Phang Nga Bay by Private Speedboat with 5 Star Marine
Exploring Phang Nga Bay with 5 Star Marine was different from the group tours we’d done before. Those leave early, hit James Bond Island when it’s packed, and rush through everything. This private speedboat trip starts in the afternoon instead. The bay was quieter, we chose where to go, and we had time to actually swim and explore. Phang Nga Bay is about 35 km northeast of Phuket, and if you want to see it without the crowds, an afternoon departure makes a big difference.
Most Phang Nga tours leave at 7 or 8 am. This one starts at 1 pm. That means you skip the morning rush at James Bond Island and the crowded lunch stops. There’s no fixed route either. We told the crew what we wanted to see, they suggested a few spots we hadn’t heard of, and we figured it out together.
Since the boat is yours for the day, you can visit the main landmarks plus quieter spots that group tours skip. The crew also adjusts the schedule based on tides and where the crowds are.
We started at 1 pm at Boat Lagoon Marina. Met the crew, talked through where we wanted to go, and got on the boat. It was clean and had enough space for our group, plus a toilet on board (worth checking on any boat trip).
Phang Nga Bay is calmer than the open sea around Phi Phi Island. The water is sheltered by the limestone islands, so you’re unlikely to get seasick even on a cloudy or rainy day. The scenery photographs well in any weather.
We reached the first islands after a 30-minute ride from the marina. You sometimes see planes on approach to Phuket Airport flying low overhead.
Koh Panak
First stop was an island with a hidden lagoon, only accessible through a narrow cave. The boat dropped us on a small beach, and after making sure we had nothing that couldn’t get wet, we entered the tunnel. Our guide Alex gave us helmets with lights and led the way, pointing out stalactites and rock formations.
The cave was low and dark but not long, so it wasn’t overwhelming even if you’re claustrophobic. Coming out the other side, we were inside a lagoon completely surrounded by cliffs. Mangrove trees in the middle, no sound except birds. We had the place to ourselves.
James Bond Island
After exploring and spotting Thailand’s walking fish, we went to James Bond Island. Made famous by the 1974 film “The Man with the Golden Gun,” it still draws visitors. Because it was afternoon, the island was quiet.
Koh Panyee
Next was Koh Panyee, a village built on stilts in the middle of the bay, connected to a large limestone cliff at one end. It’s a Muslim fishing village where you can stop for seafood lunch and walk through the narrow lanes. Different scenery and culture from anywhere else in the bay.
After Koh Panyee, the crew took us to a small beach inside a cave. No other boats around. We swam for a while, ate fruit the crew had prepared, and just sat there. One of those spots you wouldn’t find on a group tour.
On the way back, we took a different route through mangroves and cliff walls. Got back to the marina around 6 pm. Full day, but not rushed.
Bioluminescent Tour
5 Star Marine also runs evening trips to see bioluminescence. Certain plankton in the bay glow when disturbed, so when you paddle a kayak at night, the water lights up around you. It only works on dark nights with the right conditions, so check with them beforehand. We haven’t done this one yet, but it’s on the list. Read more
Good for Families
Hiring the whole boat works well for families. The boat is yours, the crew knows what they’re doing, and kids can canoe and swim with life jackets in calm spots.
Meals are up to you. Bring your own picnic, ask the crew to prepare something in advance, or stop at Koh Panyi for fresh seafood.
5 Star Marine Info
Location: Phuket Boat Lagoon
Address: 73/20 Ko Kaeo, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000
Hours: 6 am – 8 pm
Phone: 093 720 6221
Tour time: Afternoon departure (1 pm), returns around 6 pm
Website: 5starmarinephuket.com
More Photos of Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay Cruise Map
More about Phang Nga Bay
