James Bond Island

James Bond Island is the best-known landmark in Phang Nga Bay and one of the most popular day trips from Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak. The name covers two things: Khao Phing Kan, a small island of leaning limestone cliffs, and Koh Tapu, the needle-shaped rock that rises straight out of the sea beside it. This guide explains what the island is, how to visit it from Phuket, the best time to go and what to expect on the day.

Updated October 2026 by the Phuket Dream Company team (TAT licensed).

What is James Bond Island?

James Bond Island sits inside Ao Phang Nga National Park, a marine park of about 400 km² north-east of Phuket. It was declared a national park in 1981. The bay is famous for its limestone karsts: steep, jungle-topped towers and islands rising from shallow green water, with mangrove forests along the mainland coast.

Khao Phing Kan means roughly “hills leaning against each other”. It is the island where boats land, with a small beach, a walkway around the rocks and a row of souvenir stalls. Opposite it stands Koh Tapu (“nail island”), a narrow pillar of rock about 20 metres high, roughly 40 metres off the shore. This is the view everyone wants to photograph.

Why is it called James Bond Island?

In 1974 the island was used as a location in the Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun, starring Roger Moore. In the film it is the hideout of the villain Scaramanga, played by Christopher Lee. The film made Phang Nga Bay famous worldwide, and the nickname has stuck ever since.

James Bond Island, Phuket: how to get there

James Bond Island isn’t actually in Phuket – it is in neighbouring Phang Nga province – but most visitors go from Phuket on an organised tour. There is no ferry service, so you need a tour boat or a private charter. The main ways to go are:

• Big boat tours – a relaxed cruise from a pier in north-east Phuket or Phang Nga, usually with lunch on board and sea-canoeing into hidden lagoons (hongs).
• Speedboat tours – faster, with more stops in a day, often combined with Koh Panyee and a beach island such as Khai.
• Longtail boat tours – the traditional local boat, usually from piers on the Phang Nga mainland. A good choice from Khao Lak.
• Sunset and evening cruises – late starts with canoeing, dinner on board and, on some tours, krathong floating and bioluminescent plankton after dark.
• Private charters – your own boat and timing, ideal for reaching the island before or after the midday crowds.

Transfers from the Patong, Kata or Karon area to the piers usually take 1–2 hours each way, depending on the pier.

What else you see on a Phang Nga Bay tour

• Koh Panyee – a Muslim fishing village built on stilts beside a huge karst, famous for its floating football pitch. Many tours stop here for lunch.
• Koh Hong and Koh Panak – islands with sea caves and hidden lagoons that you can only reach by canoe at the right tide.
• Mangrove channels – some of the largest native mangrove forests in Thailand, home to monkeys, monitor lizards and birds.
• Samet Nangshe viewpoint – a mainland hilltop with a panoramic view over the bay, included on some tours.

Why is the water in Phang Nga Bay green?

Several rivers and many smaller streams flow into the bay from the mainland, carrying fine sediment. Together with the mangroves and the shallow water, this gives the bay its jade-green colour. It is not the place for clear-water snorkelling, but it is a rich, sheltered habitat for fish, crabs and birds. If you want clear water and white sand, choose a tour that adds Khai Island or Naka Island.

Best time to visit James Bond Island

• Season: the calmest, sunniest months are roughly November to April. Phang Nga Bay is sheltered, so many tours also run in the May–October green season, but rain and wind can change plans.
• Time of day: late morning to early afternoon is the busiest time at the island. Early-bird, late-start and sunset tours arrive when it is much quieter.
• Tides: canoe trips into the hongs depend on the tide, so guides adjust the order of stops every day.

Tips for your visit

• A national park fee is charged for foreign visitors. Check whether your tour includes it, or bring cash.
• The island is small. Take your Koh Tapu photo, then walk round the rocks to the quieter beach on the far side.
• Wear sandals that can get wet, and bring a dry bag, sunscreen, a hat and water.
• Dress modestly at Koh Panyee, and ask before photographing people.
• Don’t feed the monkeys in the mangroves – they can grab bags and bite.

FAQ

Is James Bond Island worth visiting?
Yes, if you combine it with the rest of Phang Nga Bay. The island itself is a short stop, but the karst scenery, sea caves and Koh Panyee make it a memorable day out.

How long do you spend on James Bond Island?
Usually 30–60 minutes, which is enough time to take photos and walk round. The rest of the day is spent on other stops in the bay.

Can you swim at James Bond Island?
It isn’t a swimming stop. The beach is small and busy with boats. Most tours add a swimming stop somewhere else.

Can you climb Koh Tapu?
No. Boats are kept away from the rock to protect it, and you view it from Khao Phing Kan.

Which tour is best for families?
A big-boat tour is the most comfortable, with toilets, shade and lunch on board. Speedboats suit people who want more stops in less time.

Can I visit James Bond Island from Krabi or Khao Lak?
Yes. Tours run from both, usually by longtail boat or speedboat from piers on the Phang Nga coast.

James Bond Island tours with Phuket Dream Company

Our team in Phuket can recommend the right James Bond Island trip for your dates, group and budget. Popular choices include:

• James Bond Island and Khai Island by speedboat – including Koh Panyee and a beach stop.
• Phang Nga Bay sunset and sea cave tour – an afternoon and evening cruise with canoeing.
• Phang Nga Bay sea cave canoeing tour – Hong Island lagoons and the floating Muslim village.

Book online on any tour page. Our team then confirms availability and keeps in touch with you on WhatsApp (+66 95 038 5535).