James Bond island is the most famous island destination in Phang Nga Bay. The location consists of several islands, commonly called Khao Phing Kan. Out of this archipelago, James Bond Island (or Koh Tapu) is the most picturesque, looking like a nail leaning against the water. This peculiar limestone cliff rises above 40 m vertically from the astonishing emerald water. For those who have seen James Bond: The Man with the Golden Gun – it doesn’t hurt to recreate some of the scenes and poses from the movie, just for dramatic effect. The James Bond Island tour has quickly become one of the most popular day trips from Phuket and nearby islands.
James Bond island history
James Bond island (known locally as Koh Tapu) has become famous after the James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun.” In the film, the villain (Christopher Lee) had his secret property and hideout in this spot. While in the movie, the island and the beach looked a lot bigger; in reality – the beach is a few square meters in size and also filled with souvenir stands. There are no James Bond souvenirs here, as one might expect. Koh Tapu ‘James Bond Island’ is a tourist destination par excellence in Thailand. The entire area encircling this island is indeed magnificent with its signature rocky pinnacle, another sample of how our Mother Nature works her magic.
In 1998, local authorities banned tourist boats from approaching Koh Tapu to prevent the erosion of limestone rocks, which could collapse the island. That pushed travelers to a tiny beach that faces James Bond island. Since then, this location has become one of the most Instagrammable in Thailand. Besides, the surrounding islands of Khao Phing Kan also have some exciting caves to explore. Still, caution should be applied during high tides when caves and most of the beaches are usually flooded. The waters around James Bond island are shallow but murky and have a pale green color. Undoubtedly, not a snorkeling destination.
James Bond island tour
James Bond Island tour is almost as popular as the man, the character, and the movie franchise itself – and that is not shocking in the least. When vacationing in Phuket, Krabi, or Khao Lak, you’ll be presented with countless flyers with that iconic image of James Bond Island, everywhere you go. Fortunately, Instagram-worth pictures are not the only thing that this island is great for. Anyone who has ever taken the James Bond Island tour will also agree that behind this scenic brilliance is a natural curiosity.
What most people do not know, though, is that this is not the real name of the island. Known locally as Koh Tapu, James Bond Island belongs to Khao Phing Kan archipelago that consists of several islands. These limestone cliffs are ever so delicate that authorities once banned the approach of the island via boats so that the cliff doesn’t end up collapsing Koh Tapu (James Bond Island). Yet still, Koh Tapu has quickly risen to become one of the most visited and Instagrammable islands in all of the Phang Nga Bay.
James Bond island tour from Phuket
James Bond island tour is likely the most popular day trip you will come across while on vacation in Phuket. Many tourists want to take James Bond Island tour from Phuket to see a peculiar nail rising above 40m vertically from the water. For many others, the trip to James bond island is a part of the tour to the bigger Phang Nga Bay, inside which this island is located. Thus, it could also be your gateway to other amazing islands nearby.
Nearby James Bond Island, there is the fisherman village of Koh Panyee, where sea gypsies have been living on the water for decades. The village of Koh Panyee has been built entirely on stilts. Don’t expect pristine beaches here, but you will love what’s on offer at Koh Panyee, which is always included in any James Bond Island tour.
Besides, James Bond Island tours from Phuket will also allow explorations of mysterious caves and secluded bays, such as on Hong Island and Koh Panak. While the surroundings are poor on diving and snorkeling, taking a canoe to discover unique flora and fauna of these isolated places is a remarkable experience. When choosing the James Bond Island tour from Phuket, tourists are also offered a stop on snorkeling-friendly Khai Islands.
James Bond island tour from Krabi
Tourists taking the James Bond Island tour from Krabi can benefit from the views over the stunning straight in between Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai islands. It is also possible to stop by Koh Hong (Krabi) on the way. Taking that James Bond Island tour adventure by boat, catamaran, or a luxury yacht is not complete without getting into the water itself. For this, the inclusion of the pristine lagoon at Koh Hong into the itinerary towards James Bond Island does not disappoint one bit.
Whether you’re joining the James Bond Island tour from Krabi, Koh Yao, or any other surrounding island, it is always better to plan an early trip. Especially in the high tourist seasons – the real location straight out of a famous James Bond movie can get crowded fast. The entire area of Phang Nga Bay offers many spectacular islands worth visiting during the James Bond Island tour. By the time you will be done with that island-hopping experience, you would have been able to tick many of Thailand’s smaller islands off your bucket list.
