Phang-Nga Bay is one of the Thailand’s most jaw-droppingly beautiful seascapes. Covering some 400 sq km tucked between Phuket and Krabi, the bay, outside limited with mangrove forests, is home to hundred of limestone karst formations. Some of these are tiny spires, some are large bizarrely shaped, reaching up 300 m in height, and all covered in tangled rain forest vegetation. Photos by: Zimmelino

Some of the islands have been hollowed out by the forces of nature, leaving hidden magnificent lagoon emerged as hongs in their centres. Invisible from the outside, the hongs are accessible by sea canoe, but it’s only during particular tides that the channels beneath the rock face are navigable. There secret lagoons are tidal, supporting their own ecosystems, while the enclosing circle of cliffs are covered with extraordinary greenery of a prehistoric world. Photos by: stephenk1977

The central area boasts with fantastic karst islands including the popular ‘James Bond‘ island, where The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed. Very few of these islands are inhabited, and even fewer have anywhere to stay. Photos by: somah

Ko Panyi is an exception – a Muslim fishing village, mainly built on stilts, it teems with visitors during the day time. There you can rent your own canoe and explore the bay in your own. The cliffs are coloured with red and orange sponges close to the water line and scenery is awesome. Apart from rock-climbing many people come  for water based activities – sea kayaking, sailing and fishing. Photos by: kylehammons

When to go: December to May for the best weather. Population: 700 (2006). How to get there: By boat from Phang-Nga town, Phuket or Krabi.