Things To Do In Khao Phing Kan: Visiting James Bond Island
Khao Phing Kan. If it was good enough for James Bond, it is surely good enough for you. If you are ready to live it up James Bond style, get to James Bond Island AKA Khao Phing Kan. You can find this gorgeous island in the Phang Nga Bay, situated just northeast of Phuket in Ao Phang Nga National Park.
James Bond Island or Khao Phing Kan was virtually unknown before the James Bond film, The Man without a Gun, was filmed there back in 1974. Since then the island has embraced the James Bond theme as a means of getting tourism. From a tiny fishing village, the island of Khao Phing Kan has now been transformed into a shrine to the silver screen icon.
Meeting Bond, James Bond
While countless tourists come out to see the James Bond Island, very few stick around to see Khao Phing Kan. You will quickly see this routine. Each tourist (possibly yourself included!) comes out to the island via a traditional Longtail Boat excursions or speed boat trips. Both will give you a gorgeous view and fun ride from the piers of Krabi, Phuket or countless other little island towns. Don’t even bother asking about Khao Phing Kan. Request a James Bond Island boat ride and you’ll be there in no time.
The whirlwind getaway
For the most part all of the tours are about the same (and equally good). They will drive you over to the stunning island of Khao Phing Kan. From the boating docks, you will walk past countless little souvenir shops that have been set up for all the sunburned, James Bond obsessed tourists. Walk past those unless there is an offer you can’t refuse..
Beyond the souvenir shops, you will see the bay with the famous Koh Tapu aka James Bond Island Rock. This is pretty much the pinnacle of your adventure.
Memorialise it
Once you have spotted the Koh Tapu aka James Bond Island Rock, get a picture of it. Then take a picture of yourself standing next to it. Decide who will play Bond, Scaramanga, Nik Nak and Ms.Goodnight.Take every conceivable photo until you are ready to move on.
Make the most of IT
If you are a James Bond fan, the appeal is obvious. If you haven’t watched the movie, go anyway. Khao Phing Kan is a gorgeous island in its own right and many of the boat tours are amazing. Enjoy the Thai buffet, lounge on the sundeck of the boat and have a laugh at the silly Bond pics.
Related: Where to visit in Thailand
