Phang Nga Bay Canoe Cave Tour from Phuket: James Bond Island

Summary

Guided Canoe Adventure to James Bond Island & Hong Islands

You’ll paddle through caves and lagoons in Phang Nga Bay, see James Bond Island up close, and drift into secret spots only locals know. It’s a hands-on way to explore some of Thailand’s most famous scenery—plus, you get lunch and a guide who really knows their stuff.

What’s the experience like?

Salt clung to my skin as we pushed off from the pier, the air thick with that warm, seaweed scent you only get in southern Thailand. Our guide, Lek, grinned and handed out paddles—he’s been doing this for years and seemed to know every ripple in Phang Nga Bay. The water was calm, almost glassy, and the limestone cliffs rose up like ancient guardians. We glided past fishing boats and a couple of cheeky macaques eyeing us from the mangroves. Lek pointed out a tiny crab scuttling along a rock—easy to miss if you’re not looking.

We ducked into Koh Panak Cave, which locals sometimes call Ice Cream Cave because of the odd, drippy stalactites. It was cool and echoey inside, and I could hear the soft plop of water droplets hitting the canoe. The light outside looked almost green through the cave mouth. After that, we paddled over to James Bond Island. There’s no mistaking it—the tall karst tower is just like in the old movie. The place was busy but not overwhelming, and I grabbed a quick coconut ice cream from a lady selling them under a faded umbrella. Later, we circled the Hong Islands, where the water turned a brighter turquoise and we floated into a hidden lagoon surrounded by rocks. The quiet there was something else—just the splash of paddles and a distant bird call.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phang Nga Bay and Islands Tour

• Visit Phang Nga Bay
• Explore Koh Panak Cave
• Tour James Bond Island
• Visit Hong Islands

Top questions

Is this canoe tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, you don’t need any canoeing experience. The guides help with everything and the water is usually calm.

What should I bring for the Phang Nga Bay tour?

Bring swimwear, a light t-shirt, towel, sunblock, and sunglasses. A waterproof phone pouch is handy too.

Are hotel transfers included from Phuket?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your Phuket hotel are included in the tour price.

Can I join as a solo traveler?

You can book solo, but the tour needs at least two people to run. If there aren’t enough bookings, you’ll get notified about cancellation or rescheduling.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided canoe tour with all equipment, national park fees covered, lunch (usually Thai dishes and fruit), soft drinks, plus hotel pickup and drop-off in Phuket. Just show up ready to paddle and explore!