Koh Panyee is one of the most fascinating cultural stops on James Bond Island tours. Built entirely on stilts by Indonesian fishermen, this floating village sits at the foot of a towering limestone cliff in Phang Nga Bay. With its wooden walkways, seafood stalls, souvenir shops, and the iconic floating football pitch, it's a refreshing change from the region’s usual nature-only experiences.
How to visit Koh Panyee
You can only visit Koh Panyee by boat, usually as part of a full-day James Bond Island tour. The most common routes are from Phuket, using speedboats, catamarans, or big boats that include Koh Panyee on the itinerary. While you can technically charter a private boat, most travelers visit with a guide.
Things to know before booking your Koh Panyee tour
Koh Panyee is home to hundreds of residents who live and work in wooden houses raised above the water. It’s one of the few places where you can see how communities adapt to life at sea, without sacrificing comfort or culture.
From handmade crafts and souvenirs to fresh seafood curries, the village offers a lively, local experience. Most tours stop here for a buffet lunch at a waterfront restaurant with views of the bay.
Built by local kids using scrap wood and plastic, this floating football field is now a symbol of Koh Panyee’s creativity and community spirit. It’s still used for matches and makes for a great photo stop.
The island was settled by Indonesian Muslim fishermen. You’ll spot the village mosque, halal eateries, and traditional dress, all adding a cultural layer to your island-hopping tour.
The dramatic karst backdrop makes Koh Panyee one of the most photogenic spots in Phang Nga Bay. It’s especially peaceful compared to more crowded attractions nearby.
Support the community by shopping at small, family-run stalls that sell pearls, sarongs, and homemade snacks. Your purchase helps sustain the floating village’s economy.
Koh Panyee is a floating Muslim fishing village in Phang Nga Bay, northeast of Phuket. It’s built entirely on stilts at the base of a limestone cliff and is only reachable by boat.
You can visit as part of a guided speedboat tour from Phuket that includes stops at James Bond Island, Hong Island, and other Phang Nga Bay highlights. It is not included in any big boat or catamaran tours.
No. It’s only included in select speedboat tours. For example, the James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay Canoeing Tour by Speedboat features a stop at Koh Panyee, including a halal lunch at the village.
Yes, but it's logistically more complex. You can hire a private longtail boat or charter from nearby piers in Phang Nga province, but most travelers find it easier to go as part of an organized tour from Phuket.
You can walk through the narrow wooden lanes of the village, visit the floating football pitch, explore small souvenir shops, enjoy a halal seafood lunch, and observe daily life in this unique overwater community.
Yes. Many tours include a buffet lunch in the village. Meals are usually halal and feature Thai-style seafood, chicken, rice, and tropical fruits.
Yes. Koh Panyee is a conservative Muslim village. Visitors should dress modestly—covering shoulders and knees—and behave respectfully, especially near the mosque and homes
It depends. The walkways are narrow and sometimes slippery, so it may not be ideal for very young children, strollers, or those with limited mobility. That said, older kids often enjoy exploring the floating football pitch and markets
Photography is allowed, but it’s polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of residents or their homes. Be mindful around the mosque and personal spaces.
Yes, there are public toilets and basic facilities at the restaurants where tour groups usually stop for lunch. However, don’t expect large or modern infrastructure—it’s a traditional village.
By Big Boat: James Bond Island, Hong Island & Phang Nga Bay Canoeing Tour from Phuket