Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Koh Panyee is more of a village than an island. Around 1,600 people live in stilt houses built over the water below a towering limestone cliff in Phang Nga Bay. The mosque sits atop the rock behind it. The community was founded in the late 19th century by seafaring families from Java and still relies primarily on fishing. Its most famous landmark is the floating football pitch, built by the village children after the 1986 FIFA World Cup. The resulting youth team, Panyee FC, later won regional championships.

Most visitors arrive around midday as part of a James Bond Island tour. This means: a seafood restaurant right on the water and the souvenir shops behind it – and this is during peak season. To experience the village authentically, you should arrive before 10:00 AM or stay overnight in one of the simple bungalows after the boats have left and everyday life has returned to normal.