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The best time is from November to April, when the sea is calm and skies are mostly dry. Boat tours run on a regular schedule and the water is easier to enjoy.

From May to October the rainy season brings rough seas and showers. Some tours are cancelled, and views can be hazy.

• James Bond Island is a tall rock standing in the water, made famous by a 1970s James Bond film. Boats usually stop for a short visit and photos.
• Koh Panyee is a village built on stilts over the water, where many tours stop for lunch.
• Hong Island Kayaking is a popular kayaking stop among islands with lagoons and rock arches.

• Sea kayaking: Paddle into lagoons and under limestone arches.
• Longtail boat ride: See the cliffs and islands at your own pace.
• Stilt village lunch: Eat seafood in the village built over the water.
• Sunset cruise: Take an evening trip when the cliffs turn orange.

These trips are listed from closest to farthest.

• Hong Islands by kayak: a boat and kayak trip into hidden lagoons.
• Longtail boat tour: a half-day trip around the main rocks and caves.
• Full-day tour from Phuket or Krabi: a boat day trip that combines sea caves, Koh Panyee and island stops.

• Phang Nga is the province around the bay.
• Khao Lak is a beach area north of the bay.
• Phuket Town is a common starting point for tours.
• Krabi is the province on the other side of the bay.

• From Phuket: Tours start from Phuket piers and often include hotel pick-up. The boat ride into the bay takes a while, depending on the pier.
• From Krabi and Ao Nang: Tours leave from Krabi piers.
• From Khao Lak: Day tours run to the northern part of the bay.
• By private boat: Longtail boats can be hired from piers around the bay.

• By boat: Boats are the main way to move around the bay. Most visitors join a tour.
• By kayak: Guided kayak trips enter caves and lagoons that larger boats cannot reach.
• On land: Roads run along the mainland coast, but most sights are on the water.

• Is a car worth it?: A car helps for reaching piers on the mainland, but sights are on the water.
• Driving side: Traffic drives on the left.
• Roads: Main roads between Phuket and Krabi are paved.

Seafood is the main food in the bay area, with prawns, fish and crab at village restaurants. Southern Thai dishes are spicy and rich with coconut milk.

The stilt village is a Muslim community, so alcohol may be limited.

• Sea conditions: Check the weather and choose a tour with life jackets and a good safety record.
• Kayaking: Follow your guide, as tides can change water levels inside caves.
• Sun: Use sunscreen and wear a hat.
• Crowds: Popular stops are busy in the morning. Visit early or late if you can.
• Respect nature: Do not touch coral or feed wildlife.
• Royal family: Do not speak or write badly about the monarchy. It is a serious crime in Thailand.

Phang Nga Bay has been home to coastal fishing communities for generations.

Tourism grew after a James Bond film brought attention to the bay in the 1970s, and much of the bay is now protected as a national park.

Quick practical facts for Thailand at a glance: