Koh Panyee: Day Trips and Tours from Phuket

Koh Panyee is a floating island established over 200 years ago by Indonesian fishermen.

Despite the entire island being built on stilts, the Koh Panyee community still enjoys modern luxuries such as electricity, internet connection and running water.

Koh Panyee is one of Thailand’s most fascinating attractions as the floating island is an incredible act of informal engineering and offers many unique features, making it perfect for a day trip from Phuket

Hop aboard a traditional longtail boat for a day trip to Koh Panyee from Phuket, and enjoy everything that this charming little island community has to offer.

You will find all you need to know about Koh Panyee, one of the most startling destinations for day trips from Phuket.

How to get to Koh Panyee from Phuket?

The island of Koh Panyee is located in Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and the mainland.

From Phuket to Koh Panyee by longtail boat

Make your way to Surakul Pier, which is about an hour’s drive from Phuket city center. From Surakul Pier, you can hire a longtail boat to take you to Koh Panyee.

The boat trip from Surakul Pier to Koh Panyee is around 20 minutes. You can expect to pay around THB170 (US$5) per person if the boat reaches full capacity.

Guided tour to Koh Panyee from Phuket

Guided tours from Phuket to Koh Panyee are the ideal way to experience the floating fishing village. Meet at a central starting point in Phuket or enjoy a hotel pickup before you make your way to Koh Panyee via boat.

Most guided tours last between 5 and 8 hours, and include additional stops along the way.

How much does the entrance ticket to Koh Panyee cost?

Koh Panyee is located in the Ao Phang-Nga National Park. If you are visiting the island, you’ll have to pay an entrance fee to the national park.

• Foreign adults: THB300 (US$8)
• Foreign children: THB150 (US$4)
• Thai adult citizens: THB60 (US$2)
• Thai children citizens: THB30 (US$1)

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Koh Panyee from Phuket?

While each day trip to Koh Panyee from Phuket is slightly different, many of them follow a very similar itinerary.

Meet at a central meeting spot in Phuket or enjoy a hotel pickup. Meet your friendly and knowledgeable guide, as you make your way onto the boat that will take you to Koh Panyee.

Depending on what pier you leave from, the boat journey will take between 20 and 40 minutes. Once you reach Koh Panyee, your guide will show you around the island and provide information regarding the island’s history.

All day tours to Koh Panyee include a meal or light snacks. Most day tours will also stop at other islands such as Hong Island, Naka Island and Ko Tapu before heading back to Phuket.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Koh Panyee?

Sunset tours to Koh Panyee from Phuket

Most trips to Koh Panyee take place in the morning, but a sunset tour of Koh Panyee and surrounding areas is a popular option among travelers.

After a short briefing, you’ll board a speedboat that will take you on a cruise of Phang Nga Bay. You’ll visit some of the area’s most famous caves before heading to Koh Panyee.

Your guide will tell you more about the floating village, as you make your way past it. The last stop is Koh Lawa, where you’ll enjoy a sunset swim at its pristine beaches.

Day trip to Koh Panyee plus James Bond Island from Phuket

Some day trips to Koh Panyee also include a stop at James Bond Island, which is officially called Ko Tapu. This island is where one of the “James Bond” movies was shot.

In addition to visiting Koh Panyee, your guide will take you to James Bond island via boat. On the island, you’ll get to see where some of the most iconic scenes took place, as well as enjoy magnificent views.

Day tour to Koh Panyee plus James Bond Island and Hong Island from Phuket

A day tour that includes Koh Panyee, James Bond Island and Hong Island visits all three islands by boat during your day trip.

Start at Koh Panyee and discover the many secrets of the floating island. The next stop is Ko Tapu (James Bond Island), where you’re sure to recognize backdrops to iconic “James Bond” scenes.

The last stop of your tour is the beautiful Hong Island, where you’ll get to canoe in the crystal clear waters that surround the island.

How much does a tour to Koh Panyee from Phuket cost?

Day trips to Koh Panyee from Phuket cost between US$60 and US$95 per person.

An 8-hour long Koh Panyee day trip that also visits three other islands costs around US$60 per person, and it makes stops at three other islands.

A sunset Koh Panyee jaunt costs around US$95 per person and is the shortest of all day trips which lasts 4.5 hours.

Koh Panyee day tours that stop at multiple islands, but also include a full meal on board cost between US$85 and US$95 per person.

What will you see and do on a Koh Panyee day trip from Phuket?

You’ll enjoy the dramatic coastline and crystal clear waters of Phang Nga Bay, as you make your way to Koh Panyee via boat.

The most interesting aspect of Koh Panyee is that the entire fishing village has been built on stilts, and floats above the water. This feat of informal engineering is a marvel in itself, and the village offers amazing photo ops around every turn.

The island of Koh Panyee has souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants that you can visit. There is even a football field that has been constructed on stilts!

Your tour guide will provide you with information regarding Koh Panyee’s history, which dates back to over 200 years ago.

Most tours will stop at a few other islands before you make your way back to Phuket.

When is the best time to visit Koh Panyee?

The best time to visit Koh Panyee is between December and April when the weather is mild, warm and dry.

Travel tips

• Koh Panyee is a Muslim community, so try not to wear anything too revealing or fitted.
• Day trips from Phuket to Koh Panyee are very popular. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
• You’ll be spending most of the day outside. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Some Koh Panyee tours may not be suitable if you are pregnant or a person with disabilities.
• Don’t forget to bring your camera to snap amazing photos!