Phang Nga Bay

Everything You Need To Know About Phang Nga Bay

A distinctive feature of Phang Nga Bay are the sheer limestone karsts that jut vertically out of the emerald-green water.  James Bond Island and Koh Panyee are just two of the more famous spots in this bay. By far the best means of enjoying the spectacular scenery, with only brief encounters with the tourist crowds at James Bond and Koh Panyee, is to take one of the boat trips from the northern end of Phuket.

A leisurely day trip cruising through the dramatic limestone islands, occasionally stopping to enjoy quiet beaches, is far more rewarding than the standard bus-boat tour.

James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay

James Bond Island is a famous landmark in Phang Nga Bay. It first found its way onto the international tourist map through its starring role in the James Bond movie 'The Man with the Golden Gun'. A distinctive feature of this famous bay is the number of sheer limestone cliffs that vertically jut out of the emerald-green water.

The bizarre, why-doesn’t-it-fall-over outline of James Bond Island or Koh Tapu (meaning Nail Island in Thai), lies next to the equally well known Koh Ping Ghan (sometime spell ‘Ping Gan’ or ‘Ping Gun’). The entire area surrounding this island is indeed spectacular, but it can get crowded with tourist boats in high season.

James Bond Island Highlights

Phang Nga Bay covers an area of 400sqkm and is home to some 100 islands, many of which could feature in The Guinness Book of Records either for their beauty or for their freakish shapes. James Bond Island, with its signature rocky pinnacle, has been a major attraction ever since it featured in the 1974 Bond movie. Luckily it is under national park protection and as a result no boats of any kind are allowed to go too close to the island because of its precarious position – big on the upper part and relatively slim at the bottom. The two best ways to view James Bond Island are from boats or from the small beach on Koh Ping Ghan.

Koh Ping Ghan is another sample of how the Mother Nature works her magic. Basically it’s a very high leaning rock that has some small caves inside. It’s pretty amazing and fun to check them all out. On its crowded eastern beach, there are stalls and stands selling knickknack souvenirs, mostly made from shells and woods.

Good to Know about James Bond Island

This area is a popular destination for sailing as well as kayaking. Most of the organized tours to James Bond Island are combined with a visit to other popular islands and usually include a stop for a seafood lunch at the charming Koh Panyee – a nearby Muslim fishing village on stilts. Even though tour companies usually hand out plastic bags to protect your camera it really is best to bring along a snap-shut waterproof camera bag.

If you want to have more freedom, you can rent a long-tail boat from Surakul Pier in Phang Nga for less than 2,000 baht for a good three to four hours. The boat can carry up to ten people.

James Bond Island

Opening Hours: All year round
Location: Phang Nga Bay. Visitors can visit James Bond Island via trips from Phuket and Phang Nga.

First Time in Phuket: Where Should I Stay?

First Time in Phuket: Where Should I Stay?

When you’re planning your first trip to Phuket, it is all too easy to fall into the trap of assuming that one beach town is much like another. They certainly have a lot in common, but the variety between them can be extreme. Accidentally picking a destination which does not fit your needs and desires will almost certainly lead to the holiday from Hell.

With so much variety on offer, it is difficult to know where to begin looking for your own personal paradise. That is why we have prepared this simple guide to each area. This can act as a gateway to the extensive detailed information on our site and help direct your research.

Take a look through the brief summaries below to find the destination which best suits your idea of Heaven because, no matter what that may be, there’s sure to be a place on Phuket that’s right for you. You may be planning your first time in Phuket, but we’re confident it’ll be the first of many.

Patong Beach: How to decide...

This west-coast resort town is best known for just one street – Bangla Road – which is the densest concentration of bars and clubs anywhere in Phuket and is the island’s primary nightlife destination. This is surrounded by a large number of hotels, ranging from budget guesthouses to small resorts. The picturesque coast road heading north towards Kamala takes advantage of the great sunset views by offering a more luxurious experience, but at the cost of being further from the party. There are also a number of excellent restaurants, countless shops, several cultural attractions and various activities to enjoy in the area.

Who is it For:

Budget-conscious holidaymakers
People who love to party
People who like a busy and lively beach
People who want to be centrally-located and want everything in one place
What’s Good:

Massive choice of nightlife, dining and shopping options
Wide range of hotel prices