007 Island Thailand (James Bond Island) Guide: Location, Tours, Prices, Best Time

The 007 island Thailand travelers ask about is the famous James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay, a striking pair of formations called Khao Phing Kan and Ko Tapu. This guide explains the difference between the walkable island and the needle-like rock spire you see in photos. You will also learn how to get there from Phuket, Krabi, or Khao Lak, what tours cost, and the best time to visit. Clear rules, safety tips, and cultural notes will help you plan a smooth and respectful trip.

Quick answer and key facts

If you need the essentials fast, this section tells you what the 007 island is, where it is, and what rules apply. It also highlights the difference between Khao Phing Kan, where visitors stand, and Ko Tapu, the offshore spire that is viewed only from shore.

What is the 007 island in Thailand?

The “007 island” refers to the setting made famous by the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun. The place most visitors mean is Khao Phing Kan, the main island with short paths, viewpoints, and a small beach, facing Ko Tapu, the slim limestone stack offshore.

Full Day JAMES BOND ISLAND Tour in Phuket, Thailand

It is vital to note the practical difference: you stand and walk on Khao Phing Kan, while Ko Tapu is only for viewing from shore. Approaching or climbing the spire is not allowed, and boats must keep their distance to protect the fragile rock and to ensure visitor safety.

Fast facts (names, location, distances, park fees, rules)

Travelers often want a quick snapshot before booking. The details below help you compare boat times, understand fees, and avoid rule issues at the site.

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• Names: Khao Phing Kan (walkable island); Ko Tapu (needle-like spire). “James Bond Island” is the common visitor name.
• Location: Ao Phang Nga National Park, northeast of Phuket, southern Thailand.
• Boat times: About 25–45 minutes from common Phuket piers (vessel and sea conditions affect timing).
• Distance from mainland: Roughly 6 km across the bay.
• Park entry fee: Typically 300 THB per adult and 150 THB per child, paid on-site. Bring cash; policies can change.
• Rules: Since 1998, no close boat approach to Ko Tapu and no climbing the spire; viewing is from Khao Phing Kan’s beach viewpoints.

Expect short time on the island itself (often 40–50 minutes) during a broader Phang Nga Bay tour. Always confirm what your tour price includes and whether the national park fee is extra.

Location, access, and rules

James Bond Island sits inside a protected marine landscape of limestone karsts, mangroves, and sea caves. Reaching it is straightforward from regional visitor hubs, but you should plan your route and timing carefully. Knowing the rules in advance will help you avoid fines and reduce environmental impact.

Where it is and how to get there (from Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak)

The main gateways are Phuket, Krabi, and Khao Lak. From Phuket, most visitors join a group speedboat or big-boat tour, or hire a private longtail with a licensed captain. Travel involves a road transfer to a pier followed by a 25–45 minute boat ride, depending on sea state and vessel type. From Krabi and Khao Lak, itineraries are similar but transfer times to the bay are usually longer.

THE BEST WAY TO GET TO JAMES BOND ISLAND THAILAND

Independent travelers can self-drive to a Phang Nga pier and then hire a licensed longtail on site. This is useful if you want to fine-tune timing for tides or photography. Always use registered operators, wear life jackets, and check weather and tide forecasts on the day.

1. Choose your base: Phuket, Krabi, or Khao Lak.
2. Select a boat type: big boat, speedboat, catamaran, or private longtail.
3. Confirm inclusions: hotel transfers, lunch, soft drinks, kayak add-ons, and the national park fee.
4. Travel to the pier and board with life jacket fitted.
5. Ride 25–45 minutes to Khao Phing Kan, depending on vessel and conditions.

Park entry, timings, and on-site flow

Park tickets are usually purchased at the landing area on Khao Phing Kan upon arrival. After docking, most groups follow a simple loop: short pathways to viewpoints, beach-side photo spots facing Ko Tapu, and a small area with basic stalls for drinks or souvenirs. Guided tours manage the sequence to keep groups moving smoothly.

James Bond Island | Khao Phing Kan | Thailand | 4K

Operating hours track daylight and sea conditions. Tours commonly allow about 40–50 minutes on the island before moving to other bay highlights. Because hours and ticketing procedures can change seasonally or with park policy updates, confirm details locally with your operator the day before departure.

Protection rules (no boat approach to Ko Tapu since 1998)

For safety and conservation, boats have been banned from close approach to Ko Tapu since 1998, and climbing or walking onto the spire is prohibited. Viewing is from Khao Phing Kan’s beach viewpoints only. Keeping distance reduces wake impact and prevents accidental collisions that could destabilize the undercut rock.

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Rangers patrol the area and enforce regulations; violations can result in fines. Follow Leave No Trace principles: do not litter, do not collect shells or coral, and stay on marked paths to prevent erosion. Drone use may require permits under national park and aviation rules—if in doubt, do not fly.

Tours and prices

Tours to the 007 island in Thailand come in several formats. Comparing capacities, comfort, and inclusions will help you choose the right balance of price, crowding, and flexibility. Prices vary by season and demand, so consider booking early in peak months.

Common tour formats (big boat, speedboat, catamaran, private longtail)

Big-boat and speedboat group tours are the most common options. Big boats feel more stable and can carry large groups, while speedboats trade cabin space for faster hops between islands. Catamarans offer a smoother ride and more room to spread out, generally at higher prices. Private longtail charters suit small groups who want flexible timing and custom routes.

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Capacity and comfort differ by vessel. As general ranges, big boats may carry 60–120 passengers, speedboats around 20–45, catamarans 25–60 depending on size, and private longtails 2–8 comfortably. Group size influences the experience at photo spots and during boarding, so travelers who prefer space may choose catamarans or private charters.

Some tours include guided sea kayaking segments, while others sell kayaking as an add-on at specific islands. If kayaking through caves and hongs is a priority, check the itinerary carefully before booking.

Typical prices, durations, inclusions

Prices reflect vessel type, season, and inclusions. Many operators bundle hotel transfers, soft drinks, and lunch, but national park fees may be excluded. Always verify currency, as quotes may appear in THB or USD, and expect variation around holidays and peak months.

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• Group tours (big boat/speedboat): commonly about US$55–$60 per person.
• Catamaran cruises: often US$110+ per person.
• Private longtail: frequently from around US$120 per boat, with cost depending on duration, route, and season.
• National park fee: typically 300 THB per adult, 150 THB per child, paid on-site unless your operator prepays.

Most day trips last 7–9 hours including hotel transfers, with about 40–50 minutes on Khao Phing Kan itself. If you want more time for photography or tide-based cave visits, a private charter offers the flexibility to adjust your schedule.

Best time to visit and timing strategy

Weather and tides shape the experience in Phang Nga Bay. Planning around the season and daily tide windows can improve comfort, access to caves, and photo quality. A little timing strategy goes a long way toward enjoying the highlights with fewer crowds.

Dry vs monsoon seasons (Nov–Mar vs May–Oct)

November to March usually brings calmer seas and clearer skies, which makes boat rides smoother and vistas sharper. These months are popular, so early departures help avoid congestion at viewpoints. In contrast, May to October is the monsoon season with more rain, choppy seas at times, and occasional itinerary changes; September is typically the wettest month, while June can be milder but still changeable.

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Conditions vary year to year. Monitor short-term marine forecasts and be flexible if operators adjust routes for safety. A light rain jacket, dry bag, and quick-dry clothing are smart in any season, and boat operators may reschedule during storms to keep passengers safe.

Tide-aware planning for caves and photography

Phang Nga Bay’s tidal range of about 2–3 meters affects access to sea caves and interior lagoons known as hongs. Low to mid tides often allow the best cave entry and reveal wider angles for photographing Ko Tapu from Khao Phing Kan’s beach. Morning and late afternoon bring softer light and may reduce crowding during peak months.

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Check local tide tables when choosing departure times, especially if kayaking through caves is important to you. Rocks and paths can be wet and slippery, so wear secure, non-slip footwear and move carefully in the cave zones. Listen to guides about tide cut-offs to avoid getting trapped behind low ceilings.

What to do on a day trip

A James Bond Island tour is more than a single photo stop. Most itineraries combine viewpoints on Khao Phing Kan with kayaking, cave exploration, and a cultural visit to Ko Panyee. Planning your essentials and understanding the flow will help you make the most of the day.

Sea kayaking through hongs and caves

Many tours include guided sea kayaking at islands such as Panak and Hong, where limestone caves open into sheltered lagoons. Guides usually paddle the sit-on-top kayaks, which makes the activity accessible even if you have limited experience. Helmets or headlamps may be provided for low ceilings and dim passages.

Thailand Bat Caves - Canoeing at Koh Panak | Phang Nga Bay Tour from Phuket

Access to specific caves depends on tide windows and safety assessments. Some operators include kayaking in the base price, while others offer it as an add-on at certain stops—confirm this when booking. Protect phones and cameras with dry bags and follow guide instructions closely inside caves.

Ko Panyee cultural stop

Ko Panyee is a traditional Muslim fishing village built on stilts, and it often hosts lunch for Phang Nga Bay tours. Visitors can explore short market lanes, see the mosque area from the outside, and try local snacks. Purchases at community-run eateries and shops support local livelihoods.

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Dress modestly, especially around religious areas, and ask before photographing residents. Keep walkways clear and handle money and food with care in busy lanes.

• Etiquette checklist:
  • Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees where possible.
  • Ask permission before taking close-up photos of people.
  • Do not bring alcohol into the village.
  • Use bins and avoid single-use plastics when you can.

Photography and safety tips

The classic composition is from Khao Phing Kan’s beach facing Ko Tapu. A wide-angle lens captures the full spire and cliffs, while morning or late afternoon provides softer light. Move to different viewpoints to include foreground rocks or trees for depth.

Unreal Cave Canoeing in Phang Nga Bay | Hidden Lagoons and James Bond Island Adventure

Safety and comfort are essential on water-based trips. Always wear a life jacket on boats and during transfers, as decks can be wet and slippery. Follow crew instructions when boarding and docking, and respect no-fly rules for drones in national parks unless you hold the required permits.

• Essentials to pack:
  • Water, hat, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket.
  • Non-slip footwear suitable for wet rocks.
  • Dry bag and phone/camera protection.
  • Insect repellent and any personal medication.
  • Cash for park fees and small purchases.

Background: names, geology, and film legacy

Understanding the place names and geology adds meaning to the views, while the film legacy explains why this site became an icon. These details also show why careful protection is necessary for future visitors.

Khao Phing Kan and Ko Tapu explained

The Thai name Khao Phing Kan means “hills leaning together,” referring to the paired cliffs of the main island. Ko Tapu translates to “nail” or “spike,” a clear nod to the spire’s needle-like shape. Both features are examples of limestone karst shaped over time by rainwater, waves, and chemical processes.

KHAO PHING KAN or the so called Ko TaPu Rocks

Key geology terms in simple language: karst (landscapes formed by dissolving rocks like limestone), erosion (wearing away by water and wind), and undercutting (waves removing material at the base). Ko Tapu’s top-heavy profile shows undercutting at its lower section, which increases fragility. Protection measures—no climbing and restricted boat approaches—reduce stress on the formation so it remains stable for future generations.

The Man with the Golden Gun and film tourism

The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) brought global attention to Phang Nga Bay, with Roger Moore as James Bond and Christopher Lee as the villain Scaramanga. The movie highlighted the dramatic silhouettes of Ko Tapu and the surrounding karsts, creating one of Thailand’s most recognizable travel images.

JAMES BOND IN THAILAND | film locations then and now | Man With The Golden Gun | Tomorrow Never Dies

Film fame attracted high visitor numbers, which led to stronger conservation rules such as the 1998 approach ban to Ko Tapu. Today’s messaging balances the site’s cinematic appeal with clear guidelines that protect fragile geology and community livelihoods, ensuring the island remains both photogenic and safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 007 island in Thailand called and where is it located?

It is James Bond Island, centered on Khao Phing Kan with the offshore rock spire Ko Tapu. The site lies in Ao Phang Nga National Park, Phang Nga Bay, northeast of Phuket. Boat rides from Phuket piers typically take about 25–45 minutes, and the area is roughly 6 km from the mainland.

How do I get to James Bond Island from Phuket?

Join a day tour by speedboat, big boat, catamaran, or a private longtail with a licensed captain. Most tours include hotel transfers to the pier and then a 25–45 minute boat ride. Departures also run from Krabi and Khao Lak with similar full-day formats and slightly longer transfer times.

How much do tours and park fees cost for James Bond Island?

National park entry is commonly 300 THB per adult and 150 THB per child, usually paid on arrival. Group tours often range about US$55–$60, catamarans around US$110+ per person, and private longtails from about US$120 per boat. Prices vary by season, route, and inclusions, so confirm details before booking.

When is the best time to visit James Bond Island?

November to March usually offers the best weather with calmer seas and clearer skies. Early morning departures reduce crowding year-round. The May–October monsoon brings more rain; June can be milder, while September is often the wettest month.

Can you go onto or climb Ko Tapu (the needle rock)?

No. Approaching Ko Tapu by boat and climbing it are prohibited to protect the fragile spire and for safety. You view it from Khao Phing Kan’s beaches and designated lookouts only, a rule enforced since 1998.

Is James Bond Island worth visiting?

Yes, it is a highlight within a broader Phang Nga Bay tour that usually includes kayaking, caves, and a stop at Ko Panyee. Expect around 40–50 minutes on Khao Phing Kan itself and scenic cruising among limestone karsts.

How long do I need at James Bond Island?

Most tours schedule about 40–50 minutes on the island for viewpoints and photos. Private charters let you plan 1–2 hours if tides and schedules allow. The full day, including transfers and other stops, is typically 7–9 hours.

Can you swim or kayak near James Bond Island?

Swimming is limited due to boat traffic and tides. Kayaking is usually offered at nearby islands such as Panak and Hong, where caves and hongs are accessible during suitable tide windows.

Conclusion and next steps

James Bond Island, known locally as Khao Phing Kan with the offshore spire Ko Tapu, is a compact stop in a wider Phang Nga Bay journey. The essential distinction is that visitors set foot on Khao Phing Kan, while Ko Tapu is viewed from shore under long-standing protection rules. Reaching the site is straightforward from Phuket, Krabi, or Khao Lak, with boat rides typically taking 25–45 minutes after a short road transfer to the pier. Tours range from big boats and speedboats to catamarans and private longtails, with prices reflecting capacity, comfort, and inclusions. National park fees are usually paid on arrival unless your operator covers them.

Plan around seasons and tides for the best experience. November to March brings calmer seas and clearer skies, while May to October is more variable with rain and occasional choppy conditions. Tide-aware timing can open access to caves and improve photo angles, especially at low to mid tide. Safety and conservation are central: wear life jackets on boats, use non-slip footwear on wet paths, follow ranger guidance, and respect the 1998 restriction on close approaches to Ko Tapu. Cultural stops, like Ko Panyee, add context to the scenery—dress modestly and ask before photographing residents.

A typical day combines viewpoints on Khao Phing Kan with sea kayaking through hongs, exploration of caves, and village time. With measured expectations—about 40–50 minutes on the island itself—and careful planning, you can comfortably navigate logistics, capture the classic view of the spire, and enjoy a responsible visit to one of Thailand’s most iconic marine landscapes.