Phang Nga Speedboat Tour Phuket
There is a multitude of tour operators, travel agents and tour guides offering tours from almost any building in Phuket. We’ll give you an idea of what to expect from such a tour and why we think it’s worth doing it.
There are many tourist guides located outside of shops that sell travel packages to tourists. Brochures, prices and itineraries are made available to help you make an informed decision. We’d recommend comparing these packages amongst a few tourist guides to ensure you find the best deal. A few things to consider; try finding a day package that includes lunch, transport with a speedboat, kayaking, have a meeting point for the bus to pick you up and drop you off from, and a with a tourist guide that speaks your preferred language.
Our tour operator picked us up at our hotel with a bus and we were taken to a nearby tour terminal and we were briefed about the day and provided the relevant gear. At the terminal, we hopped onto the speedboat and were introduced to tour guide Abraham, a short, energetic Thai gentleman that loved his day job.
Our first stop was the Hong Island islands, where we got into kayaks and we paddled from point to point admiring the translucent waters and thick green forestry around us. We were told Hong Island is called James Bond Island Two because it looks similar to the original James Bond Island. Hilarious! The guides do all the hard work by paddling you around the island and we recommend you provide your guide with a tip after the excursion if you were happy with his or her service.
Next stop in our speedboat was Khao Phing Kan, home to Ko Tapu, better known as the James Bond Island. As the name suggests, this limestone tower rising out of the ocean was featured in a scene in the James Bond movie: The Man With The Golden Gun. It is a popular tourist stopover and the island tends to be very crowded. For those that are big fans of the movie or the franchise, go for it! Posing in front of the towers can be lots of fun and create lasting memories and photos. The local souvenir trinkets are very expensive and don’t give a true feel of the local culture at all. We soon got frustrated with the myriad of tourists and hawkers on the Island and were relieved that our boat was ready to depart to our next destination, Koh Panak Cave. We strapped our helmets on and got ready to walk through the dark-ish cave to view the different formations of limestone. If you get a chance, take a look at the view from the open areas and take in the beauty. No photo or camera can justify the view, feeling and vibe.
Lunch was served buffet style at The Koh Panyee Floating village. Yes, you read correctly, a floating village. The residents have established a school, soccer field area, and houses on this floating island. The island only caters for primary school learners though, and those that proceed to high school and university have to travel by boat to the neighbouring institutions and back. Groceries and other necessities can only be transported here by boat. Unlike the majority of Buddhists throughout Thailand, Muslim is the major religion on this island.
Our last stop was at Naka Island where we could spend time swimming in the ocean. Unfortunately, although you have paid a fee for the tour, seating on the beach is reserved for paying patrons of the nearby bar only. As an alternative, you can hire an umbrella or chair from the nearby resort per hours. We decided to simply sit on the sand, because why not? We’re on a beach holiday! Relax, enjoy a drink and a swim in the warm waters.
It’s a long day, filled with so much to see, memories to make, and countless photos to be taken. But it’s all worth it with the clear water, green lush forestry, complemented by the clear blue and green waters and blue skies giving Thailand’s islands the definition of a proper and relaxed holiday.
