Hong island (Panak) – Phang Nga bay

Longtail boat ride through the mangroves of Phang Nga bay

After arriving at the pier, hop aboard a traditional Thai Longtail boat and cruise to James Bond Island. This tourism hotspot has become infamous for overcrowding, so when you arrive, you may be shocked to see how few tourists are there, if any at all. Our early arrival at the island means that the souvenir vendors have not yet arrived to open their shops, which adds to the serenity of the occasion. You will have time to snap some pictures of the island made famous by the 007 movie The Man with the Golden Gun before we hop back on the boat and make our way to Hong Island.

The warm hue of the morning sun lights the way to the next island destination, Koh Hong. The first hour of light after sunrise is called the Golden or Magic Hour by photographers. Basked in the warm hue of the sun’s rays, the limestone cliffs that rise from the sea appear to glow. Magic light softens the contrast, increasing shadow detail, allowing for the opportunity to take perfectly exposed photos of one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Thanks to the precise scheduling by our Hong Island coordinator, an opening in the island appears, beckoning you to come in and witness the extraordinary beauty hidden within Hong Island.

Panak is a stunning karst island waiting for you to explore! With its fascinating network of caves and caverns, this destination is a dream come true for amateur spelunkers! Some of these caves lead to sinkholes that formed over the millennia, creating hidden lagoons waiting for you to discover. Get ready to uncover the mysteries of these natural wonders as your guide takes you on a thrilling journey by foot and canoe. Embrace the opportunity to experience the beauty and mystery of Panak Island!

No tour of Phang Nga Bay would be complete without visiting Panyi(Panyee) Village. The residents proudly welcome visitors to their village, which appears to float on water. Currently, about 1,600 people reside in the “floating village,” all of which can trace their lineage to a few Javanese families that settled there in the late 18th century. You will dine on lunch prepared by the Panyee people, with plenty of time afterwards to explore their village, peruse their shops for souvenirs, and learn a little about their proud history and culture.

Over the millennia, water has eroded the karst islands in Phang Nga Bay, forming countless sinkholes, caves, and caverns for us to explore today. Before returning to the pier, we’ll stop for yet another amazing sea canoeing experience to further explore more of the intricate formations that earned Phang Nga Bay World UNESCO status.

After disembarking at the pier, we begin our journey back to Khao Lak. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to visit a traditional Thai Buddhist Temple, where you will gain a little insight into the religion that helped shape a nation. Over the centuries, Buddhist Temples have often had an inherent mysticism to those visiting Thailand. Ornately decorated and abound with sculptures and statues, it can feel like you’re visiting a place that time has forgotten. Temples have become sought-after attractions on the tourist trail, but the construction of Buddhist Temples in Thailand was not for tourism purposes, and it is of paramount importance to remember that when visiting one. Your experienced guide will offer you a brief introduction to Buddhism and be more than happy to inform you of the proper etiquette to observe while on temple grounds.

Our driver and guide will have you back to your hotel around 2 pm. The exact time depends on the location of your hotel, sea conditions, and the timing of the tides. Rest assured that you will be back with plenty of time to enjoy a few hours of afternoon sun before it sets over the horizon of the North Andaman Sea.