Thailand | 9 Experiences You Need To Have In Phang Nga Bay

Thailand is gifted when it comes to picturesque scenery, which makes it an awesome destination for memorable adventures. One such place one must visit when in Thailand is Phuket. More specifically Ao Phang Nga National Park. It's one of Phuket's best places for sea kayaking. You can explore islands, caves, lagoons and take in beautiful and unique landscapes that will create indelible memories for you and friends. With plenty of wildlife from lizards, rare hornbills, kingfishers. What's even more wonderful about this is that its suitable for all ages. So bring your kids, friends and gran for an adventure of a lifetime as I tell you about 9 experiences you need to have in Phang Nga Bay. There are various tours heading to Phang Nga Bay. You can book most of these in advance via Expedia or Viator.

1. Stop By Wat Suwan Khuha - Temple Cave

Before heading to catch boats and see the islands. The first stop is checking out the Temple Cave. Located in a limestone cave, housing a beautiful 15-meter reclining Buddha image. The caves are decorated with Thai-style tiles, you will also find a small grotto there.

2. Check Out The Cheeky Monkeys

A stop at Wat Suwan Khuha is not complete without running into the naughty monkeys. These cheeky little monkeys will snatch the food right out of your hand if you are too slow in offering up your fruit or candy that may be looking enticing. Interacting with them is just the start of a fun trip around the islands.

3. Take The Thai Speed Boat And Watch The Islands Whizz By

The only way to take in the sights is via the Thai speed boats for a scenic cruise through the Andaman Sea. Crystal-clear water and postcard picture islands whizzing by. The landscape is surreal. Get your Go-Pro and cameras ready because you will need them to remind your eyes later of what they saw as it will seem like a dream.

4. Take In The Views Of The Star Itself - AKA James Bond Island

Arrive at Khao Phing Kan and on the shores of that is a 20-meter tall inslet called Ko Tapu. In 1974 Ko Tapu was shown in James Bond Movie - The Man with the Golden Gun and since then Ko Tapu has become known as James Bond Island. In the scene Bond flies over Phang Nha Bay on his way to the hitman Scaramanga's island hideaway on Ko Tapu. You can take in the views as you pretend to be part of the scene in a Bond flick.

5. Go Under The Hongs on a Kayak or Canoes

So you have whizzed through around the islands and captured panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and its surroundings. It's now time to stop and see it from a different angle. Explore the many caves and lagoon aboard a kayak or canoe and paddle through the crystal-clear waters. Most tours will bring you here as part of the James Bond Island Tour but you also have other tours that can bring you here at night and light candles and leave in the hongs. Either tour is great, but the day tours have an added bonus of seeing the amazing rock formations in addition to spectacular views of Hong Island.

6. Walk Along The Beach on James Bond Island

The stop on James Bond Island will give you enough time to stop for a refreshing walk around the Bay and take in views from secluded shorelines to relax and enjoy the pristine white sand beaches.

7. Koh Phanyi - Explore The Floating Village, Markets And Community Built On Stilts

Koh Panyi is a small island. There are close to 1500 people from 300 families that permanently live on the island. All of whom are descendants, directly or indirectly of Toh Baboo and his family and friends who were the first people to settle on Koh Panyi some 200 years ago. The village has its own school, a mosque and health center, with that many small souvenir shops and restaurants. This is also where many tours will stop for lunch so you will get some time to explore the village on stilts.

8. People Watching On Phang Nga Bay

With such amazing sights, there will be many a person busy with their selfie sticks which in itself is a side entertainment opportunity for people watching. Unless you are planning on doing the tour twice make sure you take time to put the camera down and just see this beautiful place with your own eyes than through the lens of the camera.

9. Hike Around The Bay

When you arrive at the Bay you will be dropped off on the back of the island by the boats and picked up from the other side. This gives you an opportunity to walk around the island for a mini hike and take in the views from another angle and see more stunning rock formations and views across surrounding islands.