James Bond Island (Ko Khao Phing Kan)

The basics

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.

Things to know before you go

• 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.

How to get there

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.

When to get there

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.

Marine life in the bay

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.

What is included in a James Bond Island tour?

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.

What is the dress code for James Bond Island?

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.

Where do you take the boat for James Bond Island?

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.

Is James Bond Island worth going to?

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.

What is the best time of year to visit James Bond Island?

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.

Are there restrooms on James Bond Island?

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.

Ways to explore

James Bond Island is a staple of day trips from nearby Phuket, which transport you by either traditional long-tail boat or include round-trip speedboat transfers to save time. Many tours combine James Bond Island with sea kayaking around the karst formations and caves or a snorkeling adventure, during which you may spot marine animals such as sergeant major fish, coral, and squid. For a taste of luxury, opt for a private yacht ride to Phang Nga Bay that includes a seafood lunch and plenty of swimming stops.

Accessibility

Most tours to James Bond Island involve swimming and small, long-tail boats, rendering it difficult to access for travelers with mobility limitations.

Age limits

None

What to pack

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

What to wear

Wear your bathing suit, as many boats only have small bathrooms to change in. It’s also worth staying covered even while you’re in the water.

Not allowed

Taking away shells, littering, climbing the limestone tower

Amenities

James Bond Island is uninhabited, so you won’t find any facilities on the island itself.

Address 

James Bond Island is in a protected reserve, so if you want to visit independently, you'll need a permit and a private boat. There are, however, plenty of tours that can take you there.

Driving

The only way to reach the island is by boat, but you can drive to departure points such as Ao Po Grand Marina. From Phuket International Airport, take Route 402 toward Phuket city. Turn left onto Route 4041 and follow the signs to the marina.

Public transportation

While you can catch a shared minibus from Phuket Bus Terminal to the town of Phang Nga, where boats depart from, these services are generally unreliable and only leave when full. The most convenient option is to take a tour.

Best times to visit

Sunset is a wonderful time to visit the islands, which look even more dramatic during golden hour; boat tours often head out around this time.

Best days to visit

While weekdays are sometimes less crowded than weekends, what really matters is the departure time of your boat—be sure to head off early.

Best months to visit

For the highest chance of calm seas and sunny skies, visit during the dry season from November through April.

Special events

The Loy Krathong festival is celebrated throughout the Phuket region on the 12th month of the lunar calendar with floating lanterns released onto the water.