Phang Nga Bay review
Phang Nga Bay forms some of Thailand’s most awe-inspiring scenery. Travelers flock here from Phuket daily on a boat tour to witness spectacular rock formations that protrude from serene waters, discover hidden caves and hongs, explore mangrove forests, and visit floating villages. The main highlight of Phang Nga Bay is the James Bond Island, and there are usually dozens of boats visiting it at the same time from Phuket and Krabi.
Phang Nga Bay spans 42 large and small islands, including Koh Yao islands, Koh Panak, Hong Island, Koh Panyee, James Bond Island, and others. A distinctive feature of Phang Nga Bay is the sheer limestone karsts that jut out vertically from the tranquil emerald green waters. Covering 400 square kilometers, Phang Nga Bay features a diverse ecosystem, where fertile mangrove forests prevail around many islands, preserving its original nature.
One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the Phang Nga Bay is by canoe. Many of the rocks are hollowed out and allow it to be paddled across easily. You can come very close to stalactites and stalagmites, which have formed over the decades creating small caves and hongs. The Phang Nga Bay ecosystem includes mangrove forests that grow in seawater, protecting many unique species of flora and fauna. Indeed, Phang Nga Bay promises one of the most interesting eco-adventures Thailand has to offer.
- AIRPORT Phuket & Krabi
See & Do
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See all (4)Day Trip
Phang Nga Bay day trip
- Experience one of the most awe-inspiring scenery in Thailand
- Cruise hundreds of limestone cliffs protruding from serene waters
- Visit Instagram-perfect limestone islet on James Bond Island
- Discover the life on the water at the floating fishermen village on Koh Panyee island
- Explore a scenic cave and kayak across mangrove forests on Koh Panak island
- Adventure into the inner lagoon at Hong Island by canoe to discover a unique enclosed pool with a large chimney opening to the sky
- Learn about traditional pearl farming on Koh Naka Noi
- Explore cozy fishing villages and mingle with locals on Koh Naka Yai
- Enjoy serenity, mangrove forests, and long-tailed macaques on Coconut Island
- Canoe or bike around Koh Rang Yai island with its enchanting beaches
Phang Nga Bay is a perfect day trip destination for vacationers on Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Yao islands.
How to reach Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay is located in southern Thailand, sandwiched between Phuket island and Krabi coastline. The bay spans across both Koh Yao islands in the middle. Despite the lack of crystal clear water, this destination offers spectacular views of hundreds of limestone cliffs. It is one of the most popular destinations for boat tours from Phuket.
It only takes 20-30 minutes to reach the first notable sight by boat if you depart from the north of Phuket. There are also private boat tours you can choose from Krabi and Ao Nang to Phang Nga Bay. While there are more scenic islands that are closer to Krabi, many people still follow the James Bond Island crowd. Speak with the Islander team today to find the best speedboat, catamaran, or a motor yacht to visit Phang Nga Bay for a day trip.
Best time in Phang Nga Bay
The best time to visit Phang Nga Bay is from November to April. However, Phang Nga Bay is one of the nearby Phuket and Krabi destinations that can be enjoyed throughout the year. It is because the Phang Nga Bay sits deep and is well protected from the monsoon storms by nearby islands of Koh Yao and Phuket. Still, November to April is the recommended period to visit because the waters are calm and allow for more pleasant island hopping. The rainy season in Phang Nga Bay lasts from May to October.
Phang Nga Bay or Phi Phi Islands
Phang Nga Bay tour is likely the most popular day trip from Phuket or Krabi. There is no surprise because the Phang Nga Bay tour will take you across breathtaking landscapes and ecosystems. You will witness spectacular rock formations protruding from serene waters, hidden hongs and caves, mangrove forests with unique species of flora and fauna, and even visit a floating island by the most epic cliff in the middle of the bay. If you were wondering what exactly makes the Phang Nga Bay tour an exciting adventure, you are in for a treat! Phi Phi islands, on the other hand, will appeal to snorkelers looking for crystal clear waters. Snorkeling is not a feature of the Phang Nga Bay tour. If you have a chance, take both Phi Phi Islands and Phang Nga Bay tours when on vacation in Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Yao.
Phang Nga Bay or Krabi islands
Cruising across the Krabi islands is a popular alternative to the Phang Nga Bay tour. Both day trips are available from either Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Yao Yao and Koh Yao Noi. Phang Nga Bay tour from Phuket usually includes exploration of Koh Panak, kayaking various hongs, visiting Koh Panyee floating village, followed by the one-and-only James Bond Island experience. On the other hand, the Krabi Islands tour takes to a scenic lagoon at Koh Hong, as well as peculiar islands of Koh Poda and Koh Pak Bia. For those visiting Phang Nga Bay from Krabi, you may take advantage of the Koh Hong archipelago first, so you can have 2-in-1 experience! Note that the Phang Nga Bay tour does not promise any snorkeling, unlike the Krabi Islands tour. On the flip side, no matter where you start the Phang Nga Bay tour, this destination will win your heart with its remarkable landscapes and original nature.
Phang Nga Bay or James Bond island
Many people confuse the Phang Nga Bay tour and James Bond Island tour as different day trips. The main highlight of the Phang Nga Bay tour is undoubtedly the James Bond Island. This sharp limestone karst that juts out vertically from the jade color tranquil waters never ceases to amaze. Koh Panyee is the second most popular location to visit during the Phang Nga Bay tour. Located close to James Bond Island, Koh Panyee is a floating village that sits by a remarkably stunning and grandiose rock protruding from calm waters. Finally, the Phang Nga Bay tour is not complete without a visit to the various caves on hongs, such as around Koh Panak island. Phang Nga Bay promises a myriad of scenic locations with the most awe-inspiring scenery across 400 square kilometers.