Phang Nga Bay is a stunning area in the Andaman Sea, within easy reach from Phuket. It is home to a number of small islands which are excellent spots for diving and are located within the crystal clear emerald colour water. Highlights of this bay, aside from the islands, are the imposing limestone cliffs which create a very dramatic scene and are also home to underwater caves and numerous species of sea life.

It may be hard to believe, but the tops of each island were once part of an unbroken land mass belonging to the mainland. This land would have been covered with forests and broken up by streams. However, this was before humans ever existed and while dinosaurs ruled the earth.

The islands are the perfect places to relax and enjoy water sports such as snorkelling. There are a number of islands within the bay, although the most famous are James Bond Island and Koh Pannyee. These are very popular with people on daytrips from Phuket, Krabi and other spots along the Andaman Coast.

Phang Nga Bay is a great place for boating and it is only by boat that you will get to experience the true beauty. It is protected by the cliffs from the monsoons and therefore the water remains incredibly calm all year which adds to its charm and appeal. It also helps to ensure that wildlife both in and out of the water is plentiful. Boat trips are available to tour the entire bay and are available for large group tours or smaller, intimately private tours. It is an excellent way to spend the day and the boats will take you from island to island passing breathtaking scenery along the way.

James Bond Island

This island gained its fame for being the setting for the Bond Movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. Its real name is Koh Ping Gan and together with its rocky summit, it is one of the most scenic islands in the entire bay. There are some excellent snorkelling opportunities around the coast of this island and the surrounding open water is very good for scuba diving. It is also possible to spend a few hours relaxing on the beach, which is sure to be quiet as most people who arrive participate in whatever water sports are available. If you are on a guided tour, this island will certainly be part of it and lunch will be included which can be enjoyed here among the pristine forests.

Koh Panyee

Also known as Sea Gypsy Island, Koh Panyee is a small island which is home to a sea gypsy community.  It is a beautiful island with the gypsy village being the focal point. This village boasts traditional houses on stilts as well as handicraft shops, rocky outlets, stunning beaches and a small selection of restaurants. Despite this minor development, the natural beauty still remains and luckily overshadows all buildings and amenities. As soon as the tourists leave for the day, the village literally closes up and it becomes a quaint fishing village again.

Other Islands

Most of the islands in the bay are uninhabited although many are home to dramatic caves which can be reached by kayak and beautiful coastlines. Koh Hong is one of the most popular of these smaller islands as there is plenty of opportunity to get up close and personal with the sea life while scuba diving. Khao Khien is also worth a quick visit as there are a number of ancient paintings of boats and animals on the rock walls which date back centuries. One of islands which is actually inhabited is known as Koh Maak. This lies at the top of the bay and like Koh Panyee is home to fishermen and their families who all live a very traditional life. Another inhabited island includes Koh Yao, which boasts true intimacy for anyone staying here.

What to do

Snorkelling

The site of Phang Nga Bay is one of the most beautiful in the whole of Thailand. Snorkelling opportunities abound and allow visitors to catch a glimpse of underwater life without having to go through the training of scuba diving. Sometimes the best spots are the small rocky outlets on the islands themselves as many tropical fish gather here.
 
Scuba Diving

If you are an experienced scuba diver, you will find life under tese waters fascinating. Along with the schools of tropical fish, lucky divers also get to see rays, tiger sharks and even the odd whale shark.

Rock Climbing

The sheer cliff faces are excellent climbing locations for avid climbers. However, experience is necessary as there are some very steep and difficult climbs. Beginners should stick to the rock faces on the islands themselves.

How to get there

It is possible to enjoy all of the bay’s sights and attractions in one day and this is what most people do. Day trips can be organised form any travel agent on Phuket or Krabi and include transfers to and from hotels, the ferry journey to the bay, lunch and all equipment required. Ferries leave from the piers along Phuket’s east coast. It is also possible to take a ferry from Phang Nga mainland, just south of the main town. From here, you can also hire a speedboat or long-tail boat for your own private tour. For the active, canoe tours are available and for those with money to spare, it is possible to charter a yacht.