James Bond Island is one of the most iconic attractions in Thailand, thanks to its appearance in the 1974 movie “The Man with the Golden Gun”. The island, also known as Ko Ta Pu or Nail Island, is famous for its distinctive rock formation that seems to balance on a thin base.
But James Bond Island is not the only thing to see in Phang Nga Bay, a national park full of stunning islands, caves, mangroves, and wildlife. You can also visit a floating village, kayak through limestone tunnels, and enjoy the scenic views of the Andaman Sea.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about exploring James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay on a day tour from Phuket.
Best Phang Nga Bay Tour Packages
The easiest and most convenient way to visit James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay is by booking a tour package from Phuket. There are many options available, depending on your budget, preferences, and time.
You can choose between different types of boats, such as a traditional longtail boat, a big wooden boat, or a speedboat. Each one has its pros and cons, such as speed, comfort, and price.
You can also choose between different activities, such as canoeing or kayaking through the caves and lagoons, snorkeling or swimming in the clear water, or relaxing on the beach.
Some of the most popular and reputable tour operators are:
- Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island w/ Buffet Lunch by Big Boat
- James Bond Island Tour from Krabi by Longtail Boat
- Day Trip to James Bond Island by Premium Speedboat includes National Park Fees
These tours include hotel transfers, boat ride, lunch, shared tour of the islands, and same day return. They also have excellent reviews and ratings from previous customers.
You can book these tours online using GetYourGuide, a trusted platform that offers easy booking, cancellation, and customer service.
Where Is James Bond Island?
James Bond Island is located in Phang Nga Bay, in the southern part of Thailand. It is about 25 kilometers (15 miles) north of Phuket Island, and about 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Krabi.
There is no airport, hotel, or accommodation on James Bond Island or in Phang Nga Bay, since it is a national park. The closest airports are in Phuket and Krabi, which are well connected by flights from Bangkok and other major cities in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
How To Get To James Bond Island Thailand
The only way to get to James Bond Island is by boat. You can either join a tour from Phuket or Krabi (see above), or hire a private boat from one of the nearby piers.
The main piers for accessing James Bond Island are:
- Ao Po Pier: This is the closest pier to Phuket Airport (about 30 minutes by car), and also the closest pier to James Bond Island (about 45 minutes by speedboat). It is located on the northeast coast of Phuket.
- Bang Rong Pier: This is another pier on the northeast coast of Phuket, about 40 minutes by car from Phuket Airport and about an hour by speedboat from James Bond Island. It is also a departure point for ferries to Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi islands.
- Surakul Pier: This is a pier on the southeast coast of Phuket, about an hour by car from Phuket Airport and about an hour and a half by speedboat from James Bond Island. It is also a departure point for ferries to Phi Phi islands.
- Tha Dan Pier: This is a pier in Phang Nga province, about an hour and a half by car from Phuket Airport and about 30 minutes by longtail boat from James Bond Island. It is located on the west coast of Phang Nga Bay, near the town of Phang Nga.
Depending on where you are staying and what kind of boat you prefer, you can choose the most suitable pier for your trip. You can also arrange a private car transfer or take a public bus or minivan to reach the piers from Phuket or Krabi.
Visiting James Bond Island: What To Expect
James Bond Island is a small island that can be explored in less than an hour. The main attraction is the rock formation that stands out from the water, which you can see from different angles and take pictures with.
You can also walk around the island and see some souvenir stalls, a small beach, and a cave. The island is usually crowded with tourists, especially during peak season and midday, so it is best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
You can also enjoy the views of the surrounding islands and cliffs, which are equally impressive and scenic. You can take a canoe or kayak to get closer to some of the rock formations and enter the hidden lagoons and caves.
Visiting Phang Nga Bay – Tourist Fees
As James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay are part of a national park, you will have to pay an entrance fee of 300 baht (about $10) per person. This fee is usually included in your tour package, but you may have to pay extra if you book a private boat.
You may also have to pay an additional fee of 200 baht (about $7) per person if you want to use a canoe or kayak to explore the caves and lagoons. This fee is usually not included in your tour package, but you can negotiate with your boat operator or guide.