to miss this immense inclined wall, vestige of a fracture that detached an entire section of the hill. Standing below it, you really feel very small in the face of this work of nature.
4. Ko Thalu and Lod Cave
Lod Cave is the name of the main cavity associated with the island of Ko Thalu. In reality, it is also a network of marine galleries, separating rooms with lagoon, on the same principle as in Ko Hong, where we were previously.
This network can also be visited by kayak, always accompanied by a rower. The advertised price is the same as that of Ko Hong. If, at the time, I tell myself that it is starting to blow the budget, I still decide to let myself be tempted, just to live the experience to the end.
So here we are again on a kayak, with, as usual, a cheerful rower – at least that doesn't change. Our first passage is under Tham Lod, the main sea cave of Ko Thalu, which crosses the island from one side to the other. We then follow the wall to the south before reaching the mangrove. This is the special feature of Ko Thalu: a vast area, wedged between two piles of rocks, is covered in mangrove.
The same phenomenon, but on a much larger scale, is observed on the neighboring island of Ko Raya Ring, where the mangrove stretches for more than two kilometers between two rock formations.
Very quickly, we pass under a narrow tunnel to reach a first room. If I am honest, it is certainly beautiful again, but it gives a feeling of déjà vu after Ko Hong. The advantage here is that there are clearly fewer people. We then set off again into the mangrove. I have already explored several, but, in general, on foot, following raised paths.
Navigating through this wildlife by boat provides a completely different experience, between the sensation of floating but also in particular thanks to the surrounding sound atmosphere.
The rower, faithful to tradition, does so by cutting out a heart for us from a sheet of paper to immortalize the moment. Another feeling of déjà vu… We arrive in a second mini-room, so small that, when we look up, we feel like we are in the heart of a natural chimney. Shortly after, the loop ends and we return to our starting point.
This ride, about 30 minutes, is pleasant, but, even if the experience differs slightly thanks to the presence of the mangrove, I would advise choosing between the kayak in Ko Hong and this one to avoid weighing down your budget. Afterwards, if your budget is larger, nothing prevents you from doing both, like me.
5. The floating village of Ko Panyi
Who says sea, says fishing communities. Around Phang Nga Bay, you will find several traditional villages, all Muslim, with houses on stilts. I can mention Ban Ko Mai Phai (on the island of Ko Mai Phai) or Ban Bang Phat (on the island of Ko Bang Ling), but the best known is undoubtedly Ko Panyi (also spelled Koh Panyee), due to its particular location.
It is a Muslim fishing village, originally from the island of Java, Indonesia. They settled around this piece of rock, at the end of the 18th century, when the law on the right of the soil, reserved only for Thai citizens, was already in force.
To get around this constraint, the houses were built on stilts, thus avoiding occupying the land officially. These inhabitants became rich thanks to the profitable fishing in the bay and ended up acquiring Thai nationality.
Thanks to this regularization, permanent constructions were added, notably the mosque, which adjoins the only piece of land available, used as a cemetery to honor Muslim traditions.
The birth of Panyee Football Club
Personally, it was a famous photo by Yann Arthus-Bertrand that introduced me to this village, whose view from the sky made it fascinating and particularly unique. A stream of houses on stilts surrounded by water and this easily recognizable sugarloaf islet, this ensemble forms a heavenly setting characteristic of Phang Nga Bay, so much so that they began to attract people with the gradual arrival of tourism in the region.
But this village is also famous for another, more unusual reason: its incredible football history. In 1986, inspired by the World Cup, the children of the island decided to take up the sport, but one obstacle stood in their way: the lack of space. Ingeniously, they built a floating pitch from recycled materials, allowing them to train.
Soon after, having heard of an inter-school championship in southern Thailand (the Southern Thai School Championships), they decide to participate and, with the support of some residents, obtain suitable equipment (shoes, t-shirts, shorts).
Against all odds, they finally finished 3rd in the championship, finishing the semi-final barefoot, pouring rain invited itself into the game, and its latter, out of habit from picking up the ball in the water, proved more comfortable in this way on a wet pitch. This performance gave birth to the Panyee Football Club, a real local pride. A true story that was the subject of an excellent Thai advertisement (the latter being excellent story tellers) that I invite you to watch here:
Football has remained in the veins ever since and the village has no less than three pitches! First there is the original, the floating pitch from which this whole story stems, it has of course been preserved and still exists. The other two are side by side with the largest, serving as a municipal pitch, which is surrounded by barriers to prevent the ball from falling into the water too often. Finally, the last, smaller pitch serves as a playground for the school located in the village.
A village between tradition and modernity
Over time, Ko Panyi has evolved. While fishing remains a partial activity, tourism now occupies a predominant place. Some of the traditional houses on stilts have been transformed into souvenir shops or restaurants specializing in seafood. Tour operators regularly stop there to allow visitors to have lunch and stroll around the village.
This was also our case since we had not had lunch until then. But before that, we were just going to explore the village, even if we are already familiar with the place following our previous visit.
During our visit, our boat dropped us off directly on the famous floating land, a change from our previous arrival via the main quay. Although we quickly come across a stall with souvenirs, this is not a very commercial area of the village. We quickly reach the foot of the mosque, adjacent to the only available land on the island, used as a cemetery.
Next door is a courtyard of what looks like a farm, two kids are carrying chickens. I think to myself that this is the only house in the village built on dry land. I wonder what the story of its owner is.
We continue the walk on the concrete paths that wind and act as "streets". We pass houses with a very heterogeneous appearance but overall, colorful. Most of them rest on stilts still made of wood when their walls alternate between wood, sheet metal and PVC cladding for the most modern.
And speaking of modernity, it's strange when we come across a solid house, with a tiled terrace and concrete walls with air conditioning, I must say that it stands out and is surprising, but it's an almost inevitable evolution in comfort, how can we blame them.
At this point in the afternoon, after 14pm, the flow of tourists had dissipated, giving way to a peaceful atmosphere and scenes of daily life. Here a lady is doing her dishes, there two village women are chatting, and further away, a man is preparing balls to make "roti" this famous southern specialty, a kind of crepe best known to tourists for its dessert version, with banana and condensed milk on top.
The temptation is too great, not being particularly fond of seafood, I cracked for a well-garnished roti in this shop, it will do the trick for my lunch. Jitima, she had a small bowl of noodles right next door. We are then in the middle of the street that we could call the main one, with a row of shops where hundreds of clothes with flashy patterns hang (hello elephant pants).
Before leaving, Jitima took the time to taste some local specialties like fried crab and dried shrimp and left with some shopping. After an hour of wandering, we returned to the floating land, ready to continue and finish our exploration of the bay.
6. The Crystal Cave (Kaeo Cave)
Remember the unsuccessful attempt to dock in the cave at the very beginning? Our boatman did not forget. After our visit to Ko Panyi, we headed back to our departure dock, since this cave was not far from there.
On the way, we made a short stop to immortalize another cavity dug by the waves and crossing an island from one side to the other. Then, after about twenty minutes of navigation without any other stops, we finally arrived near the crystal cave, Kaeo Cave. This time, the tide is low enough to allow us to enter.
But just before going there, our boatman suggests that we set foot on a beach on the neighboring island (its name in Thai is written " เกาะชาวทะเลใต้", which translates to " The Island of the South Sea People", Chaw Thale Tai in Latin letter). As such, a photo from the boat was enough for me, even if it was part of our excursion, I declined the invitation and favored the cave, time was running out and back on dry land, we still had to drive 1 hour to reach Khao Lak, which I wanted to do preferably before dark.
Then comes the time to tread the ground of the cave. Finally, before that, we must let the boatman tackle the maneuver, which is particularly delicate when we see the concentration and delicacy to enter this restricted space, while the lapping of the waves easily deflects the long tail. With caution, he succeeds and we can use the boat's ladder to touch land... or rather sand.
In itself, it's not the cave that's really interesting, but the experience. It must be admitted that finding yourself in this cave with its small beach clearly gives it a little pirate/adventure feel! Inside, a few stalactites embellish the walls, but its real asset remains the clear view of the sea from a slightly elevated opening.
This time, no trees obstruct the view. Our boatman improvises as a photographer for the souvenir break, and after only 5 minutes on site, we go back on board.
The navigation resumed, and in about ten minutes, we reached the departure quay, thus concluding a busy day in Phang Nga Bay.
Other notable sites
Although we were able to explore many sites in the time allowed (much more than during my first visit), we still lacked a little time to see everything. An extra hour or two would have been enough to complete this already full tour, knowing that we left the pier in the middle of the morning, around 10am. We chose to go to the most important ones, leaving aside a few more secondary sites (except one, Ko Phanak).
Here are some suggestions for other places to visit in Phang Nga Bay:
Suan Hoi (สุสานหอย)
It means "Seashell Graveyard". When we were making our selection of visits for the day, we understood that it is a small geological site where layers of fossilized shells, millions of years old, have formed. Note that there is a similar, better known site near Krabi.
Talay Waek (ทะเลแหวก)
This term, which means "divided sea" or "separated sea", refers to a natural phenomenon where, at low tide, a sandbank emerges, connecting several areas that are usually submerged. The most famous case being Tub Island (or Ko Thap), again, in Krabi. Here, there is no white sand but with good timing of the tide, it is still a visible attraction in the bay.
Khao Khian Paintings
Khao Khian, which translates to “the mountain of drawings,” is located on a cliff approximately 1 km north of Ko Panyi. If I had known before writing this article how close this place was, I would probably have asked to make a small detour.
This site is in the form of a cavity dug by the waves, where one can observe rock paintings representing animal scenes (fish, lizards) but also human figures, one of which seems to be fishing. These drawings, made about 3 years ago by sailors who anchored here for shelter during the monsoon, provide a window into the maritime history of the region.
Ko Phanak
Finally, it is impossible not to mention Ko Phanak, one of the major islands in the bay that we had to leave due to lack of time (and to preserve the budget!). Nearly 4 km long, this island is full of hidden treasures, accessible mainly by kayak, or on foot if the tide is low.
Like Ko Hong or Ko Thalu, Ko Phanak reveals a network of natural tunnels that allow you to venture across the island. Visitors can explore caves like the Bat Cave (Gotham had better watch out) or access open spaces surrounded by chaotic cliffs. These areas, sometimes surrounded by hidden lagoons, offer an immersive experience in the heart of the island.
Viewpoints of Phang Nga Bay
If you wish to admire the bay from the heights, several viewpoints allow you to contemplate the karst formations, ideally in the colours of sunrise.
The most famous remains Samet Nangshe, but other alternatives exist.
→ See my short guide to viewpoints overlooking Phang Nga Bay
How to get to Phang Nga Bay
Basically, the easiest way is to go to either Phuket, either at Khao Lak (see the "Where to stay" section below). These are the two most common and convenient starting points for organizing an excursion in the bay.
The alternative remains the city of Phang Nga, which is closer to the bay but less used as a base by visitors.
1. Getting to Phuket
Phuket is easily accessible from Bangkok, Chiang Mai or other major Thai cities thanks to a well-connected international airport. From abroad, many direct flights also land there, especially from Europe via the national airline Thai Airways.
- By plane : From Bangkok, allow about 1h30 flight. Companies like Thai Smile, AirAsia or Nok Air offer very affordable rates.
- By bus or car: From Bangkok, the bus journey takes about 12 hours. If you rent a car, the driving time is similar.
2. Getting to Khao Lak
Khao Lak, although less accessible directly from abroad, is a popular destination for visitors already in Thailand, particularly those arriving via Phuket.
- From Phuket: The drive or minivan takes about 1 hours (30 km). This is the most convenient option if you are already in Phuket.
- From Bangkok: You can take a flight to Phuket and then drive to Khao Lak.
You can book your transport from Phuket via the search tool:
Once there
After reaching one of the starting points mentioned above, you have several options to explore Phang Nga Bay.
On an organized tour
The easiest solution is to use a local agency. From Phuket, Khao Lak or Phang Nga, agencies offer tours under the classic title James Bond Island Tour, generally covering the must-sees of the bay.
There are variations, including an evening outing, as Phang Nga Bay is also known for its bioluminescent plankton phenomenon. It is important to note that the visibility of bioluminescent plankton depends on several factors, including weather conditions, and even the phase of the moon, so check beforehand to avoid disappointment.
- Price: From 1 to 200 Baht, depending on comfort level and group size.
- Usual program:
- Passage to Wat Suwan Khuha and its cave with the reclining Buddha (near the city).
- Longtail boat navigation to caves like Tham Lot ou Khao Khian.
- Lunch at Ko Panyi.
- Visit of James Bond Island
- Depending on the options chosen, a stop for kayaking at Ko Phanak.
- Examples of towers:
How to get there by yourself?
If you prefer to plan your own day, it is entirely possible to rent a boat from one of the local docks.
Here are the two I've tested so far:
- Pa Yang Boat Service
Discovered somewhat by chance, this quay was located just 16 km from Samet Nangshe, after an aborted visit to the viewpoint. The welcome is warm, the prices reasonable, and the area is quiet, which makes it an excellent option to start your excursion.
- Hin Rom Pier
This pier ticks three important boxes: it's located right next to Samet Nangshe (where we had slept the night before), has very good reviews, and is just 1km off the main road, a little way from the village of Baan Him Rom. A perfect picturesque setting to start the day.
Then there are two main docks, where you should find a wide choice of boats and options for your visits:
- Phang Nga Bay with a longtail boat : located north of the bay, next to the town of Phang Nga, this pier is one of the most popular for organizing a day in the bay.
- Ban Klong Khian Pier This important pier is located in the village of Khlong Khian, opposite Ko Phanak. It is only 45 minutes from Phuket airport, making it particularly convenient if you are arriving from the island.
Rates and options
- Basic rate: Expect to pay a minimum of 2 Baht to rent a longtail boat for half a day.
- This corresponds to a private visit, but you may be able to find others to share the boat by heading to the main docks. Long lines can hold up to 20 people (or more depending on their size), which can reduce costs per person.
- Express visits: If you opt for a shorter route (1-3 islands), you might be able to negotiate a reduced rate, between 1 and 500 Baht.
- Full day: For a full tour, as described in this article, our boat was negotiated at 4 500 Bahts.
Little reminder :
Note that long-tails are always expensive, because they use large engines that are very fuel-hungry... This cost should be kept in mind during your negotiations.
Where to stay in Phang Nga
While Phuket tends to take the cake for the default place to stay in the region, there are three spots from which it is easy to get to Phang Nga Bay.
- Phang Nga, the city. The bay takes its name from this province, which itself bears the name of its main city. Located in the north of the bay, less than 10 km from the main quay (simply referenced as Phang Nga Bay with a longtail boat on Google Maps), it is an ideal option to minimize travel times. However, few visitors choose it as a base, preferring spots by the sea.
- Khao LakThe beaches of Khao Lak are located approximately 70 km from the bay and are therefore an ideal base. Many local agencies offer excursions to Phang Nga Bay. If you prefer to go independently, it's about an hour's drive to reach one of the piers where you can take a longtail boat into the bay.
- Phuket. Default option for many. Here too, you will find a plethora of local agencies offering a day tour of the bay. In terms of transport, it is similar to Khao Lak since it is about 70 km, if we take into account that you stay rather on the southern part of the island, generally more popular (whether it is Patong, Kamala, Rawai or even Phuket town).
Sametnangshe Boutique: The hotel with a breathtaking view
To illustrate my experience on this tour, let's talk about the hotel where I stayed the day before our excursion: the Sametnangshe Boutique. Initially, it was a simple café with a terrace, taking advantage of its exceptional location to offer a panoramic view of the bay. Its dazzling success led to its expansion: bungalows, tent pitches, and, in a short time, a transformation into High-end boutique hotel, with the prices that go with it…
At the time of our stay they had small "capsule" style rooms about 70 € per night, but they have moved upmarket so much recently that these have apparently disappeared. For a basic room, you now have to count on average 100€ off season, and 170€ in high season.
Book your stay at Sametnangshe Boutique
Since my visit, the establishment has continued to expand. What I described a few years ago as "a still very recent development, starting from nothing" has now become a complete complex, with comfortable rooms, a large restaurant with terrace, a new café also with its terrace, and even a swimming pool.
The flip side
While the success of Sametnangshe Boutique is understandable, it is unfortunately accompanied by rapid development that is profoundly changing the local landscape and ecosystem.
That's the problem with Thailand, when a place becomes famous (often thanks to its popularity on Instagram), expansions multiply, sometimes to the detriment of the environment and natural aesthetics.
It is hard not to feel a certain sadness in the face of this phenomenon: the fragile balance between preservation and exploitation always seems to tip to the wrong side. On this hill, the trees are gradually giving way to new bungalows and terraces, razing entire sections of the mountain.
This success has also attracted competitors, such as the recent Beyond Skywalk Nangshi. The latter is even more ambitious in terms of luxury, since they have built a skywalk (platform with glass floor), mounted on enormous concrete pylons that hardly fits into the natural landscape. The prices are just as high, and despite the appeal of this spectacular view, the visual and environmental impact of this development remains very questionable.
Find a hotel near Phang Nga Bay
Map of attractions in Phang Nga Bay
To help you get your bearings, here is a detailed map of the bay showing almost all the attractions mentioned in this article as well as a visualization of the route taken to understand the area covered.
By displaying the list via the icon at the top left, you will see at the top of the list the lighter icons corresponding to the sites that I have not visited. I have also distinguished the platforms with a color code: the platforms in blue indicate those that I have already used during my visits.
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12 Comments
Hello,
Thank you for all this very helpful advice. We are planning a trip to Thailand in early February and would like to know how long the boat trip to visit the bay should take? Should we allow a full day to make the most of it, or do boats generally only offer half-day trips? We plan to stay in the village of Phang Nga so we can leave early and avoid the crowds coming from Phuket (2 adults and a 6-and-a-half-year-old child). A huge thank you for your advice.
Hello,
To be honest, it depends on whether you plan to explore the bay thoroughly but also on your budget. When I first came, reported in this article, it was an express visit that lasted just 2 hours in the late afternoon. In this case, you can get by for €40-50 (excluding James Bond Island, where I hadn't been the first time). I haven't updated yet (but it will come), I have since explored the bay more in depth, doing the activities available on site (kayaking in two places) and the budget then climbed to more than €120 (for two), but it lasted the whole day (6 hours in this case).
I'm going to Phang Nga at the beginning of November, I'm staying there.
I want to visit the bay early in the morning.
Which agency do you recommend?
Thank you
When you say on site, do you mean in the city? Will you have transportation? Because in my case, both visits I made, I just went straight to one of the many docks that take long tail boats to the bay. The first time is indicated in this article, and the 2nd time was here: Andaman Heaven
Recent information that may interest future visitors: I went there in January 2020 and chose to leave from the city of Phang Nga: a nice little hotel near the bus station and meeting a manager of a local agency 'MT tours', a very honest price: 1200 B per day, with 2 advantages: departure before the horde of tourists who come from Krabi and Phuket, and a more in-depth visit.
I will soon publish a video on youtube and you will be able to compare with the other visits
Hello,
Thanks for the info, I'm removing the contact though because the reviews about this agency are mixed, so I prefer not to indirectly promote a company that isn't perfectly exemplary. When you say 1200 B is that per person?
Hello,
We are going to stay on the island of Ko Yao Noi in April.
Is it easy to find a private boat to visit Phang Nga Bay from this island?
Which boat tour(s) would you recommend from this island and at what times to hope for a little peace and quiet?
we are there for 4 full days, so we can do several excursions.
merci d'avance pour votre réponse
Hello,
Normally yes, you should find it easily. In general you have to either leave very early to avoid the tours coming from Phuket, or do as I did, leave later, when most people have already left.
Hello Romain,
First of all, thank you for all the information we find thanks to you!
We are planning a trip to Thailand for which we of course want to do Phang Nga Bay by longtail boat, leaving early to avoid the crowds.
The day before, we will sleep in the town of Phang Nga: please tell us if you advise us to book the tour with our hotel or guesthouse or if we should go directly to a pier early enough: but suddenly, I have trouble finding on Google Map where we should go exactly (we will have a rental car)
When you talk about a price of around 2500 baths, is it for the boat or per person? There are 2 of us and we would like to do this excursion privately… And I have a hard time believing that it would only cost 2500 baths for 2… Because I suppose that there is a stop at James Bond Island, at the village of Ko Panyi, in addition to sailing in the mangroves and around the islets… How much time is the excursion in total if we go directly to the pier and not from Phuket or another place with transfers?
Thank you for your advice and information.
Laurence
Hello,
Sorry for the delay in replying, I wasn't at home and I've fallen behind on emails and comments… If the tour offered by your hotel is within the price range I mentioned, then yes, why not, depending on the details of what they offer and whether their departure times are flexible (that can make a difference in avoiding the main crowds).
This is a price for the entire boat, yes, because it is taken directly without an intermediary. Note that the entrance to James Bond Island, which is paid, is not included in the 2500 Bahts (and in my case as said in the article, I did not go there because I had no more battery on my camera…). In total, without James Bond Island (we passed there but without stopping), it only took us a good two hours, officially, the boatman had told us that we had all the time and we could have hung around a little longer if once again I had had enough battery to take more photos…
Hello,
Thank you for this very interesting information, could you tell me how I can reach Koh Yao Noi or Koh Yao Yai then Ko Phi Phi from Koh Panyee, James Bond Island by boat please?
Thank you
Séverine
Hello,
There is supposed to be a ferry leaving from Tha Dan Pier, Phang Nga, leaving at 13pm (earlier if it is low tide and the sea is rough not available). Otherwise no choice but to go back via Bangkok, given the distance, I doubt a long tail (long tail boat) would make such a long journey, and if it did, it would probably be overpriced.