Khao Phing Kan is an iconic symbol of the idyllic tropical region near Phuket, familiar around the world because of its appearance in James Bond movies. View the unusual karst configurations here made up of limestone covered by lush vegetation.
Known as James Bond Island, the area comprises two neighboring islets. Next to Khao Phing Kan is a pillar named Ko Ta Pu, especially striking because of its tall, narrow and top-heavy appearance. The villain battling James Bond in The Man with the Golden Gun had his hideout here. Watch this 1974 fan favorite before you arrive so you know exactly where to look for caves, inlets and even specific rocks or trees visible in the movie. A different Bond returned to the bay in Tomorrow Never Dies in 1997.
Ko Ta Pu’s seemingly unstable spiky appearance comes from centuries of erosion by waves and tides near its base. Because of ongoing concerns for aggravated damage to the natural structure, boats are now prohibited from coming close to the pillar. However, ferries and tour boats do approach the bay and land at a nearby beach on Khao Phing Kan. This allows a short, but somewhat steep hike to the best views of the spiky island. Rent a private long-tail boat or junk, canoe or kayak so you’re free to explore some of the bay’s caves that become visible at low tide.
The two islands are among more than 40 in this part of Phang Nga Bay, an inlet of the Andaman Sea. The location is part of Ao Phang-nga National Park, a little over a 1-hour drive northeast of the city of Phuket. The entire area is excellent for leisurely exploration of interesting rock formations. Have lunch at Koh Panyee, a nearby Muslim fishing village.
Arrange your boat excursion to Khao Phing Kan from numerous spots along the eastern coast of Phuket Province. Many full-day tours allow sightings of other picturesque spots. Plan your visit for May through October to avoid the largest crowds, although you may have some rain. The warm and pleasant temperature is nearly constant year round.
