Ultimate Guide to Visiting James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand

Best Phang Nga Bay Tour Packages

The only way to visit James Bond Island is with a tour, and GetYourGuide has prearranged day tours from Phuket or similar day trips from Khao Lak or Krabi, complete with hotel transfers, boat ride, lunch, shared tour of the islands, and same day return.

These day tours visit all of the top sights in Phang Nga Bay, including James Bond Island, Hong island, and the Koh Panyee floating village. Additionally, you can use a canoe or kayak to explore some of the limestone caves up close.

For those interested in more privacy, they also have private tours or semi-private tours available, though the prices are higher. We’ve used GetYourGuide for many day tours and activities worldwide, and they consistently provide excellent service!

Where Is James Bond Island?

James Bond Island is located in Phang Nga Bay, in southern Thailand. There are no hotels or accommodations within the bay since it is a national park; however, you can easily visit from other areas in Thailand.

How To Get To James Bond Island Thailand

The only way to get to James Bond Island is through a tour of Phang Nga Bay by boat. You have the option of a Thai longtail boat, big wooden boat, or speedboat, each offering a unique experience.

Speedboats tend to be the fastest and often have smaller, more private tour groups, although at a higher price. Regardless, all the boat options provide a memorable experience.

The closest airports are in Phuket (HKT) or Krabi (KBV), both offering affordable flights from Bangkok. You can shop for flights to Thailand on Skyscanner.

Multiple boat companies operate daily trips to James Bond Island from Phuket, Krabi, or Khao Lak, usually including hotel pickup and drop-off. We recommend GetYourGuide for their shared or private tours.

The boat journey through Phang Nga Bay is breathtaking, revealing numerous rocky islands rising from the sea. Moreover, one highlight is kayaking through limestone caves, considered one of the most remarkable kayaking experiences globally!

Visiting James Bond Island: What To Expect

Upon your arrival at James Bond Island, your boat will dock at the back side of the main island (Khao Phing Kan), allowing you to explore the island for a while.

Khao Phing Kan is notable for its limestone hills, and the primary attraction is the iconic balanced rock that appears to float on the water. Unlike other areas in Thailand, snorkeling here is limited due to the murky waters and absence of coral.

However, you might spot some wildlife; we saw a hawk and a baby monitor lizard during our visit. Most Phang Nga tours allocate about 1 hour at James Bond Island, providing ample time to swim, see the famous rock, and take photos mimicking a James Bond pose.

Due to its stunning scenery, James Bond Island is popular among tourists, especially during peak hours. While souvenir stalls are present, prices tend to be inflated, which is worth considering before making a purchase.

To capture stunning photographs away from the crowds, consider hiking up to the concrete steps, where you’ll often find fewer people at the viewpoints above the rock, while the beach area tends to be the busiest.

This island’s fame stems from its appearance in the 1974 Bond film ‘The Man with the Golden Gun.’ Although the movie was poorly received, the location garnered immense popularity.

Notably, the island is well-maintained, with minimal litter visible, which enhances the overall experience. In summary, it’s a must-visit site!

© United Artists

Visiting Phang Nga Bay – Tourist Fees

As a national park, Phang Nga Bay charges a tourist fee: 300 Baht (~$9 USD) for adults and 150 Baht for children aged 3-14 years. Some tours may include this fee, but it’s often paid in cash at the start of the tour or upon arrival at James Bond Island.

More Things To See In Phang Nga Bay

Here’s a list of top sights in Phang Nga Bay that can be visited in a single day tour:

• Koh Hong Island: This beautiful island features sandy beaches and several limestone caves perfect for kayaking, making it one of Thailand’s most spectacular spots.
• Koh Phanak Island: Another large limestone island with caves, including the Bat Cave and Ice Cream Cave, named for its striking white stalactites. Wildlife such as monkeys can also be spotted here.
• Koh Panyee Floating Village: An intriguing fishing village with about 1,700 residents, founded 200 years ago by Malay Muslims. It serves as a popular lunch stop on tours.
• Samet Nangshe Viewpoint: Though located outside the national park, this viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramas of Phang Nga Bay and is best accessed by land. The sunrise views here are especially remarkable!

1-Day Itinerary For The James Bond Island Tour

Below is a sample itinerary for a typical James Bond Island tour:

• 7:30 AM – Hotel pickup and transportation to the pier.
• 8:30 AM – Board the boat and begin the journey to Phang Nga Bay.
• 9:30 AM – Start sightseeing in Phang Nga Bay.
• 12:00 PM – Lunch onboard or in the floating village (Koh Panyee).
• 1:00 PM – Continue sightseeing in Phang Nga Bay.
• 5:00 PM – Return to the pier and transfer back to your hotel.

Each tour operator may have variations, so check with your provider for specific schedules.

Is James Bond Island Open / Closed?

Yes, James Bond Island is OPEN for tourists as of 2024! The Thai government occasionally closes islands for conservation during the rainy season, but Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island typically remain accessible year-round.

Best Time To Visit James Bond Island Thailand

Any time is suitable for visiting James Bond Island, though seasonal variations exist. The weather in the Andaman Sea region is most favorable from November to April, characterized by dry and sunny conditions. However, this is also peak tourist season, leading to higher crowds.

From May to October, the weather can be less predictable, with increased rain and occasional evening storms. Nevertheless, fewer tourists can make this period appealing, and enjoyable trips are still attainable.

Due to its location within a protected bay, boat tours are rarely canceled at James Bond Island, even during the rainy season.

We experienced significant storms during this season, primarily in the evenings while back at our accommodations. Our photographs in this guide were taken in July, during the rainy season.

Having visited both dry and rainy seasons separately, we had fantastic experiences during both, with favorable weather for weeks. Consequently, there’s truly no wrong time to visit James Bond Island!

What To Bring To Phang Nga Bay

Consider these packing suggestions for your visit to James Bond Island Thailand:

• Waterproof Bag: Essential for keeping electronics safe on the boats around Ko Ta Pu and Koh Hong Island.
• Waterproof Phone Pouch: Ideal for protecting your phone without needing additional gear.
• Sunscreen: Essential to protect your skin while swimming or exploring the beaches of Ko Ta Pu.
• Snacks & Drinks: Consider bringing refreshments for the boat ride; while options exist for purchase within the national park, they are often pricier.

Can You Fly A Drone At Phang Nga Bay?

Generally, flying drones is permitted in most areas of Thailand, however, you are prohibited from flying them in national parks, including James Bond Island where park rangers enforce rules strictly.

Despite this, there are alternative locations in or near the bay where drone flying might be feasible. The Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is an excellent spot to obtain stunning aerial views of Phang Nga Bay, provided you remain considerate of other visitors.

Other Tips For Phang Nga Bay

• Bathrooms: Facilities are available on James Bond Island, though there may be a small fee in Thai baht, so carry cash. Tour boats like the larger wooden options usually offer onboard restrooms, while traditional longtail boats may not.
• Cell Service: Good reception is generally available throughout the bay; however, signal may be spotty once onshore at James Bond Island due to steep mountains.
• Mosquitoes: Although we encountered few in Phang Nga Bay, bug repellent can be purchased in Phuket or Krabi if desired.

Phi Phi Or James Bond Island: Which Is Better?

A pertinent question is which location is better, Phi Phi or James Bond Island? Both are spectacular in their own right, but I personally lean towards Phi Phi Island. It boasts breathtaking scenery both above and below the surface of the ocean, coupled with clear waters teeming with marine life.

Moreover, Phi Phi offers a wealth of activities; iconic spots like Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon elevate its allure, making it hard to compare with James Bond Island.

While Phang Nga Bay certainly captivates visitors, I recommend trying to see both Phi Phi and James Bond if your schedule permits! Given their geographical separation, visiting both in a single day may not be feasible; however, a two-day itinerary can accommodate both destinations.

Read More: Phi Phi Island

Is James Bond Island Worth It?

Undoubtedly, James Bond Island merits a visit! The astounding scenery of Phang Nga Bay is a remarkable experience, especially considering the affordability of the tour options available.

Despite the crowds, it remains one of Thailand’s top day trip choices due to its accessibility between Phuket and Krabi.

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More Thailand Travel Guides

Thank you for reading! We hope you found this travel guide for Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island in Thailand informative and enjoyable.

For more insights, don’t forget to explore our comprehensive Thailand travel guide, which covers various tips on Phuket, Krabi, Koh Tao, and other stunning Thai islands.