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Impressions of Phang Nga Bay - Phuket, Thailand |
Words: Zara Wyatt / Pictures: Phuket Yacht Haven & Mark Joachim
Phuket is the Base for sailing Phang Nga Bay and there are few places on Earth which compare to the Bay when it comes to yachting. Through the long north-east monsoon season, weather conditions are the equal of any area in the world, better, for example, than those in the Mediterranean. Even in the south-west monsoon season there are calm, protected waters in this spectacular and fascinating Bay.
 | | Looking through a sea cave below a mountain (© Mark Joachim) |
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Most of the islands in Phang Nga Bay are quiet and uninhabited. Many of them have spectacular caves (hongs in Thai) which you can only reach by an inflatable (or rigid) kayak.
 | | The sea caves can be entered by kayaks (© Mark Joachim) |
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The one which everybody wants to see, James Bond Island (Koh Ping-Gan), is under siege by tourists who all want a picture of the place which featured in 'The Man With The Golden Gun'. Those who like their nature a little less trampled may wish to avoid this one, and also the Sea Gypsy Island of Koh Pannyi.
If you are in the area around Koh Pannyi though, don't miss Khao Khien. It's worth sailing past to see the ancient paintings of boats and animals on the walls.
 | | James Bond Island - Pang Nga Bay |
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Phang Nga Bay itself is a great place to sail. The limestone cliffs rise vertically out of a turquoise sea create a picturesque backdrop and there are many safe places to anchor all year round in the Bay.
Keep an eye out for monitor lizards catching rays on the rocks, and crab eating macaques on the beaches. Monkeys are a frequent sight along the shoreline as well.
If you're in the area long enough you'll experience the changing colours, or as we locals like to say, moods of Phang Nga Bay as the weather changes.
 | | Phuket Yacht Haven from above |
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In this area the spectacular backdrop and feel changes in direct proportion to the weather. The Bay is actually more inspiring when the rain comes down and mist hangs across the tops of these islands.
All in all, Phang Nga Bay, is an area lost in time and something fantasy movies are made of.
This article was written and illustrated by the Phuket Yacht Haven: www.yacht-haven-phuket.com. We also thank Mark Joachim for his photographs.
If you want to supplement this article with hints or own experiences, please click here.
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