Located between Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi Provinces, Phang Nga Bay is home to outstanding scenery.
Famous for its towering limestone karsts, rock formations, caves and lagoons, the bay is home to a myriad of small islands worth exploring.
The most visited island in the bay is Khao Ping Kan, better known as James Bond Island. The rocky pinnacle became famous for a leading role in the 1974 James Bond film, “The Man with the Golden Gun.”
The island is covered with greenery and surrounded by shallow water. It is a popular destination for sailing and kayaking. We recommend visiting James Bond Island in the morning to avoid crowds.
While exploring Phang Nga Bay, make sure to head over to Koh Panyee, a charming Muslim fishing village on stilts. Koh Panyee gives visitors a glimpse into local life. The village has a school with a floating football pitch, a mosque and a health center as well as a variety of shops selling souvenirs. There are many large restaurants that face the sea, making it a perfect stop for a fresh seafood lunch.
Experiencing Phang Nga Bay by private yacht charter is an excellent way to spend a day. The limestone karsts and rock formations create a postcard perfect backdrop, and there are many safe places to drop anchor and admire the bay’s beauty. Phang Nga Bay is fairly sheltered, which means the sea is calm all the year round.
Phang Nga Bay is full of wonders and there really is much to see and do here. The patches of mangrove forests are fun to sail through and allow visitors the chance to get up close and personal with this unique ecosystem. There are many caves to marvel at, as well as collapsed cave systems known as ‘hongs’ to kayak through. The hongs are interesting as they tend to open towards the sky and are filled with wildlife. The nature here is simply stunning, and it can be best appreciated by kayaking around the bay.
Looking to have a quieter holiday experience? The very rustic and undeveloped Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi sit in the middle of the bay. These islands offer peace and tranquility. Nature is abundant on both, and you can often see verdant rice paddies and buffalos taking mud baths. The interior of the islands are full with rubber tree plantations, and many of the locals are fishermen. Snorkelling, swimming and kayaking are popular activities to participate in while visiting Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi.
The Koh Yao Islands have a lot to offer in way of accommodation. Six Senses Yao Noi is an exceptional place to stay. The resort sets the highest benchmark for island resort living in Asia and boasts sweeping views across Phang Nga Bay. The private villas are designed with comfort in mind. The Paradise Koh Yao is a secluded boutique island resort in its own private bay. The resort is surrounded by a national reserve tropical rainforest and is a true natural escape.
