| Amazingly beautiful and awe inspiring to see, the | | | | Shangani is his most ambitious to date. Shangani is |
| islands are covered in vegetation which seems to | | | | named after the famous river in Zimbabwe and many |
| cling almost impossibly to the sides and they are also | | | | of the artifacts on board come from Africa, for |
| home to many rare species of birds and animals - a | | | | example, the pool deck is made from one hundred |
| closer inspection reveals secret caves and hidden | | | | year old Rhodesian railway sleepers. Launched in late |
| lagoons. | | | | 2008 Shangani was built in Perth, Australia and fitted |
| The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), Tomorrow | | | | out in Thailand. |
| Never Dies (1997) and more recently The Beach | | | | She can comfortably accommodate up to sixteen |
| (2000), all have scenes shot in Phang Nga Bay. | | | | guests for overnight stays and around twenty four |
| Koh Tapu, known locally as 'James Bond Island', | | | | on day cruises. The crew on Shangani is exceptionally |
| featured in The Man with the Golden Gun is the most | | | | friendly and the English speaking hostess is very |
| famous of the islands; this unfortunately does mean | | | | knowledgeable about the wildlife on the islands - |
| that it is somewhat of a tourist attraction with | | | | pointing out the swallows nesting on the cliffs. |
| several restaurants and souvenir shops, but | | | | At times we dropped anchor and rode out by dingy |
| nevertheless an incredible site. | | | | to explore the caves and lagoons around the islands |
| The whole area of Phanga Nga Bay is protected as a | | | | and to snorkel off deserted beaches. The catamaran |
| national park and it is possible to spend a few | | | | is spacious with shaded deck areas front and back |
| 'Robinson Crusoe' like hours on a deserted island | | | | and a bar and Jacuzzi on the upper fly-bridge. |
| imagining that you are the only person to ever set | | | | The catering on board was exceptional; we were |
| foot on the soft virgin sands; snorkeling in the warm | | | | treated to a superb Thai lunch of curries, salads and |
| coral filled waters and marveling at the multitude of | | | | fresh fruit. The Malaysia born chef can also prepare |
| colourful fish, sea urchins and corals.. | | | | Cantonese, Japanese and Western foods - the |
| Day trips to Phang Nga Bay include excursions to | | | | choice is yours. |
| James Bond and Coral Island, sea kayaking around | | | | Our day on Shangani was one of the most |
| the incredible caves and internal lagoons and even | | | | pleasurable days I have spent in Phuket. The |
| rock climbing but by far the most romantic way to | | | | incredible islands, tranquil turquoise oceans and the |
| see Phang Nga bay is to charter a private yacht - | | | | myriad of colourful fishes - made even more perfect |
| you can visit deserted islands in complete seclusion, | | | | by the crew of Shangani. |
| drop anchor for a picturesque lunch amongst the | | | | You can make this view your own and the islands of |
| mangrove forests and watch the sunset over the | | | | Phang Nga Bay your private playground by purchasing |
| ocean. | | | | one of the prestigious properties in the area. Jumeriah |
| We sailed on Shangani, a seventy foot catamaran | | | | Private Island Resort located just 500m off the east |
| built by Richard Hayes, a Phuket resident who is | | | | coast of Phuket combines a five star hotel resort |
| originally from Zimbabwe. Richard is passionate about | | | | with luxurious residential villas and superb marina |
| sailing and has built several of his own boats; | | | | facilities. |