Located approximately 60 kilometers from Khao Lak or 85 kilometers from Phuket, the town of Phang Nga is renowned throughout Thailand for its bay and breathtaking scenery. Limestone cliffs, caves, archaeological sites, mangroves, and turquoise waters create this picture-perfect landscape. Part of the bay is a protected area and belongs to the Ao Phang Nga National Park. Numerous agencies offer day trips to the bay from Khao Lak (prices range from 1400 to 3000 baht, depending on negotiating skills). The itineraries are generally similar, with only the order varying. You'll travel by boat through the bay, take a kayak tour with a guide, visit the famous James Bond Island, have lunch on Koh Panyee, and then explore the island. Sometimes, you'll also stop at a beach or visit a cave. Often, the day concludes with a visit to Wat Sunawan Khuha, the Temple of the Golden Cave. You will not be alone: ​​Phang Nga Bay, and especially James Bond Island and Panyee Island, are very busy during the day, particularly in the high season.

For excursions from Khao Lak or Phuket, you should negotiate the price and contact several agencies to compare offers. Prices for the same service can vary significantly. Those wishing to stay overnight in the bay will find two host families on Panyee Island. An unforgettable experience! It's best to get up early to enjoy the area before the large tourist crowds arrive.

You can reach Phang Nga independently at one of the piers and hire a longtail boat for around 1500–2000 baht per boat (plus national park entrance fees). However, the quality of the trip depends heavily on the captain you choose, so it's a bit of a gamble. If you're staying in a hotel in Phang Nga City, you can also leave early. Your hotel or guesthouse should be able to help you with this. To ensure a high-quality visit, however, I recommend booking through an agency rather than going to the pier yourself and negotiating with a longtail boat captain. The best captains are already employed by local agencies.

How to get there

How do you get to Phang Nga Bay? You can drive yourself from one of the piers to Phang Nga and hire a longtail boat for about 1500–2000 baht per boat (plus national park entrance fees). However, the quality of the tour depends on the captain you choose, so it's a bit of a gamble. If you're staying in a hotel in Phang Nga City, you can also leave early. Your hotel or guesthouse should be able to help you with this. To ensure a high-quality visit, however, I recommend booking through an agency rather than going to the pier yourself and negotiating with a longtail boat captain. The best captains are already employed by local agencies.