James Bond Island

James Bond island in Phang Nga bay

James Bond Island, officially known as Koh Tapu, is one of the most iconic attractions in Thailand, especially in the Phuket region. Situated within Phang Nga Bay, this towering limestone rock got worldwide fame after being featured in the 1974 James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. Since then, the island has become a must-visit destination for those exploring the natural beauty of southern Thailand, particularly for people based in Phuket. Read more

Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay is a spectacular area that stretches from the mainland of Thailand to the coast of Phuket, and James Bond Island lies at the heart of this scenic bay. Surrounded by emerald-green waters and dramatic limestone cliffs, the island offers a unique landscape that is as picturesque as it is famous. The distinctive rock formation of Koh Tapu, which rises nearly 20 meters above the sea, creates a striking view that draws visitors from all over the world. While Phuket itself is renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, many tourists choose to take a day trip from Phuket to James Bond Island to experience this remarkable site. The journey from Phuket usually involves a boat tour through the bay, passing other limestone islands and caves before arriving at the iconic landmark.

Visit James Bong island from Phuket

A visit to James Bond Island also provides an opportunity to explore the surrounding area, which includes hidden lagoons, sea caves, and local fishing villages. Tour operators in Phuket offer various packages that often include kayaking, exploring nearby islands, and enjoying local cuisine. Whether you are staying in Phuket or exploring the broader region, James Bond Island offers a memorable experience that combines cinematic history with the natural beauty of Thailand’s coastal landscapes.

Location

James Bond Island, or Koh Tapu, is located in Phang Nga Bay in southern Thailand. It lies within Ao Phang Nga National Park, about 25 kilometers northeast of Phuket. The island is surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and emerald-green waters, making it a key attraction in the region. We offer various group tours to this beautiful island. It’s only accessible by boat, so it is often visited on day trips from Phuket, with the journey taking you past picturesque islands, hidden lagoons, and sea caves in the bay.

How to get to James Bond island

To reach James Bond Island from Phuket, visitors typically join organized boat tours. These tours often start from Phuket’s east coast, with departures from marinas such as Ao Po or from piers in Phang Nga. Speedboats and long-tail boats are common options, offering a scenic ride through Phang Nga Bay. For a more relaxed journey, some ferries and larger boats also operate from Phuket, allowing passengers to explore nearby islands before arriving at James Bond Island. The trip usually includes stops at sea caves and hidden lagoons.

What to do on James Bond island?

As the island itself is not accessible, there is nothing you can do on James Bond island. You can view it from Koh Ping Gan, the larger island next to it. Here you will find vendors selling snacks and drinks. The main attraction is of course the view at James Bond island. Make your famous ‘Man with the golden gun’ photo here and enjoy the amazing views!

Tips for visiting

  1. Bring plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent
The sun can be quite strong on the islands, so it is important to protect your skin by wearing sunscreen. Insect repellent is also necessary as there can be mosquitoes and other insects on the island.
  1. Check weather conditions
James Bond island and Thailand in general can experience sudden changes in weather, so it’s a good idea to check weather conditions before heading to the islands to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
  1. Respect the environment
Keep the islands clean and respect the natural beauty. Do not litter and use the provided garbage bins.
  1. Book tours in advance
To secure a spot on popular island-hopping tours, it’s a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season (november-february).
khao ping kan phuket tours

Activities and Attractions

There are plenty of things to see and do in Ang Thong Marine Park. Here are some of the popular activities and attractions:

Kayaking and Snorkeling

Kayaking and snorkeling are the best ways to explore the park’s marine life and coral reefs. You can rent a kayak or snorkeling gear from the park’s headquarters or take a guided tour.

Hiking and Trekking

The islands of Ang Thong Marine Park offer some of the most scenic hiking trails in Thailand. You can hike to the top of the islands and enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding islands.

Wildlife Watching

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, gibbons, and hornbills. You can observe these animals in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior and ecology.

Camping and Accommodation

If you want to spend more time in the park, you can camp on one of the islands or stay in a bungalow or a resort. There are several options for accommodation, depending on your budget and preferences.

There are plenty of things to see and do in Ang Thong Marine Park. Here are some of the popular activities and attractions:

Kayaking and Snorkeling

Kayaking and snorkeling are the best ways to explore the park’s marine life and coral reefs. You can rent a kayak or snorkeling gear from the park’s headquarters or take a guided tour.

Hiking and Trekking

The islands of Ang Thong Marine Park offer some of the most scenic hiking trails in Thailand. You can hike to the top of the islands and enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding islands.

Wildlife Watching

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, gibbons, and hornbills. You can observe these animals in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior and ecology.

Camping and Accommodation

If you want to spend more time in the park, you can camp on one of the islands or stay in a bungalow or a resort. There are several options for accommodation, depending on your budget and preferences.

Getting to Ang Thong Marine Park

The easiest way to get to Ang Thong Marine Park is by boat from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. You can also join a guided tour from these islands or from the mainland, which you can book for the best price on Kohtour.com. The boat ride takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the weather conditions and the type of boat you are using. The big boat and junk yacht take about 1,5 hours, while the speedboat takes around 45 minutes- 1 hour to arrive at the national park. 

speedboat angthong marine park

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Ang Thong Marine Park is from March to October when the weather is dry and sunny. The peak season is from December to February when the weather is cooler, but the park can be crowded with tourists. 

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A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite.

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Searcys St Pancras' adored Champagne bar is famously the longest in Europe. Here, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the magnificent station. For those looking to enjoy a glass of something special, the menu showcases a variety of Champagne and sparkling wines from around the world, including nine options by the glass. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas in pulvinar neque.Nulla finibus lobortis pulvinar. Donec a consectetur nulla. Nulla posuere sapien vitae lectus suscipit, et pulvinar nisi tincidunt. Aliquam erat volutpat. Curabitur convallis fringilla diam sed aliquam. Sed tempor iaculis massa faucibus feugiat. In fermentum facilisis massa,a consequat purus viverra

Our Terms

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite.

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Searcys St Pancras' adored Champagne bar is famously the longest in Europe. Here, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the magnificent station. For those looking to enjoy a glass of something special, the menu showcases a variety of Champagne and sparkling wines from around the world, including nine options by the glass. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas in pulvinar neque.Nulla finibus lobortis pulvinar. Donec a consectetur nulla. Nulla posuere sapien vitae lectus suscipit, et pulvinar nisi tincidunt. Aliquam erat volutpat. Curabitur convallis fringilla diam sed aliquam. Sed tempor iaculis massa faucibus feugiat. In fermentum facilisis massa,a consequat purus viverra

Our Terms

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite.

Frequently asked questions about James Bond island

There are no restrooms directly on Koh Tapu (James Bond Island) itself, as the island is small and primarily a sightseeing spot. However, nearby Koh Ping Ghan, where most tour boats dock, does have basic restroom facilities. This island serves as the main area for visitors to explore, shop, eat and use amenities. We always plan stops with restroom access either here or at other nearby islands before or after visiting Koh Tapu.

Yes you can, but the best time to visit the islands is during the dry season, from November to April. Weather can be unpredictable during the rainy season, from May to October, which may affect our boat tours and activities. If you are unsure about the weather: please contact us so we can check the forecast for you!

Yes, a trip to James Bond island is especially suitable for children. The trip to James Bond island by boat is short, making it a perfect destination for families visiting Phuket. The transfer to Phang Nga bay takes around 45 minutes.

No, there are no accommodation options on the island. You can only stay on the island during the day and must leave before sunset. The floating fishermans village of Koh Panyee provides basic accommodation options which can be booked in advance through their agencies.

Yes, visitors are required to pay an entrance fee to visit the island. It’s currently set at THB 300 per adult and THB 150 per child. Infants up until 3 years old can enter for free. The fee includes the maintenance of the facilities on the islands and is there so locals can keep the islands clean and safe.