Phang Nga Bay is not as famous as Phi Phi, but among tourists who have been there, few say they were disappointed. The place is unlike anything else. Here is what you will see and whether it belongs in your itinerary.
What is James Bond Island?
Its official name is Ko Tapu. A small rock that juts vertically out of the water. It became famous after the filming of The Spy Who Loved Me in 1974 and has since become the symbol of Phang Nga. The island itself takes 15 minutes to walk around, but the surrounding scenery is fantastic — limestone karsts, jungle-covered cliffs, quiet coves.
Koh Panyee — the main surprise
A fishing village built entirely on stilts above the bay. 2,000 residents, a mosque, a market, restaurants — all on water. Most tourists discover it as an unexpected highlight and call it one of the best moments of the trip. Lunch here — seafood straight from the bay — is included in most tours.
"When the boat enters the bay and you see those cliffs rising through the mist — you understand why they filmed a Bond movie here."
Sea cave kayaking — a must
The best part of the tour: kayaking through "hongs" — sea caves inside the karst cliffs where the ceiling drops to the waterline and you lie back in the boat to pass through. Inside: quiet lagoons, birds, mangrove trees. A feeling of complete escape from civilisation. Always include the kayaking option in your booking.
How the tour is organised
Hotel pick-up at 08:00, 1.5 hours to Thap Lamu Pier, transfer to a traditional longtail boat. Route: James Bond Island → Koh Panyee village (lunch) → cave kayaking → Hong Islands. Return to hotel around 18:30. From 1,500 THB with transfer and lunch.
FAQ
Which is better: Phi Phi or Phang Nga? Different experiences. Phi Phi is sea and snorkelling. Phang Nga is caves, a water village and landscapes. Ideally — both tours.
Suitable for children? Yes, excellently. Cave kayaking is one of the most memorable children's moments of the whole trip.
More articles
Who is Hanuman: the flying monkey god and why Phuket's top adventure park bears his name
How a hero of an ancient Hindu epic became a symbol of Thai culture — and why his name graces the island's most famous adventure park.
Read →
Hanuman World Phuket: jungle zipline — how to choose a program and not regret it
Phuket's largest adventure park: 16 ziplines, sky bridges, luge carts and 11 packages. An honest breakdown of which program suits you and what it costs.
Read →
Mario Kart in Phuket: what Luge is and why you should try it
Gravity carts through the jungle — nicknamed "Mario Kart carts" for the resemblance to the game. We explain what it is, how it works and who it's for.
Read →