We’ve visited the Phi Phi Islands on a previous trip to Phuket, but I can confidently say that our experience with Simba Sea Tours was on another level! Firstly, the boat was noticeably more modern, exceptionally clean and comfortable compared with our previous experience. The crew were incredibly professional, genuinely friendly and attentive throughout the entire day. There was also an abundance of food, snacks and refreshments available, so we were certainly never left hungry! One thing that really stood out was the tour guides’ willingness to actually get into the water with us, helping us explore and pointing out things we otherwise might have missed. It’s these little touches that make such a big difference. A couple of recommendations: I highly recommend organising a private transfer to the departure point. Also, don’t be put off by the early start! Getting out on the water before the crowds arrive is fantastic, and the sea is generally much smoother in the early morning, making for a far more enjoyable boat ride. You’ll probably notice that Simba Sea Tours is considerably more expensive than many of the other Phi Phi Island tours available in Phuket. However, having experienced both, I can confidently say you absolutely get what you pay for. The quality of the boat, professionalism of the crew, attention to detail and overall experience make the extra cost completely worthwhile. If you’re considering a Phi Phi Islands tour, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Simba Sea Tours. Five stars and worth every cent!
Phang Nga Bay's Famous Fishing Village on Stilts
Koh Panyee is one of the most distinctive communities in all of Thailand — a fishing village of around 1,700 residents that sits almost entirely above the water on wooden stilts, connected by a maze of walkways and timber bridges. Nestled beneath towering limestone karsts in the heart of Phang Nga Bay, it offers a remarkable and genuine glimpse into a way of life that has existed here for generations. A visit to Koh Panyee is a centrepiece of Simba Sea Trips’ Phang Nga Bay tours from Phuket — a moment to slow down, eat well, and appreciate a community that has built something extraordinary on the water.
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View All Charters →Why Visit Koh Panyee?
A Village Built Entirely on the Sea
Koh Panyee was founded in the 18th century by Malay-Muslim seafarers who settled here because they were not permitted to own land on the mainland. Over generations, the community built outwards over the water — adding homes, a school, a mosque, shops, and even a football pitch that extends over the sea on its own platform of stilts. The result is a community that feels in many ways like any small Thai village, except that virtually everything is connected by wooden walkways above the tidal water below.
A Living Community, Not a Tourism Set-piece
What makes Koh Panyee particularly meaningful to visit is that it is a genuinely functioning community rather than a reconstructed tourist attraction. Residents live here full-time — families, fishermen, schoolchildren, small business owners. The narrow laneways between the houses are busy with everyday life, not staged for visitors. Walking through the village with a small group, rather than being part of a large crowd, makes it possible to absorb this in a way that feels respectful and authentic.
A Lunch Setting Unlike Any Other
One of the practical highlights of a stop at Koh Panyee is the opportunity for a Thai lunch at one of the village’s waterfront restaurants. Sitting down to a meal of fresh seafood and classic Thai dishes, surrounded by the stilted houses of Koh Panyee with the limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay framing the view in every direction, is one of those experiences that tends to be talked about long after the trip has ended. Lunch at Koh Panyee is included in Simba’s all-inclusive Phang Nga Bay tour pricing.
What to Expect at Koh Panyee
Arriving by Boat
Koh Panyee appears around a limestone karst as a cluster of colorful rooftops rising from the water, with towering cliffs behind. As you step off the boat onto the wooden walkways, you quickly realize you are quite literally walking above the sea.
Exploring the Village
Narrow wooden lanes connect small shops selling seafood, crafts, clothing, and local products. The village mosque stands at the center of the community, while daily life continues around visiting guests. Simba’s small group size allows for a relaxed and comfortable exploration.
Lunch at the Village
Lunch at a local restaurant in Koh Panyee is a highlight of the tour, featuring fresh Thai and seafood dishes. With views across the bay, the setting makes the experience even more memorable before continuing the journey through Phang Nga Bay.
Responsible and Culturally Aware Visiting
Koh Panyee is a Muslim community, and while residents are welcoming of respectful visitors, modest dress is appreciated — particularly when moving through the residential areas of the village. Simba’s crew will always brief guests before docking, ensuring the visit is approached with the cultural sensitivity the community deserves. Supporting local shops and restaurants during the visit — rather than relying entirely on tour operator-branded alternatives — contributes directly to the livelihoods of residents and helps sustain the village as a living community rather than a tourist destination.
How We Visit Koh Panyee on Our Phang Nga Bay Tour
Koh Panyee is sometimes included as a passing point on Simba Sea Trips’ Private Phang Nga Bay Sunset Tour. The floating village can be seen from the water as the boat moves through the bay, offering a glimpse of its colorful stilt houses set against dramatic limestone cliffs.
Visits to Koh Panyee are not part of the standard itinerary, but if guests specifically request to stop and explore the village, the crew can arrange it as part of a private tour. There is no lunch stop at Koh Panyee on Simba’s tours, as the focus remains on exploring the natural scenery and quieter areas of Phang Nga Bay.
Best Time to Visit Koh Panyee
Koh Panyee can be visited year-round and is relatively sheltered within the bay, making it accessible even on days when conditions elsewhere in Phang Nga Bay are less settled.
Seasonal Overview
High season (roughly November to April)
High season brings calmer seas and clearer skies, which makes the boat journey and the karst views particularly beautiful.
Low season (roughly May to October)
Low season visits can feel slightly quieter, as visitor numbers across the whole bay are lower.
Simba visits Koh Panyee on both its standard join-in Phang Nga Bay tours and private Phang Nga Bay charters, where groups can take additional time to explore the village independently if they wish.
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