Most trips to Phang Nga Bay stop at James Bond Island, take a photo and leave. This one takes you inside the bay. Your local paddler steers the canoe, so you can sit back, look up at the limestone walls and take photos as you glide through sea caves and lagoons

Your day starts with pickup from your hotel in Phuket between 7:00 and 8:30, depending on your area. Travel to Ao Por Pier, board the boat and cruise into Phang Nga Bay. Your first canoe trip is at Panak Island, where your paddler chooses the cave the tide allows that day, such as Mangrove Cave, Bat Cave or Hoy Tib Cave.

Next, explore James Bond Island for about 45 minutes. Walk around Khao Phing Kan and see Koh Tapu, the rock pillar made famous by “The Man with the Golden Gun.” Back on board, enjoy lunch as the boat cruises between the islands.

In the afternoon, canoe for about 30 minutes through the caves and hidden lagoon of Hong Island. End the day with a swim at Phang Nga Bay National Park, then return to the pier, where your driver takes you back to your hotel.

James Bond Island is one of Thailand’s most visited sights, so expect other boats there in high season. The water in the bay is a natural jade colour that changes with the tide, not the clear turquoise water of Phi Phi. No paddling experience is needed, and the national park fee is already included in the price.