Small-Group James Bond Island Tour by Longtail Boat & Canoe Phuket

Wat Suwan Khuha, the Monkey Cave Temple

Wat Suwan Khuha sits at the foot of a limestone hill in Takua Thung district, a short drive before the coast of Phang Nga. Its main cave is a natural hall filled with gilded Buddha images, the largest a reclining Buddha around 15 metres long, lit by shafts of daylight from openings in the rock. Steps lead deeper into smaller caves with stalactites and old shrines, and the temple has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries.

Outside, long-tailed macaques gather on the steps and trees, which is why visitors call it the Monkey Cave. They are entertaining to watch but bold, so keep food, bags and sunglasses out of reach and do not feed them. You spend about 30 minutes here. As an active temple, it asks for covered shoulders and knees; a light scarf or shirt over swimwear is enough.

Sam Chong Pier and the Longtail Boat

From the temple a 15-minute drive brings you to Sam Chong Pier, on a mangrove-lined river mouth where fishing boats come and go. Here you board a longtail boat, the traditional wooden craft of southern Thailand, with its long propeller shaft mounted on the stern and its bow often tied with colourful ribbons for luck.

The longtail threads along mangrove channels before opening onto Phang Nga Bay, where limestone towers rise from the water on all sides. Compared with a speedboat it is slower and lower to the water, so you feel closer to the scenery and the ride is gentler. How to get to Phang Nga Bay from Phuket? This mainland route, about two hours by road and then by boat, avoids the open sea and passes sights that speedboat tours skip.

Koh Panyee Floating Village

Koh Panyee is a village built on stilts over the sea, sheltered by a towering limestone rock. It was founded in the late 18th century by Muslim fishing families from Java, and today wooden walkways link the houses, shops, school and a mosque with a golden dome. The village is also known for a floating football pitch built by local boys who had no flat land to play on.

You have about an hour and a half here for lunch at a village restaurant and free time to wander. Because the community is Muslim, the food is halal with no pork, and the seafood comes straight from local boats. Stalls sell dried fish, shrimp paste, cashew nuts and batik. Please dress modestly in the village and ask before photographing people.

Talu Island Canoeing

Talu Island, known locally as Ko Thalu Ok, is a limestone island pierced by sea caves and arches, with stalactites hanging over the water and strangely shaped rock formations along its walls. It is one of the quieter corners of Phang Nga Bay, as most speedboat tours do not stop here.

You paddle a canoe around the cave area for about 30 minutes, with life jackets provided and the guide nearby. The water is usually calm and no experience is needed, so families can share a canoe. Canoe routes depend on the tide: at low water you can explore deeper under the overhangs, and at high water the guide keeps you along the outer cliffs. Bring a waterproof pouch for your phone.

Khao Phing Kan and Ko Tapu

The last island stop is Khao Phing Kan, two limestone islets leaning together after an ancient landslide split the rock, with a small beach between them. Facing it, Ko Tapu rises about 20 metres out of the sea like a nail, narrower at the base than at the top. Both are protected within Ao Phang Nga National Park, and boats may not approach Ko Tapu closely.

You have about 40 minutes for walking, photos and the classic view of Ko Tapu, plus souvenir stalls selling shells and pearls. Swimming here is not recommended because of changing tides and jellyfish. Is Phang Nga Bay worth visiting on a longtail tour? For culture, calm water and fewer crowds, yes, and the long return ride by boat and road gets you back to Phuket in the evening.