Phang Nga Bay Photo Gallery
These photos were taken during our many trips to Phang Nga Bay, one of the most spectacular landscapes in southern Thailand. The bay sits northeast of Phuket and is famous for its towering limestone karsts rising straight out of calm green water. There are over 40 islands scattered across the bay, and the scenery changes depending on the tide, the light and which direction you are looking. The gallery below covers the main stops you will see on a day trip cruise from Phuket.What You Will See in These Photos
James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan)
James Bond Island is the most recognisable landmark in the bay. The tall, thin rock standing alone in the water (called Khao Tapu, or “nail island”) appeared in the 1974 James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun” and has been the symbol of Phang Nga Bay ever since. The island itself is a leaning limestone wall with a small beach tucked behind it. It is photogenic from every angle, especially from the water as your boat approaches.
Koh Panyi (Floating Village)
Koh Panyi is a Muslim fishing village built almost entirely on stilts over the water, in the shadow of a massive limestone cliff. About 1,500 people live here permanently. The village has a mosque, a school, shops and a row of restaurants serving fresh seafood to visiting tourists. Walking through the narrow wooden walkways gives you a glimpse of a way of life that has existed here for over 200 years.
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
Samet Nangshe is a hilltop viewpoint on the mainland overlooking the bay. It is the best place to see the full scale of Phang Nga Bay from above, with dozens of karst islands stretching into the distance. The view is most dramatic at sunrise when the mist sits between the islands, but it is impressive at any time of day. The viewpoint is reached by a short but steep climb from the car park.
The Karst Islands
Beyond the famous stops, much of the beauty of Phang Nga Bay is in the smaller, unnamed islands and rock formations you pass on the way. Towering cliffs draped in green vegetation, narrow channels between islands, hidden lagoons that appear at low tide, and mangrove forests lining the edges of the bay. The light changes constantly, so photos taken in the morning look completely different from those shot in the afternoon. If you visit on a clear day, the reflections of the karsts in the still water are extraordinary.
Text and Photos are © Copyright Phuket 101 and Willy Thuan 2024 - Copy or use without written authorization is strictly prohibited - (credit to or mention of the blog does not constitute an authorization)
Text and Photos are © Copyright Phuket 101 and Willy Thuan 2024 - Copy or use without written authorization is strictly prohibited - (credit to or mention of the blog does not constitute an authorization)
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