Phang-Nga Bay

Day Trips and Excursions in Phuket - Phang Nga Bay Is unquestionably one of the great scenic attractions in the world and a must do during your stay in Phuket. Fringing Phang-nga Bay is a complex network of river estuaries with dense forests of mangrove and nipa palm growing right out into the sea. Protecting the shoreline is a series of sheer-sided limestone mountains and other artistic rock formations that soar up to 300m (980 feet) out of the sea like an eerie army of stone monoliths. Touring by boat allows you to explore the mysteries of the mangrove swamps and provides a scenic view of distance forested limestone hills. The natural beauty of the bay is breathtaking as you pass coves and bays many with remote dyllic tropical beaches. Most of the mountains and outcroppings are of limestone origin covered with luxuriant vegetation, bushes, and climber vines that overhang the cliffs. Upon closer inspection many of these odd rock formations are hollow and conceal hidden caves (Hongs) and lagoons. It is easy to picture how pirates managed to operate in this area for centuries and were able to defy the authorities by simply vanishing into one of the many hiding places. The odd shapes of many have resulted in a variety of popular names: Koh Khai (Egg Island), one geologic oddity called Ko Tapu (Nail Island) emerges from the surface on an impossibly thin base but soars to a height of 200m (650 ft) out of the water; and from a distance it looks like a giant rocketship being launched out of the sea, Day Trips and Excursions in Phuket Koh Ma Chu (Puppy Island), and Koh Hong (Chamber Island, sometimes called Condo Island because it’s numerous small caves that resemble rooms in a tall building). At a limestone island called Tham Lawd, boats are able to pass all the way through the cave, which forms a natural arch some fifty meters long. The cave is adorned with picturesque stalactites hanging like chandeliers from the ceiling. Khao Khian, or "Writing Mountain," contains a cave with prehistoric drawings of men and nimals such as sharks, crocodiles, and dolphins, believed to have been painted by people who inhabited this region over 3000 years ago. The bay is home to a variety of exotic creatures, among them the fiddler crab with its one enormous claw and another that looks like an afterthought; the pigtailed macaque (monkey), an excellent swimmer: and the so-called "walking fish" which can crawl considerable distances on land. On the island of Koh Pannyi, at the foot of an immense limestone mountain, is a Muslim fishing village built entirely over the water on stilts. The mountain protects the 2,000 odd villagers from the full force of monsoon storms, but they must go to a neighboring island for their fresh water supply. On the way home most of the tours include an opportunity for you to take a swim and enjoy the beach on one of the small islands. The hardest part is to decide which of the many operators to go with on this trip.

The Standard (James Bond Island) Tour

Sold by virtually every travel agency on the island and is an included trip in many of the package tours of Phuket. Most tour companies from Phuket will pick you up at about 8am for the ninety minute white-knuckle bus trip to the bay. After boarding your vessel in Phang-nga Bay the first stop is usually a visit to a grotto where 'swifts' make their nests on artistic stalactites. Next you head for the bay of Ko Ping Kan Island, also known as James Bond Island, as it was featured in the Bond film "The Man with the Golden Gun". The only reason the boat makes a short stop here is to allow you an opportunity to buy overpriced souvenirs. The boat then moves to Ko Pannyi, a Muslim village of 500 families, built entirely on stilts next to a limestone mountain. Before lunch you will be given ample time to walk around the maze of homes and visit the tourist shops. The village is right out of a Hollywood movie set, and few people seem to remember why it is here except to feed the deluge of tourists that arrive each day for lunch and sell them expensive souvenirs. The return boat journey is via Tham Lawd, a natural tunnel that runs beneath a huge mountain. It then stops at Khao Khian for passengers to see drawings of ancient ships visible only from the sea. Many tours also visit Tham Suwan Ku Ha, a limestone cave that has Buddha images illuminated by a shaft of sunlight pouring through a hole in the ceiling. As a final stop, some tour operators stop at the famous Wat Phra Thong ( 200 year old tem[ple), but another visit to a handicraft center for a shopping spree is the standard program. The standard price range for this tour is 660-800 baht, not including lunch. This tour can only be recommended for travelers with absolutely no imagination or for those who enjoy being herded around like cattle.

Coral Seekers

Let Mark, Claire and Seng take your small group (6 max) on a personal tour of the beautiful islands surrounding Phuket. Combine sight-seeing with an chance to snorkel in remote bays where no one else goes. This remarkable day-trip is very affordable and includes a delicious barbecue on the beach. Perfect for those who desire to break away from the herd and enjoy a quiet day in paradise. A good choice for families and those with small children as the trip can be customized to meet your needs and allow you to relax in a safe envirnoment.

Fi-Tuen

Fi Tuen is a high-performance cruising yacht designed to delight sailing enthusiasts and racers alike. An Australian Adams 13 meter, Fi Tuen's sleek design allows for superb cruising speeds even in light winds. Join the daily cruise to Phang-nga Bay currently departing Ao Po beach 0900 AM return 5:00 PM. Activities include helping sail the yacht while exploring the fabulous Phang Nga islands, see the hongs and limestone caves and swim off secluded beaches. Includes a ligh Thai style lunch and beverages. Cost: 2,000 baht per person minimum 2 persons, maximum 8. Transport to and from Ao Po by arrangement.

Also Available for:
Sundown Cruise
Private Charter
Bareboat Charter (approved customers only)

Houseboats Ahoy

For the ultimate get-away try taking a houseboat tour of Phang-nga Bay. You can either follow the organised day package or choose your own route through Phang Nga Bay, or even travel further afield to Krabi. With overnight accomodation for three couples, the house boat may be chartered with two crew members (a boat master and a stewardess). The trip can be tailored to meet your desires.

For a family or group of friends the houseboat makes an ideal mobile floating platform for swimming, fishing, exploring the mangrove swamps or running up onto an island beach. You can either bring your own food or they can supply food for your outing. Savour the peace and tranquillity of the mangrove swamps, the fascinating limestone rock formations, the open sea, or secluded beaches. The choice is yours, you decide when and where to go, what to do, and how long to do it. To swim, dive, fish for supper, relax, sunbathe, or just laze the day away.

June Bahtra

A traditional Siamese style junk rigged schooner. This fleet of three well maintained vessels offers you a ride back to yesterday; to when the sailing junks from Siam and Malaya ruled the Andaman Sea. The June Bahtra is designed to comfortably accomaodate up to 20 passengers.

7:30 AM : Pick up from your hotel by Air conditioned vehicle
8:30 AM : Embarkation on board June Bahtra and cruise through the enchanting Phang Nga Bay
11:15 AM : Arrive at James Bond Island and cruise by long Tail to the Gypsy Village, visit of the mangrove delta and the grotto cave on the way.
1:00 PM : Sea food Lunch on board. Visit to James Bond Island..
3:00 PM : Swimming from the Boat
6:00 PM : Return to your Phuket Hotel

Phuket Watertaxi

A fleet of high speed boats (30 knots) allows you to make the journey to Phang-nga Bay in just forty minutes. Plenty of time to visit James Bond Island and the gypsy village before speeding off to Krabi. A stopover for a swim at the famous Ko Hong then on to Ao Nang National Park before returning back to Phuket. Travel in luxury and the privacy of your own small group (12-16 passengers) go where you want or combine these two spectacular destinations into one fun filled day.