Phuket James Bond Island Tour and Canoe Adventure

If you’re visiting Phuket, Thailand, and wondering which island tours to join, I’d recommend two: the James Bond Island Tour and the Phi Phi Island Tour. You might ask why I put James Bond Island at the top of the list. Well, this tour covers several unique islands and includes canoeing experiences. Plus, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy swimming in the sea.

Of course, everyone has different expectations when it comes to tours and destinations. Personally, I found the Phi Phi Island tour to be more like a museum visit. Many spots were just places we passed by while listening to the guide, without actually being able to get off the boat or explore the stunning waters up close. That said, I won’t deny that the tour is worth it just to see Maya Bay—that alone is a reason to join!

Anyway, let’s not stray too far from the topic. This is about James Bond Island, not Phi Phi Island. I’ve already written a detailed blog post about the Phi Phi tour for those interested. Here’s the link: Phi Phi Island Tour.

If you’re ready, let’s dive into everything you want to know about the world-famous James Bond Island and its tour.

The Story of James Bond Island

The island wasn’t always called James Bond Island. Its original name is Khao Phing Kan (sometimes written as Khao Phing Kan or Ko Khao Phing Kan in various sources). The iconic rock formation in front of the island group is called Ko Tapu, which translates to “Nail Island” in Thai. This name refers to the rock’s thin and tall shape.

You’re probably wondering, “Which movie was filmed here, and how did it get its name?” Well, the answer is the 1974 movie The Man with the Golden Gun. Key scenes, particularly James Bond’s epic battle with the villain Scaramanga, were filmed right on this island. Thanks to the movie, the island gained global fame and became a popular tourist attraction. That’s its story in a nutshell!

Where Is James Bond Island?

James Bond Island is located in southern Thailand, in Phang Nga Bay, part of the Andaman Sea.

The island is situated near popular tourist destinations like Phuket and Krabi and is part of the Ao Phang Nga National Park.

How to Get to James Bond Island

To reach James Bond Island, you first need to travel to Phuket or Krabi in Thailand. For detailed information on how to travel from Istanbul to Bangkok and then from Bangkok to Phuket, you can check the guides. However, there are also direct flights from Turkey to Phuket, so you can choose the option that best fits your budget and travel plans. Keep in mind that the journey takes around 10 hours.

Once you arrive in Phuket or Krabi, you can join a tour to James Bond Island through various travel companies. These tours are typically day trips and often include visits to other breathtaking islands in the area.

Plan Your Tour in Advance

For a seamless experience, consider booking your tour ahead of time to ensure you secure a spot and can make the most of your visit.

James Bond Island Weather: When to Visit?

The Phang Nga region has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The best time to visit James Bond Island is during the cool season, from November to February. During this period, the humidity is lower, the weather is sunny and warm, and there’s minimal rainfall.

From March to May, the weather heats up significantly, and it can feel quite intense. When I visited in April, it was incredibly hot! The rainy season, which lasts from June to October, brings intermittent and sometimes prolonged rain showers. The heaviest rains are usually in May, September, and October, which might not make for the most enjoyable experience.

James Bond Island Tour and the Unforgettable Canoeing Adventure

When you book a James Bond Island Tour, most companies follow a similar route, although they may vary the order of stops to avoid large crowds. On our tour, we visited five unique spots. Here’s what we experienced, and these are likely the places you’ll encounter during your James Bond Island adventure:

Koh Yao Yai – Palm Beach Club

Our first stop was Koh Yao Yai, a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, jet skiing, or even ATV rides. The pristine beach with its palm tree backdrop was breathtaking. We spent about 45 minutes here, swimming, sunbathing, collecting seashells, and watching the tiny crabs scuttle across the sand.

Koh Yao Noi

Located just northwest of Koh Yao Yai, this island was a quick stop for walking and taking photos. The water was incredibly warm—about as hot as a winter shower!

The beach was dotted with crab holes, so if you’re not comfortable, consider wearing water shoes.

Panyee Islands (Koh Panyi)

Panyee Island is home to a floating Muslim village with a population of around 1,500. Since Thai laws prohibit foreigners from settling on land, the first Muslim fishermen here built their homes on the water. Most villagers still live in floating houses and work as fishermen.

The village even has a school and a floating football field. Watching kids jump into the water to retrieve their footballs was heartwarming.

This is also where most tour companies stop for lunch. Being a Muslim village, you can safely enjoy all the food options provided.

There’s also a variety of souvenir stands, offering handmade seashell crafts perfect for gifting.

Khao Phing Kan (James Bond Island)

This iconic island is the highlight of the tour. It’s mainly a photo stop, but you can also swim here if you like. However, the crowded waters can make it challenging to capture a clear photo without other swimmers.

A little Photoshop magic might be needed!

Ko Tapu

Right off James Bond Island, Ko Tapu is the iconic needle-shaped rock rising dramatically from the sea. This formation is what truly made James Bond Island famous, thanks to its appearance in The Man with the Golden Gun. Beyond the rock, you’ll find caves, beaches, and walking trails leading to higher vantage points.

Hong Island and Canoeing

The last stop on our tour was Hong Island, where we explored the surroundings by canoe. Transitioning from the speedboat to the canoe can be a bit tricky, so be cautious. Once on the canoe, you’ll pass through narrow passages, some requiring you to duck your head. If you have any phobias, this part of the tour may not be for you.

But don’t miss this magical experience if you can help it! The serene lagoons and peaceful atmosphere are absolutely enchanting. As you glide through the narrow passageways, remember to look up—you’ll be awestruck by the views.

The canoe guides often add a personal touch, like crafting little gifts from leaves. While they don’t explicitly ask for tips, it’s a nice gesture to show appreciation for their efforts.

Depending on the tour operator, your trip may also include places like Naka Island, Lawa Island, or the broader Ao Phang Nga National Park. Each of these spots offers its own charm and unique activities.

How Much Does the James Bond Island Tour Cost?

The cost ranges from 1,500 to 3,600 THB per person, depending on the tour features, group size, and included activities. Prices vary, so it’s worth comparing options to find the best deal that suits your preferences.

What’s Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price typically includes transportation, lunch, and snacks provided on the boat. Canoeing is also included at no extra charge, but the guides who paddle the canoes might appreciate a small tip. While this isn’t mandatory, the tour guide usually mentions it as a friendly suggestion. The canoe guides often give small handmade gifts, subtly reminding you about tipping, but no one will pressure you.

Personal expenses on the islands, as well as additional activities like jet skiing, are not included in the price. As with most tours, these extras will be at your own expense.