Koh Panyee (Koh Panyi)

The Basics

Koh Panyi seems to defy gravity, with homes and walkways built on stilts over the Andaman Sea. The village is home to over 350 families descended from Indonesian seafarers. The village’s first houses were constructed at the end of the 18th century, and over the years the settlement has expanded; it now also includes structures built on dry land, including its mosque.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Boat tours of the region often stop here for lunch at one of the town’s restaurants.

• In addition to a floating market, the town also offers souvenir shops.

• Keep an eye out for the village’s floating football pitch—surely one of the only ones in existence.

• The village is home to a largely Muslim population; please be respectful of their beliefs by covering your shoulders and knees during your visit.

• Wheelchair access is limited.

How to Get There

Koh Panyi is located in Phang Nga Bay, between the Thai mainland and Phuket. Most visitors stop here as part of a boat tour of the islands, which leave from Phuket and Krabi. You can also reach the village by bus; the trip from Krabi takes about 1.5 hours.

When to Get There

Koh Panyi is open to the public all year round. As with the surrounding areas, the town has warm weather all year, with average temperatures of around 80°F (27°C). The best time to visit is during the dry season, between November and March. September and October are the wettest months, and bad weather may affect tour times and ferry schedules.

The Name is Bond… James Bond

The best-known sight in Phang Nga Bay is Khao Phing Kan, aka James Bond Island. The island became famous after it was featured in the Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun, which starred Roger Moore as 007. Today, the island’s sheer limestone cliffs jutting out of emerald green water make a perfect backdrop for a memorable photo.

What is special about Koh Panyee (Koh Panyi)?

Koh Panyee (Koh Panyi) is a Muslim floating village in Phang Nga Bay. All the city's buildings are on stilts, so it’s not technically floating. But when the tide is high, it does indeed look like the village is floating on the water.

When is the best time to visit Koh Panyee (Koh Panyi)?

The best time to visit Koh Panyee (Koh Panyi) is during the drier months between November and February. Since it’s on the water, you need to access it by boat. During the rainy season, the sea can get choppy, or tours may be canceled due to excessive rain.

How many people live in Koh Panyee (Koh Panyi)?

About 360 families, or 1,600 people, live in Koh Panyee (Koh Panyi). This small community is indeed bound together by a very niche lifestyle. They are sufficient, with a school, mosque, souvenir shops for tourists, restaurants, and they are also a floating market.

What kinds of tours visit Koh Panyee (Koh Panyi)?

Phang Nga Bay is one of Thailand’s most famous, with James Bond Island here and some beautiful karst formations. Often tours including Koh Panyee (Koh Panyi) head out on longtail boats, stop at James Bond Island, kayak around the caves and karsts, and usually include snorkeling and lunch.

How do you get to Koh Panyee (Koh Panyi)?

You can either book a longtail boat from Surakul pier, which will take you to Koh Panyee (Koh Panyi), or join a tour group. Tours often leave from either Phuket or Krabi. No matter what, you need a guide or a captain who can also tell you more about the fishing village.

Is Koh Panyee (Koh Panyi) worth it?

Yes, Koh Panyee (Koh Panyi) is worth it. Most people don't see villages built on stilts in the middle of the ocean every day. You can experience another way of life, see how the residents interact with the sea, and even support them by purchasing souvenirs or something to eat or drink.