Koh Panyee is a remarkable floating village nestled in the picturesque waters of Phang Nga Bay, Thailand. Perched on stilts above the emerald-green sea, this unique community stands as a testament to human resilience and adaptability. With its vibrant colors, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural surroundings, Koh Panyee offers a captivating glimpse into a way of life that harmonizes with the ebb and flow of the tides.
Origins
Approximately 1,600 individuals, representing 360 families, reside permanently on Koh Panyee. These residents are the direct or indirect descendants of Toh Baboo and his family and friends, who, approximately two centuries ago, were the pioneering settlers of the island. Toh Baboo, accompanied by two other families, embarked on a journey by boat from their homeland in Indonesia, seeking a new habitat.
The Village
Comprising primarily vast and nearly perpendicular limestone cliffs, Koh Panyee features hundreds of huts, shacks, restaurants, and houses where the villagers reside, all constructed on stilts above the adjacent shallow sea. The exact number of wooden and concrete piles sustaining this remarkable community remains uncertain, adding to the intrigue of this extraordinary and distinctive accomplishment in informal engineering.
The Community
Upon your arrival at Koh Panyee, you will promptly encounter numerous young guides eager to offer you a tour of their community. They take immense pride in the fact that their home has access to electricity, an internet connection, and locally sourced water, distinguishing it from places reliant on mainland supplies. Despite its isolated nature, the residents of Koh Panyee demonstrate a heightened environmental consciousness.
Things to Know
Please be aware that Koh Panyee is a Muslim community, and it is advised that women refrain from wearing short skirts or shorts. T-shirts and jeans are considered acceptable, but attire revealing excessive skin might result in a less warm reception from the typically hospitable locals. Several well-regarded tours to Panyee offer hotel pick-up services for added convenience, in case you want to visit from a place like the Layan Residences by Anantara or other choices of Phuket real estate.
