Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg (CC BY 4.0)
Sea and islands · Thailand
Phang Nga Bay by private yacht
A full day among the limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay, from James Bond Island to hidden caves and lagoons. A private yacht that keeps your pace, not a group tour's.
Phuket · Thailand
The experience
North-east of Phuket lies Phang Nga Bay, a sea scattered with hundreds of tall, forested limestone islands, protected as a national park since 1981. Here you sail far from the noise of the city, swim in calm water and explore sea caves and grottoes.
Its best-known sight is Khao Phing Kan and, 40 metres off its shore, the 20-metre pillar of Ko Tapu, known since 1974 as 'James Bond Island' after they appeared in one of the films. Since 1998 boats have been kept at a distance from the rock to protect its fragile limestone.
On a private yacht you choose the hour you set out, so you reach the island before the tour boats or after they leave. From the yacht a guide paddles you by sea canoe to the hongs, hidden lagoons inside the islands, reached only through low sea caves at the right tide and closed to motorboats. Lunch is served on deck from a halal menu we agree with you in advance.
Late in the day the yacht returns towards Phuket with the sunset, or stops at a small beach for a last swim. It suits families and couples alike, because the water in the bay is calm on most days of the season.
Where to stay
Stays close by
City
Phuket
Hotel Clover Patong Phuket
A modern four-star hotel in the centre of Patong, with coastal interiors that mix classic, tropical and nautical touches. The rooftop pool looks out to the Andaman Sea, and Patong Beach and Bangla Road are a short walk away.
Price on requestExplore
Beachfront
Phuket
Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort
A resort on Kamala Bay for families, friends and couples, bringing together Phuket's heritage, its sunsets and its nature. Rooms have balconies or terraces, some with private pools or Jacuzzis, and there is Casa Boho, a Latin restaurant with an infinity pool, and the seafront Nahm Spa.
Price on requestExplore
Beachfront
Phuket
Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
A five-star resort on quiet Tri Trang Beach that suits families and couples alike, a few minutes from Patong and Phuket Old Town. There are three pools, a kids' club, a seafront spa and eight places to eat.
Price on requestExplore
Thailand
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