Ko Panyi (or "Koh Panyee") is a floating fishing village in Phang Nga province, surrounded by impressive limestone formations and mangrove forests. It's a vibrant community that successfully balances local life with tourism. The village can get quite crowded with tour groups at midday, but if you arrive early in the morning, you can observe fishermen unloading their nets, children on their way to school, and locals in their stilt houses – all without the usual tourist crowds.

The floating football pitch is the absolute highlight for many, but we were particularly charmed by Ko Panyi's narrow alleyways and the friendly locals. A ride in a longtail boat is also an unforgettable experience: gliding through the winding waterways of the mangrove forest and past imposing limestone cliffs. All in all, Ko Panyi is an excellent addition to your Phuket adventures – a place that can be ideally combined with nearby Samet Nangshe and James Bond Island.

Life in Thailand's legendary floating village

The floating village of Ko Panyi nestles against the base of a massive limestone wall. Houses, shops, restaurants, and walkways rise on stilts into the water. There is no bridge to Ko Panyi – it can only be reached by longboat or speedboat. Everything, from food and fuel to building materials and school supplies, is delivered by boat.

What makes the village so fascinating is its history. It began over 200 years ago when three fishing families from Indonesia moved north in search of new, productive fishing grounds. At that time, foreigners were not allowed to own land in Thailand. Since they didn't want to leave the area, they used their maritime knowledge to build on the water – first on wooden platforms and later on stilts.

Today, Ko Panyi has around 2,000 inhabitants, many of them descendants of the first settlers. Most are Muslim, and the mosque with its golden domes is considered the village's most important religious site. During your visit, you might even hear the call to prayer, children on their way to school, passing fishermen, and shopkeepers inviting you to buy handicrafts, jewelry, and snacks.

How to get from Phuket to Ko Panyi

First, we headed to Surakul Pier. We recommend renting a scooter in Phuket and leaving early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. Having your own vehicle is also convenient for visiting other places in Phang Nga Bay and making the most of your day. We started from our hotel in the old town and followed the main roads and country lanes out of town. The ride to the pier took about 90 minutes.

Upon arrival, we easily found a park and were able to immediately begin negotiating the price of a longtail boat tour. Those who simply show up unannounced, as we did, may face a hefty price. Therefore, it's always advisable to try and haggle the price down a bit – politely and playfully. We were there during the dry season, which offered ideal weather, but a trip is also possible during the rainy season. Just wait for a clear day, as the scenery is breathtaking.

The longtail boat ride from Surakul Pier

It was just us and the captain in the longtail boat: a quirky-looking yellow craft that glided effortlessly through the calm waters. The scenery was breathtaking: limestone formations as far as the eye could see, framed by lush forests. Then Phang Nga Bay opened up, revealing a massive limestone cliff face against which rustic wooden houses clung.

As soon as you step onto the platform, a breathtaking view unfolds, revealing the limestone peaks that stretch across the bay – in our opinion, one of the most beautiful views in all of Thailand. The longtail boat ride only takes 20 to 30 minutes, but it's an experience you'll wish would last longer. That's why we think a private longtail boat tour is worthwhile – it's not as cheap as, say, a small group tour, but the peace and quiet amidst the mangroves is priceless.

Mangroves of Phang Nga Bay

Arrival and navigation in Ko Panyi

Your longtail boat captain will usually dock at a floating pier or restaurant platform and wait for you while you explore the village. Several paths lead to the village center, and signs will guide you to all the main sights: the football field, the school, and the mosque grounds. Some paths are quite narrow, so it can get crowded during peak season. As you walk through the village, you'll see the structures anchored to the seabed—an impressive feat of engineering.

Limestone wall of Ko Panyi

The best things to do in Ko Panyi

Stroll along the wooden boardwalks and shop locally.

Two to three hours are enough to get a first impression of Ko Panyi. If you'd like to have lunch, you can, of course, stay longer. First, stroll through the alleyways and immerse yourself in local life. Afterwards, a little shopping is a good idea. Here you'll find everything from seafood and drinks to jewelry and souvenirs. Most people speak English—enough to complete a purchase and haggle politely.

Visit the school and its colorful sports area.

Further into the village, you reach the school grounds – a fascinating glimpse into everyday life. You can look into the classrooms, watch the children playing between lessons, and admire the colorful football pitch (not to be confused with the famous floating pitch just around the corner). What impressed us most about Ko Panyi was the children's joy – village life is simple, yet incredibly beautiful.

Visit the famous floating football pitch

The floating football pitch is located near the school and is definitely worth a visit. Originally built by schoolchildren from scrap wood and old fishing gear, it has been modernized in recent years. If you stop by in the late afternoon after school, you'll likely see children playing there against the stunning backdrop of the limestone formations.

Eating fresh seafood over water

We arrived in Ko Panyi late in the morning, and after exploring the village for a few hours, we were absolutely starving. So we decided to grab a bite to eat at one of the fish restaurants near the main arrival platforms. Since we were so hungry, we ordered a veritable seafood feast: fried fish, steamed crab, grilled prawns, and much more. It was expensive, but absolutely delicious.

Frequently asked questions for a visit to Ko Panyi

What other places in Phang Nga Bay should I visit?

On our day trip to Phang Nga Bay, we also visited the two famous viewpoints in Samet Nangshe. The first is the official viewpoint with several platforms, from which you can admire the winding mangroves and limestone formations of the bay. The second is the Bay View Cafe at the Sametnangshe Boutique Hotel – from which you have an even more breathtaking view (especially at sunset). If you don't want to drive back to Phuket at dusk, you can stay overnight at this hotel, which we recommend.

Book your accommodation: Sametnangshe Boutique

Can I book a tour to Ko Panyi from Phuket?

From Phuket, you can easily book a tour that's part of a complete itinerary including James Bond Island and other highlights. These tours are ideal for those who want an organized day trip – complete with a guide, hotel transfers, and speedboats. Lunch is typically served at one of Ko Panyi's popular seafood restaurants. Some tours also include kayaking trips to sea caves.

What tips are there for visiting Ko Panyi?

We recommend bringing some cash, as card payments are not accepted in the small shops. Since it is a predominantly Muslim community, appropriate attire is advisable. Sturdy footwear is essential on the wooden walkways, but pack your flip-flops in a bag just in case you want to change into something more comfortable for the longtail boat ride. Otherwise, enjoy your stay! After all, it's not every day you visit such a unique floating village.

Read more: 50 Thailand travel tips: What you should know before your trip

Limestone karst cliffs around Ko Panyi