3-Part Island Hopping in Thailand Series
VERDICT: WE GAVE 4 OUT OF 5 TICKETS AND HERE’S WHY!
This guide forms part of our complete Thailand Travel Guide, featuring tropical island adventures, iconic destinations, beautiful beaches, practical travel advice and honest first-hand travel experiences from across Thailand.
This article is part of our Island Hopping from Phuket: Ultimate Guide series. During our time in southern Thailand, we explored the spectacular islands and turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, taking three unforgettable excursions to the Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay, and Monkey Beach and Koh Phi Phi Leh, home to the famous Maya Bay featured in the movie The Beach. Read our complete Phuket island-hopping guide to discover these three incredible adventures.
Thailand: Time to Explore
This is the first of three travel articles following our journey from Bangkok to Phuket, where we traded city life for tropical islands, spectacular limestone cliffs, famous movie locations and a few unexpected adventures.
Island Hopping Travel Article 1 – Phi Phi Islands: A perfect day of white sand, warm water, snorkelling, a memorable lunch and a sobering reminder of the 2004 tsunami.
Island Hopping Travel Article 2 – James Bond Island: A cinematic adventure following in the footsteps of 007, complete with long-tail boats and an unexpectedly wild journey home.
Island Hopping Travel Article 3 – Monkey Beach and Phi Phi Leh: Wild monkeys, the spectacular surroundings of The Beach, and one snorkelling experience we certainly hadn’t anticipated.
A Little James Bond Adventure in Thailand
Our second article: Following in the footsteps of 007 through Phang Nga Bay, where spectacular scenery and a nerve-racking journey home made this a memorable adventure.
After experiencing the remarkable beauty of the Phi Phi Islands, we were looking forward to another adventure from Phuket. This time, however, the destination had particular significance for Andrew.
James Bond Island!
For anyone who grew up watching James Bond movies, the thought of visiting a real 007 filming location is rather exciting. Andrew was certainly enthusiastic.
Our destination was Khao Phing Kan in Phang Nga Bay, where the famous limestone pillar known as Ko Ta Pu rises dramatically from the water.
The location became internationally famous after appearing in the 1974 James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun, starring Roger Moore as 007 and Christopher Lee as the villain Francisco Scaramanga.
It was used as the spectacular setting for Scaramanga’s secret island hideaway. We couldn’t resist the opportunity to see it for ourselves.
Setting Sail Across Phang Nga Bay
We departed from the Phuket harbour area aboard a much larger vessel than the speedboat we had used for our Phi Phi adventure. This boat had two decks and accommodated approximately 50–75 passengers.
It was a comfortable way to travel, with plenty of opportunity to admire the surrounding scenery. And what scenery!
Phang Nga Bay is one of Thailand’s most visually impressive coastal landscapes.
Dozens of towering limestone formations rise almost vertically from the sea, creating an extraordinary collection of islands, cliffs and rocky outcrops. Some appeared to be covered in thick jungle, while others were steep-sided limestone towers standing alone in the water.
Everywhere we looked, there was another remarkable view. It genuinely felt as though we were travelling through a movie set. We spent much of the journey simply watching the islands drift past. The weather was beautiful, and the entire experience felt relaxed and enjoyable.
At that point, we had absolutely no idea what the return journey would have in store for us!
Arriving at James Bond Island by Long-Tail Boat
Because our larger boat couldn’t take us directly onto the island’s small landing area, we transferred to a traditional Thai long-tail boat.
These iconic wooden boats are known locally as Ruea Hang Yao. Their long, narrow hulls and distinctive engines, mounted on extended shafts behind the boat, make them instantly recognizable.
They are widely used throughout Thailand for transporting passengers, fishing and sightseeing. Our transfer felt a little like catching a water taxi.
It was another enjoyable part of the experience. We approached the shoreline, disembarked and found ourselves standing on the island made famous by James Bond.
Exploring the Famous Film Location
The first thing we noticed was a collection of small artisan stalls selling souvenirs and locally produced goods. Naturally, a location as famous as James Bond Island attracts plenty of visitors.
We had read and heard mixed comments about souvenir sellers in popular tourist areas, but we didn’t find the vendors particularly assertive.
Some other travellers clearly felt differently, and we overheard a few complaints.
For us, it was simply part of visiting a well-known tourist attraction. After enjoying a little refreshment, we set off along the coastal walking path.
Our goal was to get the best possible view of the famous limestone pillar. And there it was!
Ko Ta Pu: the extraordinary rock formation recognized around the world as James Bond Island.
The narrow limestone tower rises dramatically out of the sea, with a shape that almost seems too unusual to be natural. Its broad upper section and narrower base give it a distinctive appearance.
We had seen photographs and movie scenes featuring this rock many times, but there was something genuinely special about standing there and seeing it in person.
The surrounding landscape was every bit as impressive. Towering cliffs, lush vegetation and beautiful water created an incredible setting.
The walk required a little effort, particularly in the tropical heat, but it was absolutely worthwhile. We stopped frequently to admire the views and take photographs.
The Man with the Golden Gun: A Little Movie History
Released in 1974, The Man with the Golden Gun was Roger Moore’s second appearance as James Bond. Christopher Lee played Francisco Scaramanga, a highly skilled assassin whose distinctive weapon was a golden gun.
In the film, Scaramanga operates from a secret island hideaway in the waters around Thailand. The dramatic limestone formations of Phang Nga Bay provided the perfect backdrop.
The principal island used for the exterior scenes is Khao Phing Kan, while the famous offshore rock is Ko Ta Pu. Together, they became known internationally as James Bond Island.
The film’s impact on tourism was considerable.
What had once been a relatively obscure coastal location became one of southern Thailand’s best-known attractions. Interestingly, another James Bond movie, Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), also used Phang Nga Bay for filming, with parts of Thailand standing in for Vietnam.
For movie fans, this region offers the opportunity to experience a real location from two different eras of the Bond franchise.
Taking Our Time on the Island
After enjoying the views and exploring the walking paths, we returned towards the landing area.
There wasn’t a great deal more we needed to do. We had come to see the famous location, enjoy the landscape and take a few photographs.
Mission accomplished! Everyone seemed to be operating on what we affectionately called ‘Thai time.’ There was no particular rush, and we were quite happy to relax while waiting for instructions to board our return water taxi.
Eventually, we were transferred back to the larger boat. We found seats on the upper deck, close to the captain.
The journey back to Phuket was underway. And then the weather changed.
When Paradise Turned Into a Storm
It happened remarkably quickly.
One moment, we were enjoying beautiful views across Phang Nga Bay. The next, dark clouds were beginning to gather overhead. The sky became increasingly threatening.
And then the waves started getting bigger. At first, we didn’t think too much of it. After all, weather can change quickly in tropical destinations. But as we continued across the water, the conditions became noticeably rougher.
The boat began rocking from side to side as we travelled through increasingly choppy seas. Sitting on the upper deck meant we felt plenty of that movement.
And then there was the captain. Now, to be absolutely fair, he was certainly not twelve years old. But he looked about twelve! We couldn’t help noticing how incredibly young he appeared.
Of course, looking young doesn’t mean someone lacks experience, but when you’re sitting on a rocking boat in deteriorating weather, your imagination can become rather active. Andrew maintained his confidence throughout the crossing, and I was pleased to see that he didn’t seem overly concerned.
Or so I thought.
Andrew’s Secret Escape Plan!
It wasn’t until we were safely back in Phuket that Andrew admitted something about the trip.
While I had been trying to enjoy the journey and remain reasonably relaxed, he had quietly been working out how we might escape if the boat got into serious trouble. Yes, my husband had been developing his own personal survival strategy!
He hadn’t said a word at the time. Probably a wise decision. I’m not entirely sure how reassured I would have felt if he had suddenly announced that he was planning our emergency exit. Fortunately, the captain and crew brought us safely back. Despite looking so young, the Captain did a remarkable job!
But that final hour was certainly not the peaceful return journey we had imagined. By the time we arrived at the harbour, we were both very relieved to be stepping onto dry land.
Was James Bond Island Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Despite the unexpected weather and rather dramatic return crossing, we thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
The scenery throughout Phang Nga Bay was extraordinary.
The traditional long-tail boat ride was fun, and walking around such a famous cinematic location was genuinely memorable. Would we visit James Bond Island again?
Probably not.
Not because we disliked the experience, but simply because we felt we had seen and enjoyed what we went there to experience. There are so many other remarkable places to discover in Thailand.
However, we are extremely glad we made the trip. And we certainly have a good story to tell.
Our My Return Ticket Verdict
Quality: Excellent scenery and an iconic destination.
Service: An enjoyable excursion with an experienced boat crew.
Memorability: Outstanding, for more than one reason!
Value for Money: A worthwhile experience for movie fans and lovers of coastal scenery.
Our Bottom Line: James Bond Island is one of those destinations that deserves to be experienced at least once. The scenery is spectacular, the movie history is fascinating, and the journey through Phang Nga Bay is a highlight in itself. Just remember that tropical weather can change quickly. Our adventure was certainly shaken – and perhaps, a little stirred!
Planning Your Own James Bond Island Adventure
Location: Khao Phing Kan and Ko Ta Pu, Ao Phang Nga National Park, Phang Nga Province, Thailand.
Getting there: Organized boat tours from Phuket, frequently involving transfers by long-tail boat. Departure marinas and routes vary.
Travel time: Allow approximately 45–90 minutes or longer on the water, depending on your departure point and type of vessel.
Suggested duration: Half-day or full-day excursion.
Indicative tour budget: Approximately ฿1,200–฿2,500 per person for selected standard tours, with premium options costing more.
Things to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, drinking water, camera, waterproof bag and suitable clothing for changing weather.
Our local tip: If the forecast suggests strong winds or rough water, consider rearranging your excursion. There is no reason to turn a sightseeing trip into an unexpected Bond stunt sequence!
Top 5 things to do in Phuket (On Dry Land!)
1. Take a Thai cooking class. Learn to prepare traditional dishes such as green curry, pad Thai and tom yum, ideally with a market visit to discover local ingredients.
2. Enjoy a sunset dinner on the coast. Choose a beachfront restaurant around Kata, Karon or Rawai and enjoy an unhurried evening overlooking the Andaman Sea.
3. Explore the Sunday Walking Street Market. Known as Lard Yai, the market on Thalang Road combines street food, handicrafts, music and local culture. It normally operates Sunday evenings.
4. Spend a morning relaxing on a quieter beach. Kata Noi, Nai Harn or Kamala can make excellent alternatives to busier Patong, depending on the season and surf conditions.
5. Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary. Choose a genuine observation-focused sanctuary that does not offer riding, forced bathing or performances. It can be an opportunity to learn about elephant welfare and conservation.
Planning Your Trip?
Before you go, don’t forget to book the essentials:
- 🏨 Hotels & unique stays
- 🚗 Rental cars
- 🎟️ Top-rated tours & attractions
- 📶 eSIMs for easy connectivity
- 🛡️ Travel insurance
- 🎒 Packing Lists
- 🎒 Travel gear from The Venturio
With every trip, we offer feedback to travel companies along with honest views for you, the reader. We rate adventures on a scale of one to five tickets, judged on quality, service, memorability, and price. A perfect ‘Ticket Rating’ of a five-ticket score means the experience was flawless and we’d eagerly return. Your desire to go back is the ultimate measure of a trip’s worth. Exclusive to My Return Ticket.
