James Bond Island Koh Khao Phing Gan & Koh Tapu, Phang Nga Bay National Park, Thailand
James Bond Island is the name of a world-famous landmark in Phang Nga Bay National Park. This is where the 1974 James Bond movie starring Roger Moore, Man with the Golden Gun, was shot.
In fact two islands, side by side, vie for the title of James Bond Island. The one generally accepted as the true title holder is Koh Khao Phing Kan (also variously written as Khao Phing Kan, Koh Ping Kan, Khao Phing Gan), whose name means Island of the Leaning Mount. This is where location shot of the James Bond movie was done. Today, Khao Phing Kan is taken over by tourism. Here, you find a row of souvenir stalls selling seashells by the seashore, and hordes of other valueless souvenirs.
Tourists come in droves to James Bond Island. Most disembark at a pier that a short distance away, while those coming by longtail boat may be dropped directly on the shore. Khao Phing Kan got its name from an immense sheer wall of limestone that appears to lean to one side. In addition, there are grottoes to explore. But more tourist do not come for these natural sights.
They come with one singular purpose: to pay homage to the famous James Bond landmark. That, however, is not on Koh Khao Phing Kan, but right out there in the sea. It is another island, much smaller than Koh Khao Phing Kan, and it juts out of the sea like the head of a nail. No wonder its name is Koh Tapu (also written Koh Tapoo), meaning Nail Island. In the James Bond movie, this is where the villian Scaramanga hid his laser weapon - what George Bush would call "weapon of mass destruction". It must be the most photographed island in all of Phang Nga. As most tourists regard it as the James Bond Island, of late it has gathered acceptance as the true James Bond Island.
Many people visiting James Bond Island express disappointment at seeing Koh Tapu. They expected it to be bigger, taller, and finding it smaller than what they expect comes as a bit of an anticlimax after the thrill of anticipation. My advise to would-be visitors is not to harbour too much expectation, and simply enjoy the scenery - Koh Khao Phing Kan is actually quite scenic, if you ignore the souvenir stalls. But if you think you are going to be disappointed, then do not visit James Bond Island.
James Bond Island Photo Gallery
Koh Tapu, the island that many thought is James Bond Island, is actually not. Instead, the island from which Koh Tapu is photographed, is.
The pier on James Bond Island, Koh Khao Phing Kan, from with the majority of the visitors disembark.
Long tail boats transport visitors straight to the bay.
The sheer rock wall that gives Khao Phing Kan its name.
Seashell souvenir stalls crowding the narrow strip of beach at Khao Phing Kan.
The two islands vying to be James Bond Island are in close proximity - Koh Tapu on the left, Khao Phing Kan on the right.
A close-up shot of Koh Tapu shows that its vegetation is mostly limestone scrub forest reminiscent of a bonsai rock garden.
Group shot of AsiaExplorers members on the trip to explore James Bond Island.
About the Author: AsiaExplorers is researched and written by Timothy Tye. We take reasonable care to check and verify the accuracy of the content. However, we disclaim any responsibility for any inconvenience, mishap, injury or death resulting from following the advice provided directly or indirectly by AsiaExplorers and the comments on its pages. All the photographs in AsiaExplorers are available for publication. Please contact AsiaExplorers at the following email address for your enquiries:
