Cruising around Phang Nga Bay’s majestic limestone islands it is not difficult to imagine why Hollywood chose this location for several blockbuster movies.
Phuket Lifestyle - Cruising Phang Nga Bay
The tall statuesque islands literally dot the bay, just a few hundred metres off the east coast of Phuket. Amazingly beautiful and awe inspiring to see, the islands are covered in vegetation which seems to cling almost impossibly to the sides and they are also home to many rare species of birds and animals - a closer inspection reveals secret caves and hidden lagoons
By Rebecca Smith
The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) and more recently The Beach (2000), all have scenes shot in Phang Nga Bay. Koh Tapu, known locally as ‘James Bond Island’, featured in The Man with the Golden Gun is the most famous of the islands; this unfortunately does mean that it is somewhat of a tourist attraction with several restaurants and souvenir shops, but nevertheless an incredible site.
The whole area of Phanga Nga Bay is protected as a national park and it is possible to spend a few ‘Robinson Crusoe’ like hours on a deserted island imagining that you are the only person to ever set foot on the soft virgin sands; snorkeling in the warm coral filled waters and marveling at the multitude of colourful fish, sea urchins and corals...
Day trips to Phang Nga Bay include excursions to James Bond and Coral Island, sea kayaking around the incredible caves and internal lagoons and even rock climbing but by far the most romantic way to see Phang Nga bay is to charter a private yacht – you can visit deserted islands in complete seclusion, drop anchor for a picturesque lunch amongst the mangrove forests and watch the sunset over the ocean.
We sailed on Shangani, a seventy foot catamaran built by Richard Hayes, a Phuket resident who is originally from Zimbabwe. Richard is passionate about sailing and has built several of his own boats; Shangani is his most ambitious to date.
Shangani is named after the famous river in Zimbabwe and many of the artifacts on board come from Africa, for example, the pool deck is made from one hundred year old Rhodesian railway sleepers.
Launched in late 2008 Shangani was built in Perth, Australia and fitted out in Thailand. She can comfortably accommodate up to sixteen guests for overnight stays and around twenty four on day cruises.
The crew on Shangani is exceptionally friendly and the English speaking hostess is very knowledgeable about the wildlife on the islands - pointing out the swallows nesting on the cliffs. At times we dropped anchor and rode out by dingy to explore the caves and lagoons around the islands and to snorkel off deserted beaches.
The catamaran is spacious with shaded deck areas front and back and a bar and Jacuzzi on the upper fly-bridge. The catering on board was exceptional; we were treated to a superb Thai lunch of curries, salads and fresh fruit. The Malaysia born chef can also prepare Cantonese, Japanese and Western foods – the choice is yours.
Our day on Shangani was one of the most pleasurable days I have spent in Phuket. The incredible islands, tranquil turquoise oceans and the myriad of colourful fishes - made even more perfect by the crew of Shangani.
You can make this view your own and the islands of Phang Nga Bay your private playground by purchasing one of the prestigious properties in the area. Jumeriah Private Island Resort located just 500m off the east coast of Phuket combines a five star hotel resort with luxurious residential villas and superb marina facilities.
About Tiger Marine Charter
Tiger Marine Charter Markets, Shangani which is a luxurious, brand new 70ft (21.3m) sailing catamaran in Phuket available for Thailand cruises and Phuket Yacht Charter. Shangani can sleep up to sixteen guests in six cabins. Offering complete privacy and absolute luxury.