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Updated: September 29, 2025
Phang Nga Bay is one of those landscapes that leaves you speechless. It’s in the Andaman Sea, between Krabi and Phuket, and even though it doesn’t get as many visitors as other spots in Thailand, it’s just as stunning as the famous Halong Bay in Vietnam.
Since the 1980s, it’s been part of Ao Phang Nga National Park, an area of more than 400 km² that became fully protected in 2002. Here you’ll find a true natural wonder: limestone islets surrounded by turquoise waters, caves you can only reach by canoe, and hidden white-sand beaches.
In this guide I’ll share the best things to do in Phang Nga, how to get there, and lots of practical tips.
If you don’t have time to read the whole article and just want the easy option, this is the tour I did—it’s the most complete and affordable one from Phuket.
What to Do in Phang Nga Bay
1. James Bond Island
Its real name is Koh Khao Phing Kan, but since 1974 everyone calls it James Bond Island, because part of the movie The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed here.
The most striking feature is Koh Tapu, a 20-meter-high limestone rock rising in the middle of the bay, which has become one of Thailand’s most iconic sights. By the way, “koh” means island and “tapu” means nail… and honestly, it really does look like a nail sticking out of the water
In the video below you can see James Bond arriving in a small plane flying over the bay, and if you skip to minute 2:33 you’ll catch the famous duel with the rock in the background
Besides the classic photo with Koh Tapu, on the island you can also visit:
- A large cave next to the pier.
- The small beach that appears in the movie.
- And another longer, narrower beach you can reach from a side path to the left of the main beach. This is where private boats usually dock.
🎥 Related article: 7 Movies Filmed in Thailand, including more James Bond locations.
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2. Koh Panyee
Koh Panyee is easy to recognize from the sea thanks to its huge limestone cliff, but what really makes it special is the Muslim village built on wooden stilts.
The village was founded in the 17th century by Malay families who couldn’t buy land at the time, and today around 1,600 people still live here. Fishing is still part of daily life, but tourism is now their main income, so you’ll find plenty of little shops selling souvenirs, clothes, and food.
The products and prices are similar to what you’ll see elsewhere, but buying something here is a nice way to support the community.
Just be careful with pearls: according to the guide on my tour, many are fake, so only buy if you know how to tell the difference.
The island is fascinating because it’s not just for tourists—it’s a real village with a school, a mosque, a small cemetery, and even a floating soccer field that has become a little attraction itself.
It won’t take you too much time to visit the village, but if you can, take a leisurely stroll. It’s also a common stop for lunch, with restaurants that have terraces and unbeatable bay views.
🎥 Fun fact: Koh Panyee and Phang Nga Bay also appear in the movie Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004), when Renée Zellweger and Hugh Grant ride a long-tail boat.
3. Koh Thalu (Lod cave)
Lod Cave, on the island of Koh Thalu, is one of the bay’s most popular stops. Just don’t confuse it with Tham Lot Cave, which is way up north near Myanmar.
There are several islands in the bay with caves, but this one is special because you can only explore it by canoe. If you go on a long-tail boat or with a tour, they usually take you to large floating platforms by the island, where the canoes depart.
On some tours the canoe ride isn’t included, but it only costs about 100 baht per canoe for two people (50 baht each, just over a euro), and it’s absolutely worth it.
The best part? You don’t have to do anything because the paddler takes care of it. If you want to give it a try, they’ll hand you the paddle and even take your photo. They don’t speak much English, but they’re super friendly.
Of course I had to try, and it’s very different from kayaking. The response is slower, and you’ll probably end up spinning in circles. I had such a great time! 🤪
The route takes you through several caves: some small and open to the sky, others bigger with mangroves inside. Depending on the tide, you might even have to lie down flat in the canoe to slide under the rocks. It’s such a fun and unique experience.
4. Wat Suwan Khuha (Monkey Cave)
Even though it’s not inside the bay, Wat Suwan Khuha Temple is one of the most common stops on tours and best Phang Nga tourist attractions.
It’s a Buddhist temple inside a massive cave, and its main highlight is a 15-meter reclining Buddha. The mix of natural light streaming in and the soft lighting inside gives it an almost magical vibe.
If you keep walking toward the back, you’ll find another even more impressive chamber: a giant cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
Outside lives a colony of long-tailed macaques, the same kind you see in Phi Phi or other parts of Thailand. They’re very curious, but watch out if you’ve got food—these guys are quick and don’t really understand the concept of "asking for permission", no matter how innocent they look (like the one in the photo below).
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How to Visit Phang Nga Bay
There are three main ways to explore the bay:
1. Long-tail boat
If you want to go on your own, you’ll need to take a taxi or drive to one of the piers. I recommend heading to one of the piers in Khlong Khian, like this one in the Google Maps link.
The price is around 1,500 baht per boat (up to 4 people). The ride usually lasts about three hours with three stops included, though you can always negotiate the route.
2. Day-trip
The easiest option: you don’t have to deal with bargaining, it’s cheaper if you’re traveling solo, and it includes more stops, a guide, transport to the pier, and lunch.
I took this excursion from Phuket, which was really well organized, with fresh fruit, water, and lunch included. The guide was also super friendly and made it fun.
Phang Nga Bay is honestly one of the best day trips from Phuket.
3. Private boat
If you’re traveling with friends or just want to set your own pace, you can rent a private boat from Phuket. Prices start at about 200 euros per day, so if you split it with a group it can be a great deal.
For renting a boat, I recommend this website—they’ve got good prices and boats in great condition.
FAQs
In the Andaman Sea, monsoon season runs from May to October. During these months the sea can be rough, and tours might get canceled. There’s also a higher chance that cave visits will be closed (they’re narrow even in good weather).
The best time to visit the bay is from November to April, when the sea is calm and the sun is out.
Entrance to Ao Phang Nga National Park is 300 baht (about 8 euros) for adults and 200 baht (about 5 euros) for kids. You’ll need to pay in cash at the pier or at the start of the tour, so bring small bills because they don’t take cards.
Even though the water looks turquoise and clear in photos, it’s not a good spot for snorkeling because the visibility is pretty bad. So skip the mask and snorkel—I carried mine for nothing. 😅
There aren’t many swimming stops either, but you’ll usually get the chance for a quick dip at James Bond Island.
Just the basics for a beach day: sunscreen, a hat or cap, light comfy clothes, flip-flops, a swimsuit, a towel, and if you want, a change of clothes.
Most travelers visit the bay on day trips from Phuket, which is super close and makes a great base. Tours usually pick up from the island’s main beach areas like Patong, Kata, and Karon. In this guide I share the best areas to stay in Phuket, with hotel options for every budget.
If you’re renting a car, another great option is Khao Lak, a quiet coastal town that’s less touristy than Phuket and has gorgeous beaches.
🤑 If you want to save on your next adventure, use this link from Booking to get 15% off your stay.
Final Thoughts
Phang Nga Bay is a must-see if you’re traveling in southern Thailand. It’s stunning, way less crowded than other nearby spots, and the scenery looks straight out of a movie (and not just James Bond).
In this guide to Southern Thailand, you can keep reading all my articles about the islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea—two areas I know well because I lived there for over two years.
If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘
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Hi, I’m Andrea, creator and author of Viajeros Activos (Active Travelers). I write about Southeast Asia, the Caucasus, and Europe. I’m a full-time traveler, passionate about good food, and always looking for new adventures.
Hello! I would like to go to Koh Panyee and spend the night there. How could I go and from where? Could you ask fishermen or local people and tell them they haven't been paying? Thank you
Hello Virginia
To go on your own, I doubt you could find a fisherman to go with.
It will have to be one of those boatmen who tour the bay.
You approach a nearby dock and ask questions, which is what I did, but it didn't work for me, that's why I went with the excursion.
Of course, keep in mind that Koh Panyee is tiny, you can explore it in less than an hour. I loved the visit, but I don't think it's worth spending the night there.
The only thing there is is the shopping area, some restaurants, the mosque, the cemetery which is very small and the soccer field.
Have a good trip!