Thailand

Bordered by deserted and wild islands, Phang Nga Bay, located between Phuket and Krabi, is a unique gem of southern Thailand. Here’s an overview of its highlights!

South of the Gulf of Thailand, Phang Nga Bay welcomes tourists in a stunning green setting, amidst lush foliage, mangroves, and karst formations. Travel guides describe it as a gathering of limestone islets, but what word captures the beauty of this archipelago with its rugged coastlines, abundant coral reefs, and where shrimp, pufferfish, butterflyfish, and seagrass have found refuge? A favorite destination for filmmakers, the former fishing village of Phang Nga opened to tourism in the early 1980s. Whether you're into beach outings, river and lagoon cruises, underwater exploration, or seabird photography, Phang Nga Bay is a must-stop between Phuket and Krabi for a truly natural vacation in Southern Thailand!

History

The legend of the bay is recounted in a tale by French ethnologist Jean Boulbet, who made his home in the area. The book tells the story of a serpent king, the "Naga," who crossed the Andaman Sea to rescue his beloved, captured in a cave at Ao Nang. This act of bravery led our mythical character to face many dangers: battling giants, carving mountains, smashing rocks, and building walls. The presence of rock formations and karst islands supposedly bears witness to the passage of the Naga king over the bay in ancient times.

A less poetic but more credible explanation attributes the origin of these needle-like rocks to erosion processes: when waves crash against the cliffs, they alter and sculpt the rocks into curious shapes. Rain, wind, and time have completed the transformation. These rocks emerging from the sea floor are one of the main attractions of tourism in Phang Nga Bay. It has become a coveted destination since it served as a backdrop for the James Bond films "The Man with the Golden Gun" and "Tomorrow Never Dies."

Today

Until the 1970s, locals relied solely on fishing and gathering palm leaves for their livelihood. While agricultural traditions still thrive in pockets of the island, they are gradually giving way to service industries. Many boys pursue careers as guides or hotel receptionists, while girls aspire to education with hopes of employment in the park. The village of Phang Nga itself is undergoing a transformation. On one hand, the presence of bungalows and internationally-classed hotels clearly indicates its tourism orientation. On the other hand, environmental initiatives have gained prominence: the bay was declared a protected area as part of Ao Phang Nga National Park in April 1981, and it was designated a Ramsar site in 2002. Documentation of animal and plant species residing on the bay's 49 islands has promoted ecotourism.

Exploring the park's biodiversity

Phang Nga Bay harbors extremely rich biodiversity. The site's insularity, the interpenetration of sea and lacustrine zones, the presence of coral reefs, and abundant and continuous rainfall have created a unique ecosystem, home to unique fauna and flora. To make the most of Phang Nga, an ecotourism-themed circuit is a great idea.

Ao Phang Nga National Park covers an area of approximately 400 km2. The plant kingdom will reveal its splendor to you: 28 species of mangroves await discovery during excursions into the lagoons, where crabs, shrimp, and sea cucumbers abound. Among the animal kingdom specimens, the dugong, white-handed gibbon, and black dolphin, all endangered, stand out. Don’t miss the dusky langur, a relative of the gibbon and colobus monkey, as it moves along tree branches in search of green leaves. The park also boasts 82 fish species, 18 reptiles, and 3 amphibians. If you’re interested in avifauna, Phang Nga Bay is an important site for bird conservation (Charadrius peronii, Limnodromus semipalmatus, etc.). Their meeting points are typically muddy environments, rivers, and salt marshes. A tip: don't forget your multimedia device!

Notable limestone islets to visit in Phang Nga Bay

Koh Tapu

Since 1974, Koh Tapu has seen an increase in visitors, as it appeared in adventurous scenes of James Bond movies, notably in "The Man with the Golden Gun" (1974). Locals refer to it as James Bond Island, and its shape resembles a nail driven straight into the sea, shaped by repeated marine, hydraulic, and wind erosion. Across from Koh Tapu lies the small island of Koh Phing Khan, beloved by swimmers, enthusiasts of secret caves and seashells, and forest walkers. The tourist must pay 300 baht for entry, but this ticket also grants access to other islands in the national park.

Koh Hong

Comprising four islets, Koh Hong charms with its magnificent lagoon, accessible by kayak or similar craft. The path to reach it passes through tunnels and limestone caves, requiring some bending at times. When the tide rises, you'll enjoy swimming in the lagoon’s waters. Colorful coral reefs reveal themselves at low tide.

Koh Sawang Yai

Koh Sawang Yai is another natural wonder near James Bond Island. For boaters, Koh Sa Ang and spelunking go hand in hand. A hidden cave awaits on the island’s west side. Despite its darkness, the site is worth a visit. If you illuminate the cave with a torch and are accompanied by a local guide, you'll have memorable experiences exploring the cave with its thousand stalactites. You'll wonder which deserves more "hurrahs"—the limestone environment or the cave art.

Koh Panyi

Rather than calling it an island, Koh Panyi, sometimes transcribed as "Koh Panyee," is more appropriately termed a floating village. Houses on stilts overlook peaceful waters framed by mangroves and imposing limestone cliffs. True to tradition, villagers continue artisanal fishing. Indeed, its restaurants offering a cuisine rich in fish and seafood have earned Koh Panyi its renown. To peacefully visit the village, explore its mosque, and collect cheerful views of the sea, arrive early. From Phang Nga, drive by private car to the Surakul pier and board a long-tail boat, a journey taking no more than 20 minutes to Koh Panyi. The 1,500 baht owed to the boatman pale in comparison to the satisfaction of having the village to yourself before tourists flock to the dozen souvenir shops.

Koh Panak

Trekking, cave descents, and exploration of million-year-old rock carvings are highlights of a trip to Koh Panak. The largest island in Ao Phang Nga National Park hosts a series of caverns. The path to the caves provides a pretext for an enjoyable hike or canoe-kayak adventure.

Climate

Phang Nga Bay experiences a tropical climate divided into two seasons: dry and monsoon. Local temperatures range from 22°C to 34°C.

To enjoy a boat trip on the waters of Phang Nga Bay, choose dates between December and April.

How to get there?

From Bangkok, numerous buses and rail lines serve Phuket Island and Phang Nga Bay. Once in Phuket, board a tourist boat to embark on a dream cruise to the neighboring islets.

Getting around this natural wonder

Kayaking is the most popular means of transport for exploring the bay. Many tour companies offer day excursions to tourists. The packages are fairly similar, but the quality-price ratio makes all the difference. Expect to pay 1,200 baht per person for a boat ride. This rate includes meals and round-trip transfers. For a more unique experience, consider renting your own boat and exploring the bay at your own pace. Opt for an early morning departure to avoid the traffic of holidaymakers boarding boats.