Phang Nga Bay: Day Trips and Tours from Krabi

Phang Nga Bay’s splendor has been documented for ages — traders from the Middle East mentioned it in their accounts, as did the ancient Chinese navigators who explored these shores.

Today, the best way to experience its grandeur for yourself is during a Phang Nga day trip from Krabi. You’ll spend the day exploring old-growth forests, labyrinths of mangrove trees and its famous crystal blue waters and white beaches.

Here's all you need to know about Phang Nga Bay, one of the most exciting day trips from Krabi.

How to get to Phang Nga Bay from Krabi?

Phang Nga Bay is located in southern Thailand, between the popular vacation destinations of Krabi and Phuket. It should be noted that Phang Nga Bay refers to the entire bay between Krabi and Phuket, while Ao Phang Nga National Park is located on the western shore of the bay and is home to James Bond Island.

From Krabi to Phang Nga Bay by car

To explore the wonders of the bay for yourself,  travel to Laem Sak Pier, northwest of Krabi. From here, you’ll be able to charter a boat to explore the bay. The entire journey is about 90 kilometers and will take 1.5 hours to complete.

Guided tour to Phang Nga Bay from Krabi

A guided tour to Phang Nga Bay is the ultimate way of exploring the bay — without any of the hassles that accompany a self-guided tour. You’ll get picked up and dropped off from your hotel and the entire excursion is planned to the smallest detail.

How much does the entrance ticket to Phan Nga Bay cost?

While there is no entrance ticket to Phan Nga Bay, most day trips include Ao Phang Nga National Park. If you want to visit the park on your own, you’ll need to buy tickets.

Thai ID tickets

• Adults (aged 15 and above): THB60 (US$1.75)
• Children (aged 3-14): THB30 (US$0.90)
• Infants (below 3): Free

Foreign visitors tickets

• Adults (aged 15 and above): THB300 (US$9)
• Children (aged 3-14): THB150 (US$4.50)
• Infants (below 3): Free

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical day trip to Phang Nga Bay from Krabi starts with an airconditioned pickup service from your hotel. From there you’ll head to Laem Sak Pier, where you’ll board a boat. You’ll spend the next couple of hours exploring the bay, kayaking, snorkeling or even scuba diving in its crystal waters.

Some day trips include visits to multiple islands and you can expect to travel to Koh Roi and Hong Islands — as well as the ever-popular James Bond Island. Longer excursions usually include lunch which will be enjoyed at the floating fisherman’s village of Koh Panyi, or a similar setting.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Phang Nga Bay?

Full-day guided group tour to Phang Nga Bay from Krabi

Going on a guided group tour to Phang Nga Bay is one of the most cost-efficient manners of exploring the bay. You’ll still enjoy all of the perks of a day trip, like a knowledgeable guide and hotel pickup, without breaking the bank.

This excursion offers a blend of the bay’s popular destinations, like James Bond and Hong Island, with some of the lesser visited islets.

Speed boat tour to Phang Nga Bay from Krabi

This small-group speed boat tour of the bay sets out early morning in order to watch the sunrise over the serene ocean.

It’s a bumper-packed expedition, lasting over 10 hours. Breakfast and lunch are included, and there will be soft drinks, water and fresh fruit available onboard — ensuring that you are well-fed while exploring James Bond Island, Koh Yao Noi and a number of secluded sea caves.

Small-group kayaking tour to Phang Nga Bay from Krabi

This full-day small-group tour to Phang Nga Bay is limited to eight people, making it a great option if you want a more personal tour.

Following your transport to the bay, you’ll have the chance to get your feet wet while you paddle your kayak between remarkable limestone formations.

Lunch is enjoyed on a small secluded beach before it's back to your kayak to explore some of the bay’s caves and caverns.

How much does a day trip to Phang Nga Bay from Krabi cost?

A full-day group tour to Phang Nga Bay from Krabi will cost US$90 per person, making it one of the most affordable tours in the bay.

A small-group full-day speed boat tour to Phang Nga Bay from Krabi will cost US$120 per person.

The full-day small-group kayaking tour to Phang Nga Bay from Krabi will cost US$130 per person and includes all of your kayaking equipment.

What will you see and do?

James Bond Island

James Bond Island was featured in the film The Man with the Golden Gun and grew to become one of Thailand’s most popular destinations. It suffered from over-tourism, but the Covid pandemic gave it time to be restored to its former glory.

Hong Island

Hong Island is not as well known as other islands in Phang Nga Bay, but it doesn’t lack any splendor. A visit here consists of swimming in its crystal clear water, sunbathing on its pristine beaches and exploring its secluded lagoon.

Koh Yao Noi

Koh Yao Noi is one of the largest islands in Phang Nga Bay, offering unique experiences for visitors to its shores. The island offers a great opportunity to experience local island life — including some of the best seafood in Thailand as well as the unique floating fishing villages.

What are the opening times?

Although the bay is open throughout the year, Ao Phang Nga Park closes from the middle of May to the middle of October each year.

During these times, you won't be able to visit the beaches surrounding famous sights like James Bond Island — and they will have to be viewed from your boat.

When is the best time to visit Phang Nga Bay?

Phang Nga Bay is best visited from the middle of October to the middle of April. December, January and February tend to be peak tourist seasons, especially around Lunar New Year. Avoid these times if you want to miss the crowd.

Are there any tours to Phang Nga Bay from other cities in Thailand?

Yes, there are tours departing from another city in Thailand:

• Day trips to Phang Nga Bay from Phuket

Travel tips

• Day trips to Phang Nga Bay are extremely popular — booking in advance is essential to avoid disappointment.
• Always consider wearing sunscreen when exploring the outdoors.
• Take insect repellant and extra water and snacks.
• Confirm your pickup location when booking and again 24 hours before the tour departs.