Fan of Agent 007, and in love with Thailand? Here’s how to reconcile your two passions: meet on James Bond Island, in the middle of the sublime bay of Phang Nga!
It is close to the province of Phuket, west of Thailand, in the bay of Phang Nga along the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea that we find Koh Phing Kan. This pair of paradise islands is part of the national park Ao Phang Nga and having the peculiarity of having welcomed Roger Moore during the shooting of a film by James Bond of 1974 — “The Man with a Gold Gun” — which earned him the name of James Bond Island.
If you love the grandiose tropical landscapes, whether you are passing through Thailand or simply dreaming of taking you as a secret agent in the service of Her Majesty, we have prepared a mini-guide that will allow you to visit James Bond Island in all tranquility.
In short history, attractions and places to discover, access plan, rates, timetables and many other information essential to your stay on site. So you accept the mission?
History of James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay
Before the filming of James Bond’s famous film featuring the phlegmatic Roger Moore, Phang Nga Bay, as well as most of the islands and islets that nest there, were clearly not considered sumptuous tourist destinations. Savings, devoid of any infrastructure and considered to be native territories, little would happen because there was clearly nothing to do with it.
It is only in 1974 , when the director Guy Hamilton decided to fight Agent 007 and the terrible Francisco Scaramanga in the middle of the breathtaking landscapes of Phang Nga Bay, which Koh Phing Kan became the now famous “James Bond Island” for the best, and for the worst.
From then on, this unspoiled and unspoiled territory became a popular tourist destination and, therefore, taken by tourists not always respectful of the yet idyllic setting: waste and pollution had made the bay scapture early, until 1981 , the creation of the Ao Phang Nga National Park will not end this destructive heresy by firmly regulating tourism activities. In 1998, for example, it was decided that motor boats could no longer approach certain islands in order to slow down the erosion of the limestone rocks constituting them!
The 26 December 2004 , the island was hard hit by the deadly tsunami that hit the Indian Ocean and damaged some surrounding coral reefs as well as local fauna and flora. Today, however, many preventive and protective actions are being carried out by the authorities governing the national park in order to reconcile tourism activities and respect for the unique ecosystem that holds its place.
What to see and do on James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay
The bay of Phang Nga is a maritime space close to 400 km2 including several hundred islands and islets. Of these, the two islands of Koh Phing Kan — northwest of the bay — are certainly the most picturesque.
Koh Phing Kan
Located a few kilometers from the farmland, they face the famous islet Ko Tapu , natural column of limestone appearing to sink into the water and see in the film ! The island has a few caves and pretty sandy beaches , but don't expect to sit on a beachside bar or enjoy grilled shrimp. There is, apart from a modest lizard path in the jungle allowing access to the various spots of the island and the governor’s office (where each tourist must pay a visit fee), no real human construction.
James Bond Island is accessible from Phuket or Khao Lak , and the governor’s office acts as the main entrance point as well as a souvenir shop for the ships who came to deposit the tourists. Once on site, the latter — most of whom have subscribed to a “day-trip” formula — are offered a tour guided by a local guide to visit the points of interest of James Bond Island.
The coast and bay of Phang Nga
Besides selfies in front of Ko Tapu, it is possible, according to the desired formula, of explore the coast of the island in canoe . This allows you to visit caves sometimes sheltering bats, to reach a stunning lagoon populated with monkeys to which you access by taking a rocky corridor, or simply to swim on a white sandy beach. But station to the jellyfish, often present in large numbers!
It is also possible to get away from James Bond Island to go visit the bay of Phang Nga where many other activities are offered to tourists. For example, the visit of the famous Buddhist temple Suwankuha , nicknamed “the temple in the Sins” because of the massive presence of primates who find refuge there. You can also visit a nice fishing village — located on the island of Koh Panyee - that will allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture in the midst of the Thai population, authentic and warm.
Talu Island
To get close to the sublime Talu Island, a few-hour kayak excursions can also be arranged, before going to enjoy a bowl of ramen and a peppered coconut sauce in a Thai restaurant along the majestic bay of Phang Nga. In fact, everything depends on the formula chosen during the organization of your stay, but in most cases it includes a return trip by bus and boat from your hotel!
It is, indeed, the particularity of the exploration of the bay of Phang Nga: it is not advisable — even squarely prohibited, for certain sectors — to visit it without passing through the organized excursions . On the one hand, because of the very type of place: it is a national park and, by this, the freedom of visits must be supervised by the Thai authorities in order to preserve the beauty of the place.
On the other hand, while Thailand is a strong and rather secure state in tourist areas, it may be dangerous for a Westerner to enter certain neighborhoods or regions. Adventurers in the soul, pass your way. You will have the opportunity to organize a wild road trip later!
How to get to James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay?
James Bond Island and, more generally, all tourist points of interest in Phang Nga Bay are only accessible by boat. These, specifically dedicated to tourism and sometimes offering catering services, are waiting for you in the ports located on the coast of the province of Phuket to which you most often reach by bus or taxi directly from your hotel!
The boat trip leading you to the activity of the day is most pleasant. It is often commented by a local guide — generally speaking English — who will serve as a reference throughout the day with local authorities and residents to ensure your comfort and security.
Schedules & Rates on James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay
You will have understood this: a multitude of offers allows you to enjoy a day on James Bond Island or another tourist site available when visiting Phang Nga Bay. These formulas are as many as the hotels that offer them, and they are legion in the province of Phuket!
HORARI
In general, the excursions in question last only a day .
The Morning , a taxi or a group minibus picks you up at your hotel and leads you to the nearest boat.
Once on the boat that sometimes offers a snack and refreshments, a few minutes or hours of crossing are necessary to reach your activity. Knowing that some formulas allow you to perform several on the same day, before returning to your steps and being brought back to your hotel as soon as the night !
RATES
On the fare side, you'll have to count between 75€ and 150€ to organize a trip. This rate may, of course, vary depending on the period of the year and the benefits chosen.
L’ advantage , it is the “all-inclusive” side of the formula, which avoids having to worry about the organization, since everything is already settled in advance.
L’ inconvenience ? The lack of freedom that can get rid of the most greedy or adventurers.
It’s up to you!
Good to know.
- Needless to report, but a correct and respectful attitude should be observed in the event of a visit to a sacred place like a Buddhist temple; too many tourists break these rules and face the sensitivity of their hosts. Careful, then!
-Think about sun cream, sunglasses and hat: sun sometimes taps very hard and boats are not always shaded.
In Thailand, everything pays cash! Bank cards will not be of any use to extras, bring you liquid money.
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