The iconic “James Bond Island” and Ao Phang Nga National Park should be on everyone’s Bucket List. I observed the unique islands in the bay and national park on an awesome boat tour with fascinating stops. So, read on to learn about Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay Tour highlights.
The famous Phang Nga Bay is in the Strait of Malacca, between Phuket and the mainland of Kra isthmus of southern Thailand. A significant section of the bay is protected by Ao Phang Nga National Park. The shallow bay has 42 islands made out of limestone cliffs with caves called Tower karsts.
It is a surreal bay, similar in many ways to Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, with steep rock karst islands dotting the bay. This wonderland became world famous after its islands, Khao Phing Kan and Khao Ta Pu were featured in James Bond’s 1974 hit movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. Additionally, there are various sea caves and diverse cultures living on the islands., that are less known and just as amazing.
My Phang Nga Bay Tour Highlights
From Phuket, my longboat tour on Phang Nga Bay took me to James Bond Island, inside a sea cave and the floating fishing village, Koh Panyee. Also, we saw numerous fishermen standing on their long-tail boats, looking out over the water. It was an exhilarating day in many ways; however, the weather was overcast with intermittent sunny moments.
James Bond Island
This bay became famous after featuring Khao Phing Kan and Khao Ta Pu in the 1974 James Bond movie, The Man and the Golden Gun. Here, a picture says so much more than I ever could. Khao Phing Kan resembles twin islands, as 2 forest-covered islands or limestone tower karsts, with caves underneath and 2 beaches in between.
Also, a solitary karst named Kaho Ta Pu juts steeply upward 20 meters high (66 ft) in front of Khao Phing Kan. This is one of the most unique land formations that I have ever seen in all my travels. We got very close to the beaches but did not get off the ship. The water is shallow around the islands and a light green color. Visitors are not allowed to go on the isolated Khao Ta Pu, to preserve its rocks from erosion and collapse.
Sea Caves
There are many sea caves and lagoons to explore throughout the bay. Canoe or kayak tours are available for a more intimate tour. Also, it’s important to have guides because many of them can only be entered at low tide. I did venture off into a sea cave on a boat. It’s scary to think about the unfathomable weight of these massive limestone karsts holding up above.
Koh Panyee Floating Village
This unique floating fishing village rests on stilts next to a steep limestone karst. In the late 18th century, the Malay fisherman established the village. Because at the time, only Thai citizens could own land, the Malay created the fishing village on stilts over the shallow waters. The population of the community is about 1,600 people, primarily made up of fisherman. However, during the dry season the community is a tourist destination for lunch and souvenirs.
I disembarked the boat and walked around to observe the community. The people were very friendly and welcoming to us. It was fascinating to observe this unique community and imagine what it would be like to live here.
Overall, Phang Nga Bay Tour
It is no exaggeration for me to say Phang Nga Bay is truly one of the most magical bays in the world, along with its sister site, Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. Where else can you feel like you are floating in and out of 2 epic movies, Man and the Golden Gun or Avatar? This is a place that inspires us to travel, as we discover the wonder of majestic Earth.
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