Phang Nga Bay, the setting for James Bond

From the 18th century, the bay was divided into three towns with administrative status: Takuapa, Takuatung and Phang Nga. Phang Nga was founded in 1809 during the reign of King Rama II, during the war with the Burmese.

On 26 December 2004, Phang Nga was one of the areas devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunami. However, thanks to the efforts of the government, its citizens and international aid, Phang Na has bounced back to become one of Thailand's top destinations, despite the destruction and suffering caused by the natural disaster.

Geographically, the province of Phang Nga is located in the western part of Peninsular Malaysia and encompasses numerous islands in Phang Nga Bay, the most famous of which is called James Bond Island. Phang Nga National Park (Phang Nga Bay), one of the most visited areas, was established in 1981 to protect its beautiful islands. The Similan Islands - an ideal destination for diving enthusiasts - also belong to Phang Nga province.

5 things to do in Phang Nga Bay

The bay is home to hundreds of islands, including Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai and Koh Tapu (James Bond Island). Phang Nga is also home to two of Thailand's most beautiful island parks: Mu Koh Similan National Marine Park and Mu Koh Surin National Marine Park. As one of Thailand's top tourist destinations, Phang Nga boasts a myriad of attractions. Here are some of Phang Nga's most popular tourist attractions.

Of all the villages in the bay, the best known is undoubtedly Ko Panyi. This fishing village is built almost entirely on stilts, extending from the steep limestone cliffs of a small island. A maze of wooden walkways lined with market stalls and souvenirs leads to houses, a school and even a floating football pitch, although the mosque is built on the island's shore.

The population of Muslim fishermen is thought to have originated from two Indonesian families who settled here around 200 years ago. Today, the villagers make their living from both tourism and the sea. Around lunchtime during the high season, the village is invaded by tourists dining in the restaurants or browsing the stalls. If you have the option, come early or late for a quieter visit, and explore beyond the restaurants and stalls to see the local way of life. For a more in-depth insight, you can spend the night in bungalows.

Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai are the two largest islands in the archipelago in Phang Nga Bay. These predominantly Muslim islands retain a peaceful, traditional and rural way of life, untouched by mass tourism and far removed from Phuket and many other Thai islands.

The islands are covered with lush, dense tropical vegetation that reaches right down to the shore, numerous tree plantations, a few rice paddies with herds of buffalo and large coastal mangrove swamps. A few paved roads and a network of small dirt tracks criss-cross the islands.

The soundtrack of nature, exotic birdsong, cicadas and other jungle sounds fills the humid air. Wildlife sightings include eagles, monkeys and huge, prehistoric-looking lizards.

Ko Yao Yai is wilder, hillier and twice the size of its smaller, more populated and developed sister, Ko Yao Noi. Ko Yao Noi attracts more visitors because it has more facilities, including the hospital that serves both islands. Travellers can explore by scooter or bike, and activities include kayaking, paddle boarding, yoga retreats, rock climbing, Thai cooking classes, bird watching, scuba diving and professional Muay Thai boxing training in a waterside gym.

On the islands, you can also book private boat trips around Phang Nga Bay and if you're lucky, you may even spot whale sharks offshore! A day trip to the beaches and islands near Ko Yao Noi costs THB 2,900 for two people, and includes lunch, snorkelling equipment and national park fees.

At the top of a mainland hill, around 30 minutes' drive from Phuket, Samet Nangshe Viewpoint offers spectacular panoramic views (especially at sunrise) over the vast expanse of green mangroves and limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay.

To get there, all you have to do is park in the car park below, so you'll need to hike uphill to appreciate the magnificent view - and yes, it has to be earned. However, it is possible to cheat a little by paying pick-up drivers who will take you to the top for a very bumpy ride. Some hotels provide buses to the area.

Phang Nga Bay is the iconic location of some famous films, including Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith and the James Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun. Most tours of the bay include a visit to the island hideout of 007's arch nemesis Scaramanga. Even the Thai locals call the island of Ko Khao Phing Kan with its neighbouring karst pinnacle Ko Tapu just offshore, James Bond Island. For Star Wars, it was the battle of Kashyyk, the planet of the wookies, that was filmed here.

Most organised boat tours visit a variety of islands and include popular locations such as James Bond Island in their sightseeing itineraries.

Tour costs depend on the departure point, whether it's a group tour or private boat hire, the type of boat that takes you, whether the tour includes kayaking and whether it's a half or full day tour.

For the more active, adventurous and environmentally conscious, there are sea kayaking trips. Visiting areas are accessible only by kayak and can be visited on a day trip or overnight camping on the island's beaches. They offer the chance to paddle peacefully through mangrove swamps, caves and superb lagoons in the centre of islands such as Ko Hong and Ko Panak.