What is James Bond Island?
James Bond Island is a famous landmark located in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand. The island, also known as Khao Phing Kan, became famous for the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun and has since become a popular tourist attraction. The island is characterized by limestone cliffs and sea caves, making it a must-see for nature and adventure lovers.
How do I get to Khao Phing Kan?
Most tours to James Bond Island start from Phuket, which is the closest city to the island. The easiest way to get to Phuket is to fly into Phuket International Airport, which is only 32 km (20 miles) from the city center. Once you arrive in Phuket, you can book a tour to James Bond Island with one of the many tour operators in the city.
How much does a tour of James Bond Island cost?
The cost of a tour to James Bond Island varies depending on the tour operator and the type of tour you choose. On average, the cost of a full-day tour starts at ฿1,200 (about $40) per person. This price includes transportation, lunch, and entrance fees to the island. However, prices can vary greatly depending on the type of tour you choose and the time of year you visit the island.
Where to book a tour of James Bond Island?
There are many tour operators offering tours to James Bond Island in Phuket. Here are some of the most popular:
- Phuket Sail Tours: This tour operator offers a full-day excursion to James Bond Island that includes a speedboat ride to the island, a visit to the nearby village of Koh Panyee, lunch, and snorkeling. Prices start at about ฿3,600 (about $120) per person.
- Phuket Adventures: This tour operator offers a full-day excursion to James Bond Island that includes a visit to the island, a sea kayak tour of the sea caves, lunch, and snorkeling. Prices start at about ฿2,000 (about $65) per person.
- Tour East: This tour operator offers a full-day excursion to James Bond Island that includes an island visit, lunch, and snorkeling. Prices start at ฿1,800 (about $60) per person.
What to expect from a tour of James Bond Island?
A typical tour of James Bond Island lasts all day, with most tours starting early in the morning. Below is information on what to expect during the tour:
Transportation: The tour operator will pick you up from your hotel in Phuket and take you to the pier, where you will board a speedboat or long-tail boat and sail to James Bond Island.
Sightseeing: After arriving at James Bond Island, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the island and admire the stunning limestone cliffs and sea caves. You may also have the opportunity to visit nearby attractions, such as the village of Koh Panyee, built on stilts.
Lunch: Most excursions to James Bond Island include lunch, which is usually served on board the boat or at a nearby restaurant.
Snorkeling: Depending on the tour you choose, you may have the opportunity to go snorkeling in the crystal clear waters surrounding James Bond Island.
Return: After a full day of sightseeing and adventure, you will return to the pier and be taken back to your Phuket hotel.