Koh Panyi (Floating Muslim Village)
Koh Panyi (Floating Muslim Village)
3.5
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3.5
327 reviews
Excellent
76
Very good
110
Average
79
Poor
32
Terrible
30
daltonblue
Dalton-in-Furness, UK402 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We came to here as part of a boat trip and it certainly isn't somewhere I would recommend going out of your way to see.
We had a meal at the floating restaurant and ate fish caught that morning and kept in a net at the back of the boat ready to be picked out, killed and cooked. You just can't beat that chopping sound prior to eating.
Onto the village itself it's a dilapidated market where you get pestered by locals trying to sell you things that will go in a cupboard back home and then be forgotten about before you throw it out in a couple of years.
A trip to the village school, I genuinely don't know how that happened but the walk through the market took you to it and the school fundraisers were on hand to take your money.
Back to the market and onto the mosque. Muslims only in there though. Its a grand building, where like with other religions ,if they used their money on their people instead of ornate buildings, it might get them out of poverty.
One last thing to see, a floating football pitch with no nets around it. Whoever kicks it out goes into the water to get it.
We had a meal at the floating restaurant and ate fish caught that morning and kept in a net at the back of the boat ready to be picked out, killed and cooked. You just can't beat that chopping sound prior to eating.
Onto the village itself it's a dilapidated market where you get pestered by locals trying to sell you things that will go in a cupboard back home and then be forgotten about before you throw it out in a couple of years.
A trip to the village school, I genuinely don't know how that happened but the walk through the market took you to it and the school fundraisers were on hand to take your money.
Back to the market and onto the mosque. Muslims only in there though. Its a grand building, where like with other religions ,if they used their money on their people instead of ornate buildings, it might get them out of poverty.
One last thing to see, a floating football pitch with no nets around it. Whoever kicks it out goes into the water to get it.
Written 29 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joerg H
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Couples
Nice online pictures however shocking to see this impoverished village which is surrounded by beautiful & amazing mangrove forests and outstanding landscape. Waste is spilled in the water.
Written 16 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paulo M
3 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
A must see if you're in the area. A village that is notable by being built on top of stilts by fishermen moved from Indonesia's island Java. Now love there around 1600 people, 360 families descendents of two Muslim families. Remember to dress accordingly.
Written 12 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melanie C
Edenbridge, UK4 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
3 of us chartered a speed boat every thing was amazing UNTIL eating at ANDAMAN restaurant on Floating Muslim Village.
1. Greeted with a rather arrogant Muslim lady on a walk-in talkie shouting at her younger colleagues we ( the whole restaurant could her it was not relaxing at all.
2 Given ala carte menus not given buffet option ordered 5 dishes three drinks ( not allowed alcohol )
3 we had the boat an hour to wait there so we could eat and explore the floating village.
You can’t they do not allow.
4. Three drinks came. We ordered 5 ( ala carte dishes 1 came after 40 minutes after asking the “ walkie talkie women screaming on her phone where is the food she scream not apologises .disappears gor 10 minutes , I thought she would be in the kitchen hurrying them along. The 1st dish was clearly scooped up from the buffet to keep us content.
5 I asked crew if should could advise the woman how upset we were waiting .. now 55 minutes and receiving 1 dish -and 3 drips
Quickly the inedible and quite disgusting soup came up.
Feeling sorry for a young crew member who was translating at first out patience now ifury in arrogance and god dam rudeness. Every Muslim person around us was fed and watered even people that arrived 40 minutes after.
6 I followed the young crew down , my 2 children knew I was frustrated and annoyed. They both said mum “just leave it”
I followed the young crew girl down the “walkie talkie women was laughing”
7. Advised I would only pay for what we had at 40 minutes of waiting (3 drinks and a dish) , she began to be very angry at this point kids at had be at se for 4 hours and still not eaten (crew very deeply embarrassed not there fault)
she brought over the bill.
8 THE FINAL INSULT, she brought over the bill and apparently corrected it which when the crew checked she crossed out doses but still asked us to pay.
9 I went up to pay and again couldn’t care less, most restaurants would write the bill of out embarrassment of failure
10. This is a complete tourist trap and should be avoided AT ALL TIMES.
1. Greeted with a rather arrogant Muslim lady on a walk-in talkie shouting at her younger colleagues we ( the whole restaurant could her it was not relaxing at all.
2 Given ala carte menus not given buffet option ordered 5 dishes three drinks ( not allowed alcohol )
3 we had the boat an hour to wait there so we could eat and explore the floating village.
You can’t they do not allow.
4. Three drinks came. We ordered 5 ( ala carte dishes 1 came after 40 minutes after asking the “ walkie talkie women screaming on her phone where is the food she scream not apologises .disappears gor 10 minutes , I thought she would be in the kitchen hurrying them along. The 1st dish was clearly scooped up from the buffet to keep us content.
5 I asked crew if should could advise the woman how upset we were waiting .. now 55 minutes and receiving 1 dish -and 3 drips
Quickly the inedible and quite disgusting soup came up.
Feeling sorry for a young crew member who was translating at first out patience now ifury in arrogance and god dam rudeness. Every Muslim person around us was fed and watered even people that arrived 40 minutes after.
6 I followed the young crew down , my 2 children knew I was frustrated and annoyed. They both said mum “just leave it”
I followed the young crew girl down the “walkie talkie women was laughing”
7. Advised I would only pay for what we had at 40 minutes of waiting (3 drinks and a dish) , she began to be very angry at this point kids at had be at se for 4 hours and still not eaten (crew very deeply embarrassed not there fault)
she brought over the bill.
8 THE FINAL INSULT, she brought over the bill and apparently corrected it which when the crew checked she crossed out doses but still asked us to pay.
9 I went up to pay and again couldn’t care less, most restaurants would write the bill of out embarrassment of failure
10. This is a complete tourist trap and should be avoided AT ALL TIMES.
Written 28 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anastasiakemer
Cambridge, UK148 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
This village is a cool place to see - it's amazing knowing that an entire community lives and works in this unique environment. When you step foot onto the floating island, you forget you're floating in the middle of the ocean; it feels as though you're walking on land. They even had a football pitch so the children could practice sports. It's clear that some of the community relies on tourism to support their families, so be prepared to see lots of souvenirs and lots of people trying to catch your attention as you walk by. They also sell a lot of dried fish products so this is a good spot to pick up any fish/seafood related products if you're interested. We ate at New Fern restaurant and the food was delicious!
Written 23 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jon C
Lincoln, UK20 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
We stopped here for lunch and a look around, as part of our trip to James bond island. The restaurant area was nice and clean, and the food was good. We had a wander around the school and market stalls. It was nice to say that we have seen it, but there isn’t a great deal to do when you’re there. Because the people rely on the tourist for income, the market stall holders were very pushy with their products.
Written 13 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phillip8789
Terrigal, Australia830 contributions
Sept 2022 • Friends
Arrived here on a long boat trip to James Bond Island, primarily for lunch.
Certainly a unique destination, a village built on the Bay and after lunch several of us went for a walk along the “paths” leading through a small section of the village.
We received little recognition from the “locals”, but it was a fascinating walk through a very different environment.
The lunch was okay - the staff seemed to try very hard to accommodate us.
Would have to say that this Muslim community has been extraordinary, over quite a few years, in being able to adapt to this way of living.
Unique, interesting and rather stunning, actually.
Certainly a unique destination, a village built on the Bay and after lunch several of us went for a walk along the “paths” leading through a small section of the village.
We received little recognition from the “locals”, but it was a fascinating walk through a very different environment.
The lunch was okay - the staff seemed to try very hard to accommodate us.
Would have to say that this Muslim community has been extraordinary, over quite a few years, in being able to adapt to this way of living.
Unique, interesting and rather stunning, actually.
Written 28 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanne L
Los Angeles, CA38 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
I think it was worth seeing the floating village at least once in your life. Yes, for the majority of residents living there, it's not an easy life and most of the homes are humble. They rely on the tourist industry, so the Covid pandemic has been hard on them, but the people are kind. I felt safe going as part of a tour group, but I would be careful going around, because the streets can be a bit confusing and maze-like.
Written 8 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe
Budapest, Hungary3,378 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
Floating village inhabited by local Malaysian muslims. Around 3000 people live here but most of the men are working so it seems less.
Food wasn't particularly good but it's nice to chill and enjoy the views. Lots of stalls selling the usual tat. The restaurant is halal
Super cool mosque on site too. An enjoyable stop off along the ocean
Food wasn't particularly good but it's nice to chill and enjoy the views. Lots of stalls selling the usual tat. The restaurant is halal
Super cool mosque on site too. An enjoyable stop off along the ocean
Written 16 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jody S
8 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
I was looking for an authentic experience. The village is pretty much a tourist trap, and when you’re not distracted by the various curios, behind the stands is actually quite a sad state.
The restaurant I went to as well wasn’t great.
The restaurant I went to as well wasn’t great.
Written 11 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
อนันต์ เขื่อนหมั้น
Khok Kloi, Thailand370 contributions
เกาะปันหยี ตั้งอยู่ในเขตอุทยานแห่งชาติอ่าวพังงา ไม่ใช่จังหวัดกระบี่ตามที่อยู่ที่ลงไว้ ที่ถูกต้องคือ ตำบลเกาะปันหยี อำเภอเมืองพังงา จังหวัดพังงา ถูกต้องไหม
Staceyjb
87 contributions
Hi, we are staying in Khao Lak and was wondering how we can get to see the village without doing a tour? Is there an easy way to get there? Thanks
BooberRN
Columbia, SC89 contributions
Try contacting Boonchu Pier for a private long tail boat to take you there. Very good service and very affordable way to avoid a big crowded boat. We did a full island tour with them, but I am sure they would be available to just take and drop you off at Koh Panyi for a visit as long as you want to stay there. It is worth lunch and about an hour or two to walk around. Fantastic food with very generous portions and great service.
Yes, the full island hopping tour does go out to all the touristy places but I would still consider it, and the private long tail boat was great for a couple reasons:
1. It is just you and your friends/family
2. Overall it is cheaper than what I was seeing for the speedboat tours.
3. You can leave at whatever time you want, since you don't have to wait for other people. We left at 6 AM, and really avoided most of the crowds everywhere we went, including James Bond Island
Boonchu Pier's number is 093-795-6748. We booked our tour through Alex Taxi Phuket-they have a great website and are really good about emailing. You could send him an email and ask about arranging something specifically to your liking or choose the full day island hopping tour. Included hotel pick up and drop off through Alex.
Probably your hotel could contact the pier too if you want and inquire, might be easier that way.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
Naseema M
Brisbane, Australia32 contributions
I want to stay in Koh Panyee in a Bungalow or homestay accommodation. Can someone direct me how to book this please. The only numbers I have don't work. If you have any contact details for Koh Panyee please advise. Thanks Naseema
Marilyn C
Melbourne, Australia4 contributions
Hi, Do you happen to have a URL for Faa Hao tour group? Or email? Thanks
Robyn H
Cockatoo, Australia5 contributions
What is the best way to visit the village from hotels in Phuket without having to do the Bond island excursion. We would just like to explore and talk to the locals
Robyn H
Cockatoo, Australia5 contributions
Are there day tours , not just to the restaurant and market, but to be able to visit the village
Jozef S
Bratislava, Slovakia713 contributions
Village is very, very small - no more just 10 min worth of time. The rest is "the shopping street" and restaurants...
Do not expect much to see.
Robyn H
Cockatoo, Australia5 contributions
1 daytour of Koh Panyi (Floating Muslim Village) not just the retaurant and market
Jozef S
Bratislava, Slovakia713 contributions
As I mentioned already in the previous answer - not much to see. Tiny village with lots and lots of shopping. Thus mosque is very nice.
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Claim your listingKOH PANYI (FLOATING MUSLIM VILLAGE): All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Koh Panyi (Floating Muslim Village)
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Koh Panyi (Floating Muslim Village):
- James Bond Island Tour from Krabi by Longtail Boat (From $69.95)
- 5 in 1 James Bond Tour by Long Tail Boat (From $137.55)
- Phang Nga Bay(James Bond Island)Tour with Lunch by Long Tail Boat (From $79.72)
- Phang Nga Bay (James) Sea Canoe Tour with Lunch by Long tail Boat (From $93.27)
- James Bond Island, Panak & Hong Island Trip + 1 Canoeing By Big Boat From Phuket (From $92.67)
- Hotels near Koh Panyi (Floating Muslim Village):
- (0.22 km) Jamesbond Bungalow Koh Panyee
- (14.19 km) Home Phang Nga Guesthouse
- (12.37 km) Sametnangshe Boutique
- (14.91 km) Thaweesuk Boutique Homestay
- (12.42 km) Beyond Skywalk Nangshi
- Restaurants near Koh Panyi (Floating Muslim Village):
- (0.23 km) New Fern & Sea Canoe Restaurant
- (0.42 km) Koh Panyee Village Restaurant
- (12.37 km) Sametnangshe Boutique
- (7.17 km) Tree Cups Phang Nga Coffee
- (8.20 km) Pleasure Cafe