Phang Nga Bay; geographic grandeur draws people in
The bizarre shapes of its rock-stack mountains have made Phang Nga Bay world-famous. Virtually every visitor flying into Phuket’s airport has already seen images of the dramatic vista their aircraft buzzes just before touch down, or after take off. And yes, Phang Nga closely resembles Vietnam’s equally famous Ha Long Bay, because the two are part of the same geographic phenomena that began almost a billion years ago in a vast tropical sea.
Phuket is so close to Phang Nga Bay that it’s eastern shore forms one side of the bay, protecting it from the waves of the Southwest Monsoon and keeping it calm year-round. Phang Nga now repays its big island neighbour by enchanting a large portion of Phuket’s millions of annual visitors. Day trips to Phang Nga are the most popular tours sold in Phuket. There are James Bond Island tours, Gypsy Island tours, sea kayaking adventures and scenic bay tours – but all rely on the geographic drama of the Bay to first pull guests in, then enchant them.
The remarkable formations are weather- worn remnants of sedimentary rock called karst. High in limestone, the rocky stacks are riddled with caves, tunnels and the famous ‘hongs’, or sinkholes in the middle of islands that are connected to the ocean by dark tidal tunnels – the kayaking highlights.
A big concentration of these near-vertical pinnacles lies along the west side of the Bay, providing easy access from Phuket. During the high season there is a regular flow of boats plying back and forth along this side of the Bay, while the huge expanse of water to the east sees only local fishermen and the occasional, more adventurous boat on charter.
If you want to experience Phang Nga Bay they why not check out the
Enjoy a day out amongst the stunning islands and rocky outcrops of Phang Nga Bay. Like a scene from a movie, motor around these world-class cruising grounds while looking for clues to a series of exciting and fun challenges. The adventure will take you to little known corners of Phang Nga Bay and idyllic deserted beaches, showcasing this fantastic boating area right on Phuket’s doorstep.