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James Bond Island (Ko Khao Phing Kan)

Phang-nga

A starring role in the 1974 James Bond movie The Man With the Golden Gun put the towering limestone islands of Ko Khao Phing Kan and the 66-foot-tall (20-meter) islet Ko Tapu firmly on Thailand's tourist trail. While boats aren't allowed to get too close to the islands, there are opportunities for sightseeing in the surrounding area.

Ko Khao Phing Kan (also known as Khao Ping Kan and, less formally, "James Bond Island"), is part of the Ao Phang Nga National Park in Phang Nga Bay. The lush vegetation, turquoise water, limestone cliffs, and secluded ocean caves make it a popular destination.

Spend a day exploring the area by boat on a James Bond Island day trip. Popular options include luxurious speed boats and traditional longtail boats. Go canoeing or kayaking around the limestone caves, mangrove forests, and beaches of Thalu Island and Khao Phing Kan. Then visit the floating fishing village of Ko Panyi.

  • Ko Khao Phing Kan is popular with nature lovers and movie buffs.

  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat.

  • Some tours include bottled water and soft drinks, but it's good to bring your own beverages and snacks, just in case.

  • Boat tours can sell out quickly, so book in advance to avoid disappointment.

The islands are in a protected reserve. If you want to visit independently, you'll need a permit and a private boat. There are, however, several tours to the area. Most depart from the marinas in Phuket and Krabi Noi. If you're traveling down from Northern Thailand, opt for a tour leaving Phang Nga town.

Although the region is sunny and warm all year round, the hottest period is between April and May, when all-day sunshine is the norm. Rainy season in Southern Thailand is September–October, when there is a risk of destructive tropical storms.

The Phang Nga Bay has abundant marine life, thanks to its shallow, warm waters and an abundance of nutrients supplied by the nearby rivers and mangrove forests. The waters around the islands are home to 26 species of reptiles and 24 species of fish, including butterfly fish. Other species include shrimp, crabs, manta rays, and sharks.

A James Bond Island tour typically includes a cruise around Phang Nga Bay National Park in a traditional Thai longtail boat or speedboat—you’ll see other highlights, such as the Hong or Similan Islands, and will likely have time to go kayaking through caves and lagoons with a tour guide, and relax on the white-sand beaches of pristine islands.

While you’re welcome to dress in your favorite Bond-themed outfit, there’s no dress code for James Bond Island. The weather in Phang Nga Bay will be hot and humid, so wear light and loose clothing with swimwear beneath. Make sure to bring sunscreen and drinking water.

You have to take either a long-tail or speedboat as part of a tour to visit James Bond Bay. Boats to Phang Nga Bay typically depart from the Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina. Most tours include the option to get picked up from your hotel so you won’t have to find a meeting point.

Yes, James Bond Island is worth going to. The island has cultural significance thanks to its appearance in the hit Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun. Its limestone formations and pristine islands dotted around Phang Nga Bay are an impressive sight to behold.

The best time of year to visit James Bond Island is from November through April. This is the dry season on Thailand’s Andaman Coast, so you’ll have the best chance of clear, blue skies even if there will be more crowds. May through October is the rainy season, with increased downpours and rougher sea conditions.

Yes, there are restrooms on James Bond Island, but you’ll need to pay a small fee to access them, so be sure to bring some Thai baht along on your tour. Depending on the type of boat you’re traveling on, there also may be restrooms on board your vessel.

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