Discover the Breathtaking Beauty of Phang Nga Bay

Trip Overview

Location: Phang Nga Bay, Southern Thailand
Best Time to Visit: November-April (dry season, calm seas)
Best Starting Point: Phang Nga Town
Boat Tour Cost: Approx. ฿2,000 ($61)
Tour Duration: Half-day or full-day options available
Book a Local Tour: Contact Mr. Richard via WhatsApp: +66 97 223 3468

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Highly Rated Phuket Day Tours to Phang Nga Bay

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Phang Nga Bay Boat Tour

Phang Nga Bay is vast, comprising dozens of limestone islands scattered across emerald-green waters. When people talk about the Phang Nga Bay tour, they’re usually referring to the cluster of islands in the bay’s northwestern section, which is part of the Ao Phang Nga National Park.

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How to Plan Your Boat Tour

Which Tour to Book: Private or Group

Most Phang Nga Bay tours from town are private, since this departure point isn’t as busy as Phuket or Krabi. Travelers who start here usually arrange a boat on their own or through their accommodation.

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If you’re a solo traveler or on a budget, your best option is to inquire at your homestay or guesthouse if they know of any join-in tours. That said, Phang Nga isn’t a major tourist hub, so the chances of finding other travelers to share a boat with are fairly low.

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For this reason, we recommend booking a private tour. It gives you the freedom to set your own pace, choose the stops you want, and enjoy the bay without following a rigid schedule.

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How Much Does the Tour Cost

Private long-tail boat tours typically cost: 

• ฿2,000 ($62) for 1-5 people 
• ฿2,500 ($72) for 8-10 people
• ฿3,500 ($110) for 11-13 people

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These rates are per boat, not per person. The fee usually covers the boat and the boatman, who may speak little English. He’ll bring you to each stop, wait while you explore, and then take you back at the end of the tour.

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Where to Book Your Tour

The most convenient option is to book through your homestay or guesthouse. They’ll typically arrange a local boatman for you, as well as transfers to the pier. Some may also offer the option to include a local guide and lunch as part of the package.

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You can also head directly to the pier, where local boatmen are usually waiting for tourists. However, if you’re planning to leave early in the morning, it’s best to arrange your tour in advance to avoid delays.

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Meet Our Local Boatman: Highly Recommended

Most tours from the pier start around 8am, but we wanted to catch the sunrise. We messaged Mr. Richard on WhatsApp the day before, and even with the language barrier, he understood our plan perfectly. To our surprise, he was already waiting for us at the pier at 5:45am, even earlier than our agreed 6am departure.

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His long-tail boat was large, comfortable, and equipped with life jackets. He was kind, patient, and always smiling, waiting for us at every stop without rushing us once. 

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We can’t recommend him enough, especially if you’re looking to start early and enjoy Phang Nga Bay before the crowds arrive.

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To book with Mr. Richard, contact him on WhatsApp: +66 972233468. For smoother communication, ask your accommodation to help arrange the details in Thai.

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How to Get to the Pier

Phang Nga Town has two main departure points: Ao Phang-nga and Nai Hgop-Ko Tapu Pier.

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If you rent a motorbike, it’s an easy 15-minute ride on paved roads from the town center, and you can park directly at the pier. Since there are no taxis or Grab services in Phang Nga, the simplest option is to ask your homestay to arrange a transfer. We paid about ฿100 ($3) per person for a round trip.

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When to Start the Tour

Phang Nga Bay is one of Thailand’s most popular boat tour destinations, so the earlier you leave, the better. Starting at sunrise means you’ll enjoy cooler weather and reach famous spots like James Bond Island before the large groups arrive.

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We started at 6am and watched the sunrise from the boat. We were among the first to arrive at most islands, which made the experience peaceful and enjoyable.

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We opted for a half-day tour and finished by 10am, avoiding both the heat and the crowds. It was the perfect window to enjoy walking around the islands and paddling in kayaks.

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Best Month for Boat Tours

For the best experience, visit Phang Nga Bay during the dry season (November-April), when skies are clear, seas are calm, and conditions are perfect for boat trips and island-hopping.

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Avoid the monsoon season (May-October), when heavy rain and rough waters are common, and tours are more likely to be canceled.

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What to Pack for a Day Tour

Phang Nga Bay tours are mostly sightseeing trips with short walks on the islands—there’s usually no swimming or snorkeling. 

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Wear sandals or waterproof footwear, as you may need to wade through shallow water when getting off the boat. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a dry bag if you plan on kayaking.

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It’s also a good idea to bring your own water and snacks, as island shops can be overpriced or closed early in the morning. 

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Tip: Stock up the night before at the 24-hour 7-Eleven in Phang Nga Town.

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Stops on the Tour

Most boat tours from Phang Nga Town include a similar route through the northern part of Ao Phang Nga National Park. While itineraries vary depending on your boatman and the weather, here’s the route we followed so you can plan your own trip.

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Note: Boats usually head straight to the farthest point (James Bond Island) first, then work their way back toward town.

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Mangroves

The mangroves of Ao Phang Nga National Park form a lush, tangled network of waterways that you’ll glide through shortly after leaving the pier. If you depart early, you’ll likely have the entire area to yourself and catch the sunrise, casting golden light over the still waters.

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Khao Phing Kan (James Bond Island)

Khao Phing Kan, better known as James Bond Island, is the busiest stop in Phang Nga Bay, made famous by the 1974 movie The Man with the Golden Gun.

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To visit, you’ll pay a national park entrance fee of ฿300 ($9) for adults and ฿100 ($3) for children.

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The island is small but well-maintained, with steps leading to the main viewpoint overlooking Ko Tapu, a 20m-tall limestone pillar that has become the island’s most iconic feature.

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The island is also known for its leaning rocks, which are sculpted by centuries of erosion. This unusual shape gave the island its name, which translates to “hills leaning against each other.”

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Koh Thalu Ok

Just north of James Bond Island lies Koh Thalu Ok, a favorite for kayaking. Here, local operators offer guided paddles through Lot Cave (or Lod Cave) for around ฿300 ($9) per person.

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Each kayak fits two passengers plus a rower, and the ride lasts 30-40 minutes. While the local rowers don’t speak much English, they do their best to point out interesting sights, like macaques and various bird species. You’ll paddle through mangroves, circle the island, and enter the small caves through a narrow opening that is so low you’ll need to lie flat to get through.

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Koh Panyi

Further north sits Koh Panyi, a fishing village built entirely on stilts against the backdrop of a dramatic karst cliff. Even if the name doesn’t sound familiar, chances are you’ve seen its floating football pitch in a photo before.

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Arriving on the island, it’s easy to assume it’s just another tourist trap with souvenir stalls lined by the pier, selling trinkets you could find almost anywhere. But walk a little deeper into the village and you’ll see a lived-in community with tidy homes, potted plants, and locals going about their day.

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It turns out that even here, miles from the coast, life carries on much like anywhere else. Women sell vegetables along the wooden walkways, men admire their caged birds, and a surprising number of cats wander freely through the village.

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Khao Khian

The final stop is Khao Khian, a site known for its ancient cave paintings believed to be over 3,000 years old. These faded red figures depict animals and boats, thought to have been drawn by sailors sheltering here during storms.

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After visiting the cave paintings, we continued to a low-ceilinged cave known for its stalactite formations. Some tours include a short kayaking trip into the surrounding mangroves. From here, it’s a short ride back to the pier in Phang Nga Town.

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Visiting Phang Nga Town

Tucked between the limestone cliffs and mangrove forests of southern Thailand, Phang Nga Town is often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, Phuket and Krabi. Yet this quiet inland town offers a slower pace, authentic local life, and one of the best gateways for exploring Phang Nga Bay.

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Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.

Map of Phang Nga Town & Surroundings

How to Get There

The nearest airports are in Krabi and Phuket, each about 1.5 hours away by car. The most convenient way to reach town is by private car, which you can easily book through your accommodation.

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For reference, we booked a private car from Ao Nang (Krabi) for ฿1800 ($55).

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Budget-friendly options include shared vans and minibuses departing from both Krabi and Phuket to the Phang Nga Bus Station. This is cheaper but less convenient, since the bus station is located on the southern edge of town, requiring an extra ride to your accommodation.

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Book your ticket to Phang Nga Town in Advance

From Krabi to Phang Nga - Book your transfer here

From Phuket to Phang Nga - Reserve your ticket here

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Note: Phang Nga Town has no taxi service or Grab, and public transportation is minimal. The town is small, and most locals get around by motorbike.

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Where to Stay

Budget

Phang Nga Origin Hotel

Budget

Home Phang-Nga Guesthouse

Eating & Drinking

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ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือจี้เดือน: Located next to Big C, this no-frills local spot serves homemade Thai boat noodles with a variety of noodle options. 9:30am-7pm | Closed Saturdays

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E'san Story: A casual corner restaurant up the hill, offering northeastern Thai dishes. Don’t miss the grilled chicken and spicy tom yum fried rice. 11am-10pm | Closed Mondays

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Makalong: A charming, vintage-style cafe recommended by our homestay host. Great for coffee and cakes, though there’s no English menu. 7:30am-5:30pm

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Slow Brew Coffee: Serving excellent coffee, this quiet and minimalist cafe is located just outside the town center. 11am-7pm | Closed weekends

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Things to Do in Phang Nga Town

If you’re not heading out on a boat tour of Phang Nga Bay, the town itself offers a quiet charm worth exploring.

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To make the most of your visit, consider renting a motorbike as it’s the best way to get around. Most accommodations can arrange one for around ฿300 ($9) per day. Aside from Highway 4 (Phet Kasem Road), the streets in town are narrow, quiet, and well-paved, making them enjoyable for a leisurely ride.

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Here are a few temples in town worth visiting:

• Wat Prachum Yothi: A peaceful local temple with traditional Thai architecture.
• Suwan Khuha Temple: Known for its large reclining Buddha inside a limestone cave.
• Wat Tham Tapan: Has a viewpoint overlooking the town and unusual sculptures depicting heaven and hell—fascinating, though a bit unsettling.
  
  

For something a bit different, visit Tham Sam, an archaeological site with ancient cave paintings, or head to Tham Phung Chang, known for its striking limestone formations.

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Alternative Tours of Phang Nga Bay

If you want to experience Phang Nga Bay but don’t have time to stay in Phang Nga Town, day trips are available from both Krabi and Phuket. Just keep in mind that the islands will likely be busier and more crowded, as most boat tours depart from these popular hubs

From Phuket

Phuket is the most popular starting point, with dozens of boats departing daily. There are plenty of options online, from budget-friendly group trips to more personalized private boat tours.

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Here are some of the most popular Phuket day tours to Phang Nga Bay:

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From Krabi

It’s also possible to join a speedboat tour from Krabi. However, since Krabi itself has plenty of stunning islands nearby, we generally recommend this option only if you’re short on time or prefer more tour options while based in Krabi.

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Here’s the top recommended tour from Krabi to Phang Nga Bay:

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Best Phang Nga Bay Viewpoint

After seeing Phang Nga Bay from the water, make sure to take in its full majesty from Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, arguably one of the most stunning viewpoints in all of Thailand.

How to Get There

The Samet Nangshe, also known as the Phang Nga Bay Viewpoint, is located between Phang Nga Town and Phuket. Since there’s no public transportation, the easiest way to visit is by hiring a private driver for the day.

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We arranged a transfer from Phang Nga Town to Phuket with a stop at the viewpoint. The full journey costs ฿3,500 ($107 USD).

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Best Time to Visit

For the best experience, visit for sunrise to enjoy the view with fewer crowds, and for the best lighting if you’re into photography.

Opening Hours

The viewpoint opens from 5:30am to 7pm. To get to the top, you can hike up or take the service car, which takes about 10 minutes.

Cost

The viewpoint charges a ฿30 ($0.90) entrance fee per person if you choose to walk to the top. But we recommend taking the service car, which costs ฿90 ($3) for a round-trip. Just expect a steep and bumpy ride.

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Tip: Bring a face mask as the road is rough and can be dusty.

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Alternative Viewpoint: Bay View Cafe

We also recommend stopping by Bay View Cafe, located within the Sametnangshe Boutique. The cafe sits lower than the main viewpoint,  but still offers spectacular views of the bay, along with Thai dishes, pasta, and desserts.

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It opens at 8am, and you’ll also need to take a service car to reach it. For the best lighting and views, aim to visit around sunset.

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And that’s our complete guide on how to best visit Phang Nga Bay in Thailand.

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We hope this has shown you how easy it is to plan your own boat trip and how to experience the bay with fewer crowds. If you’re looking to explore more of Thailand’s lesser-known islands, head south to Koh Yao Noi, one of the country’s best-kept secrets and still largely off the tourist radar.

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If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.