Phuket Things to Do Tips by jrs1234

It's not actually in Phuket province, but Phang Nga Bay is one of the most popular trips for visitors to Phuket. Understandably so, as the limestone formations in the bay just north of Phuket are quite spectacular and a definite must-see.

Most trips start in the early morning, and turn back to Phuket mid-afternoon; but since I'm not an early riser I found one that started at about midday. The tours seem to go via a pretty standard set of places; my main aim was to visit James Bond island, since all the tours seem to go there, this wasn't a problem!

Most of the tours, including mine, go out onto the bay in long-tail boats, but this wasn't a problem when I was there as the water was very calm. You do get a life-jacket! The boats aren't all that fast, or noisy - so there's plenty of time to sit back and take in the scenery.

Leave a Comment

If you're on a day trip to Phang-Nga bay, then this unusual temple may well be on your itinerary - it was the first stop on ours.

It's built inside a cave in a hill, so there's not much in the way of the usual temple architecture, but once you get inside there's a nice reclining Buddha, which is worth a look. The other distinguishing feature is the local population of monkeys, which you are encouraged to feed by buying a few bananas from a local vendor. Don't pet them, though - you might get a bite!

Leave a Comment

Directions: About 10km south from Phang-Nga town, off route 4.

Getting to James Bond Island (Ko Phing Kan) was one of my main reasons for heading to Phuket in the first place, and I'm happy to say that it didn't disappoint. Made famous by the movie "The Man With The Golden Gun", hordes of tourists come here daily - it was pretty busy when I got there, certainly.

However, the place is reasonably well managed and the main view - that of the small island (Ko Khao Tapu) from the beach - is well preserved. Plenty of great photo opportunities...

The main island is basically two massive outcrops of rock joined together by an area of beach. Boats come in and out from the island on the opposite side to the famous view, and the first thing you see is a whole row of vendors, so it's not a good start, but get past the sales-folk and things improve considerably. Once you get onto the main beach, there are some great views, including the famous one in the picture.

Suprisingly it's also possible to find a quiet spot (at least it was quiet when I was there) - wander to the left of the main beach and there is a concrete jetty which most tourists don't bother going along. Don't forget to catch your tour boat before it leaves, of course!

Leave a Comment

Directions: Phang-Nga Bay.