Exploring Phang Nga Bay

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
Showcasing breathtaking views across Phang Nga Bay, Samet Nangshe is a local viewpoint that has gone from being an unknown hilltop to one of the most popular tourist attractions, centred in the tiny village of Tha Yu, tambon Khlong Kien, in Phang Nga province.

‘Discovered’ by a Thai photographer, Samet Nangshe has risen in popularity on social media and is currently one of the most visited locations outside of Phuket. The views from atop Samet Nanghse are outstanding, while the location is filled with unique photo opportunities.

Samet Nangshe consists of two viewpoints – a lower viewpoint and a higher one. Each offers spectacular views of Phang Nga Bay and the towering limestone karsts that jut out from the water. Although the viewpoint is stunning at most times of the day, it’s particularly beautiful at sunrise.

If you’re interested in sleeping atop Samet Nangshe, you can rent a tent for approximately 350-450 baht. There is an entry fee to ascend the hill to the top of the viewpoint. Parking is available, and the family of the land owner sells some local snacks and refreshments at the bottom of the pathway.

Koh Panyi
Koh Panyi is a charming fishing village consisting of stilt houses over the waters of the bay. The village is fully functional and is even home to a school as well as a charming mosque.

When visiting Koh Panyi, it’s highly recommended to break free from the crowds and wander the back areas of the village. Here, you’ll catch a glimpse into local life and how the residents of Koh Panyi spend their day-to-day lives. Wandering the back areas is a real eye opener. You’ll be witness to simple village life, such laundry being hung out to dry, young children riding bicycles across the wooden plank bridges, and the elderly sitting around having a chat while drinking Thai iced tea.

It’s important to take note of the signs hanging overhead as the back areas of the village turn into an intricate maze. The well-placed signs, written in English, serve to help visitors find their way back to the pier for departure.

The local residents of Koh Panyi are Muslim, and it’s estimated that about 360 families live in the settlement. The history of Koh Panyi is an interesting one. The stilt house village was actually built by Indonesia fishermen, and then settled by two seafaring Muslim families from Java. Today’s local residents of Koh Panyi are the descendants of those two families.

While most of the local residents of Koh Panyi earn a living from the fishing trade, the island itself thrives on tourism. Throughout the day, Koh Panyi hums with the sound of boats coming to and from the island. The boats drop tourists off to dine on fresh seafood at the restaurants closest to the main pier, while locals board long-tail boats and go about their daily lives.

It’s an interesting scene that further enhances the charm of Koh Panyi. Do make it a point to stop here while exploring Phang Nga Bay as the village is really interesting and gives an authentic taste of life in Thailand.