‌

Top things to do at Phang Nga Bay | A detailed guide

Phang Nga Bay isn’t just one of Thailand’s most photogenic landscapes; it’s packed with things to do! Explore sea caves by canoe, visit floating villages, swim in hidden lagoons, and cruise past iconic islands like the James Bond Island. While tours run year-round, experiences like sunset sails and bioluminescent bays are best during the dry season. Plan for a full day of adventure.

Must-do things in & around Phang Nga Bay

Woman enjoying view of Phang Nga Bay Islands with limestone cliffs and turquoise water.

Island hopping 

Phang Nga Bay is home to over 40 islands, each with its own character. Cruise past dramatic limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, and sandy beaches. Most tours depart from Phuket and cover highlights like James Bond Island, Hong Island, and Panak Island.

🕒 Duration: Full-day tour

📍 Location: Tours depart from Phuket, Krabi, or Phang Nga

💡 Tip: A speedboat covers more islands, while a catamaran offers a slower, scenic ride

👉 Ideal for travelers who want to see multiple islands in a day

Kayakers exploring a narrow waterway surrounded by lush cliffs on Panak Island.

Canoeing through caves & hidden lagoons

Glide through dark sea caves and open into secret lagoons (known as hongs) surrounded by towering cliffs. A guide paddles your canoe through mangroves, bat caves, and limestone tunnels at spots like Panak Island and Hong Island.

🕒 Duration: 30–60 minutes per cave session

📍 Popular spots: Panak Island, Hong Island, Ice Cream Cave

💡 Tip: Go during low tide for the most accessible cave entries

👉 Great for nature lovers and those looking for a peaceful, immersive experience

Speed boats near limestone cliffs at James Bond Island, Phang Nga, Thailand.

Visit James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan)

Made famous by The Man with the Golden Gun, this is Phang Nga’s most iconic sight. Snap a photo of the dramatic Ko Tapu rock, explore sea-level caves, and walk the narrow beach.

🕒 Duration: Usually 30–45 minutes on the island

📍 Location: Northern Phang Nga Bay

💡 Tip: Mornings and late afternoons have fewer crowds

👉 A must-see for first-timers and film buffs alike

Floating fishing village of Koh Panyee with limestone cliff and colorful buildings.

Explore Koh Panyee floating village

This Muslim fishing village is built entirely on stilts over the water. Wander wooden walkways, try southern Thai seafood, visit the floating football pitch, and shop for souvenirs made by locals.

🕒 Duration: 1–1.5 hours including lunch

📍 Location: Near James Bond Island

💡 Tip: Bring small cash for souvenirs and snacks

👉 Perfect for those curious about local culture and lifestyle

Tourists snorkelling over coral reefs at Sesimbra Beach, Portugal.

Swim and snorkel at Hong Island

Hong Island boasts crystal-clear lagoons perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It’s also a favorite canoeing spot thanks to its narrow cave entrance that opens up to an enclosed sea lagoon.

🕒 Duration: 1–1.5 hours

📍 Location: Midway between Phuket and Krabi

💡 Tip: Don’t miss the canoe ride into the lagoon—it’s one of the bay’s hidden gems

👉 Best for beach lovers and anyone wanting to unwind in nature

Naka Noi Island beach with palm trees and boats, Phuket, Thailand.

Relax at Naka Island

Just a short ride from Phuket, Naka Yai and Naka Noi are known for their calm beaches and jet-skiing. Ideal for a chill-out stop on multi-island tours.

🕒 Duration: 45–60 minutes

📍 Location: Just northeast of Phuket

💡 Tip: Ideal for swimming and sunset photos with fewer crowds

👉 Great for those looking to relax after an active island circuit

Unique things to do in Phang Nga Bay

Bioluminescent waves glowing on a beach at night.

Bioluminescent canoeing at night

After sunset, paddle into quiet sea caves and witness the natural glow of bioluminescent plankton in the water. These rare night-time canoe sessions typically take place around Hong Island or Panak Island and are only possible on select evening or twilight tours. Guides provide headlamps, but the real highlight is watching the water light up with every stroke.

Book here: By Big Boat: James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay Twilight Sea Canoe & Bioluminescence Tour from Phuket

Pad Thai with garnishes

Dine on a floating restaurant in Phang Nga Bay

Located near Koh Panyee, these raft-style seafood restaurants are operated by local fishing families and offer a closer look at daily life in the bay. Visitors stop here for lunch during day tours, with dishes often prepared from the day’s catch. Menus typically include grilled fish, prawns, curries, and vegetarian options—served with bay views on all sides.

Book here: By Speedboat: James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay Canoeing Tour from Phuket

Woman enjoying sunset on yacht deck during James Bond tour from Phuket.

Watch the sunset on a luxury catamaran

Board a spacious catamaran in the late afternoon and cruise through the islands as the sky begins to shift into sunset. Most boats feature open decks, live music or DJs, snacks, and a bar. You'll pass major landmarks like James Bond Island or Hong Lagoon with photo stops along the way, making this a relaxed way to explore the bay’s beauty at golden hour.

Book here: By Luxury Catamaran: James Bond Island & Hong Island Sunset Dinner Cruise from Phuket

Longtail boat entering Diamond Cave, Thailand, with rocky walls and green moss.

Explore Diamond Cave in Panak Island

This cave gets its name from the mineral deposits that glint when hit by torchlight. Accessible only by canoe, it’s part of Panak Island’s cave system and typically included in sea canoe tours. Inside, you'll see narrow tunnels, rock chambers, and small bat colonies. Guides usually steer and illuminate the way while sharing brief geological insights.

Book here: By Speedboat: James Bond Island, Hong Island & Phang Nga Bay Bioluminescent Canoeing Tour from Phuket

Must-see attractions in Phang Nga Bay

Longtail boat on the shore with James Bond Island in the background, Phang Nga Bay, Thailand.
Canoeing at Hong Island with a local paddler, limestone cliffs in the background.
Kayakers paddling near limestone cliffs on James Bond Island tour.
Koh Panyee stilt village with boats and limestone cliffs in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand.
Stalactites and stalagmites inside Ice Cream Cave, Thailand.
Catamaran anchored near Koh Naka Noi Beach, Phuket, with kayaker in turquoise water.
1/6

James Bond Island (Ko Ta Pu)

Famous for its vertical limestone islet, it is surrounded by towering cliffs and turquoise water.

Hong Lagoon

Tucked inside Hong Island, this quiet lagoon is only accessible by canoe through a narrow limestone cave at low tide.

Panak Island

Explore sea caves and hidden lagoons by canoe. The island features chambers like Bat Cave and Diamond Cave.

Koh Panyee

A Muslim fishing village built entirely on stilts. Known for its floating football pitch, seafood restaurants, and local markets.

Ice Cream Cave

A cave with smooth, white stalactites resembling melting scoops of ice cream.

Naka Island

Close to Phuket, this island offers sandy beaches, shallow swimming waters, and beachside bars.

How to explore Phang Nga Bay: Tips & practical info

  • Join a guided boat tour: Full- or half-day tours depart from Phuket, Krabi, or Phang Nga. Choose between speedboats (fast-paced), luxury catamarans (comfortable and scenic), or big boats (relaxed group experience).
  • Start early for fewer crowds: Departing by 8–9am helps you enjoy popular spots like James Bond Island and Hong Lagoon before they get busy.
  • Choose your route based on interests: For sea caves and lagoons, go for canoe-focused tours via Panak or Hong. For local culture, pick one that includes Koh Panyee. For landscapes, sunset cruises are ideal.
  • Pack light, but bring essentials: Swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, flip-flops, and a waterproof phone pouch are key. Most tours cover life jackets, lunch, and drinking water.
  • Book in advance during peak season: December to March is the busiest. Reserve early, especially for limited-capacity catamaran or premium small-group tours.
  • Keep dry bags for valuables: Useful for phones, wallets, and cameras, especially during canoeing or transfers between boats and beaches.
  • Respect nature and local communities: Don’t touch coral, feed wildlife, or litter. Be respectful in floating villages like Koh Panyee. Dress modestly and avoid entering private areas.
  • Wear water shoes: They help on rocky shorelines, cave floors, and during wet boat landings.
  • Use reef-safe sunscreen: Protect marine ecosystems while staying sun-safe.
  • Carry small cash: Handy for tips, snacks, or souvenirs at stops like Koh Panyee or floating markets.
  • Check tide timings: Some caves and lagoons are only accessible at low tide—this affects route planning.

Frequently asked questions about things to do in Phang Nga

What is the best way to explore Phang Nga Bay?

Joining a guided boat tour is the easiest and most comprehensive way to explore the bay. Most tours include multiple islands, canoeing through caves and lagoons, and stops for lunch or swimming.

Where do Phang Nga Bay tours depart from?

Tours typically depart from Phuket, Krabi, or Phang Nga town. Departure point depends on the tour provider, but many include round-trip hotel transfers to make logistics easier.

Is canoeing in the caves safe for beginners?

Yes, all canoeing is done with an experienced guide who paddles for you. You simply sit and enjoy the views. The activity is suitable for all ages and doesn’t require swimming skills.

When can I do the bioluminescent canoeing experience?

Bioluminescent canoeing is only offered on select sunset or twilight tours, usually around Panak or Hong Island. It depends on tide, moonlight, and weather, so check availability before booking.

Are meals included in Phang Nga Bay tours?

Yes, most full-day tours include lunch—either on board or at a floating restaurant near Koh Panyee. Vegetarian options are usually available but should be requested in advance.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear or life jacket?

No, life jackets and basic snorkel gear are usually provided by the tour operator. You may want to bring your own mask for better comfort or visibility.

James Bond Island Tours
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

Headout

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
FPX