Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay is a scenic marine bay in the Andaman Sea between Phuket Island and the Malay Peninsula mainland in Phang Nga Province, southern Thailand. Protected as Ao Phang Nga National Park since 1981, it is noted for its emerald waters, limestone karst towers, sea caves, mangrove forests and about 42 islands. The bay is internationally known for Khao Phing Kan, commonly called James Bond Island, and is explored primarily by boat and kayak tours.

Visitors can expect a sheltered bay dotted with dramatic limestone karsts rising vertically from emerald-green water, mangrove channels, sea caves and hongs (collapsed cave lagoons). Access is only by boat, typically on longtail or speedboat tours departing from piers such as Surakul Pier in Takua Thung. Tours cruise between islands, stop for kayaking through caves, photography of karst scenery, and visits to islands like Khao Phing Kan (James Bond Island) and the stilt village of Koh Panyee.

Designated as Ao Phang Nga National Park on 29 April 1981, covering approximately 400 sq km of bay and islands. Gained international fame after Khao Phing Kan was featured as Scaramanga's island in the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun, leading to its nickname James Bond Island.

Home to traditional Muslim fishing communities and the stilt village of Koh Panyee (Ko Panyi), established by Javanese fishermen, reflecting local maritime culture, fishing livelihoods and community life on the water.