Phang Nga Bay

The nicely sheltered Phang Nga Bay, dotted with tiny islands of dramatic shapes, is an ideal place to explore by boat. The most popular stopping-off points are Koh Ping-Gan - better known as James Bond Island - and Koh Pannyi, a floating fishing village built on stilts.

If you're hoping to find yourself in the company of hordes of tourists and trinket-sellers, these are the places to go. More appealing ways to see the bay are through yacht charters, sea canoe trips or cruises on Chinese junks.