31st January 2014

Today was our prearranged tour to the James Bond Island, Phang Nga. Usual pick up from our hotel around 8.00 am then a 45 minute minibus transfer to the boat at a pier on the north of the Island.  Soon after we set sail we were introduced to 'Jimmy' who was to be our guide for the day's events.  We learnt that Jimmy used to be a Thai kick boxer from age 16 to 22 when his wife persuaded him to give up for a safer occupation (you may see from the pics that most of his teeth have been kicked out and he has scars both sides of his face).  Jimmy's main job for the day was to paddle the two of us in the inflatable kayak that would be used at various times during the day.  He told us his pay for the day was just 300 Bhart (about £6) - later we doubled that with a well deserved tip for is efforts all day.  First stop was to see the sea caves at Panak Island with their stalactites and bat colonies - then off to Hong Island for another Kayak ride into a beautiful lagoon.  Then it was off to Phang Nga the famous James Bond Island (Man with the Golden Gun filmed in 1974 with Sean Connery). It was very crowded with tourists but Jimmy our guide still managed some good photo's.  Then it was back to the boat for lunch that was cooked on board (yummy) then off to a quiet beach for a swim and to take pics of the monkeys that come down out of the trees for the bananas given to them by the boat crew. Then back on board for the trip back to the boarding pier and our coach transfer back to our resort. In the evening (our last night in Phuket) it was down to the wild Patong Beach for drinks, people watching and food!  Tomorrow we are off to Phi Phi Island.