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James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan) Overview

James Bond Island earned its popularity by its starring role in the James Bond movie ‘The man with the Golden gun’. One of the most striking features of this island is a tall vertical island that stands out from the bay of Koh Khao Ping Kan. The entire island is under national park protection which is the reason behind its true and untouched beauty. Also owing to its position no boats are allowed.

Khao Phing Kan popularly known as James Bond Island located in Ao Phang Nga National Park of Phang Nga Bay. Located to the northeast of Phuket, James Bond Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Phuket that you must include in your Thailand packages. James Bond Island is a part of the Ao Phang Nga National Park which is a protected area due to the various destructions done by the tourists. 

Khao Phing Kan was featured in the James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun”. Hence, the island is popularly called James Bond island. Another popular thing which is located along the coast of the land is a 20-meter tall Islet called Ko Ta Pu or Khao Ta Pu. The islet is very popular for its unique structure and is visited by tourists in large numbers. There is a local legend about Ko Ta Pu that explains its unique structure.

It goes like this - Many years ago, a fisherman used to go fishing in the waters near the Islet. Every time he used to go fishing, he used to catch much fish. One day, he failed to catch a single fish and instead caught a nail. Furious by this, he broke a nail in two pieces and threw one piece in the water. Later, this nail grew to be Ko Ta Pu. From boating to diving in the blue water, one can enjoy the scenic beauty of James Bond Island. Other than this, one can eat the popular and mouth-watering Pla Mook Haeng (dried squid) along James Bond Island.

Highlights

• Ao Phang Nga National Park was established to protect the island's natural environment.
• The Island was termed "James Bond Island" after being featured in the 1974 James Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun."
• James Bond Island is known for the limestone cliffs around the Island with its rocky terrain and lush Flora and Fauna.
• The 250 million-year-old Limestone formation along Phang Nga Bay is widely popular among tourists.
• The Island features many recreational activities like a speed boat ride in the crystal waters for Island exploration with family and friends.
• Tourists usually prefer taking a dip in the waters and having a sunbathing session by the bay to unwind and relax in the natural environment.

How To Reach

There are two ways to reach James Bond Island. One from Phuket and another from Krabi.

From Phuket: One can take a boat from Phuket Jetty to James Bond Island. On your way, you can visit Phang Nga Bay, Au Port, etc. It takes around 1-1.hour to reach. 

From Krabi: This is a long route covering around 80 km. One can take a tour from Krabi Beach that will take you through many places and finally to James Bond Island. You may have to book your tours 1-day before your visit as there are already booking done on the Krabi island.

Recommended Read: Best Places To Visit In Phuket For Honeymoon

Best Time To Visit

The best time of the day to visit James Bond Island is during the evening as more and more marine animals can be spotted on the beach shore. The best time of the year to visit James Bond Island is from November to April as the climate is suitable and mild.

During this period, you may witness surprising rain showers but they add to the beauty of the Island. If you are planning to visit the island and avoid the crowd, then visit the island in October.

Suggested Read: Island Near Phuket

Other Essential Information

Phuket is the best city in Thailand that has many modern and natural places to visit. Below are some places to visit near James Bond Island:

1. Ao Phang Nga National Park- Ao Phang Nga National Park comprises three islands - Mueang Phang Nga, Takua Thung, and James Bond Island which are spread over an area of 400 sq. km. The national park also has a few rivers flowing between these three islands. The national park has been very popular and is highly visited by tourists from across the globe. 

Located near the national park, Phang Nga Bay Go Scuba Diving in the azure waters of Phang Nga Bay. There are also other sports activities like rock climbing, snorkeling, and much more. 

2. Ao Phang Nga Beach- The white sand of the beach and blue water of the Andaman Sea make Ao Phang Nga beach a perfect place to spend an evening. Activities like Canoeing and Kayaking are available on this beach and one can enjoy them. Sit along the white sand of the beach and eat some hot and steamy barbeque food items. 

3. Ko Panyi- This magnificent village is located on the outskirts of Ao Phang Nga Beach and is one of the finest tourist attractions in the locality. One can enjoy a pleasant day on the small beach near the village and in the evening, take a walk in the village streets. Located close to the beach, Ko Panyi is often visited by tourists who visit James Bond Island. 

4. Ko Panyi Rock Art- Located near the Ko Panyi village, the caves of Ko Panyi have many paintings and art on them. These paintings are said to be of prehistoric times and include drawings of fish, elephants, goats, horses, and many other animals. 

5. Phi Phi Islands- Phi Phi Islands, a group of Islands are one of the finest islands near James Bond Island. One can take a speedboat or jetty from James Bond Island to reach Phi Phi Island. One can learn about the oldest human settlements of Thailand on the Phi Phi Island. Bamboo Islands, one of the six islands of Phi Phi is a very beautiful island surrounded by coral reefs. One can sleep in tents near Bamboo Island Beach and enjoy the night sky with some barbeque food and drink. 

Do Read: Beaches In Phuket

Flora and Fauna of James Bond Island

Ao Phang Nga National Park has the largest mangrove forest in Thailand. Other than mangroves, one can see plants like pandanus, cycads, and euphorbias which grow on soil-less grounds such as the cracks of Ko Ta Pu. Under the shallow waters, one would see plankton in large numbers. Other than plankton, one would also find aquatic plants like seagrass, Halimeda, and red algae. 

James Bond Island is home to around 25 reptile species, 40 species of fish, and 14 species of shrimps. Among the 40 species of fish, one would find around 16 species of manta rays, game fish, and sharks. The majority of these fishes are coral reefs, like butterflyfish.

Other than this, one would also find other animals like the mudskipper, blue crab, humpback shrimp, mackerel, moray eel, rabbitfish, staghorn coral, and black sea cucumber, soft cuttlefish, pomfret, scad, anchovies, and many others. James Bond Island is also visited by many birds and a few migratory birds like striated heron, little egret, pacific reef heron, and many more. 

Also Read: Places To Visit In Phuket Island

Travelers' Tip for Visiting James Bond Island

Here are a few things that you must have when you visit James Bond Island:

- Sun Lotion or Sun Guard Cream

- A pair of Sunglasses 

- Hat or Cap

- Swimming suit

- An extra pair of clothes

- Energy drinks and basic medicines

- Medium-size backpack (waterproof

- Camera and an extra pair of batteries

- Check the weather forecast before visiting the islands. 

- Guide services are available in all the major hotels. Hire a guide if you wish to know in-depth details about the islands

Recommended Read: Private Pool Villa In Phuket

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Point of Interest for James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan)
Sailing
1

Sailing

Sailing has become a very popular activity on James Bond Island as Phan Nga Bay covers more than 400 Square Km. The ideal way to sail through the quiet waters of the bay is by sailing through a charter catamaran to witness the true essence of the island and the shore.

The Phang Nga Regatta is one of the popular venues for sailing. Every year Charter and Private Yachts congregate for sailing and celebrations. 

Kayaking
2

Kayaking

For tourists wanting to explore the Island and the bay all by themselves, they can opt for a tour with kayaking. Kayaking and James Bond Island is a great combo as visitors get a first-hand experience of the Island and along with the majestic flora and fauna. Tourists can wait till the end of the day to witness the sunset by the bay while kayaking during the daylight hours.

Swimming
3

Swimming

In Phang Nga Bay, tourists tend to prefer swimming and exploring marine life themselves. The clear water of the bay and the small fishes provide a high dose of adrenaline and a thrilling experience. Swimmers often enjoy the tranquil waters of the bay, followed by a session of sunbathing on the white sands of James Bond Island.

Read More: Best Island Around Pattaya

Tourism Board Alliances

James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan) FAQs

Why is it called James Bond Island?

The Khao Phing Kan is also known as James Bond Island because of its feature in the 1974 Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun.” The Island was used as the main territory of the villain, played by Christopher Lee. Since then, the Island became widely known as James Bond Island.

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How far is James Bond Island from Phuket?

Phuket is around 46 km from James Bond Island. To reach James Bond island from Phuket, one can hire the boat service from Phuket Jetty. The boat journey takes you through different places and finally ends at James Bond Island.

Planning A Trip to Phuket, Checkout Our Phuket Tour Packages Now!

Is Phi Phi Island and James Bond Island the same?

No, Phi Phi Island and James Bond Island are different islands. Both the islands are located between Phuket and Krubi and are situated opposite to each other. Both are Islands are used as locations for movies (James Bond Island - The Man with the Golden Gun and Phi Phi Islands - The Beach).

Phi Phi Islands are located closer to Krubi and further from Phuket and James Bond Island is located close to Phuket and further from Krubi. Though tours from both the towns are carried to Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island, tourists prefer going to Phi Phi Island from Krubi and James Bond Island from Phuket.

What should I take to James Bond Island?

You should carry the following things to James Bond Islands - Swimming suit - Sun Lotion or Sun Guard Cream - An extra pair of clothes - A pair of Sunglasses - Hat or Cap - Camera and an extra pair of batteries - Energy drinks and basic medicines - Medium-size backpack (waterproof) - Garbage Bags

Is James Bond Island worth seeing?

Yes. James Bond Island is one the most popular and mesmerizing places in Thailand is worth a visit. The stunning white-sand beaches and the glowing flora and fauna provide relaxation to all tourists wanting to unwind and take a break. The Island also includes many activities for tourists to enjoy with their family and friends.

How long is the boat ride from Phuket to James Bond Island?

A tourist can take a long tail boat ride from Phuket to James Bond Island that usually takes around 1-1.5 hours of boat ride. During the ride, tourists can witness the popular Phang Nga Bay, Au Port, and more.

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James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan) Reviews

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VIVEK Shetty
Reviewed: 06 Feb 2023
5.0/5
Well organised excursion, The pickup from Patong beach was at 7 and the jetty was nearly 1 hour away by road. The cruise team was very professional and well organised. The transfers were by a speed boat and all the included islands were covered. Lunch was average . Overall a trip that was fully... Read More
VIVEK Shetty
VIVEK Shetty
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Shani Kumar
Reviewed: 28 Mar 2022
5.0/5
As a fan of James Bond movies, I had always wanted to visit this famous island. And could do it because of Thrillophilia’s great package for this place. The island is stunning, with so many beautiful trees and greenery. Me and my partner also enjoyed a speedboat ride here. Amazing experience indeed.
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Aman Chaurasia
Reviewed: 28 Mar 2022
4.0/5
If Phuket is on your itinerary, this lovely island tour is definitely a must try. The James Bond island is off the west Thai coast. The tour includes mangrove tours, kayaking, and lunch at the beach. Try booking the tour during the dry months, so the experience is absolutely flawless.
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Naveen Kumar
Reviewed: 19 Dec 2020
5.0/5
The James Bond island tour takes you across a small cluster of islands around Phuket. The journey is on a boat, and traveling on water is truly mesmerizing around the Thai coast. We stopped to visit some interesting attractions, the Monkey Cave Temple being one of them. Lunch was at a beach and incl... Read More
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GUNDA GUPTA
Reviewed: 27 Sep 2019
5.0/5
"It's really Awesome.. So... nice... We enjoyed a lot.."
GUNDA GUPTA
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Sarthak Mohapatra
Reviewed: 11 Oct 2019
5.0/5
I don’t think there is anyone who hasn’t heard about the James Bond Island. Upon booking this tour by Thrillophilia, my friends and I enjoyed a long tail boat ride for the first time. we also visited the Phang Nga National Park and James Bond Island on the longboat. It was truly a one-of-a-kind expe... Read More

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