Boat rides through "Thailand's Little Guilin" – crawl through narrow limestone caves lying down

▲ Phang Nga Bay is known as Thailand's Little Guilin.

Reported and photographed by Chen Hanyin / Thailand

Phang Nga Bay in Thailand is a 400-square-kilometer bay within Phang Nga National Park. Visitors can explore famous attractions such as Ko Ping-gan and Ko Pan Yi by boat. Phang Nga boasts Thailand’s densest and largest mangrove forests, where you can drift along tropical islands at a leisurely pace in a kayak.

▲ Paddle through limestone caves to admire unique natural scenery.

Phang Nga has the largest mangrove area in Thailand, allowing foreign visitors to fully enjoy the pristine natural beauty of the country. The bay features limestone karst landscapes, with limestone caves scattered throughout. Drifting through the mangroves in a kayak is a relaxing and romantic experience. For those who don’t enjoy thrilling water sports, kayaking offers a leisurely yet fulfilling adventure. The boatman gently paddles as the sea breeze brushes your cheeks, letting you explore this hidden paradise with your eyes.

▲ Phang Nga Bay has the largest mangrove area in Thailand.

▲ The boatman says this limestone pillar resembles an elephant’s trunk.

Taking a kayak to Koh Hong, the boatman navigates through a limestone cave. After emerging from the darkness, a vast expanse of mangroves comes into view, with sunlight streaming through the leaves like a green dream. The boat pauses here for a brief rest, allowing visitors to take a deep breath. Then, the boatman heads straight toward the cliff wall. Just when you’re wondering how it’s possible to pass through, he’ll ask you to lie down. The unique experience of crawling through the limestone cave lying flat is unforgettable, etching this stunning scenery deeply into your memory.

▲ Preparing to paddle lying down into the narrow limestone cave.

▲ The entire boat ride lasts about 20 to 30 minutes.

If you get hungry during the island-hopping journey, head to the floating village for a pork-free lunch. Ko Pan Yi on Phang Nga is a small Muslim fishing village. Local guides say there are about 200 households here, with a population of over 2,800, mostly large families who have lived on the island for over 200 years. This colorful little fishing village now features numerous seafood restaurants on the water. After indulging in fresh seafood, set sail again.

▲ The guide says this is the best restaurant in the area.

▲ Feast on seafood at the floating restaurant.
 

* Phang Nga National Park entrance fee: 300 THB for adults, 100 THB for children; 60 THB and 30 THB for locals. Boat tickets are usually included in package tours.

《Panyee Mutiara Seafood》
Address: 126 Moo 2, Tambon Koh Panyi, Amphoe Mueang Phang Nga, Phang Nga, 82000