James Bond Island

Location: Kao Ping Kan, Ao Phang Nga National Park, Thailand

Reason to visit: The Man with the Golden Gun shooting place, The Cabbage Stone

Our ratings: ★★★★

Khao Phing Kan or Ko Khao Phing Kan is an island in Thailand, in Phang Nga Bay northeast of Phuket. The islands are limestone tower karsts and are a part of Ao Phang Nga National Park. About 40 metres (130 ft) from the shores of Khao Phing Kan lies a 20-metre (66 ft) tall islet called Ko Ta Pu or Ko Tapu. Since 1974, when they were featured in the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun, Khao Phing Kan and Ko Ta Pu have been popularly called James Bond Island.

History of James Bond Island 

Before 1974, the island was a rarely visited indigenous area. However, it was chosen as one of the locations for the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun as the hideout for Bond's antagonist, Francisco Scaramanga. After the movie release it turned into a popular tourist destination. Popularity and increased tourism left Khao Phing Kan with substantial litter.

In 1981, the island became the most famous part of the newly established Ao Phang Nga Marine National Park. Since 1998, it is forbidden for tourist boats to approach Ko Ta Pu. This measure aims to stop erosion of the limestone rocks on and near the islet that might eventually result in the island's collapse.

What to expect?

1. Ko Ta Pu/Ko Tapu (The Cabbage Stone)  

Ko Ta Pu/Ko Tapu stands quietly, independently, and proudly on the magnificent sea while embracing the breeze. It looks like a cabbage, a chicken leg, or a nail, but it doesn't matter what it is, the magical power of nature is always beyond the limited imagination of human beings. It appeared far earlier than civilization leaving us to appreciate. Everyone here will pay special attention to the cabbage stone, even you may get familiar with it through Internet or brochure. However, once you witness its magic in person, you will be more amazed. Due to the erosion of seawater, the up is large, but the down is thin. It is said that Ko Ta Pu can't withstand the erosion of the waves for many years, and it will fall down in a few years.  

Please rememeber to take photos here to make the memory stay.

Rafting 

Rafting in the clear sea, you will see the fish are playing. The surrounding rock wall is the karst landform. It is really a good choice for the whole family to get close to nature and relax.

To find out more, please visit our Phuket section.