Where to stay near Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay is the sea of limestone towers between Phuket and Krabi, famous for James Bond Island, the stilt village of Koh Panyee and sea-kayaking through hidden lagoons. Most visitors see it on a day trip from Phuket or Krabi, but staying around Phang Nga town gives you early starts, quieter boats and a feel for everyday southern Thai life.

The places we list are small guesthouses, homestays and lodges in and around the town and the country roads towards Krabi province, where karst cliffs rise out of rubber plantations and rice fields. They suit independent travellers with a scooter or car.

Nearest airports
Phuket or Krabi, each roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by road
Bay trips
Longtails and kayak tours from the piers just outside Phang Nga town
Getting around
Your own car or scooter is easiest; buses link the town with Phuket and Krabi
Rainy season
Roughly May to October

Places to stay in Phang Nga Bay

5 hotels

"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Phang Nga town and around

Phang Nga town sits inland from the bay, ringed by cliffs. The main sights are within half an hour's drive.

Phang Nga town and the bay piers

Best for early boat trips and local food

The provincial town is small and local, with a morning market, simple restaurants and a dramatic backdrop of limestone peaks. The piers for Phang Nga Bay boat trips are a short drive south. Nearby sights include the cave temple of Wat Suwan Khuha and the forest walks of Sa Nang Manora.

Out in the bay, Koh Panyee is a Muslim fishing village built on stilts beneath a towering rock, and Khao Phing Kan, better known as James Bond Island, is the most famous of the limestone pillars. Starting from here means you can visit before most of the tour boats arrive.

Towards Ao Luek (Krabi)

Best for nature and kayaking

East of Phang Nga, the road crosses into Krabi province around Ao Luek, home to the Than Bok Khorani National Park, with its emerald pools and kayaking among mangroves and sea caves. It's quiet countryside, best explored with your own transport.

Questions about staying in Phang Nga Bay

Is Phang Nga town worth staying in?

Yes, for a night or two if you want to see Phang Nga Bay without the crowds, eat local food and explore the cave temples and national parks nearby.

How do I visit James Bond Island from Phang Nga?

Longtail boats and tours leave from piers a short drive south of town. Going early, before the day trips from Phuket arrive, is the main advantage of staying here.

Do I need a car near Phang Nga?

It helps. The sights are spread out and public transport is limited, so a car or scooter makes a stay here much easier.

What else is there to see around Phang Nga town?

Wat Suwan Khuha, a temple built into a cave full of Buddha images; the waterfalls and forest walks of Sa Nang Manora; and the sea-kayaking and emerald pools of Than Bok Khorani towards Ao Luek.

When is the best time to visit Phang Nga Bay?

The dry season, from about November to April, brings calm water for boat and kayak trips. Trips still run in the wetter months, but some days are cancelled for weather.

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