bond island tour

James Bond Island Thailand: Phang Nga Bay Tour (Phuket)

Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay is loaded with exotic island scenery, and one of the best things to see in the bay would have to be the famous James Bond Island, with its unusual balanced rock.

Also known as Nail Island or ‘Ko Ta Pu’ in the Thai language, James Bond Island got its current nickname when the location was featured in the 1974 Bond movie ‘The Man with the Golden Gun.’

Nowadays, Phang Nga Bay is a national park in Thailand where you can go kayaking and see dozens of amazing islands with caves, mangroves, wildlife, and even a floating village called Koh Panyee.

It’s easy to visit Phang Nga Bay on a day trip (by boat) from Phuket, Krabi, or Khao Lak, and that gives you enough time to see James Bond Island and the other main sights in the bay.

This travel guide for Phang Nga Bay will explain how to get there, top things to see and do, best tour packages to use, where to stay, and everything else you need to know before you go!

Best Phang Nga Bay Tour Packages

The only way to visit James Bond Island is with a tour, and GetYourGuide has prearranged day tours from Phuket or similar day trips from Khao Lak or Krabi , complete with hotel transfers, boat ride, lunch, shared tour of the islands, and same day return.

These day tours visit all of the top sights in Phang Nga Bay, including James Bond Island, Hong island, and the Koh Panyee floating village, and you can also use a canoe or kayak to explore some of the limestone caves up close.

They also have private tours or semi-private tours if you prefer that, although the prices are higher. We’ve used GetYourGuide for lots of day tours and activities around the world, and they’re great. Highly recommended!

Book Now: James Bond Island Tour From Phuket / Khao Lak / Krabi

Where Is James Bond Island?

James Bond Island is located in Phang Nga Bay, in southern Thailand.

There’s no airport, hotels, or accommodation in the bay since it’s a national park, but you can easily visit from other places in Thailand.

Phang Nga Bay is full of nice islands and caves

How To Get To James Bond Island Thailand

The only way to get to James Bond Island is to book a tour of Phang Nga Bay by boat. You can choose between a Thai longtail boat, big wooden boat, or speedboat, and any of these are good options.

The speedboat is fastest and you’re usually in a smaller and more private tour group, but it costs more. We’ve done the James Bond Island tour with all kinds of boats, and always had a good experience with each of them.

The closest place to fly for this is the international airport in Phuket (HKT) or the one in Krabi (KBV). Both of these airports have cheap flights from Bangkok. You can shop for flights to Thailand on Skyscanner.

There are a bunch of boat companies making the trip to James Bond Island daily from Phuket, Krabi, or Khao Lak, and they usually include hotel pickup and drop-off. Again, we recommend GetYourGuide for their shared or private tours !

The boat journey through Phang Nga Bay is stunning in its own right, with dozens of rocky islands rising out of the sea in all directions. However, one of the best parts of the trip is kayaking through the limestone caves. It’s probably one of the most amazing kayaking experiences I’ve had anywhere in the world!

The unusual balanced rock at James Bond Island Thailand

Drone view of Phang Nga Bay

Visiting James Bond Island: What To Expect

When you first arrive at James Bond Island, the boat will park on the back side of the main island (Khao Phing Kan) and then you can disembark and walk around on the island for awhile.

Khao Phing Kan is a very unusual island covered with limestone hills, and the main attraction is the pointy balanced rock, which seems to float on the sea. Unlike other places in Thailand, the snorkeling isn’t any good at Phang Nga Bay because the water is murky and there’s no coral.

However, if you’re lucky, you still might see some wildlife here. We saw a hawk flying around, and later on we spotted a baby monitor lizard near the beach. We took a few pictures of him before he climbed a tree and disappeared.

Most Phang Nga tour packages give you 1 hour at James Bond Island, which is plenty of time to swim at the beach, see the famous floating rock, and attempt your best James Bond pose for photos.

We saw a baby monitor lizard at Khao Phing Kan

The only way to reach James Bond Island is by tour boat

The floating rock — Ko Ta Pu — also known as Nail Island

Of course, because of its scenery, James Bond Island has become one of the most famous spots in Thailand, so it’s very crowded with tourists at most times of the day unless you arrive early in the morning.

There are a bunch of makeshift souvenir stalls on the island taking advantage of this, but the prices are a bit higher than normal so it’s not a good idea to do any shopping here.

If you want to escape the crowds and take some nice pictures, you can walk up the concrete steps and there are usually less people at the viewpoints above the rock, while the area close to the beach always tends to be the busiest and most crowded part of the island.

James Bond Island was popularized and got its current nickname after being featured as the villain’s hideout in the 1974 Bond movie ‘The Man with the Golden Gun.’ The movie bombed with critics, but the location became a hit.

In spite of the crowds, we were happy to see that the island has been kept pretty clean, and we didn’t notice any garbage on the ground or in the water. Overall, it’s an amazing place and you have to see it at least once!

The 1974 movie scene that got James Bond Island its nickname (© United Artists)

The majestic islands of Phang Nga Bay from above

Visiting Phang Nga Bay – Tourist Fees

The Phang Nga Bay is a national park in Thailand, so they charge a tourist fee of 300 Baht (~$9 USD) for adults, and 150 baht for kids 3-14 years old.

Some Phang Nga Bay tours may already include these fees in the total price when you book, but usually you pay them separately in cash when you first start the tour, or else when you get off the boat at James Bond Island.  

More Things To See In Phang Nga Bay

Here’s a list of some of the top sights in Phang Nga Bay. You can see most of these places (along with James Bond Island) in a single day tour:

• Koh Hong Island: Not to be confused with the Koh Hong island in the Krabi province, this is a beautiful island in Phang Nga with a sandy beach and several limestone caves that you can explore by kayak. It’s one of the most spectacular kayaking spots in Thailand, so don’t miss it!
• Koh Phanak Island: Another big limestone island with several caves, including the Bat Cave and Ice Cream Cave, which got its name from the bright white stalactite rocks inside. You can also see mangroves and wild monkeys here.
• Koh Panyee Floating Village: A very interesting little fishing village with a population of about 1,700 people. This floating village was founded about 200 years ago by Malay muslims, and the spot often serves as a lunch stop on James Bond boat tours.
• Samet Nangshe Viewpoint : This amazing viewpoint is technically located outside of the national park, and you can only visit it by land (not on the James Bond boat tour). However, it has jaw dropping views of Phang Nga Bay, along with its many mangroves and islands. It’s one of the best views I’ve seen anywhere in the world, and the sunrise is also impressive. I wrote a separate travel guide for this viewpoint, which you can read here !

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint can only be reached by land (not on the James Bond boat tour), but it has incredible views of Phang Nga Bay.

1-Day Itinerary For The James Bond Island Tour

Here’s a sample itinerary for what the James Bond Island tour generally looks like:

• 7:30 AM – Hotel pickup and drive to the pier by bus or minivan
• 8:30 AM – Transfer to boat and start the journey to Phang Nga Bay
• 9:30 AM – Start sightseeing in Phang Nga Bay
• 12:00 PM – Lunch at the boat or on the floating village (Koh Panyee)
• 1:00 PM – More sightseeing in Phang Nga Bay
• 5:00 PM – Arrive at the pier and transfer back to your hotel by bus or minivan

Keep in mind every tour is different, so your schedule may not follow this exactly. You can check with your tour provider about the itinerary before you go.

Is James Bond Island Open / Closed?

Yes, James Bond Island is OPEN for tourists as of 2024!

The Thai government likes to close some of their islands for conservation during the rainy season, but Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island generally stays open all year.  

Endless scenery of Phang Nga Bay

Best Time To Visit James Bond Island Thailand

Any time is good to visit James Bond Island, although there are some seasonal differences.

The weather in the Andaman Sea area of Thailand (including Phang Nga Bay) is best from November to April, when it’s more dry and sunny. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so it’s a bit more crowded with day tours.

The weather is not as good from May to October. There are more rainy days, and there are frequent storms in the evenings. However, there are less tourists in these months and it’s still possible to have a great trip.

It’s very unusual for boat tours to be canceled at James Bond Island because it’s inside of a large bay that protects it from rough waves coming from the sea.

We witnessed some big storms in the rainy season, but these were usually in the evenings when we were back at our hotel, so it wasn’t a problem. Most of the pictures in this James Bond Island travel guide were actually taken in July, during the rainy season.

We’ve visited Phang Nga Bay in the dry season and also in the rainy season, on separate trips. In both cases, we had an amazing time and the weather was mostly great for weeks.

So in conclusion, there’s really no bad time to visit James Bond Island!

One of our first times visiting James Bond Island Thailand!

What To Bring To Phang Nga Bay

Here are some packing suggestions for your visit to James Bond Island Thailand:

• Waterproof Bag . Essential for keeping your electronics safe on the boats around Ko Ta Pu and Koh Hong island. I brought a 30 liter bag and was able to fit my drone, tablet, camera, phone, and a bunch of other stuff inside. Everything was kept dry, even when I took the bag swimming a few times!
• Waterproof Phone Pouch . Same as above, but these are for your phone only. Great if you don’t have other electronics and just need something small to protect your phone.
• Sunscreen. There is usually some shade in the speedboats and longtail boats, but you can still get roasted while swimming or walking on the beach at Ko Ta Pu, so you’ll want to bring a hat and sunscreen for the boat tours.
• Snacks & Drinks. You might want to pack some snacks and drinks in the boat when touring the islands. You can bring these from Phuket or Krabi. There are also snacks and drinks available to buy in the national park, but the prices are higher.

See the tiny boat in the bottom left corner?

Can You Fly A Drone At Phang Nga Bay?

Yes and no. Thailand is pretty relaxed about drones, and you can fly them in most of the islands, but you aren’t allowed to fly in the national parks.

That includes James Bond Island, which is patrolled by park rangers who will fine you if you’re caught flying a drone. They’re especially strict there, and the rangers are watching all areas of the island constantly.

However, if you’re discreet it’s still possible to fly from other locations in or near the bay. The best place to do this is at the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint , which has great visibility of Phang Nga Bay. You’ll still want to be considerate and only fly in places where it won’t bother people, of course.  

Other Tips For Phang Nga Bay

• Bathrooms: There are bathrooms on James Bond Island, although you may have to pay a small fee in Thai baht (bring some cash for that). If you book the tour with a big wooden boat, those also have toilets in the boat, although the Thai longtail boats and speedboats usually do not.
• Cell Service: We had good phone reception on the boat while touring all over Phang Nga Bay, but you may lose signal when you go ashore on James Bond Island because of the steep mountains surrounding Ko Ta Pu.
• Mosquitoes: We didn’t really see any mosquitoes in Phang Nga Bay or James Bond Island, but you can buy bug repellent in Phuket, Krabi, or other places in Thailand if you want it. Malaria isn’t present in this area.

Phang Nga Bay as seen from Samet Nangshe

Phi Phi Or James Bond Island: Which Is Better?

So which is better, Phi Phi or James Bond Island? That’s an important question.

They’re both great, but I have to say Phi Phi island is better. No offense to James Bond island, but Phi Phi has the best scenery above and below the ocean, with clear blue water and lots of fish and coral to see while snorkeling or scuba diving.

There’s also more to see and do in Phi Phi overall. Even if you don’t care about snorkeling, it’s hard to beat Maya Bay , Pileh Lagoon, and the other epic sights in the Phi Phi islands. They are truly world class.

Don’t get me wrong, Phang Nga Bay is still amazing and you should definitely see James Bond island if you’re able. Try to see both Phi Phi and James Bond if you have time! Unfortunately you can’t see them both in one day since they’re located in opposite directions from Phuket (north vs south), but it’s possible to see both places in two days!

Read More: Phi Phi Island

Phi Phi Island is another amazing day tour near Phuket Thailand

Is James Bond Island Worth It?

Yes, James Bond Island is absolutely worth it in my book! There is loads of amazing scenery in Phang Nga Bay, and the prices for everything are very affordable.

In spite of the crowds, this is still one of the best day trips in Thailand, and it’s very accessible because of its location between Phuket and Krabi.  

Phuket Hotels

Katathani Resort

The Sea Galleri

Tea Tree Resort

Peranakan Boutique

More Thailand Travel Guides

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island Thailand.

Don’t forget to check out my complete Thailand travel guide for more tips on Phuket, Krabi, Koh Tao, and the other Thai islands.

Happy travels!  

• Samet Nangshe Viewpoint – Best Sunrise Spot In Thailand
• Phi Phi Island Travel Guide – Best Things To Do In The Koh Phi Phi Islands
• Maya Bay Thailand – What To Expect On The Beach
• Thailand Travel Guide – Info, Pictures, & Blog

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▷ The 5 Best James Bond Island Tours [2024 Reviews]

Located in Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island was named as such after one of the movies were filmed here in 1974: “The Man With the Golden Gun”.

While it’s understandably turned into a pilgrimage spot for 007 fans, you don’t have to know the movies to enjoy this stunning location.

One of the best ways to see the towering limestone spot is by signing up for a proper tour! There’s so much to see, that only a local guide would be able to do it justice.

We’re here to bring you the top James Bond island tours, so buckle up and don’t go anywhere!

Best James Bond Island Tours

Quick answer: the 5 best james bond island tours for 2024.

• Luxury Boat to James Bond Islands with Lunch and Sunset Dinner
• James Bond Island Private Boat Tour
• Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island w/ Buffet Lunch
• 5 in 1 James Bond Tour by Long Tail Boat
• James Bond Island w/ Canoeing and Lunch by Speedboat

James Bond Island Tour Reviews

1. luxury boat to james bond islands with lunch and sunset dinner.

• Duration: 7.5 hours
• Departure:  Ao Por Pier, 3C6M+95Q Andaman Sea, Tambon Pa Klok, or hotel pickup
• Departure Time: 11:30 am
• Includes:  Dinner, lunch, soda, kayaking, paddle board, water slide & other toys, DJ on board, Wi-Fi on board, travel insurance, National Park fee, life jacket, tour guide

Let’s start things off right with one of the most popular tours in the area. The Luxury Boat to James Bond Islands with Lunch and Sunset Dinner is designed to pack in as much fun and beauty as possible, and we’re sure you won’t be disappointed. If you enjoy dancing, great music, and great views in a breathtaking location, this can’t be beat.

Your tour starts out at 11:30 am, so you have plenty of time to sleep in and grab breakfast beforehand. The guide will either pick you up or you’ll meet at the pier – whatever works best for you. Board a luxurious catamaran, where you’ll have plenty of space to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere.

You’ll be served a welcome drink and delicious buffet lunch upon boarding, as you head out to Hongs of Phang Nga. Kayak to Hong Island, where you’ll get to immerse yourself in these unreal sea caves with gorgeous limestone walls and open-ceiling caverns.

With wi-fi on board, you’ll be able to livestream, share photos, and stay connected while in the “middle of nowhere”.

Next up is James Bond Island/Phing Kan Island, which is the heart of the legendary Phang Nga National Park. The immense limestone towers were made over hundreds of millions of years, and are simply iconic. Here, you’ll take some time to either hang out on board and enjoy the onboard DJ or use the paddleboards, waterslide, and other toys!

After you splash around, you’ll board the catamaran again where you’ll be able to relax and enjoy a delicious dinner with unlimited soft drinks.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. james bond island private boat tour.

• Duration: 4 to 10 hours
• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off available
• Departure Time: 6:00 am
• Includes:  Bottled water, soda, WiFi on board, restroom on board, private transportation, snacks

While the first tour is definitely something special, if you really want to ramp up the experience you could go for a completely private tour. The James Bond Island Private Boat Tour is just the ticket if that sounds up your alley. On this one, you’ll be able to take up to 14 other guests with you along for this customizable excursion!

This is probably one of the easiest to fit into any itinerary, as you have a say regarding the start time and can adjust the tour depending on how long you want it to be. Usually, they’ll range anywhere from 4 to 10 hours and that depends on how many sites you want to see.

You can start as early as 6 am so you have the entire day for venturing around! Just like with every other on our guide, you have the choice of either being picked up at your hotel or other location within Phuket.

Once you arrive to the tour offices, they’ll offer you a coffee, tea, or cold beverage while giving a complete tour briefing of what to expect. At this time, you can store any items you don’t need for the tour.

Stop over first at Koh Panak Island, or “Monkey Island”, named as such due to the monkeys that tend to play on the beach. Here, you can watch them or head into many of the cave systems complete with hidden lagoons, thick mangroves, and much more.

Next up is Hong Island located in Phang Nga Bay, where you can get on a canoe and paddle through the various water caves. Arrive to the floating village of Koh Panyi where they’ll teach you about their Sea Gypsy influence and visit the famous floating football field! After all this, you’ll want to take a break so stop at one of the local restaurants for a traditional lunch.

After refueling, hop on over to James Bond Island where you’ll have plenty of time for photo-taking and learning about how it came to be over millions of years. Follow that up with some time to relax on the beautiful Koh Rang Yai Beach while snacking on some fresh fruit and cool drinks.

3. Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island w/ Buffet Lunch

• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Departure Time: 9:30 am
• Includes:  Beverages, bottled water, morning tea and buffet lunch, local taxes, air-conditioned minivan, insurance, transfer to a private pier, national parks fees

The Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island w/ Buffet Lunch by Big Boat tour is one of the most comprehensive of its kind. This is one of the most well-reputed in the area, including insurance and all transfers and pickups so you don’t have to worry about spending extra.

If you want to see this area in style, this is one of the best ways to go about it. Start off by being picked up at 9:30 in the morning by a spacious, air-conditioned minivan.

Take a brief trip over to Ao Por Pier, while your guide tells you all about what to expect, and some interesting facts about the area. The tour guides are all locals so they always share interesting anecdotes and pieces of advice.

Once you arrive to Phang Nga Bay, take some time for sightseeing and hop into a canoe. The professional crew will lead you around, taking you through an intricate labyrinth of caves and mangroves.

After, you’ll also have time to canoe around Hong Island, which features even thicker mangroves and monstrous limestone towers of rock!

We can’t forget James Bond Island, which is the highlight of many tours. Take in the sights of the rocky cliff emerging from the center of the emerald green waters, complete with lush greenery jutting out from every side.

After taking photos and videos, you’ll see Lawa Island and choose to either lay out on the sandy beach or take a dip in the waters. Enjoy a tasty lunch buffet when you get back on the boat!

4. 5 in 1 James Bond Tour by Long Tail Boat

• Duration: 9 hours
• Departure Time: 9:00 am
• Includes:  Coffee and/or tea, lunch, air-conditioned vehicle, all fees and taxes, life jacket, insurance

Next up, we have an even longer tour: the 5 in 1 James Bond Tour by Long Tail Boat . Lasting 9 hours, it’s perfect if you want to pack in as much as possible and really learn about the area. With professional guides local to the area, it’s almost like you’ll have a friend showing you the coolest parts of the bay!

Your driver will pick you up first thing in the morning at your hotel, where you’ll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Head straight out to Krasom Pier, where you’ll board a longtail boat. The tour guide will let you know what to expect, and offer an educational commentary along the way.

At Phang Nga Bay, you’ll have the chance to try some canoeing and take in the gorgeous vistas of the flora and fauna. After working up an appetite, stop over at the legendary Koh Panyi floating village and enjoy a delicious Thai lunch.

Now that you’re all fueled up, you can sit back and enjoy a gorgeous sightseeing tour in Phang Nga Bay and head to James Bond Island.

Once you arrive to the island, you’ll stop over and be able to take plenty of photos or simply take it all in. The sage green waters contrasted against the blue skies are really something out of a fairytale! After this, you’ll head to one of the crowd favorites: Monkey Cave Temple or Wat Suwan Khuha!

This temple is located inside a cave, housing a massive golden Buddha relic. Monkeys love popping out and socializing here, and sometimes cats even love taking naps around the Buddha.

5. James Bond Island w/ Canoeing and Lunch by Speedboat

• Duration: 7 to 8 hours
• Includes:  Lunch, local taxes, air-conditioned minivan, snacks, insurance, national parks fees

If you really want to see a ton of cool sites in a relatively short amount of time, you can’t go wrong with this next adventure. The James Bond Island w/ Canoeing and Lunch by Speedboat tour lasts around 7 to 8 hours and will have you zipping through the bay to see some of the most intriguing cultural and natural spots in the world.

If you want to escape the hustle-and-bustle of Phuket, this is just the ticket. Start off by being picked up at your hotel by an air-conditioned minivan with padded seats and ample leg room. The windows are nice and large, too, so you can enjoy the views as you head to Ao Por Pier.

Your guide will tell you all about the area, as well as offer a briefing on what to expect for your tour and how to stay safe. Once you arrive to Phang Nga Bay, you’ll have plenty of time for taking in the panoramic views and canoe at Hong Island.

The professional crew places safety at the forefront, and will expertly navigate you through mangrove forests and impressive limestone rock formations.

Continue on to James Bond Island where you’ll see the magnificent limestone towers infamous for their use in “The Man With The Golden Gun”.

Next up, see the Koh Panyi floating village where you’ll learn how the locals made their homes and rely on the river in their everyday lives.

This small island community is quite literally located “in the middle of nowhere” and incredibly fascinating to learn about as they have electricity, internet, and more! Have a tasty lunch here of traditional food and take time to walk around and explore.

Next, head over to Naka Island, known for its pristine white sand beaches and rich coconut groves surrounded by limestone cliffs. You’ll be able to relax on the beach or swim in the clear turquoise waters.

Phuket Tour Guide

Getting There

Phuket is an island, though it seems to be a much easier island to access than many others in the world. The vast majority of visitors simply arrive through Phuket International Airport, located around 24 miles from the city center.

It’s usually cheaper to fly into Bangkok, however, so if you’d like to see Bangkok you may just want to allot a day or two there. From there, you can simply take the train from Hua Lamphong Station to Surat Thani and then take a bus to Phuket. You should not miss Bangkok, we would recommend a tour of the city .

Getting Around

Phuket is pretty simple to navigate, thank goodness. You’ll find many varying private and public transportation options. If you’re staying in a resort area, you may just be able to walk around without even thinking of 3 rd -party transportation.

Tuk-Tuk – These are unique to a lot of people, and the experience can be a fun one. However, they’re more ideal for shorter journeys, due to their small size and rather bumpy ride at times. Not only that, but if you’re in a resort area like Patong, they can get kind of pricey. Make sure you agree upon a rate before heading off.

Taxis/Grab – Taxis are pretty much everywhere around Phuket, but particularly in tourist spots and resort areas. Metered taxis are also located right outside the main entrance/exit at the airport. For the first 2 km, fares will be 50 baht and around 8 baht for each km after that. If you’re going long distances, try to settle on a flat rate beforehand.

There is no Uber here, but instead “Grab”. This app-based service is preferred by many visitors as it’s more reliable and gives you more of a sense of security as your ride is tracked and your rate is already settled.

Buses – Known as “songtaews”, these open-air buses are bright blue and easy to spot. The cool thing is they even write the destinations in English if you don’t speak Thai. Just be prepared to be able to flag one down, as there are no established bus stops. Buses operate from around 7 am to 6 pm, and are very affordable.

Motorbike – If you’re brave enough, you may just choose to rent a motorbike. 50-cc Hondas and big bikes are the most common type, and are very cheap. However, you need to know that many drivers operate with complete disregard for the laws and others on the road. Not only that, but if it’s a wet season, roads can become very slippery and difficult to navigate.

Motorbike Taxis – If you are going to hop on a motorbike, you may be better off with a local driving it for you. They are familiar with the way other locals drive, the weather conditions, and so on. This makes it much safer and more reliable. You can find them at moto taxi stands, usually with the drivers wearing red or green vests.

Where to Stay

Phuket may be an island, but it’s one of the more lively islands in Thailand. However, whether you’re going to party or to vacation as a family, there’s something for everyone. Each beach has a different vibe to it!

Phuket Town – If you’re going for the sightseeing and absorbing the culture more than anything, just stay here. You’ll be able to access some of the most popular attractions like the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong Temple, and elephant sanctuary. Not only that, but it’s easy to walk to hotels, temples, markets, and restaurants.

Mai Khao, Nai Yang, Nai Thon – If your main priority is seeing the amazing beaches, then stay in any of these areas. Patong is one of the main beaches, but is usually very overcrowded while many others are uncomfortable and not quite as beautiful.

However, these 3 are all located inside a national park. They have beautiful white sands, gorgeous views, and have a more private feel to them. Nai Yang is notorious for being so close to the airport runway that you feel like you could almost reach out and touch the airplanes! Kata is another honorable mention, with some of the best swimming on the island.

Bang Tao – Bang Tao is perfect if you are a water sport kind of person. That could mean jet-skiing, going out on a speedboat, parasailing, etcetera. If you’re into receiving top-notch spa treatments, Bang Tao is also the way to go. If you’re feeling sore, you can’t skip receiving a massage here.

Patong – Patong is the center of nightlife and all the hustle-and-bustle of Phuket. You’ll find clubs bumping with loud music, all kinds of “entertainment complexes”, and extravagant shows. If you’re coming with the entire family, you may want to steer clear of staying in this area, though.

Kata Yai, Kata Noi – Are you a serious foodie? Then you should be staying in either of these areas. You’ll find everything from world-class bistros to makeshift stalls at the beach serving up delicious dishes. Whatever you’re looking for as far as food goes, you’ll find it here.

Restaurants and Eating Out

As we just mentioned, Phuket has a variety of tasty food options and there really is something for everyone. With that being said, we recommend trying both formal restaurants and food stalls for best results.

One Chun Café and Restaurant – Located in Old Town, this restaurant is consistently rated as one of the best on the island. With a wide variety of dishes (try the crab yellow curry), it has a very vintage feel with brick walls and all kinds of old clocks and TV sets!

Raya – Okay, so this is from the same owners as One Chun, but it just can’t be left out! Known for their classic local dishes like moo hong or slow-cooked pork belly stew, they really take their time in making sure each dish is served to perfection. It’s located right around the corner from One Chun, too!

Ko Ang Seafood – This place has been around a long time, and is known for being one of the best seafood spots in Old Town. You’ll find everything from popular dishes to exotic options like red ant eggs or horseshoe crab.

Lock Tien Food Court – If you go to Phuket, you have to make a visit to Lock Tien. It’s been serving up delicious food for over 50 years to locals and tourists, alike. Located on the corner of Dibuk and Yoawarat, you can try a delicious traditional dinner like por pia, or a cool dessert like oh aew. O-aew is a Thai shaved ice dessert topped with many ingredients like red bean, grass jelly, and of course o-aew: a type of jelly made with banana and herbs.

Kwong Shop Seafood – Here’s another prime seafood spot, and if you’re in Kata Beach, we highly recommend stopping by. Crab curry, hot pot, steamed squid, entire fish – they have it all and it’s super cheap for the quality and quantity received.

Sugar & Spice – This place melds western dishes with Thai favorites like pad Thai, pineapple rice, and som tam. It’s not all that exciting, but it’s a good option if you or another in your group isn’t that adventurous with food.

Nightlife and Entertainment

• Soi Bangla Road – This place goes crazy after the sun sets! You’ll find all kinds of lavish clubs to sophisticated lounges and everything in-between.
• Wassa Homemade – Located right on the coast, this is a wonderful date night spot if you’re looking for chill music, great conversation, and excellent cocktails. The views are unbeatable, and the service is fantastic.
• Seductino Nightclub – This trendy spot is a massive club, with famous DJs every night.
• Simon Cabaret – One of the most popular places in Phuket, it has great digital sound and visual effects.
• Siam Niramit – This is undoubtedly one of the most unique shows on the island, and has an almost Vegas-esque feel to it. If you’re bringing the whole family along, this is one of the top recommendations. Complete with over 100 performers, glamorous costumes, and elaborate sets, there’s never a dull moment.
• Boat Bar – This is a fun place with friendly staff, cool decorations, great music, cabaret some nights, and more.
• Kee Sky Lounge – This rooftop bar is just steps away from Bangla Walking Street. The rooftop is designed to look like a cruise ship deck, and is always fun with great cocktails and views of the Andaman Sea.
• Kudo Beach Club – Okay, so this club does open at 10 am, but it goes until midnight so you always have a party to go to!

Generally speaking, Phuket is quite warm throughout the entire year. Temperatures range from around 77 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit, and seasons are pretty much just divided into the “rainy season” and “dry season”. These periods depend on the tropical monsoon.

Dry season starts in December, lasting until around March. You’ll see clear skies, calm waters, and light breezes with temperatures in the high 70s, typically. As you can imagine, this attracts a lot of tourists and is known as the high season.

Rainy season starts in June and lasts until October. This is when the monsoon comes in, with intense winds, lots of rain, with hot and humid weather. It’s not quite as pleasant, considering many times you won’t be able to be out on the water. Going to the beach may result in sand blowing all over, and raining you out.

Attractions

Kata Noi Beach – Phuket has a ton of great beaches, but Kata Noi remains one of our favorites. It’s small in size but huge in beauty. Take a walk along the pristine sand while just enjoying the view or taking a swim in the water.

Chalong Bay Rum Distillery – If you’re a rum fan, you’ll love learning about how it is produced. Not to mention, after the tour you get to participate in a cocktail workshop and bar, where you’ll learn how to make various cocktails that include the house rum.

Big Buddha – This is an absolutely massive marble Buddha statue, at almost 150 feet tall! While the Buddha alone is a great motive for heading there, you also get some of the best panoramic views of the island from the top of the hill.

Nai Harn Beach – This is one of the most popular beaches, with soft white sand and crystal-clear blue water. There are many delicious restaurants nearby, so we recommend grabbing a bite to eat and then coming to sit under the shade of a large tree on the beach.

Karon Viewpoint – Right next to Kata Noi is Karon Viewpoint, which offers some of the best lookout points on the whole island.

Phuket Town Weekend Night Market – The locals call it “Maka Market”, and is the place to be at night on the weekends! It’s crowded with tourists and locals, yes, but there are so many delicious foods and fun items to purchase and look at here.

Wat Chalong and Phuket Temples – Wat Chalong is one of the most important temples in Phuket, with incredible intricacy and a fascinating history. It’s gorgeous from a distance, but head closer and you’ll see the innumerable pieces of glittering glass.

Bangla Road – It’s definitely unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, so prepare yourself for that! But if you are ready for adventure and have a sense of humor, you’ll be just fine.

Phi Phi Islands – If you have seen the movie, The Man With The Golden Gun you will recognize this area. The Phi Phi Islands are definitely worth taking a tour of.

• Don’t drink the tap water. Just drink bottled water, and make sure that the bottle is sealed. Ice is made with clean water, and you don’t have to worry about it.
• Bring mosquito repellent or purchase some right when you arrive. Dengue and malaria aren’t that common, but it’s still annoying to be itching the entire time.
• When at temples, you need to be respectful. Cover your shoulders and legs at least to the knee. Remove shoes and hat before entering any temple.
• Be respectful of any image of Buddha. Buying statues and/or getting Buddhist tattoos if you aren’t Buddhist is not only considered very disrespectful, but in some cases, even illegal!
• Public criticism of Thai royalty is illegal, and if the national anthem is played in public or even before a movie in the theater, you should stand.

Tour Guides

The Luxury Boat to James Bond Islands with Lunch and Sunset Dinner is our Editors Choice for the best James Bond Island tour from Phuket

Robert Baker

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James Bond Island Tour From Phuket: A Complete Guide

Last Updated on July 25, 2022 by Tina

Planning a holiday in Phuket, Thailand? Why not include the James Bond Island tour from Phuket in your itinerary? It is a highly recommended activity when you are in Phuket that is perfect for every type of traveler, including those traveling alone . James Bond Island is a popular landmark in Phang Nga Bay, made famous when it was featured in the 1974 James Bond movie “The Man With the Golden Gun”.

Phang Nga Bay is located between Southern Thailand’s mainland and Phuket Island. It is characterized by limestone cliffs, rock formations, and small islands. The James Bond Island from Phuket normally includes visits to other islands in Phang Nga Bay.

In this post, I am going to share with you everything you need to know about the James Bond Island Tour from Phuket.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. However, it contains affiliate links.  If you book through the links, I may earn a commission. This commission comes at no extra cost to you. The small income I make here will help in maintaining this blog. Thanks for your support!

Where to Book James Bond Island Tour from Phuket

There are many tour operators in Phuket offering different join-in tour packages, making it a good destination even for solo travelers. One of the famous tours being offered is the James Bond Island tour from Phuket. The tour normally includes a visit to other islands in Phang Nga Bay like Hong Island, Naka Island, and Panak Island. You can book your tour online through Klook or on the website of the tour operator. You can also book your tour in travel agencies found all over Phuket. Some hotels are connected to tour operators so another option is to ask in the reception area of your hotel if they can help you book a tour.

I booked my tour with a travel agency in Patong the night before the tour. It was past 10 in the evening already but most travel agencies in Patong and even Kata close late. I booked the tour with the guy I met during the Phi Phi Island tour  I joined that day.

BOOK TOUR WITH KLOOK

Cost of the James Bond Island Tour from Phuket

There are different options for the James Bond Island Tour. You can do it by speedboat, long-tail boat, or big boat. The speedboat is the more expensive option, but the tour group is smaller and it is much faster to get to the attractions. We choose the speedboat option for our tour.

The listed price for the tour by speedboat for most tour operators is THB 3200 for adults. This is what you will see on websites as well as in  brochures. But when you inquire about the tour with a travel agency, they will tell you that they will offer you a discount and say they will give the tour to you for half the price. Almost all travel agencies offer that price. But we were able to negotiate with the travel agency for THB 1500.

The fee includes round-trip transfers from your hotel by an air-conditioned van  (if your hotel is located in Patong, Kalim, Karon, or Kata Area), coffee, tea and biscuits during orientation, lunch at the Panyee Gypsy village, English speaking licensed tour guide, insurance, national park fee, use of life jacket, canoe paddler, water, soft drinks, and fresh fruits served on the boat.

There is an extra charge transfer of THB 100 for those staying in Rawai, Naiharn, Kamala, Surin, Bangtao, and Tri Trang, and THB 200 for Phuket Town and Laguna. Those staying in Cape Panwa, Naiyang, Naithon, Koh Sirey, and Maikhao need to pay an extra THB 1000 and they will be picked up by a private car.

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Program Itinerary of the James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay Tour

The pick-up of tour participants starts at 7:30 AM. My hotel, Must Sea Hotel is located in Kata and I was the second to be picked up. I don’t remember what time we arrived at the pier. When we got there, we first went to the office of the tour operator JP Andaman Tour for a short orientation.

When we got to the office, we had to wait for the other participants and while waiting we were asked to sign up for our insurance. Your passport number is needed for this so make sure you take a photo of your passport’s information page. (No need to bring your passport during the tour). They also gave us a baller ID/silicone wristband that we had to wear to indicate which group we belong to. They take back the baller ID after the tour.

During the orientation we were briefed about the places that we are going to visit, what to see and do, safety tips, etc. There are biscuits, tea, coffee, and water that you can have while waiting to leave for the tour.

The first stop of our tour is the Bat Cave in Panak Island. We were lucky that the water was not too high when we got there so we were able to get inside the cave. It was dark inside but our guide had a cap lamp with her so it served as our light. We didn’t stay long in the cave, the guide just showed us the stalactites and stalagmites, and the bats.

If you were able to read my previous post about the Phi Phi Island Tour I joined the day prior, I mentioned that I met a guy during the tour who was also traveling solo and happens to be a geologist too, just like me. We booked the James Bond Island tour together. It was interesting because when we got to the cave, he told the group that he is a geologist and he started sharing about how the stalactites and stalagmites formed. The other tour participants were listening at first, but it seems they weren’t interested about those things and only wanted to take pictures so one by one they started moving away from us.

James Bond Island and Khao Ping Kan

From the Bat Cave, our next stop was the Ao Phang Nga National Park. It is where the James Bond Island and Khao Ping Kan are located.

When you alight from the boat, the first that you will see is the Khao Ping Kan. It was formed from a crack. The rock slid down due to gravity fault. As the base of rock was scoured, the upper rock became heavy and slid down to rest in a leaning position.

Near the Khao Ping Kan there are stalls selling souvenirs and snacks.

As you walk further down, you will see Khao Ta Poo aka James Bond Island. It was originally a part of the island but was scoured out by the tide and was separated from the main land.

Visitors are not allowed to go near James Bond Island. While there were many tourists when we got there, the place wasn’t too crowded. Our guide said the place gets pretty crowded at a later time.

There are viewpoints where you can have your picture taken with the James Bond Island as your backdrop. Just follow the stairs. You can also take a picture by the beach.

If you follow the stairs you will reach the other part of the national park (picture below). It is also where the toilet is located.

Just like the Phi Phi Island Tour, for this tour participants are given a certain amount of time per stop before moving to the next. In this stop we were given 45 minutes to explore the national park.

Koh Panyee Sea Gypsy Village

Koh Panyee Sea Gypsy Village was our next stop. It is a Muslim village. It is essentially a floating housing area with restaurants, tourist shops, a school and a mosque. This is where we had our lunch and the food here was great. It was way better than what we had during the Phi Phi Island Tour. Food served were mostly Thai food, and I am very happy because we had Tom Yum soup again. If you’re on a vegan diet, you can tell your guide in advance so they could inform the restaurant to prepare a separate food for you.

After having our lunch, we still had enough time so we took a walk through the shops. They sell the usual stuff like shirts, bracelets, necklace, and other souvenirs. It is where I bought the postcard I sent myself and the other I gave to a friend. (I didn’t have time to go to the post office when I was in Phuket so I sent the postcard during my layover in Singapore. 😁)

Hong Island

After lunch, our next stop was the Hong Island. Here we moved to a bigger boat and from the bigger boat, we were grouped by two or three. Each group were assigned a canoe. Each canoe had a canoe paddler.

We were taken among the limestone cliffs rising out of the water and through caves. This activity reminds me so much of the kayaking activity in Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon in El Nido . Even the area where we canoed looks similar to the  Small and Big Lagoon.

I really enjoyed this activity, I prefer this over the visit to James Bond Island.

Naka Island

Our last stop was Naka Island. Here we were given more than an hour for swimming, chilling by the beach or pay extra and do some water activities like parasailing or jet ski.

There are sun loungers in Naka Island that are free to use even if you don’t order drinks.

We enjoyed swimming here and afterwards we walked to check out the far end of the beach. That part was not crowded maybe because there are no sun loungers there.

What to Bring During the James Bond Island Tour

Here are the recommended things to bring when doing the James Bond Island Tour from Phuket:

• sunblock lotion to protect you from damaging UV rays, preferably a reef-safe one like Magwai Sunscreen
• camera, better if it is waterproof
• dry bag  to keep your gadgets dry
• some Thai Baht to buy souvenirs, drinks on Naka Island and to give tip to the tour guides and the canoe paddler
• aqua shoes  to protect your feet from sharp rocks

I highly recommend the James Bond Island Tour if you are in Phuket. Like the Phi Phi Island tour, this tour is good even for solo travelers. Aside from me and my geologist friend, there was another girl in the group that was also traveling solo.

If you have to choose only one between James Bond Island Tour and Phi Phi Island Tour, choose James Bond Island Tour if you prefer swimming and Phi Phi Island Tour if you prefer snorkeling. Personally, I liked the James Bond Island Tour more because of the canoeing and the food at the Panyee Sea Gypsy village. The Maya Bay in Phi Phi Island Tour though is something that must not be missed so do both if you can.

For more pictures from the tour, check out my Instagram stories highlight.

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James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay

• Instagram , Phang Nga , Tours , What to Do?
• by Phuket 101

What to do on James Bond Island

James Bond Island, locally known as Khao Ping Kan, is located about 25 kilometres northeast of Phuket Island, in the bay of Phang Nga . This unusual limestone rock formation is one of the many places in Phang Nga people have on their Phuket must-see list . There are some positive and negative opinions about this iconic Island, and most are justified, but it is still an amazing place to see with your own eyes.

Before the 1974 Bond movie The Man With The Golden Gun with Roger Moore and Christopher Lee (remember ‘Count Dracula’ and ‘Saruman’ in Lord of the Rings?), few travellers knew about the Island. The movie wasn’t good, with a 45% satisfaction score on Rotten Tomatoes, but the fame has continued growing. As of today, we bet most young visitors didn’t bother watching the film, but there is a chance that the bus that takes you from your hotel to the pier will play onboard.

Of course, before James Bond Island, the Island had a local name: Koh Tapu , which means ‘Nail Island’ for the pointy rock, and Koh Phi Khan for the Island surrounding it, meaning ‘Hills leaning against each other ‘.

After the movie, the popularity of this remote Island exploded. The same thing happened for ‘The Beach’ in Phi Phi Island after the DiCaprio 2000 movie ( 19% on Rotten Tomatoes ) and the Sky Bar at Lebua Hotel in Bangkok after the movie ‘The Hangover II” ( 33% satisfaction, because we know you would ask ).

James Bond Island Video from above

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What’s Good about James Bond Island

Let’s see what’s right and what’s not about James Bond Island. You will then be better positioned to decide if you want to see it or skip it.

• The location is out of this world! The Island is in Phang Nga Bay, and even the cruise from Phuket Island through the fantastic limestone cliffs is breathtaking.
• The Island itself is very scenic. The place is a natural curiosity and a great photo opportunity, so the movie producers selected the Island.
• It’s always fun to see the real thing from a movie, even old, and to realise there is no door to the secret lair and no radar coming out of the rock!
• It’s part of a beautiful day trip to the fabulous Phang Nga Bay , and it usually includes lunch at the surprising floating village of Koh Panyi.
• You can buy and eat some delicious flat-dried squid ( Pla Mook Haeng ). That’s if you like this kind of local treat 😀

What’s Not So Good

• James Bond Island is a big tourist attraction, and the place is full of vendors selling all kinds of souvenirs, just like it is everywhere around the world.
• The place gets crowded in high season, with lots of long-tail boats and lots of people posing in front of the rock, you know, the silly shot similar to the Pisa Tower: “Oh look! I’m holding it!’. Fun times 🙂

What to Do Near James Bond Island

James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay are one of the most popular day trips out of Phuket Island , and the tour often includes a visit to Koh Panyi , the amazing village entirely built on stilts.

How to Go to James Bond Island?

Book a speedboat with a local agent at 2,200 baht per adult.

Get in touch with a local travel agent for local prices and personalized information: speedboat to James Bond Island including a visit to Koh Panyi with lunch, transfer from and to hotel: adults: 2,200 baht, children: 1,500 baht.

Book online

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James Bond Island Map

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Tips for taking a JAMES BOND ISLAND TOUR – Phuket, Thailand

By Author Katie

Posted on Last updated: February 16, 2024

Head to Phuket? We share these tips for taking a James bond Island tour so that you can visit the famous island on your next trip.

Why visit James Bond Island, Phuket?

Made famous for its appearance in the James Bond movie ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’, this unique karst prod trues from the sea and makes for a great day trip. Many tour companies offer visits to this spot along with other islands around Phuket, including the Phi Phi islands. In 2021, this cluster of islands reopened to the public after being closed for tourists due to  overtourism ruining the environment. 

Best time to visit James Bond Island

You won’t be able to control when your tour company arrives at the island but if possible, try to book a tour that visits the island in the afternoon. Most tours will head here first thing in the morning, meaning the island can be busy and overcrowded. Visiting in the afternoon, especially after 3 pm, will give you amazing lighting and a quieter experience. 

If you are looking for the best time to visit Phuket, we recommend November, February or March; these are the shoulder months of the peak season but outside of the rainy season. It is hard to tour James Bond Island or visit other Phuket Islands during the monsoon season as many tours and trips get cancelled if the rain is too heavy. Monsoon season in Phuket runs from Mid-May through to October, with the wettest month being September. 

How to tour James Bond Island

There are plenty of tours available from Phuket that will take you to see this famous landmark in Thailand . You can choose from:

• Long tail boat –   a more traditional option but not as comfortable as other options. These can often work out cheaper and you may be able to negotiate with drivers once in Phuket. If you want a private group or a smaller group tour, this is a great option to go for. There are also great because often lunch is served on a beach rather than on a boat itself.
• Cruise boats – these are much more comfortable options. This is a bigger boat that does mean more people but more room for you to move around too. You can enjoy different views from the various spots around the boat and these cruise boats tend to include bathrooms too. 
• Speedboat – These are fast and exciting options for a tour and great options for those that either want to take a half-day trip or see more sights. These speedboats tend to take you to many different spots and are popular with younger people. It is possible to book a private or small group speedboat tour but these will cost you more than the long-tail boat tours. 

• Junk Boat – Similar to the junk boats of Vietnam , you can enjoy a cruise along the Andaman Sea on a traditional Siamese junk boat. These are beautifully decorated boats that offer you plenty of viewing spots and are a much more luxurious option for travellers. Plus, because of the higher price, these tend to be a lot quieter than other James Bond Island tours. 

How to take a James Bond Island Day trip

You will need to book a tour in order to see James Bond Island but there are a few different ways you can book. 

Firstly, you could decide to pre-book a trip using websites like Klook or Viator. Using these websites, you can compare prices, itineraries, offers and length of tours as well as reviews of each of the tours too. Make sure to book a tour that offers a free cancellation. 

Another way you can book a tour is direct with tour companies. Phuket is a tourist hub, so there are plenty of tour companies to choose from. Walking along the seafront will lead you to many tour operators, as will walking through the towns or need the resort areas. We recommend this option but check prices across different companies and make sure to negotiate; if you let a tour operator know that their competition has a better offer, they will often give you a better price. Also, if the weather has been wet recently, you can negotiate a better price with tour operators by mentioning the weather forecast. 

Lastly, you could book a tour via your hotel or hostel. Some places will be reselling tickets from a tour company, meaning these will often be more expensive, but check prices before heading to tour operators directly – sometimes you can save money this way. Hostels tend to get discounted rates for tours but these tend to be for the cruise boats only. 

Our experience visiting James Bond Island

Firstly, we were collected from our hotel at around 7.30am and made our way to Ao Por Pier in a comfortable people carrier with another family from a nearby hotel. We had chosen a cruise boat because the weather meant a smaller boat would have caused a lot of sea sickness; the wind was a bit choppy. 

Once we arrived at the pier, we did have to wait around for 20-30 minutes for the others on our boat to join us but the pier was busy with market stalls and Thai locals selling souvenirs and snacks. Remember to bring a bottle of water with you because you will need it whilst waiting around in the hot weather.

Around 9 am, we boarded our boat and headed off whilst sipping on juice drinks and being offered a variety of fruit for breakfast. The boat was simple with a long table in the centre and rows of benches along the sides but we didn’t spend much time on the boat itself so it made little difference. I did like that we could move around the boat, however, taking photographs from different angles. We also visited in March, meaning the cruise boat was only half full. 

We arrived at Panak Island after a short and speedy journey on the boat (approx 30 minutes). Here, we went canoeing into the Bat Cave and around Hong Island; known for its limestone rock. We had an experienced paddler who guided us around the lagoon. 

Once back on the boat, we were served a buffet lunch of Thai dishes that weren’t bad considering lunch was included in the price. 

After spending another 30 minutes or so having lunch, we were then whisked away on a smaller longtail boat to visit James Bond Island. We spent around an hour here, taking photographs and exploring the area. The tour group provide you with waterproof bags for you to carry your valuables in which was helpful.

After visiting the island, we were then taken back to the boat and headed to Naka Island. Around 2 pm we were dropped off at Naka Island to relax and swim for an hour before heading back to the pier. The water here was crystal clear and you could see starfish along the bottom of the sea. 

We left Naka Island around 3pm, were taken back to the pier and then arrive at our hotel at around 5.30pm. 

Day trips range in price, ours cost us 900B each and was booked with our hotel company. Check different prices and the weather forecast before booking a trip, we booked ours around 5 pm the day before to get the lowest price.

Tips for visiting the James Bond Island

• Most tour prices range from $30 – $40 so do not overpay for these trips.
• Tours tend to include lunch but bring cash for any snacks or beverages you may want to purchase during the day. 
• Pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat; it can be very hot and sunny on the waters during a long day trip. 
• Bring small change; there are plenty of souvenir shops near James Bond Island so if you want any items, bring small change with you for purchases. 
• Tours tend to be around 8 hours long and include a pickup and drop-off at your hotel. 
• Bring an extra pair of clothes, a towel and your swimming suit; you will want to take a dip in the crystal clear waters if there is an option to do so and some extra clothes come in hand if your outfit gets gamp during canoeing or kayaking. 
• Bring a waterproof bag – If your cruise includes any type of canoeing or kayaking experience, we recommend bringing a waterproof backpack for you to keep personal belongings in. 

James Bond Island hotels

The James Bond Island is located between Krabi and Phuket, with many tours running from Phuket. Phang Nga is the nearest destination to the island but taking a tour from most areas of Phuket is reasonably priced and easy. We share our favourite Phuket hotels in this Phuket Travel Guide. 

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6 Best Phi Phi Island Tours from Phuket by Boat (2024)

Looking for awesome tours from phuket to phi phi island.

Well, you’ve landed on the right article. I’ve evaluated some of the best Phi Phi Island tours from Phuket to assure they’re highly rated and well-reviewed.

I’ve been to Thailand 10+ times over the last decade and now call it my winter home. Among all the incredible places, Phi Phi Island is one of the prettiest spots in the country, especially when you add in nearby Maya Bay.

In a rush? Reserve this Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch for a popular 5 Star experience that combines visits to 4 islands.

Zip around the limestone cliffs while snorkeling in stunning seas; anyone who is hanging out in Phuket should make the trip to the absolute paradise that is Phi Phi. Most of these trips include multiple stops surrounding small islands, too.

Curious which of these tours is right for you? Keep reading to find out what works for you: small-group or private, luxury yacht, or budget-friendly options.

My Top 3 Picks: Best Phi Phi Island Tour from Phuket

Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch

Visits 4 Islands

Hotel Transfer + Buffet Lunch

5 Customization Options

Phi Phi Private Boat Tour

Private Speedboat to 7 Destinations

15 People Group Flat Rate

Phi Phi Sunrise

Sunrise Trip to 6 Destinations

Avoid the Crowds

Breakfast & Lunch

Top Tours to Phi Phi Island from Phuket

Phi Phi in Thailand is made up of six different islands: Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Leh, Biddah Nok, Biddah Nai, Yung, and Pai.

If you’re a solo traveler , you can buy ferry tickets for this route from 12Go Asia , Thailand’s main transportation aggregator. They have multiple ferries and speedboats departing throughout the day.

Going alone means you can only go to Phi Phi Don, not the other nearby destinations or the famous Maya Bay. For those, you’ll need to join a tour or be a bit crazy (like me) and go ocean kayaking.

Tip! For most trips, the 400 baht per person national park fee is not included in the price.

1. Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch

Best Overall Phi Phi Islands Tour

  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | LENGTH:  8 Hours |   Book it!

Experience the jewel of the Andaman Sea by visiting four different islands on this Viator award-winning Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch by V. Marine Tour.

Accommodating a maximum of 25 travelers , you can choose between five customizable options, including add-ons such as private transfer, a GoPro photographer, or a private lunch.

Snorkel in two locations : Bamboo Island and Pileh Lagoon . Learn about the birds in the local delicacy “bird’s nest soup” at Viking Cave and a close encounter with the playful residents of Monkey Beach . Wander through the beautiful Maya Bay , a paradise famed for its appearance in the Hollywood blockbuster, ‘The Beach.’

Lunch will be a seaview buffet that caters to many dietary restrictions and will not be shared with other boat trips.

This popular tour puts your comfort at the forefront, offering Phuket hotel transfers, snacks, a buffet lunch, snorkeling equipment, and life jackets.

2. Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour

Best Private Tour

  RATING:  5/5 Stars | LENGTH:  6-8 Hours |   Book it!

Experience the magic of Thailand all for just you and your group with this private Phi Phi boat tour. This private excursion guarantees 6-8 hours of customizable adventure cruising through the region, all at a flat fee for up to 15 people.

Beat the crowds with an early stop at Maya Bay . Snorkeling in Pileh Bay’s mesmerizing blue lagoon is next, with all snorkeling equipment provided. Then, learn the history behind Viking Cave and the natural habitats of the residents at Monkey Beach.

Break for lunch, where your local English-speaking guide will provide top-notch restaurant recommendations for your meal, or you can choose yourself.

In the afternoon, set sail to Nui Beach and Rang Yai for a final snorkel or a sunset on the white sandy beach.

Snorkeling gear, drinks, and transport are included, with the option to store any luggage. Secure this flat fee for your group and customize your pace for the day.

3. Phi Phi Sunrise Trip

Best Option to Avoid the Crowds

  RATING:  5/5 Stars | LENGTH:  8 Hours |   Book it!

Rise and shine in the wee hours of the morning for this Sunrise by Simba Sea Trips . Hop on this 8 hour full-day tour, outsmarting the crowds with an early sunrise start.

The trip prides itself on being among the first to arrive at the iconic Maya Bay. Plus, you get to have a complimentary breakfast on the beach.

Then, like many other tour itineraries, snorkel at the emerald lagoons, caves, and see monkeys playing around. Before the day ends, you can choose your final destination: Bamboo Island or Rang Yai .

Arrive back for lunch at the popular Soho pool club restaurant, a great end to the trip.

The tour is capped at a maximum of 18 travelers . The inclusions are generous, with National Park fees (a rarity), meals, driver/guide, hotel transfer, snorkeling equipment, and even WiFi onboard.

4. Phi Phi and James Bond Private Boat Tour

Best Combination of James Bond and Phi Phi

Jet to not one but two national parks on this private Phi Phi and James Bond Private Boat Tour , for you and your group. This full-day itinerary lasts 6-8 hours, accommodating up to 15 attendees for a flat fee booking.

Your itinerary will start like many others on this list, featuring famous Thai spots like Maya Beach, Pileh Lagoon, and the Viking Cave. That’s where the similarities end.

Pause for a local lunch before setting sail to Phang Nga Bay . Here, you’ll witness the filming location for “The Man with the Golden Gun” at James Bond Island.

Then, glide around Hong Island in a complimentary canoe ride , ending your adventure lounging on the unspoiled beaches of Ko Rang Yai.

Your package includes perks such as beverages, WiFi, private transportation, and snacks. Just a heads up, National Park Fees are not included in this trip, and the fee is going up to 700 baht per adult since you’ll be visiting multiple national parks.

5. Snorkeling Phi Phi, Khai, MayaBay, Maiton, Bamboo Islands Tour

Most Budget-Friendly Day Trip

  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | LENGTH:  8-10 Hours |   Book it!

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, save your dollars with this Phuket to Phi Phi Tour.

As one of the cheapest options on the market, expect to get what you pay for. Travel with up to 35 fellow explorers on a fixed but extensive full-day itinerary.

It covers a range of classic sites and some hidden gems like Loh Samah Bay and Maiton Private Island. You’ll also get a complimentary buffet lunch .

For those seeking more comfort, the premium upgrade gets you a smaller group, better service, and the addition of Bamboo Island to your sightseeing list.

Regardless of your choice, each tour includes hotel transfers, all national park fees, a buffet lunch with halal and vegetarian options, beverages, snacks, fruits, snorkeling equipment, and safety equipment. Quite the bang for your baht!

6. Hype Yacht : VIP Tour Phi Phi & Maya Bay

Most Flexible Private Luxury Excursion

  RATING:  5/5 Stars | LENGTH:  8.5 Hours |   Book it!

This VIP Hype Yacht – Phi Phi & Maya Bay Tour is your golden ticket to fancy town. With 8.5 hours of exclusive use of a luxurious yacht , grab up to 15 of your friends to make this dream come true.

But really this is just an excuse to have a floating party! Chill to cool beats spun by your own private DJ as you feast on a tasty gourmet lunch at Maya Bay . Oh, and there are loads of yummy snacks and refreshing complimentary drinks all day.

Packed onboard is other exciting stuff, like snorkeling gear to explore the incredible underwater world. And guess what? Everything’s included . Yes, even the National Park Fees .

The only downside? It’s only bookable 3 times a week from November through April. But for the other half a year, you can opt instead to go to Krabi and Phang Nga Bay with the same Hype Yacht.

FAQs About Phuket to Phi Phi Tours

Phi Phi tours range from $50 to $150 for a shared boat, while private boats can cost around $1000 for 15 people. But this is just an average.

To reach Phi Phi from Phuket , you can take a ferry or speedboat. Ferries are more affordable but slower, taking about 2 hours. Speedboats are faster, taking around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Both options are readily available and can be booked through a operator or at the pier yourself.

While a day trip to Phi Phi Island can give you a taste of its beauty and attractions, I recommend spending at least an overnight if you have the time. If you have only one day, visit popular spots like Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and the Viewpoint.

Yes, a Phuket to Phi Phi day trip is definitely worth it. It’s known for its limestone cliffs, crystal clear water, coral reefs, and vibrant marine life. You can go snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, and exploring iconic locations like Maya Bay.

Phi Phi can be a bit pricey compared to other spots in Thailand, especially for places to stay and things to do. But there are choices for every budget, so you’ll find both fancy and affordable options.

The best time to visit Phi Phi Island is during the dry season, from November to April. The weather is usually sunny with minimal rainfall, perfect for beach activities and exploring. However, this is peak season, so expect bigger crowds and higher prices. For a quieter but wetter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May to October.

Phuket is a tourist hub of activities and vibrant nightlife. It’s a place with endless options. In contrast, Phi Phi is smaller and more relaxed, known for its natural beauty. If you want more of a city vibe, choose Phuket. For a serene getaway, Phi Phi is perfect.

Swimming in the archipelago is generally considered safe, but be aware of the tides and currents, especially during certain seasons when the sea conditions can change. Swim in designated swimming areas and avoid areas with strong waves or dangerous rocks.

Final Thoughts: Best Phi Phi Island Tour

Phi Phi and the whole area around Phuket (like Krabi & Railay Beach, Khao Lak, Khao Sok National Park, and smaller islands like Koh Phayam ) are seriously amazing spots in Southeast Asia .

With towering karst cliffs and clear turquoise waters, these places are a must-visit on any Thailand itinerary. Aside from Phi Phi Don, you’ll need to join a tour to explore the other destinations.

In case you’re still not sure which to pick:

• For an award-winning classic, join this Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch.
• For a private experience, sign up for this Private Boat Tour.
• To avoid the crowds, book this Sunrise trip.

Where Next in South Thailand?

I’ve been to Thailand 10+ times in my life and now spend my winters there. Check out these other posts to see if any of these destinations pique your interest. 

• Phuket To Krabi: 7 Ways To Get There Via Land & Sea
• 7 Best Phi Phi Island Tours from Phuket
• Koh Phayam, Thailand: A No FOMO Guide To One Of The Best Thai Islands
• To Phi Phi Island From Phuket: How To Get There Via Ferry & Speedboat
• Bangkok To Ayutthaya: How To Get There Via Train, Minibus, & Tour

Have Travel Questions About Thailand? Maybe I’ve Answered Them

• Languages Spoken In Thailand: Do They Speak English In Thailand?
• Motorbike Rental In Phuket: 9 Quick Tips Before You Sign
• Is There Uber In Thailand? (Uber In Bangkok And Beyond)
• 30 Day Tourist Visa Extension Thailand: Step-By-Step Guide
• Price Of Massages In Thailand: Honest Rates For All Types Of Massages
• Chiang Khong To Huay Xai: How To Cross The Thailand-Laos Border
• Bangkok vs Chiang Mai: Thai-Ing To Decide Which City Is Better?

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