Phang-Nga
Bay
 Is
unquestionably one of the great scenic attractions in the world and
a must do during your stay in Phuket. Fringing Phang-nga Bay is a complex
network of river estuaries with dense forests of mangrove and nipa palm
growing right out into the sea. Protecting the shoreline is a series
of sheer-sided limestone mountains and other artistic rock formations
that soar up to 300m (980 feet) out of the sea like an eerie army of
stone monoliths. Touring by boat allows you to explore the mysteries
of the mangrove swamps and provides a scenic view of distance forested
limestone hills. The natural beauty of the bay is breathtaking as you
pass coves and bays many with remote dyllic tropical beaches. Most of
the mountains and outcroppings are of limestone origin covered with
luxuriant vegetation, bushes, and climber vines that overhang the cliffs.
Upon closer inspection
many of these odd rock formations are hollow and conceal hidden caves
(Hongs) and lagoons. It is easy to picture how pirates managed to operate
in this area for centuries and were able to defy the authorities by
simply vanishing into one of the many hiding places. The odd shapes
of many have resulted in a variety of popular names: Koh
Khai (Egg Island), one geologic oddity called Ko
Tapu (Nail Island) emerges from the surface on an impossibly
thin base but soars to a height of 200m (650 ft) out of the water; and
from a distance it looks like a giant rocketship being launched out
of the sea,  Koh
Ma Chu (Puppy Island), and Koh Hong
(Chamber Island, sometimes called Condo Island because it’s numerous
small caves that resemble rooms in a tall building). At a limestone
island called Tham Lawd, boats are able
to pass all the way through the cave, which forms a natural arch some
fifty meters long. The cave is adorned with picturesque stalactites
hanging like chandeliers from the ceiling. Khao
Khian, or "Writing Mountain," contains a cave with
prehistoric drawings of men and nimals such as sharks, crocodiles, and
dolphins, believed to have been painted by people who inhabited this
region over 3000 years ago. The bay is home to a variety of exotic creatures,
among them the fiddler crab with its one enormous claw and another that
looks like an afterthought; the pigtailed macaque (monkey), an excellent
swimmer: and the so-called "walking fish" which can crawl
considerable distances on land. On the island of Koh
Pannyi, at the foot of an immense limestone mountain, is a Muslim
fishing village built entirely over the water on stilts. The mountain
protects the 2,000 odd villagers from the full force of monsoon storms,
but they must go to a neighboring island for their fresh water supply.
On the way home most of the tours include an opportunity for you to
take a swim and enjoy the beach on one of the small islands. The hardest
part is to decide which of the many operators to go with on this trip.
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The
Standard (James Bond Island) Tour
Sold by virtually every travel agency on
the island and is an included trip in many of the package
tours of Phuket. Most tour companies from Phuket will pick
you up at about 8am for the ninety minute white-knuckle bus
trip to the bay. After boarding your vessel in Phang-nga Bay
the first stop is usually a visit to a grotto where
'swifts' make their nests on artistic stalactites. Next you
head for the bay of Ko Ping Kan
Island, also known as James Bond Island, as it was featured
in the Bond film "The Man with the Golden Gun".
The only reason the boat makes a short stop here is to allow
you an opportunity to buy overpriced souvenirs. The boat then
moves to Ko Pannyi, a Muslim
village of 500 families, built entirely on stilts next to
a limestone mountain. Before lunch you will be given ample
time to walk around the maze of homes and visit the tourist
shops. The village is right out of a Hollywood movie set,
and few people seem to remember why it is here except to feed
the deluge of tourists that arrive each day for lunch and
sell them expensive souvenirs. The return boat journey is
via Tham Lawd, a natural tunnel
that runs beneath a huge mountain. It then stops at Khao
Khian for passengers to see drawings of ancient ships
visible only from the sea. Many tours also visit Tham Suwan
Ku Ha, a limestone cave that has Buddha images illuminated
by a shaft of sunlight pouring through a hole in the ceiling.
As a final stop, some tour operators stop at the famous Wat
Phra Thong ( 200 year old tem[ple), but another visit to a
handicraft center for a shopping spree is the standard program.
The standard price range for this tour is 660-800 baht, not
including lunch. This tour can only be recommended for travelers
with absolutely no imagination or for those who enjoy being
herded around like cattle.
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Coral
Seekers
 Let
Mark, Claire and Seng take your small group (6 max) on a personal tour
of the beautiful islands surrounding Phuket. Combine sight-seeing with
an chance to snorkel in remote bays where no one else goes. This remarkable
day-trip is very affordable and includes a delicious barbecue on the beach.
Perfect for those who desire to break away from the herd and enjoy a quiet
day in paradise. A good choice for families and those with small
children as the trip can be customized to meet your needs and allow
you to relax in a safe envirnoment.
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Fi-Tuen
 Fi
Tuen is a high-performance cruising yacht designed to delight sailing
enthusiasts and racers alike. An Australian Adams 13 meter, Fi Tuen's
sleek design allows for superb cruising speeds even in light winds. Join
the daily cruise to Phang-nga Bay currently departing Ao Po beach 0900
AM return 5:00 PM. Activities include helping sail the yacht while exploring
the fabulous Phang Nga islands, see the hongs and limestone caves and
swim off secluded beaches. Includes a ligh Thai style lunch and beverages.
Cost: 2,000 baht per person minimum 2 persons, maximum 8. Transport to
and from Ao Po by arrangement.
Also Available for:
Sundown Cruise
Private Charter
Bareboat Charter (approved customers only)
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Houseboats
Ahoy
 For
the ultimate get-away try taking a houseboat tour of Phang-nga Bay. You
can either follow the organised day package or choose your own route through
Phang Nga Bay, or even travel further afield to Krabi. With overnight
accomodation for three couples, the house boat may be chartered with two
crew members (a boat master and a stewardess). The trip can be tailored
to meet your desires.
For a family or group of friends the houseboat
makes an ideal mobile floating platform for swimming, fishing,
exploring the mangrove swamps or running up onto an island
beach. You can either bring your own food or they can supply
food for your outing. Savour the peace and tranquillity of
the mangrove swamps, the fascinating limestone rock formations,
the open sea, or secluded beaches. The choice is yours, you
decide when and where to go, what to do, and how long to do
it. To swim, dive, fish for supper, relax, sunbathe, or just
laze the day away.
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June
Bahtra
 A
traditional Siamese style junk rigged schooner. This fleet of three well
maintained vessels offers you a ride back to yesterday; to when the sailing
junks from Siam and Malaya ruled the Andaman Sea. The June Bahtra is designed
to comfortably accomaodate up to 20 passengers.
Daily
departures from your hotel in Phuket.
7:30 AM : Pick up from your hotel by Air
conditioned vehicle
8:30 AM : Embarkation on board June Bahtra and cruise through
the enchanting Phang Nga Bay
11:15 AM : Arrive at James Bond Island and cruise by long
Tail to the Gypsy Village, visit of the mangrove delta and
the grotto cave on the way.
1:00 PM : Sea food Lunch on board. Visit to James Bond Island..
3:00 PM : Swimming from the Boat
6:00 PM : Return to your Phuket Hotel
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Sea
Canoe
 The
unusual geology in Phang nga Bay makes it a sea kayaking paradise. Capable
of reaching places inaccessible by any other means, the sea canoe (or
sea kayak) is the ideal craft for a close inspection of this unique landscape.
Sitting two people to a canoe, your guide will paddle you through tiny
sea caves and along narrow tunnels under huge limestone hills rising from
the bay. Hidden in many of these odd rock formations are caves, tunnels
and lagoons, better known as "hongs" (Thai for room), eroded
by natural forces over millions of years and can only be entered via the
tunnels when the tide is just right. Many visitors claim that being
paddled in a canoe through the side of a limestone mountain that emerges
into a pristine tidal lagoon isolated from the world and surrounded by
sheer rock evokes a feeling of going back in time a million years, to
a time before people walked the Earth. This is clearly one of the most
remarkable journeys you will ever make. The appeal is universal, it's
the perfect all-season, all-weather outdoor adventure, ideal for everyone
in the family.
Please refer to the the section on sea kayaks for more detailed
information this adventure trip.
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Phuket
Watertaxi
 A
fleet of high speed boats (30 knots) allows you to make the journey
to Phang-nga Bay in just forty minutes. Plenty of time to
visit James Bond Island and the gypsy village before speeding off
to Krabi. A stopover for a swim at the famous Ko Hong then on to
Ao Nang National Park before returning back to Phuket. Travel in
luxury and the privacy of your own small group (12-16 passengers)
go where you want or combine these two spectacular destinations
into one fun filled day.
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