Phang Nga Bay: Small Group Speedboat Tour, Caves & James Bond Island

Summary

Phuket to phang nga bay caves and james bond island small group tour with local lunch

You’ll skim across Phang Nga Bay by speedboat in a small group, explore limestone caves at Koh Phanak, paddle canoes through hidden hongs at Hong Island with local guides, snap photos at James Bond Island before crowds arrive, swim in secret coves, and share an authentic Thai lunch on Koh Yao Noi. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s salty air, laughter with locals, and moments that linger after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to glide across Phang Nga Bay before the crowds show up? I didn’t think much about it until we were sipping instant coffee at the marina in Phuket, watching the sun do that hazy thing over the water. Our guide, Lek, handed out snacks and grinned at my awkward attempt to say “sawasdee ka”—I got a laugh from her and a nod from one of the crew. Not a bad start for someone who’d barely slept.

The speedboat ride was louder than I expected—wind whipping past, salt spray on my lips. We reached Koh Phanak first; Lek passed us torches and led us into these limestone caves that smelled faintly of wet leaves and something older. The walls felt cool and slick under my hand. I kept thinking about how this place must’ve looked centuries ago, before anyone thought to poke around with a flashlight. After squeezing through a low tunnel (I nearly lost my hat), we popped out into this hidden lagoon where everything went quiet except for cicadas and our own shuffling feet.

Canoeing at Hong Island was next—one of those things you don’t realize you’ll love until you’re actually doing it. A local paddler named Somchai steered us through narrow passages, pointing out tiny crabs clinging to roots. He tried to teach me the word for “mangrove” in Thai; I butchered it so badly he just shook his head and laughed. Then came the famous James Bond Island—honestly, it was smaller than I’d pictured but somehow stranger too, like something dropped there on purpose. We were gone before most boats even arrived.

I still think about swimming off Kadu Island—cool water after all that heat, sunlight flickering on the surface. Lunch was at this family-run spot on Koh Yao Noi; spicy curry, sweet pineapple, sticky rice that stuck to everything (including my fingers). We finished with tea on a quiet beach while clouds rolled in over the bay. Didn’t want to leave yet—always seems like there’s one more cove or cave just out of sight.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phang Nga Bay speedboat tour highlights

• Arrive for briefing with snacks
• Depart from Phuket 5-star marina
• Explore caves at Koh Phanak
• Sea canoeing at Hong Island
• Visit James Bond Island
• Swim at Treasure Island beach
• Enjoy Thai lunch at local restaurant
• Relax and swim at afternoon beach

Top questions

How many people are in each group on this Phang Nga Bay speedboat tour?

The average group size is 14 people, with a maximum of 18 guests per tour.

Is hotel pickup included for the Phang Nga Bay day trip?

The tour includes pickup from your accommodation in Phuket.

What islands are visited during this small group tour?

The tour visits Koh Phanak for cave exploration, Hong Islands for canoeing, James Bond Island for sightseeing, Kadu Island or similar for swimming, and Koh Yao Noi for lunch.

Are meals provided during the Phang Nga Bay speedboat tour?

Yes—breakfast snacks are served at check-in and an authentic Thai lunch is included on Koh Yao Noi.

Is sea canoeing part of this day trip from Phuket?

Yes—canoeing is included at Hong Island with local guides navigating through caves and hongs.

Can children join this speedboat tour?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; some health restrictions apply.

Is swimming possible during this Phang Nga Bay tour?

Yes—there are opportunities to swim at Kadu Island or another suitable beach depending on tides.

Are national park fees included in the price?

Yes—all national park fees are covered as part of your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your Phuket hotel or meeting point, breakfast snacks with tea and coffee before departure, all national park entry fees covered throughout Phang Nga Bay and its islands, WiFi onboard the speedboat plus water, soft drinks and fresh fruit available all day. You’ll have lunch at a traditional restaurant on Koh Yao Noi before returning in the afternoon.