Being an island, the best way to explore the wonders to behold around Phuket is by boat. However, why just enjoy the destination when you can enjoy the journey, too?
Take in the slow lapping of waves against the hull, a warm tropical breeze in your hair, the sun reflecting off the water and the contentment of knowing that a day out seeing the remarkable sights that surround Phuket Island lies ahead.
Climb aboard a minivan as you’re picked up at your hotel and transported to the Laem Sai Pier where you ride a cruiser boat out to Phang Nga Bay. Depart the larger boat and hop onto a small canoe with an experienced local guide who assists you in your paddling journey.
Climb aboard a minivan as you’re picked up at your hotel and transported to the Laem Sai Pier where you ride a cruiser boat out to Phang Nga Bay. Depart the larger boat and hop onto a small canoe with an experienced local guide who assists you in your paddling journey.
Canoe across the serene waters of Phang Nga Bay as you experience amazing landscapes and sail through atmospheric lagoons. Paddle into mysterious caves covered with magical rock formations, keep your eyes peeled for exotic wildlife, and enjoy a Thai buffet lunch on your way to Lawa Island.
Glide into the darkened sea caves of the Panak and Hong Islands, allowing your guide to lead the approach when the tide is just right so you can enjoy fantastic views of impressive rock formations up-close. Your canoe meanders through various tunnels and lagoons as you paddle, the noise of crab-eating monkeys squawking as you find sleeping bats hanging from the tops of caves.
Catch a ride from your Phuket hotel and head to the port, where you can climb aboard and grab a plate to fill up on a tasty buffet lunch of Thai specialties. Cruise as you eat, making your way to the canoeing launch site in a modern power boat.
Reach the first site of the day and hop onto your inflatable canoe, letting your guide take care of the paddling while you enjoy stunning views of the surrounding limestone karsts. Find out how erosion has carved these monolithic structures out of the sea over the years, and then duck into hidden caves, known as hongs, keeping your eyes peeled for sure-footed macaque monkeys and bright blue kingfishers that call this area home.
A tasty Thai buffet lunch is served once you return to the cruiser which takes you to Lawa Island. Once upon the island’s shores, feel free to relax under a palm tree on a quiet beach for some sunbathing while basking in the beautiful views of Phang Nga, or swim out into the refreshing waters to cool off before your adventure comes to an end.
Phang Nga Bay is unique. A day out here is an unforgettable experience that will definitely get you thinking. A distinctive feature of the bay is the sheer limestone cliffs that jut vertically out of the emerald-green waters. These islands are home to sheltered fauna that are possible to observe on certain tours.
James Bond Island and Koh Panyee are just two of the more famous spots in this bay. Limestone Cliffs of Phang Nga Bay Limestone is calcium carbonate, which is generally white. Over millions of years, the skeletons from a constant rain of marine organisms, plus the chemical precipitation of yet more calcium carbonate build thick layers of sediment. Eventually, the heat and pressure of their own weight turn these strata, hundreds of metres thick, to stone. A variety of geological forces have then fractured the limestone beds and pushed up the 40 steep-sided islands that provide the exotic scenery for which this shallow bay is noted. Mineral oxides from various sources paint the vari-coloured streaks that characterise the cliffs of Phang Nga Bay.
James Bond Island and Koh Panyee are just two of the more famous spots in this bay. Limestone Cliffs of Phang Nga Bay Limestone is calcium carbonate, which is generally white. Over millions of years, the skeletons from a constant rain of marine organisms, plus the chemical precipitation of yet more calcium carbonate build thick layers of sediment. Eventually, the heat and pressure of their own weight turn these strata, hundreds of metres thick, to stone. A variety of geological forces have then fractured the limestone beds and pushed up the 40 steep-sided islands that provide the exotic scenery for which this shallow bay is noted. Mineral oxides from various sources paint the vari-coloured streaks that characterise the cliffs of Phang Nga Bay.
By far the best means of enjoying the spectacular scenery, with only brief encounters with the tourist crowds at James Bond and Koh Panyee, is to take one of the boat trips from the northern end of Phuket. A leisurely day trip cruising through the dramatic limestone islands, occasionally stopping to enjoy quiet beaches, is far more rewarding than the standard bus-boat tour.
This famous landmark, called Koh Ta-pu ('Nail Island'), first found its way onto the international map through its starring role in the James Bond movie 'The Man With the Golden Gun'. And this is where most tours seem to take all of the tourists - all at the same time. The entire area surrounding this island with its signature rocky pinnacle is indeed spectacular, but most of the tours bus visitors up the main highway for an hour on the same well-worn itinerary. An integral part of that tour is lunch at Koh Panyee, a nearby Muslim fishing village.
Phi Phi Island is Thailand's island-superstar. It's been in the movies. It's the topic of conversation for travelers all over Thailand. For some, it's the only reason to touchdown in Phuket. Even with all the hype, it doesn't disappoint. Phi Phi's beauty is a large chunk of the allure. The islands, when approached by boat, rise from the sea like a fortress. Sheer cliffs tower overhead, then give way to beach-fronted jungle. It's love at first sight. Phi Phi Island is Thailand's island-superstar. It's been in the movies. It's the topic of conversation for travelers all over Thailand. For some, it's the only reason to touchdown in Phuket. Even with all the hype, it doesn't disappoint. Phi Phi's beauty is a large chunk of the allure. The islands, when approached by boat, rise from the sea like a fortress. Sheer cliffs tower overhead, then give way to beach-fronted jungle. It's love at first sight. The second part of the why-we-love-this-place story is attitude: few places on the planet are this laid-back. Of the two islands located near Phuket and Krabi, one is completely free of human inhabitants (Phi Phi Leh), and the other is without roads (Phi Phi Don). There's no schedule, no hustle-and-bustle, no reason to be in a hurry.
Visible from most of the south of Phuket, the Big Buddha is a recent arrival to the island. The image stands on the top of the Nakkerd Hills and looks down over Chalong, Kata and Rawai. It cost 30 million baht to construct and is 45 metres high.
Next to it stands a smaller, golden image that is actually made of brass and there is a shrine near the site's car park. The drive up to the Big Buddha takes you through the 'real' Thailand and the view from the top is enhanced if you take a map to identify the many, many sights. Close up to the image itself, it is very peaceful and the only noises you will hear are the tinkling of small bells and the yellow Buddhist flags in the compound flapping in the wind, with soft background dharma music.
Next to it stands a smaller, golden image that is actually made of brass and there is a shrine near the site's car park. The drive up to the Big Buddha takes you through the 'real' Thailand and the view from the top is enhanced if you take a map to identify the many, many sights. Close up to the image itself, it is very peaceful and the only noises you will hear are the tinkling of small bells and the yellow Buddhist flags in the compound flapping in the wind, with soft background dharma music.
Wat Chalong is one of Phuket's most important temples and visited by thousands each year. It's beautifully decorated with infinite reflections from hundreds of tiny glass pieces and several pagodas. On special holidays Wat Chalong hosts 'country fairs' with a real local flavour where you can buy just about anything and snack on Thai food to your heart's content. Wat Chalong has an interesting history and is Phuket Island's spiritual centre.
You haven't seen Phuket if you've never visited this fascinating temple. Wats - or Buddhist temples - are among the most important symbols of Thailand, partly because the majority of Thais are Buddhist and partly because they are so beautiful. In Phuket alone, there are 29 Buddhist temples spread around the island. Wat Chalong has been extending a warm welcome to visitors for over a century. Locals come to pray and Westerners come to learn something about Buddhism. The temple is open from seven in the morning to five in the afternoon.
The Grand Pagoda dominating the temple contains a splinter of Lord Buddha's bone and is officially named Phramahathatchedi-Jomthaibarameepragat. The pagoda is decorated with wall paintings depicting the Buddha's life story and also features various Buddha images. Take your time in the pagoda; it is a breezy, cool location and one which is very popular with visitors to the temple.
