One of the most popular tourist spots in Thailand can be found in Ao Phang Nga National Park about 30 km northeast of Phuket Island.
The small karst island of Ko Ta Pu is barely a few meters long (about 22 meters high), but it is known literally all over the world.
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Along with the neighbouring island of Khao Phing Kan, where all the boats are moored, it was featured in one of the 1974 James Bond films , The Man with the Golden Gun.
Also thanks to the absolutely beautiful setting of fabulous limestone islands with numerous karst formations covered in greenery, this place immediately became a popular tourist destination.
Which island appeared in the film?
Tourists are often a little confused as to which of the islands actually starred in the film The Man with the Golden Gun.
The most iconic is a 20-metre high narrow rock jutting out of the sea known as Ko Ta Pu, however the film is also set on the adjacent larger Khao Phing Kan, which James Bond flies to in an amphibious plane.
Khao Phing Kan is also where you will be heading. It is from this island that you will get the best view of Koh Ta Pu.
Both islands are collectively referred to as "James Bond Island".
What will you see on the island?
All boats will always drop you off at the small pier on Khao Phing Kan. There are several souvenir shops and quite a few overpriced snacks in the small area between the rocks.
Just walk 50 metres and you'll find yourself at the viewpoint of the main point of interest - the Ko Ta Pu rock promontory.
Heading the other way, after 20 meters you will reach a beautiful karst cave, which you can walk through and around the island of Khao Phing Kan (about 5-10 minutes walk).
There is also a small pebble beach by the souvenir stalls.
How to get to James Bond Island?
Because there are no people living on the island, there are no regular ferries that you can take without having to pay for organized tours.
You can only get to James Bond Island with local tour companies, both from Phuket and from many places in Krabi or Phang Nga province.
You basically have many options to choose from.
- Island-hopping with stops at various islands in Ao Phang Nga National Park (you will usually spend about 30-40 minutes on an island)
- A half-day trip to James Bond Island only, with more time spent on the island (up to 3 hours)
- Combination of kayaking around the island with swimming and possibly visiting other islands
How and where to book a tour?
The easiest way is to bypass a couple of travel agencies on the spot.
Travel agencies are literally on every corner in absolutely every town on Phuket, in Krabi, Ao Nang, Phang Nga or Khao Lak. You don't have to book a trip online and there's no need to worry about fraudulent offers.
Travel agencies will usually all offer identical prices.
They will show you the offers from different companies on printed flyers, and the final price will usually be 50-60% lower than the flyer. If you don't get any discount, visit another agency.
How much does a trip to James Bond Island cost?
Prices vary slightly depending on the type of trip, but generally you will pay around 2 200 thb per person.
How long does it take to sail to James Bond Island?
You usually sail with stops on different islands. Generally, a direct sailing from the dock on Phuket or from Ao Nang in Krabi takes about 45 minutes.
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