Phang Nga Bay

Why Phang Nga Bay is special
This tropical turquoise bay is dotted with picturesque limestone islands and pinnacles.

Two most popular Phang Nga Bay attractions
1. James Bond Island
Its limestone pinnacle (see photo) conspicuously rises 20 meters or 65 feet above the water. This monolith was made worldfamous when it was featured as the hideaway of the evil Scaramanga in the 1974 James Bond movie "The Man with the Gun".

2. Koh Panyee
The dwellings, shops, and seafood restaurants stand on stilts over shallow waters, creating an engaging fishing village scene. Unfortunately, the location swarms with tour groups at midday.

Other popular Phang Nga Bay attractions include:

• Rocky sea cliffs
  Many soar high and have sheer drops. Some harbor interesting sea caves.
• Snorkeling and dive sites
  For optimum underwater visibility, come January to April.
• Beaches
  They are beautiful, but be aware that they are relatively few and tend to be teeming with tourists and hawkers.

More Phang Nga Bay tips and insights
Day trips
Nearly all visitors come as day trippers, either from Pucket Island or from the mainland town of Phang Nga. Most tour the bay in the now-traditional longtail motor craft with their lengthy drive shafts exposed.

2004 Tsunami
Some of Phang Nga Bay's islands were devastated by this ill-famed sea wave. Many lives were lost.

Best time to come
It's during the dry season, from January to April. The rainy season runs from May through December.

Location in Thailand