Sea Gypsy Village in Phuket
This place usually doesn’t make it onto most tourists’ must-see lists – but it should. It has its own soul, authenticity, and quiet charm. At the same time, it has all the signs of civilization – a school, police station, clinic, shops, restaurants, a mosque, and even a football field! We’re talking about the Sea Gypsy village of Ko Panyi, located in Phang Nga Bay at the foot of a cliff not far from Phuket. It’s a place outside of time that Insider definitely recommends visiting.
Who are the Sea Gypsies
The Sea Gypsies are nomads of the waters. Thais call them “chao le” or “chao nam,” which means “people of the sea.” Their entire life is truly connected to the ocean: in the past, they spent most of their lives on boats, and even today they rely almost entirely on fishing – and, of course, curious tourists.
Among the chao le, there are three distinct groups: the Urak Lawoi, the Moklen, and the Moken. Their languages are completely different from Thai – and even from each other. These peoples live not only in Ko Panyi but also on the Surin Islands, Rawai Beach, and the islands of Siray, Lanta, Jum, Phi Phi, Adang, Lipe, and others.
Why do the Sea Gypsies live this way? Back in the 18th century, foreigners were forbidden to settle on Thai land. The Malaysian and Polynesian nomads came up with a clever solution: if they couldn’t live on land, why not build their homes right on the water? And so the floating village was born – with everything standing on stilts.
Today, about four hundred families live permanently in Ko Panyi. Many have preserved their traditional way of life, but they are increasingly facing assimilation, poverty, and pressure from the tourism industry. Some of the older generation still do not hold Thai citizenship and are, in fact, stateless people.
Interesting fact: during the 2004 tsunami, the Sea Gypsies suffered far less than other local residents. Thanks to their traditional knowledge and careful observation of animal behavior, they recognized the approaching disaster and moved inland in advance.
Where is the Sea Gypsy Village located
The Sea Gypsy Village is located in Phang Nga Bay. The easiest way to visit is as part of an organized tour. You can use the feedback form below to book one.
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You can also get there on your own if you have a car. Drive to Surakul Pier in Phang Nga, then rent a long-tail boat, which will take you there in just 20 minutes. Use the form below to easily rent a car.
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Even from the road, the Sea Gypsy Village stands out sharply against the backdrop of typical resort areas – everything here is different: no hotels with pools, no neon-lit bars, but plenty of life, the smell of the sea, and authenticity.
The locals mainly engage in fishing, shellfish gathering, handicrafts, and trade. Right by the shore you’ll see long wooden boats heading out to sea for the catch – not only fish, but also sea urchins, shrimp, lobsters, oysters, and other delicacies.
Families often sell seafood right along the roadside. You can pick the freshest fish, and they’ll grill it on the spot over coals – simple, but so delicious you’ll never forget it! By the way, the freshest seafood from here is delivered to the nearby Rawai Seafood Market – read more in our article Seafood Markets in Phuket.
Today, the Sea Gypsy Village looks quite modest: narrow streets, small houses, boats on the shore, and fishing nets. Despite this, it has everything needed for daily life: a school, shops, a police station, a medical post, and even a football field! The local team, Panyee FC, is famous throughout Thailand.
The first football field appeared in the Sea Gypsy Village in 1986, when local kids, inspired by watching the World Cup, decided they wanted to play football too. And even the fact that the entire village stands on stilts didn’t stop them. Using makeshift materials, they built their own floating field. At first, it was just a wooden platform, but today Ko Panyi has a full-fledged football field with a proper surface.
In addition, the Sea Gypsies practice Islam, so the village even has its own mosque. However, it stands on solid ground, since the stilts could not support such a large structure.
What to see and do in the Sea Gypsy Village
- Take a walk through the village – browse local shops with handmade souvenirs.
- Eat at a seafood restaurant – simple, tasty, and homemade-style.
- Chat with the locals – some speak English, some don’t, but smiles and gestures are more than enough.
- Buy pearls – the chao le are famous for pearl diving, and here you can buy them cheaper than in tourist shops.
Ko Panyi is a completely different side of Phuket. It’s a wonderful chance to glimpse a living corner of sea culture. Leave your phone in your pocket for at least half an hour. Just stroll along the shore, listen to children laughing by the boats, the wind rustling through palm leaves, an old man mending his nets by the house. Soak in the richness of this world and let yourself be amazed by new discoveries.
Make sure to explore other excursions in and around Phuket as well. If you love sea trips, also check out our sections on Fishing, Diving, and Yacht Rentals.
