Day 62 - Phang Nga Bay, Floating Villages & Phuket Kindness

Today began with an early start, especially after what counts as a late night by our standards. We needed to be at the tour bus by 7:20am. Joe managed to get up (no small feat), and although we were a few minutes late, we made it — relief all round.

Our tour guide, Dung, was absolutely hilarious and kept us entertained with stories and humour throughout the day. In an incredibly kind gesture, he gave up his front-row seat so Joe and I could sit there instead. Once again, we were reminded just how kind people can be.



Journey to Phang Nga Bay

We had nearly a two-hour drive to reach Phang Nga Bay on mainland Thailand — plenty of time for a snooze. Once there, we attended a safety briefing, donned life jackets, and climbed into the traditional long wooden boats.



Joe was still very tired, so he rested his head on my shoulder and slept as we glided past mangrove swamps, the grotto cave, and James Bond Island. It was peaceful, scenic, and beautifully atmospheric.



Panyee Village – Life on the Water



We then arrived at Panyee Village Island, a floating Muslim village built on stilts over the mangroves. After disembarking, we were offered a walking tour of the island. Joe opted to sit this one out and stayed by the restaurant, while the rest of us explored.

We visited:

  • The local school and kindergarten

  • Traditional one-storey homes built on mangrove stilts

  • The mosque

  • Children’s play areas

There are around 900 people living on the island, but they’ve now run out of space to expand, so it’s no longer possible to get permission to build new homes. Older children attend school on the mainland, with parents taking turns to ferry them back and forth each day.

The restaurant here serves thousands of visitors daily — a very slick and well-run operation — and the food was genuinely good. As it’s a Muslim island, there was no alcohol, which suited the calm, grounded feel of the place.

Speed, Pineapple & Shopping

After lunch, it was back onto the boat — this time full throttle back to the marina rather than a gentle sail. We then rejoined the bus, where Dung had arranged a special treat for us all: Phuket pineapple, sweet, juicy, and utterly delicious.

On the return journey, we stopped at a crafts store selling just about everything imaginable. I picked up a couple of gifts and treated myself to two summer dresses — always dangerous, these stops.

Back Onboard & Familiar Wins

Once back at the port, we freshened up. Joe headed straight to the quiz — and yes, you guessed it — his team won again, coming first. The winning streak continues.

I caught up on my crossword and finished writing yesterday’s blog, then Joe went off to watch the Tuxedo Show by the Navigator crew.

Dinner tonight was in Compass Rose, where the chef had very kindly prepared the exact fish dish Joe had loved when we dined with Jeff and Claudia. Joe was delighted.

Looking Ahead

It’s another early night, as the clocks go forward yet another hour tonight, and we have an early arrival in Langkawi tomorrow.

From the small slice of Thailand we’ve seen so far, I can honestly say I would definitely come back to Phuket. The landscapes are stunning, and the Thai people are some of the loveliest and most welcoming we’ve encountered.

Daily Reflection:

Kindness costs nothing — a seat offered, a story shared, a smile given —
and yet it enriches a day beyond measure.

Highlight of the Day:
🌴 Drifting past mangroves and limestone cliffs while Joe slept peacefully on my shoulder.

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