Phang Nga Bay islands
The Phang Nga Bay islands are in the large bay that lies between Phuket and Krabi to the east. There are a number of islands in the bay that are worth visiting, but here we highlight five:
Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao is a charming area of outstanding natural beauty, consisting of a cluster of small islands between Phuket and Krabi in scenic Phang Nga Bay. There are two main islands, Koh Yao Noi (“Small Long Island”) and Koh Yao Yai, with Noi being the more developed of the two. Getting there is easy, with plenty of boats from Bang Rong and Ao Por piers.
Koh Yao Noi is a stunningly beautiful island, where most people still believe that the island should be preserved from human degradation. It is often described as one of the last islands in the region to not be overly developed, though there are a number of places to stay on the island.
Koh Yao Yai is also a natural beauty, remaining the least developed of the two islands, offering visitors the opportunity to step back in time and join in traditional Thai island life.
Koh Naka Yai and Koh Naka Noi
Koh Naka Yai and Koh Naka Noi are the two biggest Phang Nga Bay islands, about 20 minutes off Phuket’s northeast shore. Naka Yai is a destination for many day trips, with visitors arriving by boat along the eastern beach for a few hours to snorkel and swim.
Koh Naka Yai is the larger of the two with stunning views across Phang Nga Bay. This gorgeous little island has evolved from a quaint little fishing village into an eco-friendly tourist destination. With a small fishing village on the western side, there is no electricity on the island though the resorts have generators. Most Naka Yai beaches are wide and sandy, shaded by tall coconut trees.
James Bond Island
James Bond Island is one of the smallest Phang Nga Bay islands, northeast of Phuket. Comprised of limestone tower karsts, James Bond Island is part of Ao Phang Nga National Park.
Since it was chosen as one of the locations for the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun as Scaramanga’s hideout, it has become a popular tourist destination.
There are a number of good floating seafood restaurants on the way to the island – a great lunch stop-off on the way to or from James Bond Island.
