Koh Panyee

 

Koh Panyee (or Panyi) is one of the most remarkable and culturally unique destinations in the Phang Nga Bay. It is far more than just a stop for lunch; it is a thriving community with a fascinating history and a lifestyle unlike anywhere else in Thailand.

 

The Extraordinary Floating Village
Located in the heart of the Phang Nga Bay National Park, Koh Panyee is a remarkable Muslim fishing village built almost entirely on stilts over the sea. Tucked away behind a towering vertical limestone cliff, the village appears to float upon the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea.

 

The Legend of Its Origin
The history of Koh Panyee dates back to the late 18th century. Legend has it that two nomadic seafaring families from Java, Indonesia, traveled North looking for a place to settle with plenty of fish. They agreed that if one of them found such a place, they would hoist a flag on the highest mountain to signal the others. One family found this island, hoisted the flag (called a "Panyee" in their language), and thus the village was born. Today, over 300 families (approximately 1,600 people) live there, all descendants of those original settlers.

 

A Self-Sustaining Community on Stilts
What makes Koh Panyee truly impressive is how the community has adapted to living over the water. Despite being disconnected from the mainland, the village is fully functional and features:

• A Gold-Domed Mosque : The spiritual heart of the village and the only structure built on solid ground                (attached to the cliffside).

• The Famous Floating Football Pitch : Perhaps the village's most famous landmark. Inspired by their love for the sport and the 1986 World Cup, local children built their own pitch from scraps of wood and old fishing rafts. It has since become a global symbol of community spirit and ingenuity.

• A Local School and Health Center : Serving the children and elders of the community without them needing to travel to the mainland daily.

 

The Visitor Experience
For international travelers, Koh Panyee offers a glimpse into a unique way of life. Visitors can wander through the narrow "streets" (wooden walkways), where they will find:

• Local Markets : Selling handmade pearl jewelry, dried seafood, and colorful batik clothing.

• Fresh Seafood Restaurants : The village is the primary lunch spot for tours in Phang Nga Bay, offering incredibly fresh seafood caught right from the surrounding waters.

• Homestays : Homestays: For those looking for a deeper experience, some families offer overnight stays to witness the village's peaceful atmosphere after the day-trip crowds have left.