Day 15 James Bond Island



The large catamarans anchored next to one of the rocks gives an indication of the size and shape

We set off under motor to the famous James Bond Island, it was only 3 miles up wind so trying to tack around the fishing nets and shallows would not have been worth the effort. There were a slew of longtail boats hauling day trippers on the beach, but we were able to haul the dingy up with no problem. The beach here is covered with broken shells so footwear is advised. We followed the crowds up the stairs for the requisite photo of the iconic rock standing tall in the sea. There are loads of stands all selling the same souvenirs, you can also get “James Bond” coffee; I didn’t see any food stands, but it was early so they may have some later in the day. We spent probably less than an hour wandering around and that was plenty to see it all.



The iconic rock made famous in the movie



Longtail boats on the shore

We next set off for Panyee, a Muslim fishing village built on stilts, which is just a short distance away. A longtail boat operator came along side and offered to take us to shore for no money so we could visit his restaurant, it took several minutes to convince him we would rather take our own dingy. You can tie up to the longtail docks that line the waterfront and there is no charge for doing so. We walked up the ramp from the dock and had a laugh reading the long list of rules and penalties posted conspicuously at the top; along with the usual, no throwing garbage in the sea and such it was also an offense to bring “meatpig” into the village, the fine being 2000 baht, bringing in alcohol was the worst offense with a penalty of a goat and 5000 baht.



Fish pens off the village



Some of the stilt houses in the village



The list of rules, we couldn't figure out what 3 Inc was

We were hoping to find some fresh fish for sale, with no luck although there were plenty of stands selling dried fish and other seafoods of all types. We decided to have a midday snack in one of the tourist restaurants on the shoreline that the longboats take their clients to. The plates that arrived were much more substantial than we had imagined they would be and even though it was only 3:00 we didn’t need dinner that night.
We sat at anchor off the town and evening call for prayers were announced over the loudspeakers in the Mosque, that rose above all the other buildings in town. It was a peaceful night in the anchorage, with the tourist all back at their resorts for the night the longtail boats were silent other than the odd fisherman returning late from his toils. It was a little overcast this night, so the stars weren’t as bright as they have been, but it was cooler usual so sleeping was comfortable even though we didn’t have the strong breezes we experienced the previous nights.



The tourist restaurants and the Mosque glisten in the morning sunrise

Thanks for the reports, they have been fun to read & "google" some of the things you have seen.....just watched a short video of the football team of Panyee....safe travels....and thanks again....kate <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/canada.gif" alt="" />

As always, I am thoroughly enjoying your reports. Thanks for the time and effort.
Scott