Phang Nga Bay
Limestone Cliffs, Caves, and Emerald Waters
Phang Nga Bay is one of the most remarkable attractions located near Phuket. Covering an area of approximately 400 square kilometers and protected as part of Ao Phang Nga National Park, the bay is bordered to the southwest by Phuket Island, to the north by Phang Nga Province — which gives the bay its name — and to the northeast by Krabi Province. Thanks to this unique geographic position, Phang Nga Bay forms a natural link between three of southern Thailand’s most scenic regions.
Often compared to Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay (and vice versa), Phang Nga Bay is famous for its dramatic limestone scenery. The bay contains 42 islands and limestone islets rising vertically from emerald-green, brackish waters. Countless caves, sea tunnels, and mangrove forests make the bay a vital natural nursery for many fish species and marine life.
One limitation of the bay, however, is that the nature of its waters makes it unsuitable for snorkeling or scuba diving. Instead, Phang Nga Bay is best appreciated above the surface, through sightseeing, kayaking, and exploration.
James Bond Island
Phang Nga Bay was introduced to a global audience in 1974 with the release of the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun. In the movie, Khao Phing Kan and Koh Tapu — two islands in the bay — serve as the dramatic entrance to the secret base of the villain Francisco Scaramanga, played by Christopher Lee, who is pursued by James Bond, portrayed by Roger Moore.
The famous pistol duel between the two protagonists takes place on the beach of Khao Phing Kan, with Koh Tapu rising from the bay just a few dozen meters behind them. After the film’s release, the pair of islands became known collectively as “James Bond Island,” and tourism in Phang Nga Bay gradually increased. Today, it is one of the most visited spots in the region and a highlight of nearly every tour of the bay.
Koh Hong and the Caves and Tunnels
Several islands in Phang Nga Bay have a tubular limestone structure. Over time, erosion has hollowed out their centers, creating enclosed inner chambers surrounded by sheer rock walls. The most famous example of this natural formation is Koh Hong. In Thai, the word hong means “room” (for example, hong nammeans bathroom), which perfectly describes these hidden spaces.
The central chamber of Koh Hong can be visited by sea canoe or kayak through narrow tunnels that are accessible only at certain tides. These passages are often completely dark and open suddenly into a quiet, enclosed lagoon, creating a memorable and sometimes intense experience — not recommended for those who are claustrophobic.
These excursions, now extremely popular, did not exist before 1989. That year marked the arrival of John Gray in Phang Nga Bay. An American citizen, John Gray had founded an eco-oriented sea canoe company in Hawaii in 1983. After visiting Thailand in 1989 — reportedly guided by local fishermen — he became the first Westerner to explore and access these previously unknown hongs. He later founded the first company in Thailand dedicated to these unique excursions: John Gray’s Sea Canoe. Since then, competition has grown and kayaking tours have become a full-fledged industry, with the increasing number of visitors inevitably reducing some of the original sense of discovery.
Koh Panyee (Koh Panyi)
A regular stop on many day tours in Phang Nga Bay and accessible only by boat, Koh Panyee is a fishing village built entirely on stilts at the base of a towering limestone cliff. The village presents a striking and unusual sight, with wooden walkways linking houses, shops, and public buildings above the water.
Most of the buildings on the eastern side of the village house restaurants that serve seafood and fish from the bay, catering to tour groups during lunchtime stops. Visiting Koh Panyee can be both fascinating and slightly uncomfortable, as living spaces are compact and visitors often feel they are intruding on daily life.
Among the village’s most notable landmarks are its mosque, topped with a golden dome, and the floating football pitch. Built by the village’s children in 1986, this pitch has become a symbol of adaptation and perseverance for the local community. Over the years, it has been gradually improved and modernized, while remaining one of the most unusual football fields in the world.
Summary
Phang Nga Bay is a must-see destination for anyone spending their holidays in Phuket. There are many ways to explore the bay: full-day excursions on large boats combined with canoe tours, speedboat trips hopping from one attraction to another, traditional junk cruises, or even sunset dinner cruises. Each option offers a different perspective on the bay’s extraordinary scenery.
Phang Nga Bay is a unique place where spectacular and mysterious rock formations have long provided local communities with shelter and natural resources, and where tourism now plays an important role in sustaining livelihoods. Visiting the bay offers not only unforgettable landscapes, but also insight into the delicate balance between nature, culture, and tourism in southern Thailand.
Last visit & photos: Phang Nga Bay — 11 November 2020
Phang Nga Bay Photo Gallery
Passionate about photography since the mid-2000s, I’ve spent years capturing the beauty of Phuket and southern Thailand — from beaches and islands to festivals and daily life. My work reflects a lasting love for the region and its ever-changing light.
