Koh Panyi is a unique tourist destination located in Phang Nga Province, Thailand. It stands out because it is an island where people live right in the middle of the sea. The island’s charm lies in its simple, peaceful way of life and the friendly locals. The stunning natural beauty of the area is hard to resist, making it a must-visit for travelers.
History of Koh Panyi:
1. Koh Panyi is situated in the sub-district of Koh Panyi, in the district of Mueang, Phang Nga Province. The name “Panyi” translates to “flag” in the Indonesian language. In the past, three Indonesian families, one of which was led by “Tao Nabu,” migrated here in search of better livelihoods. Legend has it that if anyone found a fertile place to grow food, they would plant a flag, which eventually gave rise to the name “Koh Panyi.”
2. Koh Panyi is a small island covering approximately 1 rai (about 0.16 hectares). Most of the land is situated in the waters of Phang Nga Bay, near the Ao Phang Nga National Park. On the island, you’ll find a school, a health station, a mosque, and shops.
3. Koh Panyi consists of four villages:
- Village 1: Tha Dan (located near freshwater in Ao Phang Nga)
- Village 2: Koh Panyi (also near freshwater in Ao Phang Nga)
- Village 3: Koh Mai Phai (on the island and along the Ao Phang Nga mangrove forest)
- Village 4: Koh Mak Noi (on an island in Ao Phang Nga)
The majority of the island’s residents follow Islam, but there are also Buddhists and Christians living harmoniously.
4. Due to limited space on the island, houses, shops, and schools are built on stilts in the water. During high tide, it appears as though the village is floating in the middle of the sea. This unique construction method has been used for generations.
5. Fishing remains the primary occupation for most of the island’s residents. Visitors can observe fish farms and souvenir shops. Additionally, there’s a floating football field—the only one of its kind in Thailand—inspired by the 1986 World Cup. The local youth formed the “Panyee FC” team, which has achieved great success in southern Thailand.
6. Notable attractions on Koh Panyi include:
- Floating Village: A village built entirely on stilts in the sea, where residents have adapted to life without solid ground.
- Pearl Farm: Located near the pier, this farm showcases large pearl sculptures and serves as a landmark.
- Thalu Cave: A unique cave formation accessible by boat, where visitors can paddle around the surrounding area.
- Rock Art: Ancient rock paintings believed to date back to prehistoric times, featuring various images such as monkeys, dolphins, and crocodiles.
7. Visitors should note that alcohol is not available on Koh Panyi, and it’s advisable not to bring any with you. Dress modestly and avoid gambling, respecting the local customs and Islamic traditions.
8. The best time to visit Koh Panyi is between December and April each year1.
Feel free to explore this fascinating island and immerse yourself in its rich culture and natural beauty! 🌴🌊🏝️
Lifestyle in a magical village in the middle of the sea.
Settlement began on the island at the end of the 18th century by nomadic Malay fishermen. Koh Panyee is known in Malay as Pulau Pangye. At the time, laws restricted land ownership to Thai nationals only. This alone made it necessary to allocate piles into the sea to build houses. Later, Thailand’s tourism industry grew, making the community more prosperous. So began construction of a fresh water source and a mosque on the island.
- Koh Panyi is almost entirely built on stilts, making it a remarkable sight. The village sits at the feet of a giant limestone cliff and has been standing for about 200 years.
- Origins: The population of Koh Panyi consists of approximately 360 families (around 1,600 people). These families are descendants of two seafaring Muslim families from Java Island, Indonesia.
- Getting There: To visit Koh Panyi, you can take a longtail boat from the Surakul pier in Phang Nga. The boat ride itself is fascinating, as you glide through mangroves and between colossal limestone rocks.
- Exploring the Village: Once you arrive, you’ll find a maze of uneven planks connecting houses and tiny souvenir shops. The central part of Koh Panyi has concrete floors with shops selling various items like T-shirts and batiks.
- Daily Life: Despite being a tourist attraction, Koh Panyi remains a real fishing village. Locals go about their daily lives—eating, sleeping in hammocks, cleaning, cooking, and chatting. The school on the island is also part of their daily routine.
- Photographic Opportunities: Tourists often photograph the locals, but the villagers are used to it. If you explore beyond the central area, you’ll find more open spaces with views of the sea and sunlight.
- Seafood Restaurants: Koh Panyi has several seafood restaurants, especially busy during lunchtime. If you’re there around noon, consider trying their Tom Yum Goong (a spicy shrimp soup).
Remember, visiting early in the day allows you to experience Koh Panyi with fewer tourists and capture unique photos. It’s a place where tradition, culture, and daily life intersect in a captivating way! 📸
