Visit James Bond Island (Khao Lak)

James Bond Island

Thai name : เขาตะปู

Presentation

James Bond Island's real name is Koh Tapu. Tt means the Naim Island beacuase of its shaep but is more commonly known as James Bond Island since its appearance in The Man with the Golden Gun. Located in the Phang Nga Bay, it is part of Ao Phang Nga National Park and stands at middle of Ko Khao Phing Kan, the pair of islands where you actually land when you visit the place. And you won't be the only visitor there, especially in high season! Boats arrive and depart all the time. It's amazing how a film have developped tourism in the bay and ont hese islands in particular. The small beach that connects the two islands and faces Koh Tapu hosts a souvenir market essentially offering jewelry. A small set of caves and a perfect diagonal opening in the rock are the other highlight of the visit.
The place is obviously only accessible by boat. In general, the visit is part of a day trip which includes a ride in a canoe around a nearby island, Koh Panyee visit, lunch and a trip to Monkey temple (Wat Suwana Khua). But it is possible to hire a longtail at the pier of the Phang Nga Bay. Price to negotiate with the owner between 1000 and 2000 bahts in general depending on the duration and the steps you want to do. But that will not prevent you from visiting among a lot of others tourists unless you go are in the early morning (before 9am).