Phang Nga Bay
About Phang Nga Bay
Welcome to Phang Nga Bay, a breathtaking natural wonder close to Krabi that’s bound to steal your heart! This stunning bay is a place where Mother Nature shows off her most picturesque creations. With its emerald waters, towering limestone cliffs, and lush greenery, Phang Nga Bay is a paradise for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure. We offer a number of Krabi tours to this beautiful place.
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One of the most popular things to do here is taking a boat tour, for example to James Bond island. You’ll sail through the bay, exploring hidden lagoons, kayaking through caves, and secret beaches that are like something out of a postcard. Kayaking is also a fantastic way to get up close and personal with the bay’s unique landscape.
Wildlife enthusiasts, rejoice! You can spot diverse marine life here, including monkeys, dolphins, and a wide variety of bird species. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can try your hand at snorkeling and scuba diving to get a closer look at the underwater world.
Phang Nga Bay is more than just a feast for the eyes; it’s a feast for the taste buds too. The local cuisine is a delightful blend of Thai flavors that you can try at one of the many waterfront restaurants.
So, whether you’re looking for natural beauty, adventure, or simply a relaxing day by the sea, Phang Nga Bay has something to offer everyone. Come and experience the magic for yourself in this idyllic corner of Thailand!
Phang Nga Bay tours
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Location and History
Local legends say that a dragon, whose scales were the limestone peaks, once lived here. The dragon watched over the bay, keeping it safe. Today, the bay’s name, ‘Phang Nga’, is thought to come from the word “ngaa,” which means “shallow” in the local language, as some parts of the bay are not very deep.
Now, Phang Nga Bay has become a favorite destination for travelers who come to admire its breathtaking beauty, explore its hidden caves and lagoons, and experience the rich culture of the local communities. It’s a place where history, nature, and people come together to enjoy the surroundings and beautiful nature.
Geology and Ecology
The bay’s iconic feature is the towering limestone karsts that rise from the emerald waters. These karsts have been sculpted over millions of years by the forces of erosion, rain, and sea, resulting in the beautiful cliffs and caves that we see today.
Beneath the water’s surface, you’ll find a marine ecosystem, with coral reefs, seagrass beds, and lots of marine life. Dolphins visit these waters, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a sea eagle soaring above. The bay’s mangrove forests provide a habitat for various bird species, crabs, and fish, making it a vital part of the local food chain.
Marine Life and Coral Reefs
The marine life in Ang Thong Marine Park is diverse and abundant, with over 80 species of fish, 5 species of sea turtles, and many other marine creatures. The coral reefs around the islands are also worth exploring, with a wide variety of hard and soft corals, sponges, and other invertebrates.
Islands
Phang Nga Bay is a captivating archipelago of islands, each with its own unique charm and character. Among the many islands that adorn this emerald bay, these two are the most popular:
James Bond Island, officially known as Khao Phing Kan, is the most famous. It became a global sensation after featuring in the 1974 James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun.” Its signature limestone stack rising from the water’s surface is a must-see.
Koh Panyee is a floating fishing village built entirely on stilts. It’s a testament to human adaptability and a fascinating place to explore. You can also enjoy some of the freshest seafood dishes here.
Activities and Attractions
There are plenty of things to see and do in Ang Thong Marine Park. Here are some of the popular activities and attractions:
Kayaking and Snorkeling
Kayaking and snorkeling are the best ways to explore the park’s marine life and coral reefs. You can rent a kayak or snorkeling gear from the park’s headquarters or take a guided tour.
Hiking and Trekking
The islands of Ang Thong Marine Park offer some of the most scenic hiking trails in Thailand. You can hike to the top of the islands and enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding islands.
Wildlife Watching
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, gibbons, and hornbills. You can observe these animals in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior and ecology.
Camping and Accommodation
If you want to spend more time in the park, you can camp on one of the islands or stay in a bungalow or a resort. There are several options for accommodation, depending on your budget and preferences.
There are plenty of things to see and do in Ang Thong Marine Park. Here are some of the popular activities and attractions:
Kayaking and Snorkeling
Kayaking and snorkeling are the best ways to explore the park’s marine life and coral reefs. You can rent a kayak or snorkeling gear from the park’s headquarters or take a guided tour.
Hiking and Trekking
The islands of Ang Thong Marine Park offer some of the most scenic hiking trails in Thailand. You can hike to the top of the islands and enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding islands.
Wildlife Watching
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, gibbons, and hornbills. You can observe these animals in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior and ecology.
Camping and Accommodation
If you want to spend more time in the park, you can camp on one of the islands or stay in a bungalow or a resort. There are several options for accommodation, depending on your budget and preferences.
Getting to Phang Nga Bay
Getting from Krabi to Phang Nga Bay is an adventure in itself. Here are a few common ways to make the journey:
1. Speedboat or Longtail Boat Tours: we offer day trips to Phang Nga Bay. You’ll typically start your journey with a pick-up from your hotel in Krabi mainland or Ao Nang, and then you’ll be taken to the bay by speedboat or longtail boat. Most of these tours include stops at popular attractions, such as James Bond Island or sea caves for kayaking.
2. Private Transportation: We can also arrange private transportation, such as a taxi or car hire, to take you directly from Krabi to Phang Nga Bay. This option offers flexibility in terms of your schedule and allows you to explore the bay at your own pace. Please note that not all sights are easily accessible. By taking a guided day tour, you will for sure catch all the highlights in one day.
3. Public Buses: It’s less convenient than the above options, but you can take a public bus from Krabi or Ao Nang to Phang Nga Town. From there, you can hire a taxi or local transportation to reach the bay. This is usually the most budget-friendly choice but it will take more time and effort.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Phang Nga Bay is during the cool, dry season from November to April. This period offers pleasant weather, calm seas, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities like kayaking and snorkeling. It’s also when marine life is most visible.
However, keep in mind that it’s the most popular time to visit, and the bay can get crowded, especially from December to February. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder months of November or April. During the rainy season (may-october), we will also organize day trips to Phang Nga Bay, but it can be wet and seas can be rough. Please contact us if you’re worried about the weather so we can check actual weather conditions for you.
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Searcys St Pancras' adored Champagne bar is famously the longest in Europe. Here, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the magnificent station. For those looking to enjoy a glass of something special, the menu showcases a variety of Champagne and sparkling wines from around the world, including nine options by the glass. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas in pulvinar neque.Nulla finibus lobortis pulvinar. Donec a consectetur nulla. Nulla posuere sapien vitae lectus suscipit, et pulvinar nisi tincidunt. Aliquam erat volutpat. Curabitur convallis fringilla diam sed aliquam. Sed tempor iaculis massa faucibus feugiat. In fermentum facilisis massa,a consequat purus viverra
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A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite.
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Searcys St Pancras' adored Champagne bar is famously the longest in Europe. Here, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the magnificent station. For those looking to enjoy a glass of something special, the menu showcases a variety of Champagne and sparkling wines from around the world, including nine options by the glass. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas in pulvinar neque.Nulla finibus lobortis pulvinar. Donec a consectetur nulla. Nulla posuere sapien vitae lectus suscipit, et pulvinar nisi tincidunt. Aliquam erat volutpat. Curabitur convallis fringilla diam sed aliquam. Sed tempor iaculis massa faucibus feugiat. In fermentum facilisis massa,a consequat purus viverra
Our Terms
A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite.
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Searcys St Pancras' adored Champagne bar is famously the longest in Europe. Here, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the magnificent station. For those looking to enjoy a glass of something special, the menu showcases a variety of Champagne and sparkling wines from around the world, including nine options by the glass. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas in pulvinar neque.Nulla finibus lobortis pulvinar. Donec a consectetur nulla. Nulla posuere sapien vitae lectus suscipit, et pulvinar nisi tincidunt. Aliquam erat volutpat. Curabitur convallis fringilla diam sed aliquam. Sed tempor iaculis massa faucibus feugiat. In fermentum facilisis massa,a consequat purus viverra
Our Terms
A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite.
Frequently asked questions about Phang Nga Bay
Yes, the bay can be visited throughout the year. As explained before, the best time to visit (in terms of weather) is november-march. During rainy season dry sunny days can happen, as well as longer periods of persisting rain. No matter the weather, there is always something beautiful to see in Phang Nga Bay!
Yes, on the mainland you can find many hotels, guesthouses and Air BNBs. On the islands itself is limited lodging available. There are a few options on Koh Panyee, the floating fishermen’s village, but many tavelers posted they were unhappy with the conditions and price. If you want to stay overnight, it’s best to book a hotel on one of the shores in the bay.
You can explore sea caves, go kayaking, snorkeling, and take boat one of our tours to admire the stunning limestone karsts.
Sunscreen, swimwear, a hat, comfortable footwear, and a camera to capture the beautiful scenery are some essentials to pack for your visit.