Phang Nga Bay Archives - Phuket Explore

Pros, Cons & Local Tips from your team at PhuketExplore.com

Thinking about visiting Phuket between May and October? This time of year—often referred to as the green season—is sometimes skipped by first-time visitors, but it offers a peaceful, authentic side of the island that many seasoned travellers and expats actually prefer.

At PhuketExplore.com, we welcome guests year-round and offer exclusive low-season promotions on private yacht charters, group tours, and hand-picked activities. Here is why the low season might just be the best-kept secret in Phuket travel.

Racha Yai and Racha Noi island during low season.

✅ The Pros of Visiting Phuket During Low Season

1. Fewer Crowds, More Space

The atmosphere during low season is blissfully relaxed. With fewer tourists, you can enjoy empty beaches, quick service at restaurants, and an unhurried local pace. You might even have entire stretches of sand to yourself—perfect for families, couples, or solo travellers seeking tranquillity.

2. Better Prices Across the Board

From hotels to flights and tours, prices can drop by 30–50%. At Phuket Explore, we offer special low-season rates on everything from private yacht charters to small-group excursions and family-friendly activities—helping you enjoy more while spending less.

3. Green and Gorgeous Scenery

Tropical showers bring the island to life. Waterfalls are flowing, forests are lush, and the air is crisp and fresh. Post-rain sunsets often light up the sky in spectacular fashion.

4. Surf Season on the West Coast

If you’ve ever wanted to try surfing, now’s your chance. Beaches like Kata, Kalim, and Surin come alive with surfable waves. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced surfer, it’s the ideal time to hit the water or book a lesson.

5. Phuket Stays Open—Unlike Other Islands

Unlike smaller Thai islands (e.g., Koh Lanta, Koh Pu, Koh Chang, or Koh Payam) where much shuts down during the low season, Phuket remains vibrant and active. Most restaurants, resorts, and tour providers operate as normal, and there’s plenty to see and do—even on the rainiest days.

Greenery and less crowds at Kata Beach, Phuket during low season.

⚠️ The Cons (and How to Plan Around Them)

1. Unpredictable Weather

Short tropical downpours are common, typically in the afternoons or evenings. But many days are still sunny or partly cloudy, and the rain often cools things down beautifully.

⛱ Pro Tip: Pack a light rain jacket, plan some indoor backup options (like spas or cooking classes), and remember—it’s always warm and tropical, rarely below 26°C.

2. Rougher Seas on the West

Trips to Phi Phi Islands or Koh Lanta can be impacted by choppy seas, especially from July to September. Some days may see cancellations due to weather or reduced comfort during long boat rides.

✅ Better Option: Head east. Phang Nga Bay is protected from strong southwest winds and remains calm year-round—ideal for boating and sightseeing.

3. Dangerous Swimming Conditions

West coast beaches like Patong, Karon, and Kata can experience strong waves and rip currents, making swimming unsafe—especially for children.

💡 Local Tip: Visit Ao Yon Beach near Cape Panwa. It’s tucked away on the east coast, offering calm, swimmable waters even during the height of the monsoon season.

Strong winds and waves at Kata Beach, Phuket during low season.

🛥 Low Season Boat Trips: Peaceful, Cooler & Better Value

Boating is one of the best ways to enjoy Phuket in the low season. Here’s why:

Cooler air and sea breezes provide relief from land heat (often 34°C+)
Fewer boats on the water, giving you more privacy and serenity
Special pricing on private charters and group tours
Calm conditions in protected areas on the island’s east side

🌴 Phang Nga Bay

This iconic bay is a low-season favourite. Sheltered and serene, it’s home to towering limestone cliffs, sea caves, and hidden lagoons. Explore James Bond Island, kayak through mangroves, or relax on a luxury yacht—whatever your style, this is a must.

🐠 Racha Yai & Racha Noi

These islands lie south of Phuket and are perfect for snorkeling and diving in the green season. The east sides of both islands are flat and protected, with 20–30m visibility, abundant coral life, and vibrant reef fish.

Racha Noi is especially impressive, offering three scenic snorkeling stops
Great for speedboat day trips or scuba diving tours departing from Chalong Pier

🌦 So, Is the Low Season a Good Time to Visit Phuket?

Absolutely—if you prefer a slower pace, fewer crowds, and great deals. While it’s not ideal for every beach or island, Phuket still delivers:

Gorgeous green scenery
Affordable experiences
Calm boating conditions in the right places
Warm temperatures year-round

With the right planning and flexibility, low season can deliver some of the most authentic, peaceful, and memorable Phuket experiences.

💬 Let Us Help You Plan the Perfect Green Season Getaway

At PhuketExplore.com, we’re passionate about this time of year. Whether you’re after a romantic private yacht, a group tour with friends, or low-season-friendly activities, our team can design a trip that fits your preferences and your budget.

👉 Get in touch today for insider tips, boat deals, and personalised advice.
Phuket is waiting—rain or shine.

A Private Journey Through Phang Nga Bay: Bioluminescent Plankton After Sunset

Phang Nga Bay is a place of extraordinary natural beauty—sheer limestone cliffs rising from emerald green waters, hidden lagoons nestled among rocky islands, and mangroves teeming with life. Taking a private speedboat charter here lets you experience this incredible landscape at your own pace. Departing from Phuket at 12:30 PM, the afternoon is spent exploring the highlights of the bay, with the promise of an awe-inspiring phenomenon waiting for you at the end: the glow of bioluminescent plankton after sunset.

An Afternoon of Exploration and Iconic Sights

The speedboat sets off from Phuket and weaves through the stunning scenery of Phang Nga Bay. With the boat to yourself, there’s flexibility to focus on the experiences that interest you most. For many, sea canoeing through caves and into hidden lagoons is a highlight. Moving quietly through these natural formations, you can feel the solitude and mystery of the place, especially when the only sounds are the gentle lapping of water and the calls of distant birds.

The journey also includes a visit to the famous James Bond Island, where a narrow limestone karst rises dramatically from the water—a striking landmark made famous by the movie The Man with the Golden Gun. By the time that you will arrive, the group tour boats have departed and there are very few other visitors.

Exploring the cave of the limestone karsts

Sunset Dinner at Koh Panyi Floating Village

As the afternoon fades, the speedboat heads to Koh Panyi, a village built entirely on stilts over the water. Here, you’ll enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Thai dishes and fresh seafood as the sun sets over the bay. Dining here offers a unique perspective on local life, with homes, shops, and even a school all floating above the water. Watching the sky turn pink and orange as you dine completes the feeling of escape, creating a memory that’s just as vivid as the scenery itself.

Lunch at Koh Panyi Floating Village while enjoying a bioluminescent plankton charter

The Bioluminescent Plankton: Nature’s Own Night Lights

Once darkness falls, the speedboat moves to a quiet part of the bay where the water is calm and undisturbed. Here, you’ll get to witness something extraordinary: bioluminescent plankton illuminating the water with every movement. These tiny organisms emit light when disturbed, creating a soft, blue glow that shimmers with each ripple. When you step into the water, you’ll see your every move spark a gentle glow, as though the water itself has come alive.

The bioluminescence feels almost like magic. Waves of tiny lights swirl around your hands and feet, and if you run your fingers through the water, they leave trails of glowing blue. Some compare it to swimming in a field of stars, while others say it’s like being part of the ocean’s own light show. Bioluminescent plankton are typically hard to see without complete darkness, so this quiet evening in the bay is the perfect chance to experience them up close, undisturbed by other boats or lights.

Sunset in Phang Nga Bay on a bioluminescent plankton private charter

Returning Under the Night Sky

By the time you make your way back to Phuket, it’s around 8 PM, and you’ll have a collection of memories that capture the wonder and mystery of Phang Nga Bay. From dramatic rock formations and hidden caves to a peaceful dinner and the shimmering glow of plankton, this journey isn’t just a day on the water; it’s a chance to connect with some of the most captivating sights nature has to offer. For those who crave experiences off the beaten path, this evening charter offers a glimpse into a part of the Andaman Sea that truly comes alive after sunset.

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Should I Visit Phuket During Low Season?